PROFESSIONAL LOCAL MUSICIANS

STUDENT CENTRED LESSONS

We teach students the songs they love, meaning practice is enjoyed not dreaded! Learn to play songs by The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Metallica, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Phoebe Bridgers and MORE!

Student Directed Lessons

Our students choose their instrument(s), style, repertoire, and pace of learning. We treat each lesson as an opportunity to tap into what makes each student special. Music Lessons with Modern Music Studio are always directed by the student.

Community Focus

Modern Music Studio students don't just get to learn their favorite songs with awesome teachers, they have access to a community of students learning the same types of songs, meaning they'll be playing with their peers, forming bands and friendships along the way. The best studio for music lessons in Barrie, Ontario is Modern Music Studio.

Bob Cole - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano

Born and raised in Barrie, Bob has taught music at some of the largest schools in the country. Since 2016 he has returned home to share his love of music and build the musical community he always dreamed of creating.

Nathaniel Mink-Rice - Guitar, Bass, Vocal, Ukulele, Banjo

Bob is a fantastic music teacher. He meets kids where they are at and follows their interests. His flexible approach and encouraging manner encourages a true love and appreciation of music!

Bob has been an inspirational teacher to both our children.  For our youngest, who is shy to play in front of anyone but family, he has worked to find alternative ways to engage our son and encourage piano playing.  For our eldest Bob's positive attitude, attention to detail and encouragement for exploration has engaged our son to continue piano lesson of his own free will with interest and commitment.  Bob is a joy and positive influence to both our children.

Our 11-year old son, who never played guitar before, started acoustic guitar lessons with Modern Music Studio and in a few weeks, he was able to play parts of songs while enjoying it and having so much fun. Whether taking classes in person or online the ability to learn and progress remained the same. I highly recommended this studio regardless of your level of knowledge. Thank you Bob!!!

Testimonials

Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh - Drums, Guitar, Bass

Nate has over 20 years experience, as a live/session musician in the GTA, and lately provides the beats for local metal band "Jupiter Hollow". Nate covers all genres from latin, afro-cuban, funk, and fusion, to hard rock and metal. With patience and keeping things fun, he will having you grooving and shredding in no time!

Alondra Vega-Zaldivar - Piano, Vocal

Cuban-born Alondra Vega-Zaldivar is a composer, performer and piano and vocal teacher who vehemently promotes contemporary music. Her pieces have been performed all over the world. She is the founder, curator and performer/composer of the Art Song Collaborative Project (ASCP) which brings Canadian and International composers together for the collaboration of a new opera through art songs. Alondra has produced, performed and composed 6 operas through Art Song. Alondra is also a part of the Advisory Board for the Canadian Music Centre.

Jane Law - Piano, Vocal

Jane is an accomplished pianist and piano instructor, having won awards for her instruction in her homeland of China. She holds a degree in piano performance from the esteemed Brooklyn College in New York, as well as a degree in Education from Western University in London. She is multi-lingual, fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and even knows some French! She has taught music in North America for over 5 years, and finds that making lessons fun and engaging, using games and finding songs that kids can connect with is the best way toward building a lifelong love of music for young learners.

Nathaniel is a Barrie singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and independent recording artist from Georgian Bay. With experience both studying and teaching music, he believes learning an instrument should be fun, and caters to all musical interests and experience levels. Nathaniel also won back to back Reader's Choice award's for best guitar instructor and Music Instructor in Barrie 2023 & 2024!

DECADES OF MUSIC TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Kenny Parry - Vocals, Drums

Kenny is a multi-instrumentalist, lead vocalist and songwriter, who formed the progressive metal band "Jupiter Hollow" in 2015. Kenny studied at Centennial College in the Music Industry Arts Program where he developed knowledge and awareness of his talents as both a performer and teacher.

Sammy Johnston - Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Vocals, Piano

Sam is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, as well as a recent music graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University. She fronts a local heavy blues & rock band Sammy & the Band, and in 2021 she won the Orillia & District Arts Council Emerging Artist award.

Aiden Butterworth-Bass, Guitar, Drums

Aiden is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter with years of experience performing live and recording with acts such as progressive metal outfit “Colony” and melodic hardcore punk outfit “Rosewood Annie”.  Aiden has played bass for several musical productions including “RENT” and “Miss Saigon” where he solidified his musical theory knowledge and sight-reading abilities. He believes there is value in all genres of music, and each student should play what inspires them.

Meet Nic – a guitar enthusiast who picked up his first axe at just seven years old and never looked back!  A proud graduate of Fanshawe College’s renowned Music Industry Arts program (Class of 2020), Nic has been rocking stages across Toronto and the GTA, laying down riffs and grooves on both guitar and bass. From the soulful bends of blues to the high-octane energy of rock and the heavy crunch of metal, Nic is a genre-hopping pro who loves helping students find their own unique sound – all while having a blast!

Nic Ryba-Guitar, Bass

Gillian Seaman - Vocal, Choir

Gillian has experience with a number of choirs of various styles over the years including the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus, the Toronto Diocesean Choir School for Girls and The Sugartones (A women’s barbershop group). She also plays Bass trombone, and has played with both concert bands and jazz bands. Gillian began as an assistant teacher at the age of 14 for the South Simcoe Youth Choir and later the Gibson School of the Arts. She is very proud to have been the conductor of the award winning GSOTA Youth Choir for the last three years. Gillian believes that everyone can sing and encourages her students to explore a variety of musical styles.