Meet the Music Instructors
From Lebanon to Oakville Symphony of Dreams
Meet Dia Ibrahim, an educator and musician whose life story is a symphony of passion and ambition. Originally from Lebanon, Dia holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's in education from the Lebanese University. Her love for the piano led her to earn a bachelor's degree from the Lebanese Conservatory, where she also gained insights to become a dedicated piano teacher.
Her commitment to early childhood education reached new heights with a certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in their Smart Start program. In September 2022, Dia made Oakville her new home, joining the Toronto French School as a full-time math teacher.
But her dream didn't stop there. Destiny united her with Sara Kahwaji, offering a space at "Arabic Park" for her to bring her music school dream to life, where she will also offer music lessons for various instruments, including the cello. Her passion for piano knows no bounds, and she shares it with her two boys, who are budding pianists themselves.
When she's not immersed in music, she finds tranquility in yoga and treasures every opportunity to learn and explore. Frederic Chopin's compositions resonate with her heart.
Now in Oakville, Dia is ready to inspire a new generation of musicians, turning her dream into a reality. Her music school is a place where melodies come alive, and dreams find their symphonic voices, making it an ideal spot for aspiring piano and cello teachers.
Gordon Cleland Cello teacher
Principal Cello Chair supported by Charlotte Cleland
The Principal cellist of the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, Gordon Cleland, has performed across North America. He has appeared as a soloist with the Niagara Symphony, playing pieces such as the Schumann Concerto in A minor and the Vivaldi Double Concerto in G minor alongside cellist Gisela Depkat. Additionally, he has showcased his talents for the Debut Series in Montreal. Gordon has extensive experience as a chamber musician, particularly as a member of Trio Surgite, which includes pianist Erika Reiman and fellow Niagara Symphony member Vera Alekseeva on violin. He regularly features as an artist for the Encore! Series at Brock University. His performances have been broadcast frequently on CBC FM Radio, and he has also appeared on TV5, the international French television network. Gordon's strong interest in contemporary and Canadian music is evident in the repertoire he selects. Beyond his performance career, he is dedicated to music education as a cello teacher at Brock University and an instructor with Suzuki Niagara and the Niagara Youth Orchestra. He has contributed to the Concertino Program of Jeunesses musicales, where he was chosen for his pedagogical skills and ability to connect with young people. Gordon has adjudicated music festivals across Canada and operates a private studio in the Niagara region, offering music lessons to aspiring musicians. He began his musical training in London, Ontario, and completed his studies with a Master of Music degree from Boston University. His principal teachers were George Neikrug, Walter Joachim, and Gisela Depkat, with whom he honed his craft, which also complements his collaboration with a piano teacher, enhancing his skills as a cellist.
Shiori Kobayashi – Clarinet , Saxophone and Flute
Shiori Kobayashi is an accomplished clarinetist and dedicated music educator with over twenty years of teaching and performance experience in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. She holds a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance from McGill University, a Bachelor of Music from Brandon University, and a Diploma in Music Performance from Cambrian College.
Passionate about nurturing musicians of all ages, Shiori offers music lessons in clarinet, saxophone, flute, recorder, piano, and music theory, catering to students from beginner to advanced levels. Her individualized instruction helps students build strong fundamentals while preparing for RCM examinations, festivals, recitals, and university auditions. In addition to her work as a clarinet teacher, her expertise allows her to effectively guide students seeking a piano teacher or even a cello teacher.
As an active performer, Shiori has collaborated with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra, Hamilton City Ballet Orchestra, Ontario Southern Lyric Opera, and Masterworks of Oakville. She also regularly performs as a freelance clarinetist for recitals, weddings, and special events.
Yiming hou 🎹 Award-Winning Pianist & Dedicated Educator
Yiming Hou is an accomplished pianist and dedicated piano teacher with a passion for sharing music through engaging music lessons. A graduate of McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano (with Distinction), Yiming also holds an Advanced Diploma in Music Performance from Cambrian College, where she earned top honours.
Her achievements include 1st Prize at Cambrian College Piano Idol (2018), the Senior Piano Award (2019), and multiple prestigious scholarships recognizing her artistry and excellence.
With experience as both a performer and pedagogue, Yiming brings warmth, professionalism, and inspiration to every lesson—helping students grow in both skill and confidence, whether they are learning the piano or exploring the cello.
