School Faculty

Each of our instructors bring their own special skills and unique talents to our school, providing you with friendly, customized service to meet your needs.

Our friendly instructors are committed to providing professional, student-focused instruction. Drawing from years of performing and teaching experience, our instructors are equipped to teach both beginner and advanced students. Please meet our instructors below...

Denis McGregor

Dennis has over 35 years of teaching experience including 12 at the Gartshore Conservatory of Music. Dennis is the chief founder and division coordinator of Classical Guitar Division of the Kiwanis Music Festival. Many of his students have obtained the highest standing in Ontario for their respective grades.

Ed Young

Ed is a well known local musician who has been teaching at Thomas Walls since 1998. Ed received instruction in his craft at the University of Western Ontario in 1984. Ed's students have the opportunity to study, hand drum, mallet percussion and participate in percussion ensembles.

Judy Irvine

Judy has been teaching piano and organ at Thomas Walls since 1991. In 1999, she obtained her certificate as a "Licensed Kindermusik Educator". She provides instruction for 4 different programs for children aged newborn to 7 years. See our Kindermusic page for details.

Kerry Goring

Kerry teaches piano using both the "Alfreds" and "Royal Conservatory" programs and prepares students for conservatory examinations.

Ken Suriano

Ken has 15 years experience teaching clarinet and saxaphone. Ken emphasizes performance and interpretation and having fun with the instrument.

Lindsay Koskenoja

Lindsay has earned her Grade 10 Practical Violin Certification as well as her Full Grade 8 Certification from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has provided instruction with the Sault Symphony School of Music for over four years, and her objective is to foster music growth and development of all students through creative and stimulating curriculum implementation and a positive learning environment.

Lindsay Pugh

Lindsay has been playing and studying guitar/bass for over 25 years. He has studied music in Sault Ste. Marie, Montreal and Chicago, and plays regularly with Northern Jazz Ensemble and occasional solo gigs.

Lynne Reville

Lynne teaches saxaphone, flute and piano. Lynne has been very active on the local music scene and enjoys blues, jazz and rock. She is the founder and leader of the band "Brass Tax".

Sheldon Jääskeläinen

Sheldon began studying piano at the age of 5 years and violin at the age of 6 years under well known instructor Mr. Ed Gartshore. Sheldon has performed with The Sault Symphony Orchestra for the past 4 years and has traveled throughout North America and Europe with various choirs, ensembles and orchestras. Sheldon is a member of "The Kammermusik String Quartet" which tours extensively. Sheldon succeeded as winner of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto Silver Medal for highest marks in his grade 7 vocal exam in 1998. He also received first place in the 1999 Sault Youth Artist Competition, first place in the 2000 Sault Michigan International String Competition and first place in the 2003 Sault Symphony Young Artist Concerto Competition.

Lesley Walsh Tibben

Lesley graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from the University of Windsor. She has been very active in local music theatre over the past 25 years. Her teaching technique is performance orientated based on relaxation and enjoyment of the art of singing.

Rob Gardner

Rob has been playing drums for over 40 years! He studied Scottish style drumming with the late Jim McComb and has played with competitive pipe bands in Ontario playing throughout Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, Nova Scotia, and Scotland. In the 90's he was the leading drummer of the Celtic Frost Pipe Band which became the most successful band to emerge from Northern Ontario winning many major awards as a band and best drum corps.

Ryan Stephen

Ryan has been studying and playing guitar for over 20 years. Emphasis on understanding the guitar and appreciation of music theory help students uncover hidden talents through creative exercises and composition.