Grant Truesdell
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher , Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Grant Truesdell is a Juno Award-winning musician with over two decades in the industry. Grant is best known for his guitar work in the heavy metal band Unleash the Archers and is the founder of Might and Music, a nonprofit with a mission to help empower and educate young musicians. He is a father of two children, a lover of hockey and fitness, and a forever student of life.
Music has always been the grounding force for Grant and has provided a direction and meaning to his life that has transcended any situation or circumstance. He believes that music has the power to change lives, especially the lives of young people. He also believes that investing in our youth sets the stage for a brighter future. Grant strives not to just teach students to become amazing musicians, but to have the tools within themselves to conquer any challenge that they may face in their life.
Grant's approach to teaching is based on timeless principles rooted in discipline, habits, routine, emotions, and creativity. His main goal in teaching is to help the student have fun and enjoy their experience of learning a musical instrument and help them find ways to express themselves through their instrument.
Dani Camacho
Vocal Teacher, Piano Teacher
Dani is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music instructor based in Vancouver, BC. Her passion for music and love for singing started when she was six years old. Dani completed an intensive Music Diploma program at Capilano University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at the University of British Columbia, finishing with distinction.
In addition to her musical education, Dani is an emerging artist of Vancouver’s Music Scene. She can be heard performing live at local music venues and events. After producing covers and writing songs for years, Dani released her first single, “Closer Than It Seems”, in March 2021. As a singer-songwriter, her music touches the souls of those who long to feel heard through diary-like lyrics and a folk, pop, and rock influenced sound. Since then, Dani has released two more singles, the latest is called “Twisted”, a soft pop ballad about heartbreak and unrequited love.
Dani’s biggest passion lies in teaching music and giving her students a learning experience that will allow them to grow as singers and as human beings. Her teaching approach is guided by 4 core values: connection, vulnerability, healing, and empowerment. Dani is excited to work with her students at School of Rock; develop their confidence in performance, encourage them to believe in themselves, and guide them in exploration of their unique voices.
Cole Woodland
Bass Teacher
Cole Woodland is an electric bass player in the Vancouver music scene. As a life-long learner, Coleʼs experience in music spans multiple genres such as jazz, rock, reggae, funk and West African music. One of Coleʼs favourite times on stage was performing in a Frank Zappa cover band. With each genre another tool in his toolkit, Cole provides a great environment for students whose knowledge base ranges from absolute beginner to advanced.
To pursue a deeper knowledge of his instrument and music theory, Cole completed his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies, majoring in electric bass at Capilano University. During those years, he studied electric bass under notable local bassists Andre LaChance and Darren Radtke, and studied guitar with Ron Samworth.
Student turned teacher, Coleʼs teaching approach provides a relaxed atmosphere that allows the pressures of learning an instrument to be eased. With learning through playing being at the core of his approach, Cole believes that music theory can be fun when integrated into learning songs. If you are a student of Coleʼs, you can expect an emphasis on the equal importance of developing healthy habits in technique, and learning how to explore the fretboard. Coleʼs ultimate goal for his students is to have fun and be excited about their instrument, all while ensuring progress milestones are being completed.
Nadim Kmeid
Guitar Teacher
Nadim is a guitarist, educator and solo artist with over 7 years of teaching experience, aiming not only to teach a musical instrument but to inspire his students and help them in becoming confident and capable musicians.
"My class is a safe and creative space for students of all levels where they can be themselves, enjoy learning and find a clear path to their goals."
Nadim has been playing the guitar for 16 years and possesses wide musical knowledge from multiple genres including Metal, Rock, Blues, Acoustics, Celtic and Classical. He is currently in the process of attaining his diploma in music performance as well as writing his third music album. Carrying extensive lessons experience, he is known for his methodology in delivering technical lessons and in-depth understanding of the instrument, all while maintaining a patient and steady tempo that allows the learner to feel comfortable and learn at a healthy pace.
Driven by his strong intuition, passion for music and love for teaching, Nadim has trained and inspired students from all ages and cultures and continues to grow as a teacher and musician.
