DEPARTMENT OF PIANO STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF WOODWINDS AND BRASS INSTRUMENTS

Alexander Tikhonov, M.Mus., M.A.
Leonid Sprikut, Ph.D. candidate, M.Mus., B.Mus.

DEPARTMENT OF VOCAL STUDIES

Helena Holl, M.Mus.
Stanislav Vitort, M.Mus.
Katherine Cao, A.R.C.T., B.F.A.

DEPARTMENT OF STRINGED INSTRUMENTS

Alexander Gangurean, D.Mus.
Jean Blanc, M.Mus.
John Platanitis, M.Th., B.Th.
Jung Choi, B.A.
Agoston Tamas, M.Mus., B.A.
Daniel Walsh, B.Mus.

DEPARTMENT OF CONDUCTING STUDIES

Kristian Alexander, M.Mus., M.A., D.E.S.S.G.O.C.

Leonid Sprikut, Ph.D. candidate, M.Mus., B.Mus.  
Woodwinds and Brass, Music history and Theory

Mr. Sprikut holds a MMus in Music Education from the University of Toronto , as well as Master of Music in Performance Diploma cum laude from the Moscow P. Tchaikovsky State Conservatory, and a Bachelor of Music in Performance Diploma cum laude from Moscow State Conservatory Music College. He also holds a Bachelor Degree in Wind Ensemble Conducting from Moscow State Conservatory Music College. As a professional clarinettist and saxophonist Mr. Sprikut has been affiliated with many symphony and chamber orchestras around the world, such as Moscow State Ministry of Education Symphony Orchestra (Principal Clarinet), Moscow State Academy of Music Opera Theatre (Principal Clarinet), New Jerusalem Symphony (Principal Clarinet), Israeli Operetta Theatre (Principal Clarinet), and was a member of a Moscow State Conservatory Woodwind Quintet. As a soloist, Mr. Sprikut performed in Russia , Israel , USA , Canada , and has taken part in various International Music Festivals, such as International Klezmer Music Festival in Zfat , Israel. Among his teachers were the internationally renowned Vladimir Sokolov (Principal Clarinet for The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Clarinet at the Moscow State Conservatory) and Dr. Scott Bridges (Professor of Music and Clarinet at the Alabama University School of Music). Mr. Sprikut started teaching in the early 1980’s, while a student at the Moscow State Conservatory and was one of the founders and first teachers at the Special Music School for Woodwind Instruments in Moscow , Russia. Later, in Israel he worked as a teacher for a Music Project of the Municipality of Jerusalem and was a Music Director of The Youth Jerusalem Wind Orchestra, where his duties included selection of repertoire for the Orchestra, auditions, public relations, and foreign tours. He has taught wind instruments, piano, and music theory privately and in groups at his studio, at varous schools and at the Music College. Mr. Sprikut has been affiliated with iMA since 2006. He is experienced and successful in teaching students at different levels and ages from 7 to 70. Mr. Sprikut is also the conductor of the iMA Jazz ensemble, which successfully performed at the IMA summer music Festival in 2009. His students constantly win local and international music competitions, hold principal positions in students’ and professional bands and symphony orchestras, and participate in a variety of musical activities in Canada and abroad. Mr. Sprikut gives master classes and adjudicates music competitions and festivals in Israel , Russia and Canada. He is a member of Ontario Music Teachers Network and a Teaching Assistant in the instrumental class at the University of Toronto. Currently, Mr. Sprikut is a PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto where his research interests include music pedagogy and culture. His research papers were accepted and presented at several international conferences, such as 2010 international Conference in Multidisciplinary Research in Music Pedagogy at the University of Ottawa, Canada, and the ISME World Conference 2010 in Beijing , China. Mr. Sprikut possesses strong knowledge and excellent skills for teaching the classical style, as well as the jazz, folk, and music of modern composers. Determined to bring out the best of his students, Mr. Sprikut is one of the most highly recommended teachers in the GTA. He has been teaching wind instruments, piano, and music theory for over 25 years. Mr. Sprikut is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 60140) and is fluent in English, Hebrew, Russian.

Stanislav Vitort, M.Mus.
Vocal Studies

Mr. Vitort has graduated with a Master on Music in Operatic Arts from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music. In 2009 he was a finalist of the International Competition "Luciano Pavarotti". He has also received The Canadian Broadcast Corporation Galaxie Rising Stars Award as well as the Special Prize of La Piste aux Espoirs Competition in Tournai (Belgium). Mr. Vitort has been teaching voice and interpretation at Bravo School of Music (Toronto) in addition to his bury carrier as opera singer in various recitals, concerts, and special events. He has also appeared at Music Niagara International Opera Theatre, The Centre for Opera Studies in Sulmona (Italy) and Le Festival de Radio France in Montpellier. was also a leading performer in goodwill concerts for AIDS relief ‘We Will Rock You’ with members of the international rock band Queen and participated in Montreal Jazz festival as a member of Toronto based group ‘Smooth Jazz’.Mr. Vitort is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 63743).

