Brentwood Music Teachers

Our music school could not possibly be what it is without our talented and devoted teachers, many of whom have been with us for more than 10 years. Our faculty is passionate about all music and represents a wide variety of styles and instruments.  We are sure we can find the right fit for you!

Book Lessons

At Brentwood School of Music we believe in the personal touch. We would love the opportunity to answer all of your questions over the phone. This helps us to match you with the instructor best suited to your style of music and learning.

Piano

Nina Parrotta

University of Victoria

• BFA Visual Arts

• Grade 10 Royal Conservatory Piano

Nina is a passionate music lover and has attended Brentwood School of Music as a piano student since the age of 5 years old! She is thrilled to return as a teacher, and hopes to inspire students as she guides them along their music journey. From trombone to forming her own rock band, and extensive Royal Conservatory training, Nina has explored just about every facet of music-making imaginable! After beginning her visual arts studies at UVic, Nina soon realized that she could not stay away from her love of music for long. She began to explore sound art and experimental music, and how she could incorporate them into her visual arts studies. Currently, Nina is completing her visual arts degree at UVic, and has taken up DJing and jazz piano in her spare time.

piano/voice

Alyra Minayeva

Victoria Conservatory of Music

• Beginner to intermediate

• All styles

Alyra Minayeva is a contemporary musician and sound artist from Victoria. For the past three years, she has been an active member of the Victoria Conservatory of music’s Choral, Voice Collegium, and the Classical performance Diploma program. She has been writing melodies since the age of six and has worked as a recording session artist and ghostwriter for artists across Canada, the US, and Russia. Last year she was a recipient of the Vanhall Arts Scholarship and a Recording & production award for emerging artists which funded her project "Nocturne Reflections" Her goal as a teacher is to equip students with the necessary foundational skills to deepen their understanding of music while encouraging creative freedom. Students will learn musical expression, and notation through fun, supportive and artistic lessons.

PIANO

Allanah Montgomery-Spelt

UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA

• BA Mus in Music Education

Allannah has been playing the piano for over 25 years and is grateful for the joy and opportunities that music brings to her life. She studied classical piano through school and completed her Bachelor’s in Music Education at UVic where she was also fortunate enough to be involved in the jazz orchestra and a jazz trio that played for events around the city. Allannah has been teaching since her teens and is passionate about teaching lessons that engage her students no matter their age, level or learning style. Allannah’s teaching style revolves around connection, patience, and sharing a love of music. She focuses on well-rounded musicianship by following her students’ musical interests, including different styles of music, theory, composition, improvisation, and lots of hands-on activities in lessons. She loves being a part of her student’s growth and seeing their joy when playing music.

Piano

Lara Seeger

University of Cape Town

• Diploma in Jazz Performance

• Grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music

Lara is a dedicated and accomplished musician with a passion for sharing her expertise in music with aspiring learners. With a rich background in classical, contemporary and jazz music combined with a strong commitment to education, Lara brings a unique blend of talent and teaching experience to the classroom.

Lara’s journey in the world of music began as a child when her Dad first taught her to play guitar. She then went on to study classical piano through school and jazz piano at the University of Cape Town. She has a passion for singing and songwriting and wrote her first song at the age of ten. She studied songwriting for a year in Sydney , Australia and has written many songs. She loves to help students write their own songs and music.
She started playing in her church band as a teenager giving her the enriching experience of playing with other musicians.
She has played in many different bands since then as well as leading a jazz band for over a decade.This musical journey has  given her an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of live performances and playing in bands.
Lara’s philosophy centers around the power of creativity to uplift communities. She aims to inspire her students to embrace their creativity and contribute positively to the world through their own musical expression.

Music Therapy/Children’s Programs

Gabrielle Unser

Capilano University

• BA Music Therapy

Gabrielle was raised within the unceded territories of kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation). She, her husband and their daughter, Ellie have officially moved to the unceded lands of the Tsartlip First Nation (Brentwood Bay)in search of that island lifestyle.

Having obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from Capilano University in September 2021, Gabrielle discovered a profound passion for working with children and youth, both neurodiverse and neurotypical alike. Guided by a neurodivergent affirmative, humanistic, play based, and non-directive approaches, Gabrielle’s music therapy practice revolves around tailoring each session to suit the specific needs and desires of her clients.

Gabrielle’s primary instrument of expertise is the baritone ukulele, although her affinity for music has been evident since her early years. She embarked on her musical journey at the age of six, beginning her piano lessons. She has experience in a variety of instruments, including guitar and banjo.