Aaron Trory
Guitar Teacher, Bass Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Aaron Trory has been called "a refreshingly distinctive singer-songwriter" by some and is a fixture on the Vancouver music scene. He has been performing live in Vancouver as a solo artist, and with various types of bands for the last 14 years. Most Saturday nights you can find Aaron at The Blarney Stone in Gastown, playing a diverse mix of Celtic traditional music and modern-day pop/rock with Blarney Stone house band, The Shenanigans.
Born and raised on Saltspring Island, Aaron was exposed to memorable elements of west coast counterculture and alternative music at an early age, both of which remain an influence on him to this day. He started playing guitar in middle school, dedicating many long hours to studying and emulating the sounds of pop-punk, which was the style at the time. Upon entering high school, Aaron's influences moved towards harder rock and earlier punk, before they eventually shifted towards moody 80s alternative bands like The Smiths and The Cure. Eventually his desire to participate in the school’s music program became a higher priority, and his horizons expanded towards playing drums, bass, and guitar in the Jazz Band, as well as composing music for several school theatre productions.
After moving to Vancouver and getting a lucky break playing guitar for an up-and-coming artist, he was inspired to finally take the leap and make his first record. After recording and releasing a follow-up album years later, he formed the electronically influenced synth-rock duo Mully & Sculder, which explores different sounds and darker themes. This led to him discovering the magic of co-writing music and collaborating with other artists, as well as the many amazing and life-changing things that can come as a result of it.
Aaron will be forever fascinated with the link between music and mental health, and the many positive effects music can have on one’s life. His work as a solo artist is intended to be a reflection of this and he hopes that his music may help or inspire others.
Johneil Vinas
Drums Teacher
Hailing from the far east, Johneil's journey to becoming the drummer he is today came from different facets of music. He come from a non-musician family but has a deep level of appreciation to music of all sorts of genre, through listening to cassettes, CDs and as of today, different streaming platforms. His first exposure to the real world of music was in 2012 when he passed the audition for a choir. This choir competed in the prestigious chorale competition in Arezzo, Italy and Debrecen, Hungary with his main role of playing bamboo percussion and was a bass two singer in the group. Returning home from the choir’s European tours and competition that lasted three months, he decided to study music seriously and went to Perth Western Australia after finishing his Broadcasting degree in 2015. While studying full-time, He managed to record and play with different outfits such as punk, RnB, rock, folk, alternative and lots more on various occasions. Apart from his gigs, he was hired as a part-time drum instructor at Sound Centre in Morley where he got a good amount of teaching experience from.
In August of 2019, he was then hired as a full-time drum teacher at a school in Brunei Darussalam. It was a good three years of drum teaching experience wherein he got the chance to hone his skills in teaching and helped students pass their exams with merit and distinction marks and turn non-players into players of the drums. While teaching, he was able to do remote sessions for 2 artists in Perth Western Australia and one for a choir in the Philippines.
His recent achievement in drumming is when he got selected as one of five 1st Prize winners of the 2022 Hudson Music’s Steve Gadd “Gaddiments” Contest based in the US. Currently, he’s studying for the Bachelor’s degree in Applied Music Major in Drums at Vancouver Community College Broadway Campus.
A.J. Cunanan
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
A.J. is a multi-instrumentalist, sound engineer, and music instructor based in Vancouver, BC specializing in rock, funk, and R&B. He has completed the intensive Contemporary Music & Technology Program at Selkirk College, receiving two diplomas in sound engineering and performance, majoring in both guitar and drums. One of A.J.'s biggest passions is sharing his skills and knowledge with students, helping them grow and learn to find their musical identity so they can express themselves through their instrument.
In addition to his music education, A.J. is a martial arts instructor with four black belts, running classes of various age groups. His music teaching methods use a similar approach, encouraging students to push themselves past their comfort zone while prioritizing having fun. With over 15 years of playing with 50+ bands on various instruments, A.J. teaches the ins and outs of performing as well as collaborating with fellow musicians. Today, you can find him writing and playing around town with his band, Cat Larceny.
Emily Erhart
Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Emily Erhart is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist currently residing in Vancouver, BC Growing up in a musical household, Emily sang in choirs and began taking piano lessons at age 9. In addition, she took up the saxophone in school band and began teaching herself the guitar. Emily has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto where she studied both Anthropology and Music. In her program she focused primarily on musical theory and history and enjoys seeking out the why' behind the music she plays and teaches. During her time in University, Emily surrounded herself with fellow Toronto musicians and plaved a variety of shows both as a solo act and in ensembles. In 2019 she recorded and released her first solo EP titled "Doubt in My Mind.’ More recently, Emily and fellow Toronto musicians collectively wrote, recorded and produced a handful of music under the name 'The Dav Choir.' Emilv hopes to provide her students with a deeper understanding of the music they play and listen to, instilling them with a life-long passion for music.