Irene Leung, A.R.C.T., M.Sc., B.Ed., B. Sc.
Piano Studies, Music Theory

Irene Leung holds an Associate of Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) Piano Teacher Diploma and the Certificate of Advanced Piano Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto). She is an active member of ORMTA, MTNA and Ontario College of Teachers. She also has other academic degrees: M.Sc. (U. of Waterloo), B. Ed. (U. of Toronto), B. Sc. (U. of California at Berkeley). She studied piano pedagogy with Chief Examiners of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and has received a special training to help students alleviate stage fright. Ms. Leung has over 17 years of experience teaching private and group piano, rudiments and music history classes. She has also extensive experience in classical piano, collaborative piano, improvisation, keyboard harmony and jazz piano. Mrs. Leung is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME).

Antonia de Wolfe, M.Mus., B.Mus., 
Piano Studies and Interpretation, Music Theory

Ms. Antonia de Wolfe has graduated with a degree in piano performance from the George Enescu Institute of Music in Bucharest, Romania and, later, with another degree from the Central School of Music affiliated with the P. I. Tchaikovsky State Conservatory in Moscow. She has also graduated from the Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, where she studied with Sergio Perticaroli, and has earned a Master in Music (piano performance) degree from the University of Toronto. In addition, Ms. de Wolfe has studied with Maestro S. Petricaroli at Mozarteum Hochschule für Musik in Salzburg (Austria). Ms. de Wolfe has given several recitals and concerts in some of the finest concert halls in Bucharest, Moscow, Rome, Paris, Salzburg, and Toronto. She has also taught piano at the Columbus Centre, Cosmo school of Music, and Koffler Music School. As a collaborative pianist and accompanist, she has been in great demand for several productions of the Centuries Opera Association, Toronto Opera Repertoire, Palestrina Choir, Ethobicoke Centennial Choir, and others. Ms. de Wolfe is a registered teacher with Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 44667).

Helena Holl, M.Mus.
Vocal Studies and Interpretation

Mrs. Holl began her vocal studies at the Moscow Gnesins Musical Academy, followed by a private class with the legendary Boris Pokrovsky of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. She has performed in numerous productions of the Moscow Operetta Theatre, Stanislavsky Opera and Ballet Theatre, Xanten Arena Theatre in Germany, Bromberg Opera Nova Theatre in Poland and several opera theatres in France, Austria, Holland, and Switzerland. In North America, Mrs. Holl has performed at the Ford Centre for the performing arts and CBC Glenn Gould studio in Toronto, Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, the Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver, Arlene Schnitzer Hall in Portland, Cerritos Centre in Los Angeles, Copley Symphony Hall in San Diego, Chrysler Theatre in Windsor, among others. As a dedicated vocal pedagogue, Mrs, Holl has been a member of the Faculty at Columbus Centre, Bravo Music School, and the International Music Academy. She is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 62274).

Susan McMullen, B.Mus., B.Ed.
Piano Studies, Music Theory

Ms. Susan McMullen has earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of education degree from the University of Toronto. She is currently a member of the Ontario Teachers College and of the Royal Conservatory of Music. She brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the International Music Academy in piano, music theory, music history, and physics of music. In addition, Ms. McMullen possesses a strong knowledge and substantial experience teaching woodwind and brass instruments, as well as choral music and voice. As a performer, she was featured on the CBC Television Network as well as on the CHCH TV Hamilton. Ms. McMullen has taught with the Toronto District School Board, Durham District School Board, and York Region District School Board. She is also a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Luba Mahzor, B.Mus., M.Mus.
Piano Studies, Music Theory

Ms. Luba Mahzor has graduated from the State Music College in Russia and the Seminary for Music Teachers in Israel. He great communication and interpersonal skills have allow her to create inspiring and motivating learning environment where students of all ages enjoy music and excel. Ms. Mahzor’s extensive experience in teaching piano students of all ages in various music schools have enriched her ability to develop an individual approach and design customised programmes that fit individual student’s needs. Her love for music transpires through her most important in teaching piano: to unlock that special sequence of love and appreciation for Music which exist in every individual, and will accompany them for the rest of their lives. Ms. Mahzor is also a member of the faculty of the Music World School and is a register teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME No. 48360).

