Dorian School of Music - Kingston

Liana Austin, M.Mus.

Instruments Violin, Fiddle, Viola

Liana Austin holds a bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Music degree (M.MUS) from University of Arizona. Along with her degrees, she is a certified Suzuki teacher. Liana's experience in performance includes playing with Regional and Master Symphonies and The Kingston Symphony. Liana has been teaching for several years including her volunteer work with the Outreach music program and as well as after school music program for less fortunate children. Teaching violin to students of all ages is a passion for Liana. She believes that good technique from the very beginning is crucial to the success of playing the violin.

Li Xu, M.Mus.

Instruments Vocals and Piano

Li is a Masters (Vocals) Graduate of Temple University of Pennsylvania. She has developed a strong voice through her classical training in Choirs. Li has performed on concert stage in the opera Carmen for 4 years with the China Opera House. No doubt her lead role gave her great experience in vocals training and what it takes to be on stage. She believes that every student can develop a strong voice given the opportunity for proper techniques and training. Li has also developed her piano skills along with the her masters in vocal training. She has taught many years both piano and vocals. She encourages all students to practice daily and as a result of hard work, playing music can be very rewarding. Li works well with adults and young children of all ages.

Livia Zaka, ARCT

Instruments Piano

Livia Zaka has been playing piano since she was 4, and music continues to be a fundamental part of her life. She has studied with the Royal Conservatory of Music for 10 years, and has received her ARCT Performer's diploma in piano. She attended Cawthra Park Secondary School of the Arts majoring in piano. Here, she was exposed to many styles of music, such as Jazz, Pop and Broadway, but classical remains her favourite. She is continuing her musical studies at Queen's University. To her, music is an inspiration, and she loves being in an environment where this passion is shared. She thoroughly enjoys teaching any age group, and believes that enthusiasm, dedication and perseverance are the recipe for success.

Rob Hetherington, ARCT

Instruments Guitar

Rob holds an ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music in guitar. He has experience in playing classical guitar, rock and blues as well as jazz. Rob believes in good technique is essential to playing all styles of guitar. His experience as a studio musician in New York City is an example of where excellent technique is required. Rob enjoys playing classical guitar, to Stevie Ray Vaughn to even Zak Wylde.

Kevin Cooke

Instruments Bass Guitar, Vocals, Theory, Songwriting

Kevin has been working as a professional musician, educator, and recording artist for over 25 years. Alternating between live performance, recording, and studying (Humber College, Toronto; the Berklee School of Music, Boston), he has performed with a wide variety of artists including James Cotton, The Dark Angels, Carlos Del Junco, Tony Springer (Wild T and the Spirits), as well as his own progressive blues band.

Through his studies of music theory, pedagogy and ethnomusicology at the York University Music Department (Toronto) he developed the Real Hearing ear training method for vocalists and instrumentalists -- which he then taught in classes at the University of Toronto. The Real Hearing method has been adopted by musicians, vocal coaches and music theory teachers across Canada and in several other countries.

As a private and group teacher he has taught ear training, music theory, harmony and performance to students ranging in age from eight to 65. Kevin is a dedicated, resourceful, and innovative instructor focused on maximizing students general understanding and hands-on abilities. He creates an active, enjoyable learning environment that appeals to a wide range of learning styles. Visit Kevin's website to find out more about Kevin's musical passion.

Jason Middaugh

Instruments Drums/Percussion, Production/Engineering, Songwriting

Jason Middaugh is a hard working downtown Kingston Musician with over a decade of teaching experience. Teaching not only an instrument, but also that instrument's relationship to other instruments, Jason uses an artistic and holistic approach that encourages love of music above all. He believes that music is inside all of us, and that with a combination of technical skills, ear-training, and enthusiasm, music instruction can lead to a lifetime of musical creation and enjoyment. Jason is available to teach drums/percussion, guitar, and bass. He is also an experienced song writer and recording producer/engineer; he has self-produced many records with his band Jay and the Barn Flyz whose musical influences include: The Beatles, The Who, Sloan, Weezer, Paul Simon, Radiohead, Rolling Stones, Hayden, Joel Plaskett.

Andrew Morgan, B.A.

Instruments Bass Guitar, Guitar, Organ

Andrew Morgan has a university degree in music and psychology and underwent college training in Jazz Studies as a bass guitarist and cellist. Andrew plays and teaches Bass guitar, cello and piano/organ. With many years of experience as a teacher and training and experience with children and adults of all ages, Andrew will tailor the learning experience to include aspects of all musical styles. Using both technology and simple guidance your musical understanding will grow along with your enjoyment of the experience of self expression, expanding self confidence and deepening appreciation of music in general. Going beyond the scope of standardized programs to reach the level of understanding of the student and having the scope to include the background and interests of a student is where he excels. Doing this with out losing touch with the basics is to master the balancing of technique with spontaneous musical expression. Andrew has played bass in small and large jazz ensembles in Toronto and Ottawa as well as cello with Orchestra Kingston. His keyboard experience in Ottawa had him playing reggae Soca music with two native St Lucia members of "Hot Ice" and other local groups. His guitar teaching experience covered 7 full time years at the Manotick School of Music. He has relocated to Kingston and is happy to say he is here to stay. He is a member of the Kingston blues society and can been heard occasionally sitting in with the rock and blues band "Mojoshooters" , on either guitar bass or Keyboards at Kingston's R.C.H.A. club.

Tim Tran, B.Sc

Instruments Guitar, Music Production/Engineering, General Manager

Tim holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a minor concentration in Business Administration. He has a love for modern day music of all types including rock, pop, classical, flamenco and yes dance/Hip Hop. His technical background provides a strong foundation for his current pursuit of audio recording and engineering for the students of Dorian School of Music and anyone else who wish to record their creative music talents. While he is busy managing and operating Dorian School of music, he enjoys recording of artists from all genre of music. Tim believes in "taking care of clients" as they are a valuable asset for Dorian. He strives to meet their needs and continually improve Dorian for the benefit of his clients. It is Dorian's mission to develop the "Canadian Musicians of Tommorrow". Come and experience the fun atmosphere and culture at Dorian.