Teachers
Daniel Wiersma 905-375-3523
Daniel Wiersma graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honours Bachelor of Music degree with a specialization in Piano Performance. Following graduation he returned to the University of Western Ontario to complete a certificate in piano tuning and repair. Daniel began playing piano at the age of 5 with Susan Taylor, a former Peterborough Suzuki teacher. Daniel received his Suzuki teacher training from the Suzuki Summer Institute in Kingston, Ontario where he studied under Carole Bigler and Valery Lloyd-Watts.
Marilyn Chalk 705-743-9646
Peter MacKinnon 705-745-8131
Peter MacKinnon is a student-centred teacher, and is a Senior Examiner with The Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. He holds an ARCT Diploma from The Royal Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music from the State University of New York, a Diploma in Early Music from the University of Nottingham, and Associate diplomas from the Royal College of Music, London, England, and the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Peter has studied with well-known teachers, including Douglas Bodle, Carlina Carr and Patricia Holt. In addition Peter is a certified teacher of the Suzuki method. His training took place, both in Japan, and in Kingston with Valery Lloyd-Watts and Carole Bigler, and he has been teaching Suzuki in Peterborough, both independently and with the Peterborough Suzuki School, for many years. Currently, he serves as Director, Trent University Madrigal Singers, and was Director of Music, Peter Robinson College, Trent University, until its closure. Peter is active as a continuo player and as an adjudicator, and is a life member of the College Music Society.
Lenore Parajka 705-868-3096
Lenore Parajka was educated at the University of Toronto and has maintained a busy teaching studio for about 25 years – first in Toronto and for the last 10 years in Peterborough. She is the piano teacher at Lakefield College School.
Lenore’s passion for music education is evident in her enthusiasm and humour. She loves to explore all types of music and is able to teach a wide variety of styles. Lenore also teaches music theory and prepares students for examinations, if they choose.
Ali Pfaff (Adjunct Instructor) 705-775-0949
Alli Pfaff graduated from York University with an Honours degree in Music and gained a special interest in Piano Improvisation and Music & Movement practice. She then pursued her interest in the creative arts by training at the Create Institute and later graduated from Queens University in the Artist in Education program. She has been teaching piano for many years primarily in her private studio where she continues to build on her own practice. Alli is a piano teacher with a strong commitment to fostering creativity and joy through music and believes that a musical education is an empowering experience which cultivates the creative development in all people.