Only The Best Instructors
At Harmony Heights we carefully select teachers who share our values of commitment, kindness and creativity, and have university degrees in music. They undergo regular observation and training to stay up-to-date in today’s educational landscape. We perform background checks on each of our teachers to ensure their suitability to work with young learners.
Christian Bideau
Head Piano Teacher
Christian is a piano instructor and music educational author with more than 16 years of teaching experience. His music training took place at Douglas College in New Westminster and the University of Guanajuato (Mexico). He has been fortunate to teach hundreds of students over the years, ranging from young students discovering piano for the first time, to advanced students preparing for college and university auditions wishing to pursue a music career as teachers or performers.
Shay Kafaei
Voice and Piano
Shay embarked on her musical journey at the age of five, beginning as a piano student. Graduating from the Tehran Conservatory of Music in 2014, she obtained a degree in music teaching and composing, specializing in classical singing. With a versatile passion for various musical styles, including Pop, Rock, Jazz, and Opera, Shay has received extensive vocal training across multiple genres. She brings over a decade of experience in both piano and voice instruction, having been a member of her home country's national choir.
Gillian Padawan
Piano
Gillian is a highly skilled classical and jazz pianist with over 10 years of teaching experience. Her journey began with classical training through the Royal Conservatory of Music, followed by her post-secondary music studies at Capilano University.
Gillian is a sought-after studio musician who has made a name for herself in the R&B scene. She is able to adapt and thrive playing and teaching various musical genres including, jazz and classical piano.
Shamir Virgo
Voice and Guitar
Shamir Virgo, an award-winning independent recording artist and dedicated vocal instructor. With a lifelong love for music, Shamir’s journey began in church and led to post-secondary training at Douglas College. His music, which has surpassed one million streams on Spotify, showcases his deep understanding of the human voice and its limitless potential.
Patrick Kao
Guitar, Drums and Piano
Patrick Kao is a skilled jazz guitarist known for his versatility and expressive style. A Dean’s Award recipient from Capilano University, he has performed with acclaimed jazz artists Peter Bernstein and Renee Rosnes.
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As a teacher, Patrick encourages students to explore music they connect with, believing that enjoyment is key to learning. He combines a supportive, personalized approach with a strong foundation in technique and creativity—helping students grow both musically and artistically.