About Me:
Hi, I’m Andy — the Founder of AK Music.
I was born and raised in Toronto and began playing piano at the age of five. Music became a major part of my life early on, and by the age of 14, I had completed my RCM Level 10.
During high school, I attended Cawthra Park Secondary School’s Regional Arts Program, where I was surrounded by a strong musical community. I performed in jazz bands, pit orchestras, and solo settings, which helped shape my love for both classical and jazz piano.
Afterwards, I obtained my Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance (Jazz Specialization) at the University of Toronto, where I had the opportunity to learn from some of Canada’s leading jazz musicians. I studied privately with Juno-nominated pianists Chris Donnelly and Dr. Noam Lemish, and was honoured to receive the Mamie May Scholarship for three years, as well as the Distillery Jazz Scholarship. I also completed advanced RCM theory, harmony, counterpoint, and history course certifications.
Alongside performing, teaching has always been a major part of my musical life. I have been teaching piano for over 14 years and have worked with over 400 students, ranging from complete beginners to advanced players preparing for exams, performances, and university auditions.
My approach is simple: lessons should be structured, engaging, and enjoyable. Whether a student is working toward RCM exams, preparing for performances, or learning purely for personal enjoyment, I focus on building strong musical fundamentals while keeping students motivated and progressing each week.
For younger students, lessons are designed to develop discipline, confidence, and consistency. For adults, I offer a flexible and supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace, whether you’re starting from scratch or returning to music after years away.
Over the years, my students have achieved high marks on RCM exams, placed in regional and provincial competitions, and performed confidently at recitals. But most importantly, many have developed a lasting connection to music that continues beyond the lesson itself.
In addition to teaching, I regularly perform at private events, recitals, and venues across the GTA. My background includes classical piano, jazz, pop, rock, and collaborative work with different ensembles, choirs, and bands. I believe that being an active musician helps me bring real-world experience and creativity into every lesson.