Nate has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Western University, and studied jazz guitar at Humber College. As one of the co-founders of the Barrie Music School, he maintains a balance between teaching, performing, and being a dad. He has written and recorded two studio albums of original songs (‘My Element’, and ‘Take Me With You’) and continues to perform and record with other bands and musical acts.
Rob is a member of a rock band called Zeus. He is also one of the owners of the Barrie Music School. Rob has spent much of his musical career performing and creating music with many wonderful artists. He has been teaching for over 20 years.
Kene has been teaching for over 30 years. He has done extensive touring and studied jazz at York University. He’s taught clinics as well as privately in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Norway. He has performed on radio, TV, and live in a variety of styles including rock, blues, jazz, latin, and many others. Kene is a co-founder of the Barrie Music School, and received the “Entrepreneur of the Month” award in the beginning of 2020.
Cian grew up in Midhurst Ontario. He was inspired to study music by his Emmy award winning and Juno nominated uncle Mike O’Neill who played in a band called The Inbreds. He started playing drums at age 11 and began recording and playing gigs from age 14. He studied with several drum teachers including world renowned Jazz instructor Jim Blackley and fellow Barrie Music School instructor Rob Drake. He is a founding member of Club Silencio and international touring act Tallies who are signed to Bella Union in Europe and the UK, Kanine Records in the US and Hand Drawn Dracula in Canada. With Tallies, Cian has opened for a number of notable acts including Sloan, Mudhoney, Ride, The Ocean Blue, TOPS, Andy Bell (Oasis), Mother Mother, The Natvral (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart), Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Hollerado, and Born Ruffians. His drumming has brought him to perform on stages for festivals and tours around the world including in Germany, The Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Belgium, Wales, Scotland, The UK, Canada and the US. He has worked as a session drummer on recordings for several other artists including The Holiday Crowd, Waxing, and Emmet Morris. Cian’s pedagogical approach has been influenced by his own music education. Cian believes instruction should be learner-centred and the approach should build on the strengths and interests of the students. Motivation is key to successful education in any subject.
Patty is our studio coordinator, and the friendly voice you hear when you call the school. She moved here from Italy in 2005 and got connected with our team while taking guitar, bass, and piano lessons. She’s been managing music schools ever since Rob Drake started his original “R&B’s School of Music”. Surrounded by musicians at work and at home, Patty runs our program in the most professional way while making everyone feel right at home.
Alex studied jazz bass at Humber College and has received training from a variety of teachers. His education and experience in various music scenes has given him a broad skillset. He’s a solo performer, a member of several bands, and a songwriter. Alex is versatile in many different styles including rock, pop, jazz, country, and indie. Understanding that music is more than just a school subject, Alex focuses his lessons on the students needs, allowing them to develop and improve in a way best suited for them. Sharing musical knowledge is one part of teaching, but Alex also loves to share his passion for music in general.