Nathan Browns
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Nathan is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, professional recording artist, and performer. Starting from the age of 8, Nathan began piano lessons, but for much of his childhood and teenage years, did not enjoy playing music. It was not until he realized that music was supposed to be fun that he truly started to succeed and grow an immense passion for learning and playing music. It is for this reason that he is driven to give young and new learners the opportunity to learn in a fun-only zone and to ensure that his students are equipped with the tools and resources to play and learn whatever they wish.
Nathan graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Music from Vancouver Community College (VCC). He studied vocal technique with the esteemed Paula Kremer, songwriting with songwriter and producer, Erik Severinson, and experimental music with the innovative artist, Giorgio Magnanensi. He specializes in contemporary and classical voice, piano, songwriting, composition, and experimental music/improvisation.
Nathan currently performing professionally around Vancouver and can be heard singing and playing styles of music that encompass pop, rock, folk, singer-songwriter, R&B, funk, and jazz. He also records tracks professionally and can be heard on solo records, and records released by Luvinya, Pleasant Trees, and Ada Ferguson, all of whom he performs with frequently.
Allyson Jedrzejek
Vocal Teacher
Toronto-based vocalist Ally Jed moved to North Vancouver to pursue a BMus in Jazz Studies Education at Capilano University and is now in her graduating year. Before taking time off to dedicate to her studies, Ally was a touring vocalist performing for tribute acts across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean as well as performing with multiple acts across the Greater Toronto Area over the past decade. When she wasn’t performing, she worked at a music studio in Milton, Ontario as a vocal instructor receiving a reader's choice award for vocal instruction in 2021 shortly after her move.
While studying, Ally gained experience and practice in tonal harmony, ear training, conducting, and performance in jazz ensembles including studies playing and studying the woodwind, brass, and percussion families for teaching and arranging purposes. She particularly found great interest in sociology and ethnomusicology studies and focused most of her electives within these fields as well as gaining appreciation and adopting basic teaching methods from cross-cultural pedagogy and Orff Afrique methods.
Ally has taught many different age groups (from kids to adults) prior to entering Capilano University and is very excited to bring her enthusiasm and newfound knowledge back to the classroom for her future students.
Jenna Earle
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Jenna enjoys teaching guitar/bass/voice/songwriting and nearly every style including rock, blues, and folk. She has over 19 years of teaching experience, and her teaching style is based on encouraging students to learn music from artists that they like, which fosters an interest in practising. Through their favourite songs, and supplemented material, she introduces and builds upon playing techniques and theory.
Jenna has developed and taught several rock camps and rock programs for children and adults. She is also a member of the board of directors for Star Jasmine Music Foundation, a non-profit based in Santa Barbara, California.
Jenna’s current project is Space Queen – a power trio that plays heavy, psychedelic rock with 3-part vocal harmonies. Jenna plays guitar and sings as well as writes songs in the band. She also released a solo album, under the moniker Ghostess. Several tracks from the Ghostess EP were used on TV shows on major networks worldwide, and in skateboarding videos for international brands.
Trey Hilley
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Trey Hilley is a multi-instrumentalist composer, sound designer, and producer with over 25 years of experience in music and audio. On his primary instrument of guitar, he is well versed in many different genres, ranging from jazz, funk, rock, and metal. Trey brings a passion for music and engaging collaboration to teaching and all projects involving sound.
Al MacInnes
Owner, Music Director
Al MacInnes is a skilled musician with over 40 years of experience in the music industry in Vancouver, BC, and on tour internationally. Beginning his career at a young age as an award-winning Side Drummer for the BC Junior & White Spot Highland Pipe Band, Al also expanded his talents to play electric guitar and bass, forming various cover bands. He eventually started the Indie band Jimmy’s Lunch in 1990 where he wrote, recorded and performed original music throughout Vancouver’s popular music venues. Later in his career he joined Vancouver’s Jazzberry Ram as bass player, recording four studio albums on Green Tea Records and toured internationally for 13 years.
