Guitar
Meet our Teachers
Our instructors are more than just educators—they’re passionate musicians dedicated to inspiring and guiding every student. Get to know our incredible team and find the perfect teacher for your musical journey!
Johnny Nixon
Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin
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Styles: Jazz, Rock, Metal, Gospel, R&B, Neo Soul, Progressive, Flamenco, Worship, Blues, Country, New
Age Acoustic, Pop
Education: Humber College (Jazz Program)
Languages: English
Teaching In-Person: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Rates: $35 per 30 Minutes, $70 per 60 Minutes
A graduate from Humber College for Jazz in 1994, Johnny Nixon also studied classical guitar under Eli Kassner. Most of his music career has been spent working as a studio guitarist. He has performed/produced over 300 full length recordings, including five CDs under his own name. His albums are a mix of instrumental jazz/rock fusion and solo acoustic music and can be found on any streaming platform. Some of the artists that he has performed with include The Toronto Mass Choir, Pat & Debbie Boone, Kathy Troccoli, Mark Masri (The Tenors), Robin Mark, Dan Macaulay, Andy Timmons, Gary Hoey, For The Master, The Tonettes, Ben Heppner, and Kevin Pauls. He has also performed/produced many themes/commercials for film, television, and radio (Michael Coren Show, Huntley Street and CTS themes, Energizer, Canadian Tire, Hard Music Library, and YouTube Fireplace Channel Christmas themed). In addition to those credentials, he is also a clinician/house band at various workshops like Guitar Workshop Plus and Power Up which focuses on Gospel music.
Johnny is comfortable performing and teaching in most guitar styles: jazz, rock, metal, gospel, R&B, neo soul, progressive, flamenco, worship, blues, country, new age acoustic, and pop. Let Johnny help you connect the dots faster with your music goals.
Randy Finney
Instruments: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
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Styles: Popular Music, Country, Rock, Pop, Easy Listening, Crossover, Jazz, Light Classical, Flatpick,
Fingerstyle, Hybrid
Education: Humber College (Music Program)
Languages: English
Teaching In-Person: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
Rates: $32.92 per 30 Minutes, $65.83 per 60 Minutes
You want to participate in the musical experience from the very beginning of your studies. Give yourself permission not to let what you can’t do get in the way of what you can do. See yourself as a musician from the very start. Explore, discover, and enjoy your unique musical personality with a “make the most of what you’ve got” attitude. Randy Finney believes that his job as your teacher is to understand, respect, and embrace your unique musical personality while guiding you on your journey of discovering how physical technique, ear training, theory, sight reading, and rhythmic articulation can best serve you as a musician.
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As a young child, Randy grew up with classic country (Porter Wagoner, Kitty Wells, Faron Young, et al.). In his teens, he embraced classic rock (The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, et al.). Later, he became enamoured with the big band era, which led him to study music at Humber College. Randy graduated from Humber with honours in 1991 and was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for Guitar. While at
Justin Poon
Instruments: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele
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Styles: Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues
Education: Berklee College of Music (Guitar Performance); University of Toronto (Music Technology and Digital Media)
Languages: English
Teaching In-Person: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Rates: $33.75 per 30 Minutes, $67.50 per 60 Minute
Justin graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music on scholarship, dual-majoring in Guitar Performance and Electronic Production and Design. At the school he studied privately with well renowned artists including Mick Goodrick, Tim Miller, Dave Fiuczynski, Alain Mallet, Jetro DaSilva, Donald Harrison, Peter Bernstein and David Gilmore.
Even before finishing high school, he had already performed at the Toronto Jazz Festival and Port Hope Jazz Festival, and it was during this time period that he also won awards for Best Ensemble and Best Guitarist while competing at Musicfest Canada, received a scholarship to attend Berklee Guitar Sessions, and was also selected to attend the Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony in Stockton, California, an intensive program for exceptionally talented high schools students in North America.
Justin continues to perform locally and internationally, and is active in the music scene as a studio musician, songwriter, mix engineer and producer.
Justin's approach to teaching involves tapping into what the student is most musically passionate about, and what sparks their inspiration when it comes to learning an instrument. From there, the most important fundamentals, whether it be technical ability, ear training, improvisation, composition or musical theory, are explored in order to improve as efficiently as possible and foster musical expression. With a certification in Learning Design, he is also able to design lesson plans with the student’s cognitive strengths and learning style in mind, while helping them discover the wonders of music every step of the way.
Brice Wesingi
Instruments: Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar
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Styles: Rock, Classical, Blues, Jazz, Fingerstyle, Folk, Bluegrass
Education: Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Languages: English
Teaching In-Person: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Friday, Saturdays
Rates: $34.17 per 30 Minutes, $68.34 per 60 Minutes
Brice Wesingi is a retired public school teacher with over 30 years of experience teaching instrumental music to intermediate students and musicianship to primary and junior grades. His extensive career reflects a lifelong dedication to nurturing musical talent and inspiring a love for music in students of all ages.