Meet Liudyila Pronevich – Vocal Coach & Performer
Ludmila Pronevich is a passionate vocal coach and accomplished performer with a rich background in music education. Her musical journey began with seven years of violin studies, later leading her to earn a degree in Pop Singing from the Leontovych College of Culture and Arts, and she is also knowledgeable about various instruments, including cello and piano. Ludmila holds a degree in Musical Arts from Vinnytsia Pedagogical University.
As a soloist with the prestigious Song and Dance Ensemble of the Academy of Internal Affairs, she has showcased her talent on professional stages. At Treble N Bass, she is dedicated to guiding students on their own musical paths—whether they are seeking guidance as a cello teacher, a piano teacher, or simply looking to enhance their vocal skills. She helps her students discover their unique voices, expand their vocal ranges, and build confidence through the power of music lessons.
Meet Valentyn Zadoianov – Guitarist, Composer & Educator
Valentyn Zadoianov is a highly accomplished guitarist, composer, and educator with extensive experience in both performance and teaching. He specializes in classical, blues, and rock guitar, and holds a Master’s degree in music. Over the years, Valentyn has trained numerous students, many of whom have gone on to pursue successful careers as teachers, including cello teachers and piano teachers, as well as professional musicians.
As a concert performer, Valentyn is a multiple award winner and has performed in a wide range of settings—from solo concerts and ensembles to appearances with symphony, chamber, and jazz orchestras. He is also actively involved in organizing concerts, competitions, and festivals.
In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Valentyn is a prolific composer with over 20 years of creative output. He has published 13 collections of original works for classical guitar and guitar duo, and his musical versatility spans styles such as classical, jazz, blues, rock, country, and ethnic music.
Valentyn teaches in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, and brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and dedication to every lesson—whether working with beginners or advanced students of all ages, including those interested in music lessons.
🎻 Jeanne Bissen — Violin Instructor
With more than three decades of experience across the Netherlands and Europe, she is a distinguished violinist and educator whose career bridges orchestral excellence, musical theatre, chamber music, and passionate teaching. As a highly sought-after substitute and recording violinist, she has performed the full symphonic, oratorio, and operatic “iron repertoire” countless times, earning a reputation as an exceptionally fast and reliable sight-reader. While her artistic heart lies in 20th-century chamber music, her versatility allows her to move effortlessly between classical masterworks, opera, operetta, musical theatre, pop, jazz, crossover projects, and improvisation.
Her theatre credits span major productions including Foxtrot, Annie M.G. Schmidt, The Sound of Music, Sunset Boulevard, Anatevka / Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas (Irving Berlin), and collaborations with celebrated Dutch artists such as Wende Snijders and Stef Bos. She has performed with leading orchestras across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Norway, including Het Gelders Orkest, Metropole Orchestra, Philharmonie Zuid, Het Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest, Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, and many others.
Academically refined, she holds a Master’s degree in Violin from the Sweelinck Conservatorium Amsterdam and Conservatorium Utrecht, studying with renowned pedagogues including Emmy Verhey, Jeannelotte Hertzberger, Istvan Parkany, Valentin Szuk, and Koos Verheul, specializing in solo performance and 20th-century chamber music.
Her teaching career is equally remarkable. At Zinder Centre for the Arts, she worked as a private violin teacher, chamber music coach, ensemble leader, conductor, exam juror, and audition coach for students aged 5 to 85 — from beginners to pre-professionals. In addition to her violin expertise, she understands the nuances of teaching cello and piano, offering a broad perspective on music education. She previously taught at The American School of The Hague, delivering multilingual instruction and implementing a wide range of respected violin methodologies including Suzuki, Sandor, Metz, Doflein, Sevcik, and Sassmannshaus.
What truly sets her apart is her devotion to her students. She teaches violin and viola at every level with warmth, precision, and deep musical insight. Her goal is not simply technical mastery, but transformation — helping each student overcome challenges, build confidence, and grow into the musician they aspire to become. Fluent in Dutch and English, proficient in German and French, with working knowledge of Norwegian — and fully capable of following conductors in Italian and Russian — she brings an international sensitivity that makes every student feel understood.
Whether on stage or in the studio, she embodies excellence, artistry, and generosity — the kind of teacher and performer who inspires commitment, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
Shahd Ghozlan – A Passion for Music and Harmony
Shahd Ghozlan began playing the piano at the age of five and has dedicated the past 13 years to mastering her craft under the guidance of her piano teacher. By 12, she was performing both as a soloist and as part of an orchestra, spending five remarkable years with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra. Throughout her journey, she has graced concert stages and competitions, sharing music as a universal language to inspire and promote peace worldwide, much like a dedicated cello teacher inspires their students.
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