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It’s that time again! September is coming soon and I’m looking forward to opening up the teaching studio again.

I want to share a few details on the upcoming season in the hopes of answering any questions you may have.

Based on the successes and hiccups of last year, I’m changing a few things in an effort to give better instruction and make the studio thrive and succeed for you!

First up: Group lessons

I remember being in a high level college choir with my friend Stew, who had a lyrical tenor style voice. He could go from his lowest note to his highest with absolutely no hint of a break or a flip from chest voice to head voice (falsetto). 

I have more of a belting tenor voice and my high voice was clearly different sounding from my loud lower chest belt.

I wanted to learn to sing smoother and higher like Stew.

Standing beside him for 2 years in rehearsals and concerts, I gained so much insight into how he had developed this beautiful blending of registers, and it got me started on my own mastering of vocal and register control. Had I not auditioned and enrolled in this group, I wouldn’t have learned from Stew. There were others too. A composer, a barbershop singer and some older students who had more tools and tricks in their kits. I grew so much and so fast during this rich time, and the same can be said for any group I have played with.

Why am I telling you this? Because of the positive benefits of learning and playing/singing in groups, I am opening up some group lessons for my students!

Group lessons offer several benefits that cannot be found in private lessons. Here are some of the advantages of group lessons:

Learning from others: In group lessons, students learn from each other, and there is a natural accountability and motivation that occurs. Whether you’re the strongest or the most talented in the room, or you’re just starting out, you can open up ideas and methods for others, and they can do the same for you.

Fundamentals: The fundamentals of warm-up and routine practice are often the same for many students. Doing this with a group means that students can compare notes and abilities in real-time, spurring each other on to get better at their routines and to find new ways to get them sounding better

Playing with others: Students practicing and learning in a group setting will be able to play/sing alongside others and understand how to properly adapt their sound to the group. Additionally, they can learn about different instruments and voices and how they work, which can help them make an informed decision about the direction they’d like to go musically.

Improved motivation: The ensemble atmosphere of group music classes uses positive peer pressure to inspire students to want to learn and practice more frequently at home. Students in group music classes must work together - often with students of other instruments - to reach concrete goals. This promotes team building and builds confidence.

Sense of community: Group lessons offer the benefits and support of a community, or the opportunity for social growth that can’t be as easily found in private 1 on 1 music lessons.

Overall, group lessons can be a great way to supplement private lessons and offer a unique learning experience.

What they’ll look like: 

• Up to 4 students in each group
• 75min in length (lesson length will depend on how many students are enrolled)
• 15-20 min of warmups and teaching
• 10min of specific focus on each student and their songs
• 15min for discussion and feedback for each student or jam time

• Twice each semester we’ll take a full 20min for each student to have a 1:1 session while the other students practice together.

I’ll be doing this for vocal students, guitar students and of course, the school of rock.

Days/Times are as follows:

Group Guitar for kids: THURSDAYS at 3:15pm


Group Vocal Lessons for ages 12 and up: Day and time TBA

School of Rock for ages 12 and up: WEDNESDAYS at 5:20pm



If these days and times don’t work for you, but you’re still interested, please contact me and let’s see what we can work out. There may be more people needing a different time, so hopefully we can figure another time out.

If this sounds like a great option for you or your child, simply use this link to register:

TOONMADE GROUP LESSONS

1:1 lessons are still a thing! I know some students are more interested in the private instruction and coaching, and that’s great! Some of you may even want to do both group and 1:1.

Private Lessons Info

Time: Lessons will be moving to a tighter 35min. Since COVID, we had made the lesson times longer to make cleaning and transition possible, which isn’t necessary anymore. I found that those extra 10min really add up by the end of the day, and it was cutting into my prep time and the time needed later to add notes to the app. Regular lessons will still be 30minutes of instruction and musical work, with just a 5min window for the transition time.

Payments and Pricing:

As we’ve done in the past, we’re doing a semester booking format. This means, in order to get the lowest lesson fee, you commit to a whole semester, which is typically 10-13 weeks, depending on the time of year. You can pay all up front, or opt for the 3 equal payments option. As always, pricing is based on the lesson time, prep time and our studio costs.

Prices: 1:1 Lessons start at $38 per lesson (30min lesson) when paid in full by e-transfer, cheque or cash. If paying by credit card (online), lessons are $39.14

There is a one time $20 Admin fee and recital fee of $25. To do the 3 Equal payments, the Admin fee goes up to $37.

** Please note, for students not wanting to take lessons for the full season, I will open up booking and registration a little later – the fees will be higher and available lesson times will be fewer.

Teaching days and times:

I have a spreadsheet showing my available lesson times. After registration, you can hop on there and add your name to your desired day and time to book your spot for the season.

I have available time slots on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I will have more times available for day time students (homeschoolers or adults who can do times before the local schools let out) here is a look at the times that will be available:

You've always wanted to play an instrument - why not start now? We'd love to help.

Or maybe you've always wanted your child to learn guitar, or your kids to start on piano? We would love to be a part of making that happen for your family!!

Music can heal, help ease anxiety, increase your ability to cope and solve problems, aid in learning, entertain, instill a sense of self and accomplishment, and MUCH MORE!

There are so many ways to learn music these days, including Apps, YouTube lessons, books and the like, but having a coach or a teacher will always give you the benefit of accountability, knowledge and experience, hands on feedback and attention to detail. Let's see if we can accelerate your growth and ability together!

Stephen has his undergrad in Music from Ambrose University, where he majored in Classical Voice and minored in piano. Since his teen years he has played and taught guitar in various styles, with much experience playing in rock, pop, folk, country and jazz bands. He has taught voice in varying styles at the College level (Pacific Life Bible College, IMM Program) and is also able to teach beginner keys, drums, recording and bass guitar.

* Lisa is on a break from teaching right now, but Stephen has some room in the studio for students. Sept 2023

Lisa* studied Classical Voice from a young age and completed her Grade 8 RCM, and also studied piano, playing in various bands performing rock, pop, jazz, classical and more. Her studies brought her to Vancouver Community College where she completed a Jazz Diploma, majoring in Voice and doing a minor in Classical Voice, with forays into composition and arranging, as well as Music Therapy. She has taught piano and voice to children and adults professionally at the Dreamland School of Music (formerly in Prince George) as well as privately.

The Toons have 4 boys, 1 dog, and call Oliver, BC home. They have a home studio where they write and record music for Sync Licensing (TV, Film, Advertising), Lisa is the in-house Producer, Stephen the Producer/Engineer. Although most of their work is on their own music, they are available to record and produce for hire, as well as teach recording and production.

We sometimes get asked about our qualifications to work with children and the vulnerable sector...

Both Toons are registered to work in the private and vulnerable sector -- Lisa also works in the local school system and Stephen is a licensed minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, both require Criminal Record checks for working with the vulnerable sector. Our Lessons Hub is open to all parents and our lessons are taught in a safe and transparent environment. Parents are always welcome to stay onsite where they can view our lessons. For references from other parents and families, please ask and we're be happy to provide.