With a strong passion for the music industry and growing the next generation of musical talent, Al has been teaching guitar, bass and drums for the past two decades, even helping his students form their own bands, producing demo albums and securing performance opportunities for them. Al helped mentor, write, and produce songs on Light Organ Records for Vancouver’s JPNGRLS, who are now widely known as Hotel Mira. Al continues to be a professional musician through various live and studio projects including Jazzberry Ram, Spygirl, and Friction Project.
In additional to his career in the music industry, Al is a successful entrepreneur applying his creative and masterful approach to projects through his high-end specialized landscaping company, MacInnes Landscaping, which has seen consistent growth in loyal clients for the past nine years. With a passion for hockey and inspiring youth to develop their personal strengths and team skills, Al is also a certified Hockey Canada Coach with the Vancouver Minor Hockey Association where he was honoured with the 2020 Coach of the Year Award.
Keziah Estrada
Studio Manager
Keziah is a local musician and songwriter with a background in admin and childcare. Coming from an extremely musically diverse family, Keziah was exposed to Latin, rock, and R&B music, which greatly inspires her writing style today. Before joining the School of Rock Vancouver team, Keziah was a full-time private nanny, where she utilized and further built upon her skills in helping kids to learn and grow.
Keziah is an SAE Institute Vancouver graduate with a diploma in Audio Engineering and Music Production and also worked as part of the staff there in admin after graduating. She has played piano since the early age of 5 and went on to learn other instruments like guitar and flute in her high school band. She now plays keys in her current band with her cousin and childhood friend.
Keziah writes music to this day and enjoys jamming and collaborating with other talented local artists, mixing their sounds to produce something unique and original. She is passionate to be a part of the students' journey into fine-tuning their abilities, the inevitable discovery of each of their musical expression and to continue to inspire others to join the legacy of School of Rock Vancouver.
Amarhisse Vivanco
Studio Coordinator
Amarhisse Vivanco is a Studio Coordinator at School of Rock Vancouver. If not in school or at a concert, you can find her at our front desk coordinating and facilitating our daily activities!
From a young age, Amarhisse always gravitated to live music, attending her first concert when she was 6 years old. She is currently balancing her undergraduate studies working towards a bachelor's degree in the Arts, while also furthering her skills in playing guitar and songwriting. Some of her favourite artists include The Strokes, Jeff Buckley, and Fleetwood Mac. Amarhisse has a passion for encouraging anyone to pursue their dreams as a musician and is proud to be part of the School of Rock Vancouver team.
Michael Granek
Owner, General Manager
Michael Granek, MBA is a successful entrepreneur and award-winning event producer with over 20 years of leadership and management experience in arts, events, music, and business administration, and over 10 years in adult education and teaching.
Previously to School of Rock, Michael was the President, COO of a global online education company where he applied his diverse background of business management, adult education, and special events to connect professionals with leading industry education, training, and professional development. Prior to this, Michael was an Academic Director at a private higher-education institution, and the owner of an event production company that produced prestigious award shows, galas, and large scale corporate events for local and international clients.
Outside of his professional experience, Michael has been volunteering at his children’s school for several years to help them produce concerts and plays. With his previous experience producing events, he was able to bring professional level production and staging to the school for the first time. Michael found this experience to be extremely rewarding as he saw the school community come together, and students form new-found interest in music, arts, and technology that they might not have otherwise been exposed to. His annual volunteering has now turned into a passion, which inspired him to bring the first School of Rock location to Vancouver.
Michael has also been a board member of professional associations, has judged various event industry awards, and has delivered numerous seminars and training workshops at leading conferences, colleges, and universities.
Nathaniel Caguiat
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Nathaniel Caguiat is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter, and educator. He has graduated from the Bachelor of Applied Music program at Vancouver Community College, with a major in Jazz/Contemporary Electric Guitar, and holds an audio engineering diploma from Trebas Institute. His goal is to inspire the next generation of musicians through education, and community.
Nathaniel found his passion when he was 14 years old and saw a guitar and a piano in his closet. He taught himself how to play them and decided that music would be his life's mission. After high school, Nathaniel went to Trebas Institute to become an audio engineer. After graduating, he moved to British Columbia and started to record music on social media. It didn't take long to realize his passion for teaching after hosting guitar lessons and teaching at a local private studio. He decided to pursue a music degree to teach and play music.