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Brice began his musical journey studying classical and jazz guitar at the esteemed Eli Kassner Guitar Academy of Toronto in his early twenties. During this time, he was an active performer in Toronto’s vibrant coffee house scene, showcasing his talents in folk, blues, and contemporary music. His passion for music has extended into a deep appreciation for guitars, leading him to build an impressive collection and gain expertise in guitar repair and maintenance.
In recent years, Brice has continued his teaching journey, working with both beginners and advanced students to help them explore and refine their musical abilities. He believes that every student has untapped potential and emphasizes the importance of perseverance, often reminding his students that while great players make music seem effortless, it is dedication and consistent practice that unlock natural talents and rhythm.
To support his teaching, Brice incorporates cutting-edge tools such as Guitar Pro 8, enabling him to create customized songs and exercises tailored to each student’s needs. His approach combines formal method books, technical exercises, and personalized materials to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
Brice’s greatest motivation lies in connecting with his students and sharing in their musical discoveries. He takes pride in understanding what styles of music excite his students, fostering an environment where they feel encouraged to explore their passions. A lifelong learner himself, Brice continues to hone his skills and expand his repertoire through ongoing studies with Bruno Di Bartolomeo at Crossroads Guitar Centre in Woodbridge.
Brice brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a wealth of knowledge to his teaching, and he is committed to helping each student develop confidence and joy in their musical journey.
Mike Bowell
Instruments: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele, Beginner Bass
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Styles: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Pop, Country, Bluegrass, Fingerpicking
Education: York University (BFA in Music); University of Toronto (Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance)
Languages: English
Teaching In-Person: Mondays, Tuesdays
Rates: $34.58 per 30 Minutes, $69.17 per 60 Minutes
Mike Smith has been teaching music to all age groups for over 30 years. He is fluent in a wide variety of styles, including rock, blues, jazz, country, and bluegrass. He strives to present well-rounded lessons that link music theory and performance. Mike has helped many secondary school graduates prepare for and transition into postsecondary music education. He has also assisted many adults who struggle to “break out of the box” on guitar.
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Mike has earned a BFA in music from York University and a master’s degree in jazz performance from the University of Toronto. He has performed across Canada, as well as in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a wide array of musical acts.
Andrea Casciato
Instruments: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Electric Bass Guitar, and Ukulele
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Styles: Classical, Blues, Rock
Education: Carleton University (Bachelor of Arts, BA, with Distinction)
Languages: English, Italian
Teaching In-Person: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays
Teaching Online: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
Rates: $32.50 per 30 Minutes, $65 per 60 Minutes
Andrea Casciato has been teaching guitar, music theory, and musicianship at Long & McQuade Richmond Hill since 2005. He never misses a lesson and has an excellent student retention rate. He teaches popular music and classical music, effectively preparing students for Long & McQuade Richmond Hill recitals, Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams, and university auditions. Andrea believes in comprehensive music education, and his lessons include technical work, rhythmic training, and music theory. Above all, he strives to teach students how to practice so they can work independently from a teacher during the week between lessons.
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He studied classical guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Music, where he completed exams in guitar performance, music history, and music theory. He is an RCM Silver Medal recipient in classical guitar performance (2009, Level 10 guitar) and a three-time recipient of the Royal Conservatory's Teacher Certificate of Recognition for student achievement in Level 6, Level 7, and Level 8 guitar exams. When he is not busy teaching, he writes music for solo guitar. His music has been published in the 2011 Royal Conservatory of Music guitar series and is listed in the 2011 and 2018 RCM guitar syllabus. Over the years, Andrea has been involved in many genres of music and has performed in various venues across the Greater Toronto Area. He was a guest performer with the Vesuvius Ensemble in 2022.
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Andrea Casciato is an RCM-certified teacher.
Danny Sargeant
Instruments: Guitar
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Styles: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Flamenco, Improvisation
Education: York University (Bachelor of Arts, BA, Music)
Languages: English
Teaching Online: Fridays, Saturdays
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Rates: $31 per 30 Minutes, $62 per 60 Minutes
Teaching has always been an important part of Dan Sargeant's life, as he has been a music teacher for 35 years. Since 1981, Dan has taught in various music schools throughout Toronto and in public and private schools, including Bayview Glen Private School, Toronto District School Board, Dixon Hall School, and Royal Orchard Public School. He also has experience in music therapy.
Steve Gotlib
Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele
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Styles: Jazz, Rock, R&B, Soul, Funk, Blues, Pop, Country
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Education: Humber College (Bachelor of Music, BM, Jazz Studies)
Languages: English
Teaching In-Person: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Rates: $34.58 per 30 Minutes, $69.17 per 60 Minutes
Steve’s lessons focus on theory, technique, and ear training. His goal is to provide students with a strong foundational understanding of their instrument. At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of learning simple songs, melodies, and pieces that help inspire and motivate students to practice.
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Steve earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Humber College. He is right at home playing Pop, Jazz, Rock, Blues, and Country, Funk, Soul, R&B.
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Steve has been consistently teaching for 23 years.
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Steve continues to perform locally and internationally, and is an active musician both live and in the studio.
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He has performed across Canada, the United States, Asia, United Kingdom, and South America.
It’s amazing where music can take you in life. Steve is passionate about sharing knowledge, connecting with students, and helping them to identify their goals and achieve them.