Engaging the Creative Spirit
Private Lessons and Core Faculty
Whispering River Orchestra offers a mix of in-person and online lessons full of fun, music, creativity and education all wrapped up into one fun-tastic program.
Our dedicated, professional teachers welcome students of any age or level.
How we are Different
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At Whispering River Music we are committed to a comfortable and supportive learning atmosphere where you or your child can learn at your own pace while still being part of a musical community.
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We strive to help each individual find their creative voice, whether they are a child or adult. Learn to write and play your own music in your own way.
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Lessons are available for all ages and abilities. We recommend a blend of group and private lessons.
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Throughout the year we hold clinics led by top professional Canadian string players.
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Our lesson times are flexible and can accommodate even the busiest of schedules!
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Many scholarships and special rates are available upon discussion with Artistic Director Brenda Margaret Muller.
Private Lessons
Violin & Viola: Alex Andrews, Sonia Klimasko
Cello: Brenda Margaret Muller and Shannon Lai
Bass & Music Moppets: Zach Louch
Piano & Art: Pam Moorhouse
Meet Our Faculty
Brenda Muller
From her roots as a classically trained cellist, Brenda Margaret Muller has gone on to create conceptual events that weave together poetry, music and song. Working as a Musician, Poet, and Songwriter, as well as Artistic Director for the past 30 years, Brenda has created inter-arts events across the province, founded and directed the Ardeleana Chamber Music Society, and released 6 recordings with her trio, Ardeleana, including a CD of original cabaret songs, Wolf At My Door, and the first CD to feature only music by Canadian Women – Spinners of Starlight (1997).
She holds an Honours degree in Music Performance from the University of Western Ontario, a Mus. Ed and Honours Specialist in Music from O.I.S.E. University of Toronto. She is currently the founder and director of Whispering River Orchestra, and Riversongs, a 10 day Community Celebration of Music, Poetry and Art in Parry Sound, Ontario.
A passionate musician raised in Parry Sound, Zach studied music and its relationship with cognitive capacity and biological development at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. During his time completing his undergraduate degree he also enrolled in the private performance program and studied under percussionist John Brownell. His studies focused largely in the area of pitched percussion, while also allowing room for development of skills on the timpani, snare drum, and a variety of auxiliary percussion instruments.
Having graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Music (Music Cognition) and a Diploma in Music Performance (Percussion) Zach is now working with Parry Sound’s Whispering River Orchestra and the Ardeleana Chamber Music Society, regularly performing as the orchestra's percussionist-in-residence and doubling as the orchestra's double bassist.
Also an accredited Orff Instructor, Zach has recently started teaching his own course for young children, "Music Moppets," which helps children learn about fundamental concepts such as beat, rhythm, and pitch. He can regularly be seen performing around Parry Sound with various musical ensembles, such as the Georgian Bay Winds, the Riversongs Festival Choir, and as part of The Usual Suspects, a violin, cello and marimba trio.
Sonia Klimasko began her study of the violin at the age of 4. She has devoted the past 40 years of her life to performing, teaching and sharing her love and knowledge of music with audiences, children and aspiring violinists across Canada, the United States, Europe and Mexico.
For the past 40 years, she has played first violin with the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra.
Sonia Klimasko has held the positions of string instructor at Bishop Strachan School, Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts, University of Toronto Schools and as string consultant with the York Region Board of Education.
Ms Klimasko is a graduate of the University of Toronto, holding a degree in Performance.
Thank you to our sponsors for providing scholarships to local individuals and families.
Your support is essential in keeping music alive in the community!
