Our teachers

Clinton Giovanni Denoni

Piano & Theory

Renowned Canadian concert pianist Clinton Giovanni Denoni has performed throughout North America and Europe in the world's most prestigious concert halls. “Mr. Denoni is intensely musical,” notes Vovka Ashkenazy. Internationally acclaimed pianist Shoko Inoue remarks, "Clinton has a limitless ability to strive for the hidden beauty found within each piece of music. Clinton’s complete dedication to his art, no matter the cost, is inspiring. He has a mastery of technique and control on the piano that few have. Clinton pours characteristics of life and profound depth, which comes directly from his genuine heart, into every piece of music he touches."

Oleksandr (Sasha) Luchkov

Piano & Theory

Oleksandr (Sasha) Luchkov, born in 2004 in Mukachevo, Ukraine, began piano lessons at age 5. Under the guidance of Maria Weiss, he quickly rose in the music world, winning First Prize at the 2018 "Feurich-virtuoz" International Piano Competition in Lviv. Sasha made his orchestral debut in 2019 with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, performing Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor. After winning numerous awards, including Second Prize at the 2022 Scherzo International Piano Competition in Tel Aviv, Sasha relocated to Vancouver with the help of Ilana Vered, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

shantha gunasekera

Piano & Theory

Shantha Gunasekera is a Sri Lankan-born, Vancouver-based pianist and educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She began her music education at age 6, excelling through the Trinity College of Music exams and earning a full scholarship to study in St. Petersburg, Russia, where she completed her MMusic in Piano and MPhil in Piano Pedagogy.

After her studies, Shantha worked in Bangladesh, promoting Western music and founding the country’s ABRSM Examinations, guiding many students to success. She has given recitals, accompanied renowned musicians, and organized music festivals.

Since 2008, Shantha has been preparing students in Vancouver for RCM, ABRSM, and BCCM exams, with many achieving top results. Her patient, individualized approach to teaching fosters a love of music in her students while encouraging them to reach their full potential.

Shantha is a certified “Specialist in Advanced Piano & Theory Designations” by the RCM and serves as the Centre Representative for RCM Examinations in Richmond South. She remains committed to professional development, striving to inspire students with her dynamic teaching style and passion for music.

colleen denoni

Piano & Theory

Colleen Denoni has enjoyed being on the faculty as head of the piano department at the Chilliwack Academy of Music for the last eighteen years.  However, she has decades of teaching experience throughout the lower mainland.  Her students continue to receive trophies and bursaries in festivals and for their RCM exams, including the Provincials, where many have been top prize winners.

Mrs. Denoni is a recognized adjudicator who wishes to create in all students a love of music that will last a lifetime.  She encourages her most gifted students to take part in national and international competitions, but building a relationship with every student is most important to her.  Often choosing to major in music at the university level, her students have studied at the most prestigious schools in North America.

Dr. Ryan Trew

Theory & Composition


Dr. Ryan Trew is a composer, percussionist, and music theory pedagogue. As a composer, Ryan’s works have been performed by renowned Canadian ensembles including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and the Kingston Symphony. Ryan received his Doctorate of Music at the University of British Columbia and has studied with several eminent Canadian composers including Christos Hatzis, Peter Hatch, Glenn Buhr, and Stephen Chatman. Living in a modern tonal world, Ryan’s compositions focus on rhythmic, harmonic and timbral relationships, while incorporating popular styles and classical idioms in unique and unfamiliar contexts. His music has been described as “sumptuous, remarkable and constantly surprising.”

Ryan is currently composing an 95-minute chamber opera and has been invited to participate in several development workshops including: The Banff Centre, Opera McGill Beta Lab and Pacific Opera Victoria. This work is scheduled to premiere in 2025. As an active educator, Ryan has instructed all levels of music theory in both larger classroom contexts in a university setting and in private classes and lessons within the community. Ryan’s students generally receive high standing on their exams. In addition, Ryan has several composition students whose works have been performed publicly by both the Vancouver Symphony, the Victoria Symphony and the Richmond Symphony.

Join Our Team of Piano Instructors

We offer a fulfilling and supportive environment for passionate music educators. Here’s why you’ll want to be part of our team:

  • Competitive Compensation: We value your expertise and dedication, offering well-deserved, competitive pay for your teaching excellence.

  • Hassle-Free Registration: We manage all administrative tasks, allowing you to focus solely on inspiring and educating your students.

  • Performance Opportunities: Your students can showcase their talents at two annual recitals and participate in regular performance classes.

  • Supportive Community: Join a network of dedicated professionals committed to fostering musical growth and success.

  • Masterclass and Performance Opportunities:
    You’re invited to run a masterclass once a year for added compensation, along with the chance to perform annually if desired.

We provide the resources and opportunities to help you thrive as an educator and make a significant impact on your students’ musical journeys.