Making music should first and foremost be fun!
I am Kimberly Wong, the Founder of Volo Academy of Music. I started this because I have experienced and witnessed in others the incredible benefits of musical study, and strongly believe in this as a strong foundation and building block of life.
I started playing the piano when I was four years old, and music has been my passion ever since. I was originally from Vancouver, BC, where I attained my Royal Conservatory of Music Teacher's ARCT and Piano Pedagogy. I have been teaching since age fifteen, and am proud to be the head of an academy where we nurture the love of music in our students and help them grow in their goals and passions. I believe in a well-rounded musical education, including repertoire, sight reading, ear training, theory, performance skills, and improvisation.
I studied piano with Winfried Rompf, the Vice President of BC Conservatory of Music and musical director of Vancouver Piano Ensemble. Throughout my piano education, I competed and won many first place piano performance awards in the Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festivals. I played and sang in my church congregation music team since age eleven and led the children's music program at the Pacific Grace Mennonite Brethren Church in Vancouver for eight years. For my Teacher's ARCT and Piano Pedagogy, I studied with Edward J. Parker, the father of concert pianist Ian Parker and uncle of concert pianist Jon (Jackie) Parker. I graduated from The University of British Columbia, where I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology with a focus on child developmental psychology and cognitive neuroscience. I studied classical voice with Rachel Casponi, Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and achieved my RCM Level 9 Classical Voice. I also play the guitar for fun! As an adult, I have made covers and collaborated with friends in recordings and music videos. I have sung in the North Peace Community Choir at Carnegie Hall, New York.
Keep reading to see the rest of the amazing Volo Academy of Music team. Each member brings their own background, experience, and specialties. We have vast knowledge and experience from teaching people of all ages (4 - 77), abilities (beginner to advanced), needs, and purposes. Meet some of our amazing team below!
Music is a language, the most abstract yet most specific one, the one that goes straight to your soul.
Hi! I’m Federico. I'm a professional violinist and former concertmaster in the Youth Nacional Argentinian Symphony Orchestra in Argentina, with 15 years of experience teaching the instrument. In 2020, I was the winner of the third prize and a special mention in the international orchestra auditions awards from Samnium University of Music in Italy, together with Salzburg Mozarteum.
I was invited to be a member of the Arianna chamber music festival 2020 and 2021 by violinist John McGrosso (1st violinist in the Arianna string quartet and professor in the University of Missouri, US), with whom I also take private lessons. Before that I've studied with some of the most distinguished teachers from my country, the most important of them being Daniel Robuschi, concertmaster in the Argentinian National Symphony Orchestra, with whom I've studied for 7 years. I went to Lanús National University in Argentina, specializing in chamber music. I also took lessons with renowned violinists from Belgium and Italy.
I’ve played in the best theaters and concert Halls from my country, including Teatro Colón, and played with international opera singer José Carreras on his farewell tour both in Argentina and Uruguay. I love sharing my love for music and the violin through teaching with Volo Academy of Music!
Music is a vital part of human life.
Hello, my name is Candelaria, and I’m an opera singer with over a decade of experience in the world of music. I’m deeply committed to teaching. I currently work as a vocal coach and music teacher, guiding students of all ages and skill levels in both English and Spanish. I’ve also been teaching at institutions like Broadway Studios and Rock School since 2019. Throughout my musical journey, I’ve also had the privilege of performing solo roles in operas and singing chamber music on various stages.
My approach to teaching is rooted in my belief that music is a vital part of human life, and I strive to help my students not only develop their musical skills but also appreciate the profound impact that music and art have on our lives. I’m also completing my Musical Arts Degree with a focus on Voice at the National University of Arts in Buenos Aires, which has further enriched my understanding and approach to vocal education.
Whether you’re looking to start your musical journey or refine your vocal technique, I’m here to support you in reaching your goals and discovering the joy of making music.
What I love most is seeing my students discover their love for music and watching them grow as artists.
Hi, I’m Emma, and I’m thrilled to share my passion for music with you. As a music teacher, I have a strong foundation in piano, classical and contemporary voice, guitar, and ukulele, which I use to help my students find and refine their unique sound. Whether you’re excited about learning the basics of music or singing, performing live, or writing your own songs, I’m here to guide you on your musical journey.
My approach is all about fostering creativity, enhancing vocal technique, and building the confidence you need to shine on stage. I’ve spent years honing my skills, competing in music festivals, and receiving awards that recognize my dedication to music. But what I love most is seeing my students discover their love for music and watching them grow as artists.
With personalized lesson plans tailored to your goals, we’ll work together to develop your skills and bring your musical vision to life. Let’s make music an exciting and fulfilling part of your life!
That power music has— to connect people of all locales, cultures, and backgrounds; which has been practiced for thousands (even millions) of years— will always be the part I love the most about it.
Hey! I’m Joshua, a piano/keyboard player currently residing in Spruce Grove, Alberta. I work and gig all around the Greater Edmonton Area, and I’ve been taking formal piano lessons for almost 11 years now. As a very young child, my grandmother used to have a digital piano in her apartment, and I would teach myself various songs by browsing through the classical repertoire and repeat passages over and over again, using the display to tell me which notes to play, until it was just right. Eventually, I convinced my parents to put me into formal piano lessons at age 12, learning classical music with local piano teacher Betty Anne Nissen, and achieving my RCM 10 in about 5-6 years…
… But my heart beat louder for Jazz! Now, I have a BMus from MacEwan University in Piano Performance for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where I’ve had the opportunity to take private lessons under local Edmonton Jazz piano luminaries Chris Andrew, Stephanie Urquhart, Mboya Nicholson, Andrew Glover, and Rob Thompson. I’ve played in the MacEwan Jazz Combo under Montréal drummer Dave Laing, and at the Winspear Centre with the MacEwan Big Band under saxophonist Ray Baril. As well, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of making work performing around the city in venues such as the Yardbird Suite, Spotlight Cabaret, and Polar Park Brewery, playing all sorts of things from Jazz, Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk, and Latin genres.
I was always very shy growing up, but music has given me my most powerful form of expression. Music has connected me with so many people in the local music community, many of whom I consider to be and have welcomed me in like a second family away from home, and the bonds I’ve built through it will always be something I cherish for my entire life. That power music has— to connect people of all locales, cultures, and backgrounds; which has been practiced for thousands (even millions) of years— will always be the part I love the most about it. Teaching this beautiful art awards me the special privilege of imparting that onto the future musicians of the world, and being part of the team at Volo Academy of Music gives me the opportunity to share that with a wider diversity of students than I could ever reach alone.
Music is a unique language separate from any art form in the world, that is capable of shifting a listener’s emotions in an instant and induce sensations that are impossible to experience otherwise.
I’m Gary, and I’ve been playing the piano since I was four years old! I live in St Catherines, Ontario, I love teaching and basketball (playing and coaching).
I love how much can be said and expressed just through a simple melodic phrase without the use of any words. To me, music is a unique language separate from any art form in the world, that is capable of shifting a listener’s emotions in an instant and induce sensations that are impossible to experience otherwise.
Learning how to play the piano is the best way to get introduced to the foundations and fundamental concepts of music as a whole. I also find that playing the instrument can bring you peace and enjoyment whenever you hear those beautiful sounds being made!
I have achieved a second-place finish in the Stamford Kiwanis Festival held in Niagara falls, and I have won The Passion Award for piano performance at a local talent show!
I would like to share all of my knowledge and experience with each and every student I’m fortunate enough to encounter. I sincerely hope that there will be something they can take away from me to inspire them on their journey.