Our Team
Katie Smith - Co-Director, Instructor: Voice
Katie has been teaching music for over 25 years and has a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music where she studied vocal pedagogy, stage performance, traditional and jazz harmony, musical theatre, and songwriting. She also studied voice and piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music. Katie frequently performs as a Jazz act or singer-songwriter, solo and with multiple bands across eastern Ontario.
Keegan Larose - Co-Director, Instructor: Guitar, Ukulele, Bass
Keegan has been teaching music since 2019, and received an advanced diploma in applied music from Mohawk College, where he studied Jazz and Contemporary guitar, Jazz harmony, songwriting, and composing for film and media. He's shared both the stage and the classroom with some of Ontario's top musicians and instructors. Keegan frequently performs throughout Ontario solo, as a singer-songwriter and as a guitarist, and with a number of bands.
KayCie Gravelle - Administrative Assistant
KayCie has been a concert-goer since she accompanied her Mom to a Doobie Brothers concert while still in the womb! Since then, she’s followed her love for music and the arts to Algonquin College where she obtained a certificate in Music Industry Arts and a Diploma in Journalism. KayCie enjoys discovering new artists and sharing their stories with others. During the summer, you can spot her at various outdoor events, accompanied by her camera and her adorable sausage dog, Coco—don’t hesitate to say hello!
Kayla Froats - Instructor: Children’s Classes, Piano, Voice
Kayla has been teaching music for over 6 years, and she has a Bachelor of Music from Queen’s University. Specializing in music education and music theory, Kayla found a passion for teaching: young children, behavioural and/or special needs, and ensembles. Growing up, Kayla pursued studies in piano, guitar, vocals and alto saxophone; additionally, she achieved her Level 9 Piano Certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music. Kayla has put her focus into developing and researching creative teaching methods based off of the Kodaly and Dalcroze teaching practice, with private and group music lessons, to create a modern, safe, engaging, yet informational environment for students to learn in.
Robert Lemieux - Instructor: Piano
Robert's passion for piano started around age 13 when a family friend stored their piano in his basement. He progressed rapidly and then studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Later, he moved to Victoria, BC, where he studied with jazz pianist George Essihos. Robert's return to his hometown and a chance encounter led to his first teaching position, where he shared his passion for music with many students, some of whom now play professionally. Driven by a desire for deeper knowledge, Robert continued his jazz studies with the esteemed pianist Art Roberts in Montreal. After his time at Vanier College, he became deeply involved in Montreal's vibrant Latin music scene and toured Canada with Orchestra Pambiche. Robert is eager to share his experience with aspiring musicians at the Seaway Valley Music Academy.
Luc Vaillancourt - Instructor: Woodwinds
Luc is a committed and passionate musician and educator based in Cornwall, Ontario. Hailing from Fredericton, New Brunswick, he completed his Bachelor’s at Mount Allison University, studying Clarinet, Saxophone, Instrumental Pedagogy, Composition, and Music Theory. Luc then completed his Master’s in Clarinet Performance and Literature at Western University. Outside of woodwinds, Luc also enjoys drumming, and has performed in pit bands for dozens of musicals across Canada, including Avenue Q, Sweeney Todd, and Mary Poppins.
Xandra Furo - Instructor: Piano
Xandra is a dedicated piano teacher, and classical pianist who brings over 18 years of playing experience to her students. Having grown up in multiple countries, Xandra has experience in various musical curriculums, both RCM and ABRSM. Xandra has taught students of all ages, from young beginners discovering their first notes to advanced players preparing for exams and recitals. Her teaching emphasizes not only solid technique and musicianship, but also creativity and a genuine connection to the music. A passionate musician herself, Xandra strives to pass on that same joy of musical expression to her students. Xandra can teach in both English and French. Outside of piano, Xandra enjoys spending time with her family, reading and going for runs.
Jason Mitchell - Instructor: Drums, Brass, Voice, Piano
Jason Mitchell is a professional working musician and educator joining Seaway Valley Music Academy with extensive stage, studio, and teaching experience. He has performed over 1,000 live shows across more than three decades as a headliner and direct support act throughout Ontario, Québec, Western Canada, and the United States. Jason has been teaching for over a decade, specializing in drums, piano, voice, and brass. He also served as Percussion Instructor for the RCSCC 110 Stormont Band and at the HMCS Ontario Cadet Training Centre, CFB Kingston.
Beyond the classroom, Jason has worked in festival and event management, supporting international recording artists including Dean Brody, Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea, Kim Mitchell, April Wine, The Glorious Sons, and Lou Gramm (Foreigner). He earned a Canadian Gold Album for his work on the Ontario Special Olympics CD Folks Like Us, alongside country legends Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Prophet, and Chet Atkins.