Dorian School of Music - Kingston

Glenda Chayoon Park

Instruments Violin, Fiddle, Viola

Glenda Chayoon Park is in her senior year at Queen's University pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree. She is currently serving as principal violist with the Queen's Symphony Orchestra, her second year in the position. Before coming to Queen's, she was previously concertmistress of her Oakwood high School Orchestra in Toronto, and a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music Chamber Orchestra. She has trained with many different programs including the RCM chamber music, theory, and ear training programs. She also got fiddle training while participating in the Suzuki Festival during high school. Now, as a high school teacher candidate, Glenda believes that music should be fun and is meant to bring motivation in people's lives. Glenda uses both the RCM method and Suzuki method in her lessons.

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 years old , 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.

Damian Thornton

Instruments Guitar/Bass

Damian Thornton is a creative musician that embraces the art of writing and recording music. His natural ability to play the guitar and bass provides him with tools to polish his recordings. Damian believes that everyone can and will develop expertise in their respective instruments with dedication and practicing. His teaching techniques involves learning from reading music as well as with using the ear to guide in learning songs. Damian is an expert in DAW recording music using SONAR 6.0. He teaches SONAR 6 and audio recording at Dorian to thos wishing to learn the technical side of music.

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.