Our people are among the most talented in the industry. It would be our pleasure to put our extensive experience to work for you.

 

 Darren Raymond (Guitar)

 

 

     Darren Eedens started his journey in music at the age of 11. After begging his parents, like any 11 year old does, he received an old beat up acoustic guitar, a song book, and a deal. If he taught himself from that book and stuck to it, he would be allowed to take real lessons.

 

Fast-Forwarda few years, through the help of some great teachers Darren was excelling in a variety of genres. Learning everything from blues, rock, jazz and modern pop, he eventually found himself being drawn to classical and fingerstyle. Every week he would impress his teachers with his sheer devotion and fast intricate playing styles. It was at this time he continued to learn theory, and would compete and win Kiwanis festivals for entry level classical. The diversity never stopped, Darren would constantly be challenging himself to new music styles, learning how to play by ear and improvise along with almostanything.

 

Excelling in his high school music classes, Darren started to perform in many bands and musical projects. He would eventually be asked to teach for the very school in which he had been learning, and would do so for two years.After high school, Darren would use his talents and his playing abilities to pick up other instruments and begin songwriting. He moved to London, Ontario to attend Fanshawe College, where he learned about music business, production, theory and engineering. He earned a Diploma in Music Industry Arts, with that many doors started opening. He would begin playing in recording studios, having to learn music on the spot.

 

Asa singer/songwriter Darrens solo music career would take him around Canada, and through Europe. He would go on to share the stage with Juno Nominated musicians, perform in their bands, as well as the bands of many others. He would have his music played on CBC, and a variety of college and university radio stations. He would be noticed for his guitar playing abilities, and would be asked to play for other acts. Darren would also work at a camp, teaching English and Music to exchange students living in Canada. Teaching these students in a fun group setting, helping them creating bands, write songs, and learn a variety of instruments.

 

He has continually been using music as a learning experience, for himself and passing it on to others who want to learn acoustic, electric or bass. New to Toronto, and with a few years of teaching experience under his belt, Darren is happy to be apart of Featherstone Music. He has the ability to make guitar fun and interactive, not only teaching a hit off the radio, Darren helps make the music belong to the student. Incorporating the lessons into the songs the students wish to learn. Darren can teach from the book, or teach based off music the students bring in, all the while teaching the fundamental chords and scales to make sense of the music and help the kids create their own.

 

Havingtaught up to 40 individual students at a time, ranging in age from 4-65, Darren created 40 unique and fun lessons. No matter how old you are, getting to use the scales and chords you have learned to create your own music and “jam” is rewarding for all students and parents; and truly what making music is all about.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Stephenie graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree, specializing in Music Education from Queen’s University in 2009. Her teaching experiences there led her to complete a Bachelor of Education degree at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS where she completed her teaching practicum in general music and elementary classrooms in Halifax, NS. Having recently moved to Toronto she now enjoys teaching music in a variety of settings including large group ukulele classes with elementary students and private piano and theory lessons.

Stephenie has taught in a variety of styles including RCM, pop and jazz as well as composition and improvisation techniques. She has much experience with lesson planning and adapting lessons to suit the needs and learning styles of all her students, including both students who are gifted and with special needs. Her lessons are motivating, always fresh with new activities and individualized to students' musical goals. Stephenie always strives to create an encouraging and open learning environment where students can play and learn at their best.