MEET OUR TEAM
Meet our exceptional team: the passionate minds behind Be Sharp Academy of the Arts. Get to know the talented individuals who bring our vision to life and share a common commitment to delivering excellence in music and the arts!
Hi! I'm Ellie!
Studio Director & Owner
Hello! I'm Ellie, a dedicated music educator with over 20 years of musical experience. As a trained teacher through the Royal Conservatory of Music, I've been sharing my passion for music for over a decade in various settings.
In addition owning Be Sharp Academy of the Arts, I'm thrilled to serve as the current Music Director for St. John's Anglican Church. My belief in creating an engaging and light educational atmosphere extends to both my classroom and the church community. I foster an inclusive environment, allowing students to shape their learning experiences and express their musical preferences from the early stages.
In my lessons, I embrace a tailored approach, considering each student's strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Recognizing that every learner is unique, I craft individualized lesson plans by combining or inventing materials that resonate best with each individual.
I teach music to all ages and skill levels. If you have any inquiries or would like to embark on a musical journey with me, please feel free to reach out. Looking forward to making music together!
Hello! I'm Nick!
Guitar, Bass, Drums/ Owner
Hello, I'm Nick, and I'm on a mission to inspire the next generation of music enthusiasts. With a passion for music and a blend of creativity, dedication, and a love for teaching, I've found my calling as a music teacher.
I have a pedagogy in teaching guitar, bass, and drums. Whether it's the smooth strumming of a guitar, the rhythmic beats of drums, or the deep grooves of bass, I'm here to guide students on their musical journey. Although I teach many styles of music I specialize in improvisation and "jamming."
I understand that every student is unique, with their musical tastes and aspirations. That's why I tailor each lesson to the individual, allowing them to explore songs and styles that genuinely interest them. This personalized approach ensures that my students are not just learning music, but fostering a love it.
Hi! I’m Amanda!
Piano, Vocal, & Musical Theatre Teacher
I’m a pianist and vocalist with a degree in Vocal Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto. After my jazz degree, I dove into music theater training, acting in dozens of musicals and plays. I also released a self-written pop album (available on Apple Music)!
I have over 9 years of teaching experience in piano and voice, and have taught over 50 students of all ages. I also work in early childhood caregiving, so I am comfortable with the littlest of kiddos!
I love to find my students interests and learning styles, and tailoring my lessons to make music exciting and engaging to them as individuals! I enjoy exploring different genres or approaches that my students are interested in, whether that’s trying out songwriting, new instruments, or learning through games or visual art. My biggest goal as a teacher is to instill a curiosity and love for music and the arts.
I’m so excited to be a member of the Be Sharp team!
Hello! I'm Syd!
Administrative Director
Hi, I'm Syd! I’m Be Sharp’s Administrative Director, so I do all sorts of behind-the-scenes things. You might find me answering emails, volunteering at events, or having a business meeting with Ellie to discuss all of the fun studio initiatives we have in store!
I might not know much about music, but that’s okay- Ellie knows enough for the both of us! While Ellie’s busy teaching lessons and running workshops, I help make sure that things run smoothly on the back end. We all work as a team to make sure that everyone at Be Sharp is having an amazing time, and loving their lessons as much as possible.
In addition to my administrative work, you'll also see me running arts & crafts workshops for the studio. I love to get creative!
My favourite part about Be Sharp Academy of the Arts is how much fun everyone has! I love seeing how excited and passionate everyone is about learning music. Maybe I’ll need to start learning something!
