Music Instructors' Summarized Biographies for the Music & Acting Summer Program 2008

Aileen de la Cruz – teaching singing and vocal performance

Aileen de la Cruz has many years of hard work and experience in the musical field as an artist and a mentor who has much to share with her colleagues, peers and students. Aileen de la Cruz has performed in major venues all over the world including Carnegie Hall. Some of her recent works include recording with artists such as Snoop Dogg and Pam Grier. Aileen de la Cruz has recently signed a contract with Publicist and Songwriter, Vince Degiorio of Cymba / BMG Music Publishing.

Craig Scott – teaching drums, percussions & vibraphone

Craig Scott is an accomplished drummer, vibraphone player and percussionist. His drumming credits include performances with Diana Krall and Randy Bachman. He has recorded 3 albums for CBC including the Juno Award nominated album, "In a Sentimental Mood."

Deidre Ayas – teaching opera in a performance–based classroom setting

Deidre Ayas graduated from the University of Adelaide, Australia with an Honors Degree, 1st Class, in operatic performance. She completed her post-graduate studies at the Boston Conservatory. Deidre Ayas has performed extensively as a soloist in both Australia and Boston and was commissioned for two years at the Civic Symphony Orchestra of Boston as a manager.

Diego Kohl – teaching classical, jazz, blues, Latin & pop on guitar, bass guitar, string bass & piano

Diego Kohl has been teaching classical music, jazz, blues, Latin music and pop. He works with students of all levels and has had great success in teaching students in group and private lessons. Diego Kohl presently performs with different groups at different music events and venues around the lower mainland and the interior. He has an extensive jazz, blues, classical and pop repertoire as well as different styles of Latin and world music playing on the classical and electric guitar, bass guitar, string bass and piano.

Jared Miller – teaching piano in classical and jazz music studies

Jared Miller has completed his ARCT degree in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. He was the recipient of numerous awards and many scholarships including, most recently, the Artsway Ambassador and the Ben Steinberg Musical Award. As a composer, Jared has won numerous competitions. On a additional note, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra has chosen the first movement of his orchestra piece, "To B-Flat," which will be performed in April 2008. Jared Miller has also performed at various venues throughout the Lower Mainland as well as on the Vancouver Gulf Islands. As a music educator, Jared has worked in closer collaboration with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to educate elementary school children about basic music composition.

Jeff Feinstein – teaching saxophone & flute

Jeff Feinstein has 25 years of playing and teaching saxophone and flute. He has achieved the scholarship status at Berklee College studying with America's greatest musicians. He has performed various jazz and classical pieces at musical theatre productions, and worked throughout North America in music studio houses. One of Jeff Feinstein's highlight of his music career is performing at a recital for Prince Phillip and Prince Andrew. "You are only as good as your next performance."

Lance King – teaching acting, stage-performance, improvisation for theatre & film

Lance King has been acting for over twenty years for theatre and film. He has been working at "Spare Time Fun Center" for almost 2 years as the sport director and the acting teacher. At the Vancouver Oakridge Music Studios, he has been commissioned to teach children from toddlers to teenagers (ages of 3 to 14) the key fundamentals of acting to help young actors and young musicians develop their self-confidence whilst building on their artistic and creative talents in live performance settings. Managing his own production studio he works with his actors to bring the scripts to life. Some of his classes include acting for the camera, voice, and emotional and character development. Lance was a stand up comedy at the Urban Well for several years, and owned two of his own improv companies.

Stephen Johnson – teaching piano, music theory and music composition

Stephen Johnson studied at the UBC School of Music, where he received his Bachelor of Music. Shortly thereafter, Stephen Johnson pursued his Master of Music at the McGill School of Music. He currently teaches piano, music theory as well as composition at Oakridge Music Studios and is writing an instructional book on music harmony.

OMusicStudios (Oakridge Music Studios)
497 West 40th Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
V5Y 2R5
(604) 321-1551 - office number
(604) 323-1555 - fax number
info@omusicstudios.com