Nathaniel continues to record music, collaborate with other musicians, and teach guitar, piano, bass, drums, and ukulele. Nathaniel Caguiat's sound is a unique blend of jazz and R&B. His influences are Isaiah Sharkey, Spanky Alford, John Mayer, and D'Angelo. He is a rock musician with a love of R&B and creates a mix of shredding and lush harmonies.
Noureen Elsayed
Rookies Teacher, Drums Teacher, Vocals Teacher
Noureen is a performance program graduate from the School of Rock Calgary, where she learned to excel at drums, and vocals. With over 10 years of performance experience, including acting, musical theater, dance, rock and metal performances, she is excited to share her passion for music and the stage with the next generation of performers. Combining her knowledge and skills of singing and breathing techniques with her passion for stage presence, Noureen works with students to develop technical skills while growing their confidence on stage as a performer.
Seah Maister
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Seah Maister is an accomplished musician, songwriter, collaborator, and music teacher. She performs/tours regularly with her band Space Queen as the bassist and singer. She holds 2 diplomas and 1 bachelor's degree in contemporary music studies majoring in voice and minoring in piano. Seah has also been teaching for 12 years and performing and touring in a variety of projects covering multiple genres - hard rock, R&B, soul, blues, jazz, musical theatre, etc - for over 20 years. Seah teaches voice, piano, bass, and guitar. Her lessons are tailored to each individual student with a focus on finding the fun in learning to play music!
Alec Taylor-Poole
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alec Taylor is an artist and recording engineer/producer from North Vancouver whose main influences are rock, punk, indie, and folk. He entered the world of music learning guitar at the age of 7 and has since been in multiple bands playing lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, and vocals. After graduating from SAE Institute in 2021 with a diploma in audio engineering and music production, he was thrust into the vibrant music scene of Vancouver which offers countless niches and passionate people who all share the same goal. Alec’s passion for music and drive for inspiration is something he hopes to pass on to the next generation of musicians during his time at School of Rock.
Alec’s other passions include being outdoors, going on hikes, and exploring the vast and beautiful landscape we have at our disposal, as well as cooking and playing hockey. Otherwise, you can find him performing with his band, Cat Larceny, at one of the awesome venues we have in Vancouver.
Jeff Felix
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Jeff Felix is a Vancouver-based artist, multi-instrumentalist, and educator and has been a part of multiple recording and live acts. Most notably, Jeff is the lead guitarist and keyboardist for Vancouver group Shimbashi Station, an act that has been praised for its unique mash of effects heavy indie rock, synth-pop, and new wave sound. Throughout his professional career, Jeff has gained over a decade of educational experience working with youth of all ages in both camp and classroom settings.
From a young age, Jeff found happiness through listening, playing, and recording music. Beginning with a love for the Beatles, Jeff’s influences include but are not limited to rock, blues, punk, Folk, and indie. Jeff aims to share the joy of music that he experienced with students of all ages and abilities. By promoting a relaxed and fun educational environment Jeff aims to create an engaging setting where learning is achievable for all. Jeff is attending UBC and working towards his Bachelor of Education with hopes of being an elementary school teacher. Jeff is honored to be a part of the School of Rock in Vancouver family and is proud to be helping students of all ages reach their musical goals!
Sam Riddell
Drum Teacher
Sam Riddell is a talented drummer and a key member of the Canadian indie band Black Pontiac. Together with his brother, Mack, who is the band's guitarist, lead vocalist Matty Mclaren, and bassist Avery John Shoesmith, Sam contributes to the band's youthful exuberance and carefree rock sound.
Born and raised in Canada, Sam's musical journey started at a young age, influenced by his father who is a member of a local band. In 2018, Sam, along with his brother Mack and their high school friends Matty and Avery, decided to form Black Pontiac. The band recently made waves with the release of their new single "Soda Pop Rock" and its accompanying debut music video.
Sam Riddell's dedication to his craft and his role as Black Pontiac's drummer are essential elements that contribute to the band's success and growing popularity in the indie music scene. With their fresh sound and engaging performances, Black Pontiac and Sam Riddell are poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry.