Our Team
Katie Smith - Co-Director, Instructor
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
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
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
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.