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Our Faculty

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

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Elena Gnenna

School Director

Elena Gnenna was born and raised in Ukraine. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree at Dnepr Music College and Master Degree in Arts at Dnepr National University. She moved to Canada in 2001 along with her family.

Elena started her career in Canada as a music teacher at private school and as well was teaching piano and voice in various studios in Mississauga and Oakville. She successfully prepared children for RCM exams, festivals and received her Kindermusik Teaching Licence in 2006. She enjoyed teaching and sharing her passion of music with students. 

Elena opened Canada’s Professional School of Music in 2004 in Mississauga following her dream of opening up a school where children of all ages can study music in a  judgmental free environment. With the success of the music program, Elena decided to expand to offering dance and art programs creating what is now known as Canada’s Professional School of Music and Arts in 2009.

Elena Gnenna has been running CP School of Music and Arts  for 21 years, and it has become one of the largest schools in Mississauga teaching over 500 students weekly. Elena is a mother to four children, one of which has followed in her footsteps to become a woman entrepreneur, and three younger children all school aged.

 

In 2022 Elena Gnenna was nominated for the National RBC Woman of Influence Award.

 

Elena’s goal is to continue to innovate and provide a positive teaching environment for students of all ages.

Lissette Martinez

Office Manager 

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Lissette has been a part of  CP School of Music and Arts since 2015. 

She studied Accounting and worked for many years in the Bank industry. Upon arrival to Canada , Lissette worked at an ESL school which gave her the opportunity to help students in their transition into a new country and new language.  She enjoys being around kids and families and is always willing to help.  Lissette's favorites hobbies include cooking, embroidery and she also enjoys playing dominoes.

Olena Kovalevska

Dance Teacher

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Olena Kovalevska is an experienced ballet teacher, who also teaches many other genres of dance including jazz, hiphop, acro, tap and preschool dance. She started dancing at the age of 3, studied at Vaganova Ballet School in Russia and graduated from world famous Leningrad State Music Hall. Olena was a the primary dancer of the Krasnoyarsk Dance Company of Siberia, as well as a dancer for the legendary Russian singer Valeriy Leontiev. She had also taught classical ballet at famous dance studios in Croatia and Turkey. Olena has been a member of Canadian National Ballet School and was teaching various workshops and seminars from 1998 - 2008 . She has been apart of CP School of Music and Arts since 2009 and as you can see dance is her passion for life.

Alexandria Czajka

Dance Teacher

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Alexandria Czajka  trained in many dance genres such as ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, hip-hop and modern. Alexandria participates in various competitions nd workshops all across North America. Alexandria's many years of dance have brought her many years of successes; she has won many solo awards and scholarships. Shee was a part of The National Dance Championship and also completed RAD ballet exams .Alexandria attended George Brown Dance Program in Toronto and graduated with a Certificate and Diploma in Performance Studies. Alexandria most recently performed in a show called "Starcatcher" in Thailand.  Alexandria hopes to continue performing and sharing her knowledge from her personal experiences to teach others in the art of dance. 

Christina Thorpe-Hung

Dance Teacher

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Christina  has trained in ballet, lyrical, contemporary, jazz, acro and hip hop. She has won many awards as a competitive dancer,  one of her most recent accomplishments was competing with Team Canada where she took home a silver medal in her Acro group. Christina will also travel to Spain in 2025 to compete again at the Dance World Cup with Team Canada. Currently, Christina is studying Educational Studies at York University where she hopes to become a school teacher in the future. Christina hopes to continue to use her knowledge of dance and gymnastics to inspire the next generation of youths in her community. 

Joseph Apong

Guitar and Piano Teacher

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Joseph started playing piano when he was about 7 years old, and later in high school learned the tenor saxophone and started developing a passion for the guitar. He pursued this musical passion and studied classical guitar and conducting at York University where he graduated in 2011.  Shortly after he became the conductor for the Regent Park School of Music’s Guitar ensemble, which had the opportunity to perform for CP24 Breakfast and CBC.  With an ever growing love for teaching, he also became an instructor at CP School of Music and Art teaching classical guitar, piano and ukulele.  Aside from music, Joseph is an avid runner, and enjoys following the latest trends in technology. 

He loves producing music on her spare time.

Roland Hunter

Guitar and Piano Teacher

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Roland Hunter teaches guitar, piano, and drums at CP Music (classical, popular and jazz). He did his music studies at Berklee College of music (Boston), University of Victoria and York University. Roland has a master’s degree in music composition from York University. He is an RCM-certified teacher for guitar and piano. In his teaching, Roland draws on 20+ years of experience playing music professionally in Toronto. He has been teaching music for over 25 years. Discussing his philosophy of music instruction, he says: “With my students, I enjoy exploring musically diverse topics and guiding learners to discover the things they love in music.”

Andrew Gnanapragasam  

Piano Teacher

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Andrew became interested in playing the piano in the 5th grade, and has been playing it for 8 years now. He likes learning songs in different genres like pop music, and classical. He has taken part in some competitions over the years. Andrew believes that learning the piano should be fun, and tries to make learning as interactive and meaningful as possible. He believes that an understanding of the fundamentals is essential to succeeding in playing the piano. Aside for playing the piano, Andrew likes playing and watching basketball, and watching movies. He currently attends UTM, and is doing a Bachelors in Psychology.

Claire Hoi Lom Mok

Piano  Teacher

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Claire graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. in music and linguistics and was the recipient of the Webb Piano Performance Entrance Scholarship. She also completed the Royal Conservatory of Music's ARCT diploma in piano performance and piano teacher certification.

 She enjoys incorporating popular music and activities such as playing duets, improvising with rhythm and melodies, and making up tunes in my lessons, in addition to teaching classical music piano skills. She have previously prepared students for recitals and piano  RCM exams, and her students have shown significant progress and remarkable results.

She  love to work with students of all ages and levels to guide them through their musical journey.

Irene Boyko

Piano Teacher

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Irene Boyko is a certified teacher with the RCM in both practical, history, and theory disciplines. In addition she received her Master’s degree in piano pedagogy at Western Ontario Conservatory of Music. She has been teaching and introducing the world of music to children and adults for over 30 years. She prepare her students for both practical and theory exams with the RCM program, frequently attend workshops, conferences, and webinars to enhance her music education.

Before she began teaching at  CP School of Music, she own her studio where she taught piano, history, and theory. Irene truly enjoy teaching and helping children explore the wonders of music.  

Irene says: "When we gather the notes and thread them together, the melodies create musical sentences that tell a story. These stories produce many different emotions and feelings within us.   How magical!"

Ka Lung (Andy) Fong

BFA (Spec. Hons.) Music
RCM Certified Teacher – Elementary (Violin)

Violin and Oboe Teacher 

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Andy began studying violin in Hong Kong with renowned violinist Au Shing-Yew, and Tong, Lung.  In 1988, he moved to Toronto to continue his musical studies. He later studied oboe with Professor Melvin Berman at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music and completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts (Specialized Honours) in Music at York University.

Since joining CP School of Music and Arts in 2021, Andy has been teaching violin and oboe. He is dedicated to helping students build strong technical foundations, develop musical expression, and gain confidence through patient and encouraging instruction. His students have successfully completed Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) examinations, with several earning First Class Honours with Distinction.

Andy recently earned the RCM Certified Teacher – Elementary (Violin) designation and is committed to ongoing professional development. Beginning in September 2026, he will also be pursuing a Bachelor of Education at York University as he works toward becoming a certified music educator in Ontario.

Sonia Khan

Piano an Voice Instructor

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This is Sonia Khan is a talented musician and teach piano and voice  lessons to students of different ages.

She's classically trained in voice and started playing piano at a young age. She pursued music throughout high school, earning an RAP certificate. Sonia achieved RCM 8 in piano, vocal, and music theory, and even won a gold medal in Ontario for RCM 8 voice!

She loves producing music on her spare time.

Candace Santos

Piano an Voice Instructor

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Candace  has been passionately teaching for 12 years and teaches students at any age. She graduated at York University in the Classical Voice program for her Specialized Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music. Candace  is also a musical director and choral conductor for a community choir called "Musika Children's Chorus" in Mississauga. Candace has also won numerous competitions, a few to mention includes; 2006 CNE Rising Star Junior Grand Champion and 2012 CNE Rising Star Youth Grand Champion. Candace also had the privilege to compete in Winnipeg; where she represented Ontario  and  won the 2012 National Grand Champion for the Canadian Youth Talent Competition. She is a multi-gold medalist for the World Championships of Performing Arts in 2009 at Los Angeles. Candace Santos was also honored to perform in 2013 at the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York. Candace aims to continue teaching and sharing this gift of music given by the Lord.

Ray Yiu

Drum Instructor

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Ray is a female drummer from Hong Kong and has been playing drums since 2015. Ray has acquired Grade 8 with Distinction at Rockschool Examination. She is now studying Professional Sound and Business at the Metalworks Institute in Mississauga. After being the drummer of the band “Chapter Hard” and “91.4Hz” in Hong Kong, Ray is now a drummer of Toronto-based shoegaze band Cotelé. 
Ray is the drummer influenced by rock and funk music. Her major music influences include Muse, Maroon 5, Green Day, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Wild Cherry, Tower of Power, The Clash… etc.
Ray enjoys teaching with tailor-made teaching methods and materials for different students.  is

Daneil Estupinan

Piano, Violin, Voice , Flute, Clarinet Teacher

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Daniel Estupinan was born in Mexico City and studied at the School of Fine Arts of Mexico, specializing as a pianist while also playing the violin and trumpet. With 20 years of experience as a professional musician and 15 years as a seasoned music teacher, Daniel has made 10 musical recordings and taught both private lessons and at the elementary school level. He served as the director of a marching band at a high school in the State of Mexico and was a member of the group Mítica, which won the National Contemporary Music Competition ECO in 2015. Daniel excels in creating curricula that prepare students for music examinations, leveraging his expertise to guide them toward excellence in performance and advance organizational goals. 

Deane Sequeira

Voice and Piano Teacher

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Deane Sequeira  is a talented rapper, singer, and songwriter. Awarded the title of the youngest female rapper from India, she began her music career at the age of 14, drawing significant influence from the rich musical heritage within her family. A former Sony Music artist, Deane graduated from Rockschool London with an impressive 98%. She has contributed her voice and lyrics to 10+ films and 30+ renowned advertising campaigns, including Jeep, Hyundai, and Netflix, among others. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Deane shares her expertise by teaching vocals and piano, offering personalized mentorship to aspiring musicians, while also collaborating with some of the most esteemed professionals in the industry.

Jason Fairhart

Drum Instructor

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As a teacher and musician Jason deeply enjoy sharing techniques and skills passed down to him from his teachers to his students.

Jason has a general curriculum/start for all students but he always tailor his lessons toward each students as he believes that everyone learns differently and at a different pace, as well teaching has helped him grow as a drummer over the years.Jason have been a teaching many students for quite a few years . 

He feel happy that he is able to pass the joy of drumming on to everyone who wants to learn.

Alison King

Piano and Voice Teacher 

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Alison King has been teaching music for over twelve years. She has a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick, where she majored in voice. Alison has been in choirs and shows through all of elementary school, and in her teens decided to take voice lessons. She began playing the piano at the age of six with her mother who was a piano teacher. In addition to learning music, she went to Cawthra Park Secondary School, which is an arts school, and studied Drama. Over the years, Alison has performed in many recitals, concerts, musicals and operas. She chose to be a teacher, because she enjoys helping young musicians to develop a love for music. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing and listening to lots of different genres of music.

Rick Zhang 

Piano Teacher

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Rick Zhang is an accomplished musician with a Level 10 RCM certification in piano, theory, and history. He began playing piano at the age of 5 and has since developed a deep passion for both learning and teaching music. As a piano teacher at CP School of Music and Arts, Rick enjoys sharing his love for music with his students. Beyond teaching, Rick is a performer and listener of both classical music and jazz, drawing inspiration from these genres in his playing. When he’s not immersed in music, Rick enjoys playing basketball, biking, strategizing over chess games, and doing math. 

Mark De La Cruz

Guitar and  Beginner Piano Teacher

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Mark de la Cruz is an accomplished guitarist with over 15 years of experience in performance and more than a decade of teaching expertise. Versatile in a wide array of musical styles, from classical to pop to rock, Mark has a deep passion for music education and performance. They have completed Grade 8 classical guitar and further honed their skills by studying music at York University. Whether on stage or in the classroom, Mark brings dedication and a wealth of knowledge to every musical endeavor.

Ethan Domingo

Guitar Teacher

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Ethan Domingo is a bassist and guitarist who has been playing music for the majority of his life. Specializing in jazz, blues, rock and pop, Ethan began studying music at Humber College in 2019 where he completed the Introduction to Jazz/Commercial Music certificate program with honours and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Having been fortunate enough to work with passionate music teachers growing up, Ethan has been instilled with a love for teaching which he now carries with him into every lesson. Over his career, he has worked with dozens of students of (nearly) all ages, tailoring lesson plans to help students achieve their goals. Although Ethan acknowledges the importance of discipline, rigid curriculum and mindful practice, he believes that these core components must be balanced with musical exploration, creative risk-taking and personal discovery to build confidence in students while helping them develop their own musical identity.
Aside from providing music lessons, Ethan also works with Humber College faculty as a teaching assistant for their Community Music School where learners (aged 3 to 17) rehearse and perform in ensembles.
When he’s not playing music, Ethan enjoys playing video games, spending time in nature and hanging out with his dog.

Alex Bhadria 

Piano and Drum Teacher 

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Alex Bhadra was born and raised in Ontario, and has been surrounded by music ever since they could reach the piano keyboard. Alex is studying to become a classically trained percussionist at the University of Toronto and complete their level 9 Harmony and piano exams at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Alex has been a piano and percussion mentor for the past three years, all while performing with the Mississauga Symphony Youth Orchestra and the UofT Wind Symphony. Alex spends their free time transcribing sheet music, watercolor painting, and making their own jewelry. 

Melina Motlagh

Piano Instructor 

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Music has been a meaningful part of Melina's life from a young age. She began playing piano at the age of 5 , and over the years, it has grown into a passion that continues to be an important part of who she is. Through recitals, performances, and years of playing, she has developed not only her musical skills but also a deep appreciation for the way music can bring joy, creativity, and expression into our lives. 

 

As a teacher, she believes that learning piano should be both enjoyable and rewarding. Her teaching style is encouraging, patient, and flexible, allowing her to adapt lessons to each student's interests, learning style, and individual goals. She wants her students to feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn while developing their confidence and musical abilities. Music is a gift, it can be the way we connect, find our voice, and express what words cannot. The journey of sharing that gift with every student is where the true magic begins.

Jose Arias 

Guitar, Piano, Drums Instructor 

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José Arias began his musical journey at the age of 13 and joined a youth orchestra at 15—an experience that inspired his passion for performance and continued musical growth. He later performed with one of the largest popular music orchestras in southern Peru.

José studied double bass at the Luis Duncker Lavalle Conservatory of Music in Arequipa. These experiences helped him develop a versatile foundation in classical, jazz, and popular music. Throughout his career, José has also served as a musical director for various ensembles and orchestras, strengthening his leadership and ensemble-coaching skills.

As a teacher at CP School, José creates engaging and supportive lessons that help students build confidence, develop strong musical skills, and enjoy the learning process. He believes the true value of knowledge lies not only in what we learn, but also in how we share it to inspire and support the growth of others. His goal is to help every student discover their musical potential and develop a lifelong love of music.

Nhi Nguyen

Art Teacher

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Nhi Nguyen is a Mississauga-based illustrator specialized in traditional illustration and sacred art, who is an award-winner of International Art & Design Competition 2022. Since 2023, she is a dediated art instructor for children and adolescences. Nhi has been assisting the youth achieving their artistic potentials and conveying their imagination through mix-media, in which her signature mediums are acrylic, gouache, pastel, ink, and collages.

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