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.
Federico is a professional violinist and former concertmaster of the Youth National Argentine Symphony Orchestra in Argentina, with over 15 years of teaching experience. In 2020, he received Third Prize and a Special Mention in the International Orchestra Auditions Awards from Samnium University of Music in Italy, alongside the Salzburg Mozarteum.
He was invited to participate in the Arianna Chamber Music Festival in 2020 and 2021 by violinist John McGrosso (first violinist of the Arianna String Quartet and professor at the University of Missouri, USA), with whom he also continues to take private lessons.
Earlier in his training, Federico studied with some of Argentina’s most distinguished musicians, most notably Daniel Robuschi, concertmaster of the Argentine National Symphony Orchestra, with whom he studied for seven years. He also studied at Lanús National University in Argentina, specializing in chamber music, and received additional instruction from renowned violinists from Belgium and Italy.
He has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in his country, including the Teatro Colón, and has performed alongside international opera singer José Carreras during his farewell tour in both Argentina and Uruguay.
Federico is passionate about sharing his love for music and the violin through teaching at Volo Academy of Music.
Music is a vital part of human life.
Candelaria is an opera singer with over a decade of experience in music. She is deeply committed to teaching and currently works as a vocal coach and music teacher, guiding students of all ages and skill levels in both English and Spanish. Since 2019, she has also taught at institutions such as Broadway Studios and Rock School.
Throughout her musical career, she has performed solo opera roles and participated in chamber music performances on various stages.
Her teaching approach is grounded in the belief that music is an essential part of human life. She strives to help her students not only develop strong vocal and musical skills, but also to understand and appreciate the deeper impact of music and the arts.
Candelaria is currently completing her Musical Arts Degree with a focus on Voice at the National University of Arts in Buenos Aires, which continues to enrich her perspective and approach to vocal education.
Whether working with beginners or advanced singers, she is dedicated to supporting each student’s journey, helping them reach their goals and discover the joy of making music.
“Music is a source of joy, emotional expression, and personal growth.”
Samuel is a pianist who began playing music at the age of eight after receiving a keyboard from his grandparents. Since then, music has remained an important part of his life, serving as a source of joy, emotional expression, and personal growth through listening, performing, and teaching.
He has completed Level 10 of the Royal Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Matthew Wicks and has performed in both recitals and church services. Samuel has been teaching piano for approximately five years, working with students of various ages and skill levels.
He especially enjoys creating engaging and enjoyable lessons that help students develop their skills while fostering a genuine love for music. He also prepares students for exams and competitions, supporting their technical and artistic growth.
Samuel believes that every student has the potential to connect with music in their own unique way. His goal is to make each learning journey engaging, fun, and rewarding, while helping students build confidence, creativity, and strong technique.
For him, teaching goes beyond notes and scales—it is about inspiring students to feel music, express themselves, and celebrate every step of their progress. One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching at Volo Academy of Music is seeing students’ excitement as they master new pieces and grow in their musical expression.
Music is freedom, self discovery, allowing the inner heart to connect with others.
Michael is a guitarist and music instructor who began playing guitar at the age of 6. He has over 25 years of teaching experience, working with students to develop their skills and passion for music.
During his high school years, he formed a band with his brother and a friend, performing at various events and functions. After graduating, the group purchased a 66-passenger school bus and toured across Western Canada, performing six nights a week in different towns. After three years of full-time touring and performing, Michael studied voice and classical guitar at Alberta College.
Throughout his career, he has performed with numerous part-time bands covering classic rock, country rock, and blues, while also writing and recording his own original music. He began teaching in 1990 and has worked with approximately 50 students per week.
Beyond music, Michael has also worked as a flight instructor, motorcycle instructor, and physical fitness trainer, bringing a wide range of experience to his teaching approach.
He is passionate about music and dedicated to helping aspiring musicians grow and expand their guitar skills at Volo Academy of Music.
Gary is a pianist from St. Catharines, Ontario, who has been playing the piano since the age of four. He is also passionate about teaching and enjoys basketball, both as a player and a coach.
He believes in the expressive power of music, appreciating how a simple melodic phrase can communicate emotion without words. To him, music is a unique language—distinct from other art forms—capable of instantly shifting a listener’s emotions and creating experiences that cannot be expressed in any other way.
Gary sees learning piano as one of the best ways to understand the foundations of music as a whole. He also believes that playing the instrument can bring peace, joy, and a deep sense of fulfillment through its sound.
He has achieved recognition in performance, including a second-place finish at the Stamford Kiwanis Festival in Niagara Falls and receiving The Passion Award for piano performance at a local talent show.
As a teacher, Gary aims to share his knowledge and experience with every student he works with. He hopes to inspire each student and provide them with meaningful takeaways that support them on their own musical journey.
Music is the language of our souls, unspoken yet deeply understood. Without it, we’d be mere containers.
Celina is a pianist from Rosario, Argentina. Her musical journey began with a memorable childhood experience when she encountered a piano in a restaurant. Drawn by curiosity and excitement, she approached the instrument, only to discover it was purely decorative—empty and unplayable. This moment left a lasting impression and sparked her deep fascination with music.
At the age of 8, Celina began taking private piano lessons with Professor Alejandro Gori. She later continued her studies at Rosario’s Municipal School of Music, “Juan Bautista Massa,” where she trained under the guidance of Professor and Concertmaster Alicia Correa, followed by Professor and Concertmaster Adrián Pistono.
As a teacher, Celina creates a supportive and expressive learning environment where each student can feel that the lesson is their own space. She encourages students to discover their unique musical voice while developing technique, theory, and the tools needed to express themselves more fully through music.
