ZACH SMITH

Drums, Percussion, Pipe Band Snare, Drum Line and Rock Keyboard

Zach Smith brings over 20 years of teaching and performing experience to FRSPA and has been with the school since 2003. After obtaining both his performance degree (percussion) and music education degree from Acadia in 1998, Zach has been teaching, performing, recording and touring with some of the best musicians in the Maritimes including Christine Campbell, Alycia Putnam, Kimberley Holmes, Darren McMullen, Pogey, The Band of the Ceremonial Guard (Ottawa), and Richard Wood.  Zach maintains a large teaching studio where ages range from 6 to 60. He currently fronts his own band, The Worry Birds, and is the lead drummer for Maritime Champion Dartmouth and District Pipe Band   

 

*We have missed Zach for the past 6 weeks as he has been off on personal leave and look forward to his return on January 6th!  Cant wait to hear those “beats” coming out of the Drum studio.

INNA KLEMENKO

Violin  and Piano Instructor - Classical, Rock and Folk.

Inna Klymenko is a professional classical, rock and folk violin player.  She graduated from Odessa National Music Academy in Ukraine with her Masters in Music.  Inna took part and won several prizes at International music competitions, such as Music Unite Us -2017 and Make in Ukraine- 2019.  She was a violinist with Chernihiv Symphony Orchestra and Ivano-Frankivsk Symphony Orchestra, touring in Switzerland. Czech Republic, Spain and Portugal with both orchestras as well as teaching private violin and music theory.  

Inna moved from the Ukraine in spring of 2022, and has quickly gained respect in the music community for her  knowledge and teaching approach.  Inna joined FRSPA as both a Violin and Piano instructor in September of 2002, gaining immediate popularity.  We are honored to have her with us for the third year in a row continuing to bring her fresh and successful approach to our students.

 

Jacob Robitaille

Voice, Piano, guitar

Jake Robitaille is a multi-instrumentalist and Arts professional,  With a Music degree from Guelph University and most recently a graduate from a Musical theater program at  Sheridan College, Jake is a welcome addition to the Staff at FRSPA.  Jacob brings with him years of Vocal training and is skilled as a sound engineer, recording and mixing with fellow artists.   In Jake's own words "I want to give the world feelings of a zestful life and of pure joy using primarily the tools of the sonic world".  Sign up with Jacob for Voice,  Piano, or Guitar lessons.

RYAN COX

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

A native of Windsor Junction and proud member of the schools founding family the Cox's, Ryan has been teaching at FRSPA for fifteen years. Originally a bass player, Ryan has grown into a talented multi-instrumentalist, and is now equally at home on either guitar, bass, or drums. Ryan has developed a reputation for teaching primarily by ear and fostering his students' artistry by building upon their exploration of music. In his time with FRSPA, Ryan has expanded his approach to help build the school's Rock Ensembles, its Campfire Guitar classes, and its Summer Rock Camp Program. 

Since starting at FRSPA, Ryan has received recognition as a uniquely stylized and prolific song writer. His current musical project, D'Ambrosia, has released an EP and has performed throughout Nova Scotia to a growing audience. Now a full time English, Social Studies, and (of course) Music teacher, Ryan still makes time to teach one-on-one instruction and rock band classes to the school that first fostered his love of teaching: FRSPA.

KENNETH PASHER

GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE

 

Ever since picking up a guitar at age 12, Kenneth’s love of music hasn’t stopped growing and evolving. Kenneth holds a Performance Degree from Dalhousie University and has completed his Music Education Degree from Memorial University. He has become well versed in music theory and classical guitar technique. When he’s not teaching music, he’s playing lead guitar for Halifax based folk rockers Ryan Hull and the Storytellers, who are beginning to gain traction in the local music scene. Kenneth’s playing style is very diverse, and he feels at home in almost any genre. Whether it’s teaching, playing, or even just listening, he’s always happiest playing and sharing music with others.  

GAVIN LAWRENCE

Fiddle  = Traditional

Since first picking up the fiddle at the age of 7, Gavin has loved to play and perform whenever possible.  

Gavin had a great start to his fiddle life with our wonderful instructor Kimberley Holmes, who taught Gavin for over 10 years and continues to mentor him. She has greatly  influenced every aspect of his fiddle performing and now teaching  abilities.  Gavin comes from a very musical family  who play together often.  Gavin has also worked with young children as a program leader with  Halifax Recreation .  He excels at making learning fun and enjoys the challenge of learning new music and collaborating with other musicians,

Vladyslav Martsyniv 

Viola, Violin and Piano

Vlad, a skilled musician from Ukraine, is a versatile viola player proficient in classical, rock, and folk music. He made his way to Canada in October 2022. Vlad holds a Master's degree in Music, having completed his education at Ternopil Music College and Odesa National Music Academy.

Throughout his career, Vlad achieved notable success, garnering prizes in prestigious international music competitions like "Fortissimo" in 2019, "Chamber Ensembles of V.P. Povzun" in 2018, and Music Unite Us in 2017.

Vlad's experience extends to performing with renowned orchestras like the K&K Philharmoniker and Odessa Municipal Orchestra. He has also undertaken concert tours in Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal as part of the Ivano-Frankivsk Symphony Orchestra. During his time in Ukraine, Vlad also shared his expertise by offering private violin lessons.