Miss Alyssa (Owner): Piano, Pedagogy, Theory, History
Miss Alyssa studied piano at Wilfrid Laurier University where she obtained her Honours Bachelor of Music, specializing in Music Education and Piano Pedagogy. She has studied under the instruction of Jan Atkinson ARCT, RMT, and Dr. Joseph Ferretti, BMus, MMus, DMA and has obtained her ACCM Associate Teacher’s Diploma in Piano from Conservatory Canada with First Class Honours. She is the recipient of the Medal of Excellence for her written Pedagogy requirements with Conservatory Canada and the Dr. D. F. Cook Associate Medal for Excellence in 2014. Miss Alyssa is an active member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association (ORMTA). She founded Sonata Piano Studio in 2012, then Sonata Music Adventures in 2021; she teaches students of all ages, and is extremely passionate about music education.
She loves to teach classical, contemporary, and pop music and specializes in preparing students for Conservatory examinations as well as bringing out the fun in improvisation and composition. The students of Miss Alyssa have gone on to win Scholarships through Conservatory Canada and ORMTA Windsor, Medals of Excellence (highest exam marks in Ontario), countless Kiwanis Music Festival Classes, and more. Alyssa has been performing for over fifteen years on numerous occasions including charity events, recitals, weddings, accompanying vocal studios, theatre choirs including the Windsor Light Music Theatre Youth Choir, and many more. Miss Alyssa believes that everybody is unique when it comes to music learning and adjusts her instruction to fit every student’s individual needs.
Miss Brianna: Voice, Pop/Jazz, Musical Theatre, Sonata Singers
Miss Brianna holds a Masters Degree in Music from Western University as well as a Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree from Western University. Brianna is a member of Abridged Opera and frequently performs in festivals, concerts, and more in the YQG area and beyond. Miss Brianna is native to Windsor and is known for her ability to connect with the audience through her commanding stage presence and unique artistry. In addition to performing, Brianna’s research interests include madness in opera and how singers can use sport psychology techniques to improve their performance. She most recently performed at the Open Streets Festival in downtown Windsor. Upcoming performances include concerts with Abridged Opera in December, February, and April. Miss Brianna says it best herself: “I hope to instill a love of singing and a love of learning in all my students, no matter the age or skill level. I have always loved to learn and now I love to teach. I hope that my enthusiasm can be echoed in my students!”
Miss Anna: Piano, Junior Piano
Miss Anna is a former student of Miss Nadia’s, with whom she obtained her Honours Grade 8 Certificate in Piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She received a First Class Honours distinction recognition from ORMTA Windsor-Essex in 2019, and actively participated in the Windsor-Essex Kiwanis Music Festival from Level 1 through 8 piano, placing in countless classes, and has performed in numerous ORMTA Recitals at the Performance Hall in the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts. Miss Anna was also the recipient of the Maude Fleming Memorial Scholarship for her musical theory work, and has also competed in provincial competitions in piano performance. She aspires to nurture each student’s love of music, catering her teaching style to motivate each student’s style of learning. Miss Anna’s favourite quote when is comes to describing what music means to her is “Music speaks when words can’t express your feelings”.
Miss Clara: Piano, Composition, Voice
Miss Clara has completed a Bachelor of Music at the University of Windsor and is currently enrolled at the Faculty of Education. During her undergraduate years she studied with Dr. Adamson to obtain her level 9 RCM in piano. She also studied voice as a second instrument under the instruction of Dr. Swanson where she learned to sing in various languages including Italian, French, German, and Latin. Miss Clara was part of the University Singers choir for 4 years during her studies. Her favourite part of studying music was exploring new instruments, with flute being her favourite. She plans to pursue a career in education as a high school teacher in music and psychology. Miss Clara hopes to spread her love for music to all her students!
Mr Aleks: Piano, Piano Performance
Mister Aleks is a lifelong pianist currently studying comprehensive musicianship and pedagogical methods under Dr. Gregory Butler. He is pursuing Level 10 Comprehensive Certification through The Royal Conservatory of Music with plans to achieve his ARCT Diploma within the next 2 years. He has performed in a number of ORMTA Recitals and regularly frequents and performs in masterclasses. Mister Aleks’ teaching style aims to stimulate the development of the musician’s aural, visual, and tactual skills, with great emphasis on physical ease and relaxation.
Mr Colin: Guitar, Ukulele, Composition, Sonata Music Adventures
Mister Colin is an active guitarist and performer who previously studied under Mrs. Amanda Sands as a member of the Enriched Arts Program at Walkerville Centre for the Creative Arts. Upon graduation, he achieved a Specialist High Skills Major in the field of Arts and Culture. He has performed locally both as a solo act as well as in various musical groups. In his 10 years studying music, he has composed pieces for stage shows, independent video games, and various local recording artists. Mister Colin spent 4 years instructing guitar and ukulele to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a part of Windsor’s Best Buddies program. He has previously worked at Giles Campus as a Teaching Assistant in their music department as well, instructing group ensembles in performance, group guitar lessons, and private guitar and ukulele lessons. Outside of music, Mister Colin is currently completing his undergraduate degree in Social Work and Disability Studies at the University of Windsor.
Miss Mia: Piano, Junior Piano
Miss Mia has been playing piano since the age of 5, and has completed RCM level 10 harmony as well as level 10 piano with first class honours. Aside from piano, she also plays the Saxophone and guitar. Miss Mia attends the University of Windsor for Concurrent music and French, studying music under the instruction of Alde Calongcagong. Miss Mia volunteers at her church as an assistant choir conductor and her goal is to obtain a Bachelor of Honours and complete ARCT. She hopes to inspire and spread her passion of music to students, guide them to success as musicians, and help them discover their talent in music.