Jean Blanc, M.Mus.  
Violin Studies (Suzuki emphasis)

Mr. Blanc has earned an M.Mus. degree in Violin instruction and performance from the University of Bucharest, an ARTC from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, and a complete Suzuki training from the Suzuki Institute in Kingston. Mr. Blanc is a Member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Member of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Member of the Affiliate Teacher Network in Toronto, Member of the Toronto Suzuki Association, Member of the Ontario Suzuki Association, Chairman of the Beethoven Society for Pianists (Greater Toronto Chapter), and Member of the Faculty at the Summer Music Festival in Kingston. A committed music educator, Mr. Blanc has brought to the International Music Academy 30 years of experience teaching children of all ages and skill levels. His sense of humour makes his students look always forward to their lessons. His commitment to music education is what instills the spirit of the Suzuki philosophy and method into every student. Mr. Blanc is also a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 34654).

Hasmig Surmelian, M.A., M.Mus., D.M.A.
Piano Studies, Violin Studies, Music Theory

Ms. Hasmig Surmelian has earned a Master of Music in Piano Performance (Belgium) and a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy (France) as well as a degree in Violin Performance and Music Theory. For nearly 20 years she was a professor in piano studies at the Conservatoire National de France as well as assistant professor in piano pedagogy at the Conservatoire Royal de Brussels and piano instructor at the Academie de Musique de Schaerbeek (Belgium). Ms. Surmelian has had a distinguished career as a concert pianist in Europe where she has given numerous recitals, solo performances with orchestra and Chamber Music concerts. Having recorded 5 CDs of classical and contemporary composers, she became known as an eclectic and virtuous interpret with an energetic temperament. Ms. Surmelian is the recipient of several awards from the Concours International de Piano Maria Canals de Barcelone, Premier Prix de Violon au Concours National Pro Civitate de Belgique, Médaille d’Honneur de Professeur d’Enseignement Artistique de la République Française, Prix d’Excellence et Médaille du Gouvernement de Violon avec La Plus Grande Distinction Académie de Musique de Schaerbeek, among many others. Ms Surmelian is also a co-author of a Piano Beginners Method “L’Univers du Piano” (Editions Gerard Billaudot – Paris). Ms. Surmelian is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 64706).

Jung Choi, B.A.
Guitar Studies and improvisation, Music Theory

Jung Hoon Choi has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Music from Humber College in Toronto. He has over 10 years of extensive experience at the Baroque Music School as well as at his own private music studio. Mr. Choi has played at numerous special events, corporate functions, and private ceremonies throughout the GTA. He is also a composer for his own jazz band that regularly performs in various notable venues in downtown Toronto. His musical aspirations range from Blues to Rock, Baroque to Classical, Jazz to Funk as well as Flamenco and Mexican styles. His inspiring holistic approach motivates students from all ages to become better musicians and enjoy music for the rest of their lives.Mr. Choi is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music(RCME 65182).

John Platanitis, M.Th., B.Th.
Guitar studies, Music Theory

Mr. John Platanitis has been playing the guitar for almost 30 years. What began as a "campfire" sing-a-long style of strumming a few basic chords, over time has developed into a passionate desire to learn to play with more skill and understanding. He has played as a Worship-Leader in various churches for most of the past 20 years, and has been teaching the guitar, as a profession, for the last 8 years with emphasis on contemporary, acoustic finger-style, basic theory, chord structure and chord relationships, scales, and solo guitar arrangements.  Mr. Platanitis has a substantial experience teaching students from the beginner to the advanced levels, and incorporates style and technique used by Phil Keaggy, Lawrence Juber, Al Petteway, Leo Kottke, and others. He is also a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 63694).

Lili Imastounian, D.Mus., B.F.A.  
Piano Studies, Music Theory

Mrs. Imastounian has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (with Honours) from York University (Toronto), along with a Diploma in Musicology, a Diploma in Piano Pedagogy, and a Diploma in Piano Performance. She brings to the International Music Academy over 25 years of valuable experience teaching piano and theory to students of all ages and levels. Mrs. Imastounian has been on the Faculty of New Conservatory of Music, Federal Conservatory of Music, Scarborough Parks and Recreation, and School for Music and Art. In addition to a great passion for teaching music she also has a passion for languages; she speaks fluently English, French, Russian, Armenian, and Arabic. During the past almost three decades, Mrs. Imastounian has prepared over 1,000 students for various competitions, recitals, concerts, and examinations. Mrs. Imastounian is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 21006).

