Building Musicians. Developing Minds.
I am Kimberly Wong, the Founder of Volo Academy of Music. I founded Volo Academy of Music on the premise that musical study is an essential foundation of human development and lifelong learning—on par with language and math. Beyond artistic expression, mastering an instrument is one of the most powerful workouts for a continually developing mind, cultivating neurological connectivity, executive function, and an enduring standard of personal excellence.
Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, with over twenty years of teaching experience, I hold an ARCT from The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), specializing in Piano Pedagogy. My training is rooted in an extraordinary classical lineage under the legendary pedagogue Edward J. Parker (mentor and father to international concert pianist Ian Parker and uncle to Jon Kimura “Jackie” Parker) and Winfried Rompf (Vice President of the BC Conservatory of Music), alongside choral performance appearances at Carnegie Hall in New York.
What sets Volo apart is the bridge between conservatory rigour and cognitive science. At The University of British Columbia (UBC), I specialized in Child Developmental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, designing our curriculum around how developing and adult minds build focus, neuroplasticity, and motor mastery. Founded as a boutique studio in 2015, Volo Academy of Music brings this standard of structured, mentor-led excellence directly to your family.
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 accomplished classical coloratura soprano from Buenos Aires who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Arts (Vocal Performance) from the National University of the Arts. A semifinalist in the prestigious La Scala de San Telmo Competition, her international stage career includes leading operatic roles—such as the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and the title role in Lambertini’s Cinderella—alongside solo concert tours across Italy and Switzerland, with performances in Milan and Lugano. For over a decade, she has mentored vocalists across Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia, spanning classical repertoire, musical theatre, pop, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Candelaria is exceptionally gifted at pinpointing the subtle physical and mental obstacles that hold vocalists back from their full potential. As the voice is a largely unseen instrument, unique to each individual, she uses imaginative visualization of healthy vocal mechanics tailored to each student’s physiology—training students to dissolve tension, bridge vocal breaks, and build a balanced, unified range: strengthening the middle register and rich lower warmth, while approaching high notes with freedom.
Grounded in foundational breath support and stage poise, Candelaria ensures vocalists develop powerful resonance without vocal strain. Whether preparing candidates for RCM, ABRSM, and Conservatory Canada examinations, getting ready for stage auditions, or simply discovering their personal artistry, she guides every student to tell a story with their voice and sing with effortless confidence and joy.
“Music is a source of joy, emotional expression, and personal growth.”
Born and raised in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Samuel provides dedicated in-person piano instruction for students of all ages. Having completed Level 10 with The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) under Matthew Wicks, he brings over five years of private studio experience, strong classical discipline, and deep theoretical knowledge to every lesson. Alongside conservatory studies, Samuel broadens students’ horizons with engaging contemporary repertoire—keeping daily practice inspiring while reinforcing solid technical command.
Samuel’s teaching philosophy centers on making disciplined study both rewarding and accessible. He specializes in breaking down complex technical mechanics into approachable milestones—helping students build fluent sight reading, fine finger coordination, and dynamic expression. Whether preparing students for formal RCM examinations and festivals or nurturing a lifelong personal love for the piano, Samuel meets each student where they are, cultivating the confidence, patience, and pride that come with mastering their instrument.
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.
An accomplished classical pianist and dedicated educator, Celina brings distinguished conservatory training to Volo Academy’s virtual studio. She completed her advanced performance and pedagogical studies at the prestigious Juan Bautista Massa Municipal School of Music in Rosario, Argentina, training under acclaimed concert artists and professors Alicia Correa and Adrián Pistono. Celina specializes in preparing students to excel in The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Conservatory Canada, and ABRSM practical and theory examinations, with a proven track record of guiding candidates to RCM’s First Class Honours with Distinction through technical command and artistic maturity.
Beloved by students for her warm, patient mentorship, Celina creates an inspiring environment where lessons feel both rigorous and deeply personalized. A skilled arranger, she frequently crafts custom piano arrangements of students’ favourite contemporary songs, calibrated just above their current conservatory level to accelerate their technical growth. Celina strategically uses these high-interest pieces to motivate students through challenging fundamentals—transforming difficult hurdles like rhythmic counting out loud, hand independence, and coordination into exciting, rewarding milestones. Whether preparing candidates for competitive or conservatory milestones, or guiding adult learners toward personal goals, she instills the technical ease, discipline, and engagement that keep students thriving.
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.