Mr Martin: Piano, Junior Piano
Mister Martin is a classical pianist currently completing his Bachelors of Music degree at the University of Windsor. Under Dr. Philip Adamson’s instruction, he is working towards his Level 10 Piano from RCM. He performs frequently in weekly masterclasses as well as playing trombone and piano in the University Wind Ensemble. Mister Martin has been playing since age 10 and has found a passion in playing music for audiences while sharing his emotions through pieces ranging from classic to modern. Mister Martin is constantly gaining inspiration from everyone around him, hoping to learn and improve as a person and as a teacher.
Miss Ruby: Voice, Music Theatre, Sonata Music Adventures
Miss Ruby is a graduate of Walkerville Collegiate Institute, where she was enrolled in the Enriched Arts Program, including vocals and drama. Miss Ruby has been participating in musical theatre and film since the age of 10. Since she was 10 years old Miss Ruby has done musical theatre and film. She has travelled around the world performing in theatre festivals and vocal competitions. She has experience training and working with Broadway writers, workshopping new musicals. Recently, Miss Ruby has become a business owner, managing a birthday party princess company, The Princess Party Sisters. Miss Ruby feels that spreading the joy of music through performing or teaching is one of the best experiences to share with someone.
Miss Sophie: Sonata Music Adventures, Guitar, Ukulele, Beginner Piano
Miss Sophie is an honours graduate of St. Joseph’s SHSM program for Arts and Culture and is enrolled in the Film Production program at the University of Windsor. Miss Sophie is a longtime former student of Miss Alyssa’s, with whom she studied piano for 8 years and achieved her Grade 5 Piano Certificate with Conservatory Canada. She has participated in numerous recitals and music concerts, and has performed in the Windsor-Essex Kiwanis Music Festivals where she has placed numerous times in her classes. Miss Sophie has also taken ukulele lessons with Miss Alyssa, which kindled her love for guitar. Miss Sophie is a singer-songwriter and has composed dozens of original songs she likes to perform locally. She has studied Musical Theatre and Classical singing styles under Miss Brianna. She has a very strong appreciation for both music and performance art and hopes to pursue a professional career in film.
Miss Lauren: Junior Piano, Intermediate Piano
Miss Lauren is currently completing her Concurrent Bachelors of Music and Education degree at the University of Windsor, under the instruction of Alde Calongcagong. Miss Lauren has been playing piano since the age of 6 and has studied with Miss Nadia Santoro as well as Miss Alyssa Layfield of Sonata Piano Studio. After receiving First Class Honours on her Level 9 Piano Examination in 2023, Miss Lauren is hoping to achieve her Level 10 Piano RCM certification within the next year! She has participated and placed in many competitions with the Windsor-Essex Kiwanis Music Festival as well as in the provincial competition. She also studies harp with Amy Ley. This year she is going on to complete her Level 9 Harp with RCM. Miss Lauren is the founder and owner of Majestic Melodies, a harp service in which she performs for the community! She has had the opportunity to perform in several harp ensembles, most notably with the Fourth Wall of Music. Miss Lauren aspires to pursue teaching music and hopes to guide her students to love and appreciate music.
Miss Stefanie: Violin, Junior Piano
Stefanie is completing her Bachelor of Music degree at University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts, where she studies Violin Performance. She has taught violin and piano throughout Windsor and Essex County for several years and is passionate about making music education available for people of all ages and backgrounds. Miss Stefanie is currently involved in the University of Windsor’s Lab School: Strings, a collaboration between the School of Creative Arts and Continuing Education. As well as teaching, Miss Stefanie enjoys performing violin for weddings and local music events.
Miss Sam: Voice, Music Theatre, Piano, Little Sonatinas Piano
Mr Justin: Guitar, Ukulele, Piano
Mr. Jonathan: Violin
Jonathan is an experienced violinist and has been playing since the age of 4. He loves making music, especially with others in ensembles such as the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra, his high school concert and jazz bands, with his friends, or even with his family. He achieved honours while completing his grade 8 violin with the Royal Conservatory but is trained in, and teaches using the Suzuki method. Currently pursuing Electrical Engineering at the University of Windsor, he finds joy not only in becoming better at the violin but also in exploring new instruments, like the guitar and trumpet, during his free time. Jonathan’s friendly demeanor extends into his teaching goals. He is dedicated to ensuring that each lesson is not only educational but also enjoyable. He strives to create an environment where students are excited to return each week and ready to advance in their musical journey.
Mr. Alex: Guitar, Voice, Percussion
Mr Alex is currently in his last year at St. Clair College for Music Theatre Performance. For the past couple of years, he has been playing guitar, drums, and singing across Ontario with different bands, and as a solo act. Mr Alex has been performing and playing music since he was 6 years old, and has worked with many well known Canadian directors, actors, and musicians. Originally from Wasaga Beach, Mr Alex enjoys being in Windsor and seeing all the amazing talent the city has to offer. Mr Alex hopes to pursue teaching and help share how important music and the arts are.
Miss Rebecca: Piano
Rebecca has been teaching piano for 8 years and is delighted to join the Sonata teaching staff. She has completed Grade 8 Piano and recently completed the RCM Elementary Piano Teaching course. Rebecca is also a certified ESL teacher with 5 years of teaching experience.
Miss Thianna: Piano
Miss Thianna has been playing piano since the age of 4. She is currently completing her level 10 RCM piano with Dr. Green and has completed her level 9 Harmony and History exam. Throughout the years she has had lots of experience with competitions and performances! She has played in Kiwanis Music Festivals, ORMTA recitals, won many awards and even got to participate in Provincial Festivals. Thianna has a passion for music and loves to encourage and help others learn piano! She understands that sometimes piano can be stressful for some students, so she makes sure to adapt to different learning styles, strives to make every lesson enjoyable while guiding them to their piano goals!