She believes in making the learning journey meaningful and inspiring, and she looks forward to sharing this musical path with her students.
Ricardo is a professional saxophonist with a strong background in performance, composition, and music education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Chamber Music from UNLA and previously graduated from the professional institute Projazz as a guitarist with a specialization in jazz. He also studied classical saxophone with Miguel Villafruela at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Chile.
His training in jazz and improvisation includes studies with renowned teachers such as Jorge Díaz, Claudio Rubio, and Martin Joseph. Ricardo further specialized in composition, earning a qualification in Composition and Arrangements at SADAIC under Juan Carlos Cirigliano, and completing a postgraduate degree in Modern Composition with Ricardo Capellano at the Manuel de Falla Conservatory in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated and recorded with various artists, including Buona Testa, Camila Moreno, KelsiCote, Airelavaleria, La Molestar Orquesta, Natacha Montory, and Carolina Centurión, among others. He has also recorded for artists across the Chilean, Argentinian, and U.S. music scenes.
With over 20 years of teaching experience, Ricardo has worked with students in both personalized and institutional settings. In addition to his work as a performer and educator, he has been deeply involved in theater since the beginning of his musical journey. He has served as a director of musical productions for companies such as Teatro Deliria, Teatro Tessier, La MissChile (winner of cultural funds in 2008), Bardo, and Alsino, the latter premiering in Buenos Aires with his art collective FedeRatas, where he serves as director.
Ricardo has performed as a saxophonist and director of the Urban Saxophone Quartet, as well as a member of the Universidad de Chile Symphony Band under Eduardo Brown, and Los Musicantes under Sebastián Errázuriz.
He has contributed to recordings such as Camila Moreno’s Al mismo tiempo and Opmeitomsimla, and has worked with artists including Catalina Walker, T.I.C., Animita, Carolina Centurión, Minga Ensemble, KelsiCote, and Musical Conexión, among others.
Currently based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Ricardo continues to develop his work in free improvisation, performing with groups such as Ensamble FedeRataS, Der Gomsort Ansamble, Colectivo Flujus, Zonda, T.I.C., and Alle Burton. His work focuses on the study and teaching of musical languages and styles through interpretation, improvisation, and composition.
“My goal is to help each student build confidence, enjoy the learning process, and achieve their musical dreams.”
Svetlana is a violinist whose musical journey began at the age of 8. Since then, music has played a central role in her life, shaping both her career and personal identity. She currently performs in an orchestra, where she continues to grow as a musician while sharing her passion for music with audiences and students alike. Her training spans different countries and cultures. She studied at the National Conservatory in Lebanon and later continued her education at the Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas in Armenia. Throughout her journey, she has performed in numerous concerts and competitions, further developing her artistry and connection to performance.
With over 5 years of teaching experience, Svetlana enjoys guiding students as they learn at their own pace. Her teaching approach focuses on building confidence, fostering a love for music, and helping each student fully engage in the learning process.
Her goal is to help each student build confidence, enjoy the learning process, and achieve their musical dreams.
“Music can tell stories through beautiful melodies. Music is food for the soul.”
Nikko Paolo is a pianist from the Philippines. He began learning piano as a child, taught by his grandmother, who was also a piano teacher. His love for music started early and has continued to grow ever since.
He holds a Master’s degree in Music, major in Music Education, and has over 20 years of experience in music. He also works as an occasional church pianist, which allows him to share music in a meaningful and expressive way.
With 10 years of teaching experience, Nikko enjoys guiding students of all ages and helping them discover their own musical voice. He believes that music can tell stories through beautiful melodies and that it is truly food for the soul.
"In a Mission to save the world with Classical Guitar"
Pritam is a musician from India who earned his Grade 8 Classical Guitar certification from Trinity College London (Level 3 Certificate in Music Performance) in January 2026. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Statistics (Honours) from the University of Calcutta in July 2023.
In November 2020, he received a Diploma in Indian Classical Music with Distinction from Pracheen Kala Kendra, alongside completing his Higher Secondary Education at Mitra Institution (Bhowanipur BR) in December 2020. He completed his Secondary Education at the same institution in June 2018.
Pritam has 18 years of experience in music and 10 years of experience playing guitar. He plays multiple instruments, including Classical Guitar (his main instrument), Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano (basic), and Sitar (basic). He is also a trained Indian classical vocalist.
He has performed and participated in several prestigious events. In April 2026, he performed a full-length concert at Nylon and Soul (Kolkata) and premiered a Cajón and Guitar Duo. In March 2026, he was invited to perform at the New India Guitar Festival 2026, where he also conducted masterclasses for participants.
In August 2025, he performed as the Artist of the Evening at the Bangalore School of Music, organized by their Guitar Department. In December 2024, he was invited to perform at the Art Guitar Fest 2024, organized by CGRF.
In July 2024, he was awarded a fully sponsored scholarship to attend Gitarrentage Friedrichsrode in Germany, organized by Roger Tristao Adao, who personally sponsored him after being impressed by his performance at the National Classical Guitar Competition 2023.
In June 2024, he was recognized as the Outstanding Performer of the Evening at the Students’ Guitar Recital Chapter II, organized by CGRF at The Calcutta School of Music. In November 2023, he secured 2nd place at the National Classical Guitar Competition, judged by an international panel.
In April 2023, he was also awarded Outstanding Performer of the Evening at another CGRF Students’ Guitar Recital.
He has composed six original musical pieces across different genres.