Alexander Tikhonov, M.Mus., M.A.
Woodwinds and Brass, Piano studies, Music Theory

Mr. Tikhonov has graduated with a Master of Music degree in performance from the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music and with e second Master of Arts in saxophone performance degree from the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts and Culture. He has regularly performed at the St. Petersburg Musical Theatre, the Conservatory Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Admiralty Navy Band, "Rio" Jazz Band, and others. Mr. Tikhonov is a Laureate of the International Maria Yudina Competition (St Petersburg), as well as of the Chamber Music Competition (Novomoskovsk). He is also the recipient of the Gartow Stiftung Wettbewerb Award. Mr. Tikhonov brings to the International Music Academy over 15 years of teaching experience. He is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 62670).

Alexander Gangurean, D.Mus.
Violin Studies

Mr. Alexander Gangurean has graduated from the Moldova National Academy Music with a double degree in Violin performance and Violin pedagogy. He has performed as a principal violinist with the National Opera House of Moldova Symphony Orchestra, Quartet "Ad libitum", and lately with the Greater Toronto Philharmonic Orchestra. He has over 12 years teaching experience in Russia, United Kingdom, and Canada. He is a registered teacher with the Royal conservatory of music (RCME 63443).

Katherine Cao, A.R.C.T., B.F.A.
Piano Studies, Music Theory and History

Ms. Katherine Cao has graduated from University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Arts degree and with an A.R.C.T. diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She has taught piano, voice, music theory, and music history to students of all ages and levels. Ms. Cao is a Member of Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and is on the faculty of the Sonata Music School in Toronto. She is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME No. 64802).

Daniel Walsh, B.Mus.
Guitar Studies and Improvisation

Daniel Walsh has been playing guitar for 10 years now and is currently pursuing a double performance degree in Jazz Guitar and Trombone at York University. He has worked under the direction of many of Canada’s finest jazz musicians such as Mike Cado, Alastair Kay, Lorne Lofsky and Kelly Jefferson. He has plays in a wide variety of settings spanning jazz, classical, rock, pop, disco, funk, metal, salsa, ska and many more. Beyond this, he is making a name for himself as an arranger, teacher, bandleader and session player across the GTA. Mr. Walsh has taught students of varying skill levels, ages, and styles.

Agoston Tamas, M.Mus., B.A.
Violin Studies

Agoston Tamas holds a Master of Music Degree from Yale University (New Haven, USA) and a Certificate of Advanced Studies from Guildhall School of Music & Drama (London, UK). Mr. Tamas studied violin performance with Mr. György Pauk at Guildhall School of Music & Drama and Ms. Syoko Aki at Yale University, as well as string quartet performance with the Tokyo String Quartet. Ms. Tamas is a recipient of the Frances G. Wickes Award conferred by Yale University. He participated in the International Bartok Seminar in Hungary, and the Vienna International Summer Festival in Austria, studying with Mr. Andre Gertler of the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Tamas also took part in the Académie International d’Été in Nice, France, where he studied with Mr. Leonid Kogan of the Moscow Conservatory of Music (then USSR). In addition, Mr. Tamas was Performance Assistant of the Waterloo Festival of Music in New Jersey, and a violinist with the Waterloo Festival Symphony Orchestra led by Mr. Gerard Schwarz. At Yale University, he taught the violin to undergraduate students, subsequently teaching violin classes at the Music Conservatorium of Malmö in Sweden. Mr. Tamas held the position of Associate Co‐Principal Violin of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He also performed as Concertmaster with the Connecticut Chamber Orchestra, Leader of the Norwegian String Quartet MIN, and Concertmaster of the Norwegian Opera. Mr. Tamas worked with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and the Sydney Symphony in Australia, and he served as first violinist with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra, the Gothenburg Symphony in Sweden, the Bergen Philharmonic in Norway, as well as the Danish National Symphony Orchestra in Copenhagen. Mr. Tamas has prepared students for music examinations, concert performances, auditions, music festivals, and violin competitions. He is also a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 62397).

Inna Goulevitch, PhD, M.A.
Piano Studies, Music theory

Mrs. Inna Goulevitch has graduated from Moscow State University. She brings 20 years of teaching experience and is an expert in the Royal Conservatory of Music intermediate piano curriculum. She is currently a member of the faculty of the North York Music School and of the Hensbergen Music Academy in Toronto. Her vibrant personality, enormous patience with young children, and valuable sense of humour are integral parts of her extraordinary teaching style. Mrs. Goulevitch is a registered teacher with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCME 61055).