Our team

Meet Our Skilled & Experienced Tutors

At The Michael Dalrin School of Music, we believe that great teaching is the foundation of great learning. That’s why we go beyond musical ability when selecting our instructors — we look for genuine educators with a passion for inspiring students.

Fewer than 3% of applicants are invited to join our team. We prioritize those with advanced musical training, extensive teaching experience, and a deep commitment to helping each student grow.

All of our instructors hold university-level education in music or equivalent professional credentials. For your peace of mind, every teacher undergoes a comprehensive RCMP criminal record check, ensuring a safe, professional environment for all students.

Our team brings a wealth of real-world experience, educational excellence, and an unwavering dedication to nurturing creativity. Through a personalized, student-centered approach, our instructors guide each learner along their unique musical journey — building confidence, fostering artistry, and unlocking their full potential.

Nolan

Guitar Instructor

Nolan is a firm believer that anyone can learn guitar with enough passion and practice. He began his musical journey at age 12 when his grandfather gave him his first electric guitar—and he’s been playing ever since. From busking on the Port Moody pier to performing in restaurants and on stages across downtown Vancouver, Nolan brings both professional and real-world experience into every lesson. His teaching style is goal-oriented and focused on clear progress. Whether it’s mastering a tricky riff, learning the fretboard, or tackling those tough chords, Nolan is passionate about helping students succeed and experience the joy of truly playing the guitar.

Heshan D.

Guitar & Bass Instructor (Online)

Heshan is a passionate and highly experienced guitar and bass instructor who brings both depth and energy to every lesson. Having studied guitar and music theory extensively, he combines strong technical knowledge with a love for helping others grow through music. Heshan has performed across Asia, gaining a wide range of musical experience that informs his dynamic and adaptable teaching style. Known for his professionalism and warm approach, he has a special talent for working with kids and making lessons engaging, approachable, and fun. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, Heshan makes learning music something to truly look forward to.

Shenella Silva

Head Piano & Voice Instructor

With over 15 years of experience in piano and vocal performance, Shenella brings both depth and passion to her teaching. For the past six years, she has worked with students of all ages, helping them build a strong foundation in music through a balanced focus on technique, ear training, theory, and performance. Her academic background in English and History supports her goal-oriented teaching approach, encouraging students to grow not just as musicians, but as confident learners. Shenella currently serves as our head piano and voice instructor and is committed to guiding students with care, structure, and creativity. As our school continues to grow, Shenella will gradually be transitioning into an administrative role. We appreciate your support and patience during this time as we onboard additional piano instructors to ensure a smooth and consistent learning experience for all students.

Aaron Drew

Music Production & Sound Engineering Instructor

Aaron Drew is a respected artist and producer in the Vancouver music scene, with over a decade of experience in both live performance and studio production. He operates a well-established recording studio in the heart of Coquitlam and has previously taught students at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts. Known for his versatile ear and deep understanding of genres ranging from hip hop to R&B, Aaron brings both technical mastery and creative passion to every lesson. His goal is to help students develop their own unique sound while gaining real-world skills in music production and engineering. Due to the hands-on nature of his lessons, most sessions are taught directly in the studio. Aaron is especially passionate about working with youth and takes pride in guiding the next generation of producers and artists.

Thenuka Perera

Online Guitar & Piano Instructor

Thenuka Perera is a multi-instrumentalist with a strong foundation in both electric and acoustic guitar (rhythm and lead), as well as beginner to intermediate piano and music production. Raised in a family of musicians, he spent much of his formative years in recording studios and live band settings, gaining a deep understanding of both the technical and creative sides of music. With a background in sound engineering and music theory, Thenuka brings a unique balance of practical experience and academic knowledge to his teaching. His lessons are structured yet flexible, designed to help students build strong technique while encouraging creativity. Teaching exclusively online, he offers an engaging and supportive learning experience for students of all ages.
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