About
Our School
Learn about our academy, and our amazing teachers.
"Nine tenths of education is encouragement."
- Anatole France
A musical outlet for children and adults in Windsor
When we opened our doors in 2021, our vision was to establish an elite music school in Windsor. We aimed to create a fun and welcoming environment for children and adults of all ages, where they could explore their passion for music in an exciting and engaging manner. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique learning needs of each individual student, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to fostering a vibrant community of musicians who inspire and support one another in their musical journeys.
Welcome
to our New Location!
3244 Walker Rd. Windsor ON.
We are very excited to announce that we have a brand new location right here in Windsor, Ontario!
Verellen Music Academy has been in business since the year 2020. Jacqui Verellen, the Academy Director and Co-Owner, is passionate about making music fun for her students and believes an interactive and engaging experience is more conducive to learning than a strict, one-size-fits-all approach. We are offering in person one on one lessons as well as fun group classes! Feel free to stop by at anytime, we would love to see you!
Meet Our Team
Jacqui Verellen
Founder, Co-Owner
Voice, Piano, ECE Music
Jacqueline Verellen is a music educator, vocalist, and songwriter with a passion for early childhood music education and interactive learning. Her background includes award-winning vocal performances, original music production in Nashville, and years of teaching experience working with hundreds of students in both private and early childhood music programs.
Jacqui holds an Honours Bachelor of Music and an Honours Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Western Ontario, along with an Honours Music Business Diploma from Humber College. She has also contributed to curriculum development for multiple music academies.
Jacqui and Joey work together to ensure Verellen Music Academy is a fun, welcoming, and high-quality environment where students can build confidence and a lifelong love of music.
Joey Tyler
Co-Owner
Voice, Guitar, Piano
Joey Tyler is a Canadian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He has toured nationally with the Live Different Tour and worked with leading Canadian managers, labels, and producers.​
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Joey graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto. His real-world industry experience helps students develop practical musical skills in an engaging and inspiring environment.​
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Outside of teaching, Joey helps oversee the operations behind Verellen Music Academy, helping create a high-quality experience for students and families through everything from advertising to day-to-day systems and studio operations.
Meet Our Teachers
Daniella
Piano, Theory
Daniella is a dedicated pianist currently working toward her Level 10 RCM Comprehensive Certification.
She recently earned Level 9 Piano with Distinction and First Class Honours in Level 10 Harmony.
With 10 years of performance experience, Daniella has showcased her talent at various ORMTA recitals and competed in the Windsor Kiwanis Music Festival.
In addition to her passion for piano, Daniella is a flutist in her school’s wind ensemble and is considering a future career in medicine or education.
Outside of music, she enjoys volunteering, playing piano, and spending quality time with family and friends.
At VMA, Daniella looks to inspire and support young musicians by creating engaging, joyful experiences that enhance their musical journeys.
Daniella cannot wait to meet you!
Jessica
Voice, Piano, Guitar
Jessica is an experienced vocal instructor with a rich background in classical and contemporary music. With a Master of Music in Voice Performance and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, Jessica blends her expertise in vocal technique with a passion for teaching students of all ages and abilities. Her extensive training and experience allow her to guide students in developing healthy vocal habits, preparing for auditions and recitals, and mastering a range of musical styles. Jessica's teaching experience spans over 10 years.
A performer at heart, Jessica has appeared in numerous opera productions both in the U.S. and Canada. Her performances range from lead roles in Michigan Opera Theatre productions to outreach engagements in schools.
Karina
Voice, Piano, Guitar
Karina is an inspired and dedicated player of piano and guitar. She has been playing piano for over 15 years, starting when she was just four years old. Karina has had the opportunity to play in cities such as New York City, NY and Chicago, IL and was an active member of her high school music program growing up. Although currently pursuing an Honours in Biochemistry, Karina
continues to practice her passion for the arts as a musician, writer, and educator! Karina hopes to bring the joy music gives her by sharing it with the world, and is excited to help kids feel the life that music can bring.
Liah
Piano, Voice
Liah is a passionate musician and dedicated educator currently pursuing a degree in Concurrent French and Music Education at the University of Windsor.
With a strong background in both performance and pedagogy, Liah combines technical expertise and creative expression to inspire a love for music in her students.
Her academic journey has included extensive studies in music theory and practice, allowing her to integrate the arts into innovative and engaging teaching methods. Liah’s versatility as a performer across various genres and instruments enhances her ability to connect with students in diverse musical settings.
Liah has spent time in elementary classrooms and applies these skills to her teaching methods at VMA.
Liah's mission is to inspire, educate, and make music accessible to all.
Mark
Voice, Guitar, Piano, Drums
Mark is a local singer-songwriter and has sang on world stages such as Downtown Disney and Carnegie hall!
Mark specializes in vocals, guitar, piano and drums and has has trained under classical and Broadway-style voice teachers. Mark celebrates the ability to enhance the lives of his students through musical experimentation and learning, as well as building their confidence in their own expression.
Mark gigs locally as a singer-songwriter and brings these performance experiences into his teaching.
Mark also sings in the WSO choir and is currently at work on a concept album. He hopes to make
his musical ambition contagious for his students and help them take their next big creative risk!
Felicia
Piano
Felicia is a university-trained vocalist with experience in musical theatre, pop, and opera. She also teaches violin and piano, and has a true passion for working with young children. Felicia leads all of our Toddler Tunes and Music Munchkins classes, where her warm, calm, and encouraging teaching style helps students feel comfortable, confident, and excited to learn music from the very beginning.
Silas
Guitar, Piano, Drums
Silas is a classically trained guitarist who graduated with Honours from Mohawk College's music program. Silas studied under famous guitar players such as Emma Rush, Tim Phelan, and Jeffery McFadden.
Trained in guitar, piano and drums, Silas has his first encounter with the guitar in high school and that is when he really fell in love.
All throughout high school, Silas studied the guitar and with each year he was reassured that this is what his calling was.
Silas regularily performs in the Windsor community for weddings and events, and he brings this expertise to his lessons with young students. Silas loves to inspire and teach. He hopes to pass on to the next generation, just how beautiful music can be.
Tatiana
Voice, Piano
Tatiana is a dedicated and passionate music educator with a strong background in working with children and in performance.
Tatiana’s love for music began at a young age, when she began playing both violin and singing.
Tatiana achieved significant recognition from a young age, including being named Top Vocalist at the Kiwanis Music Festival in both 2023 and 2024, as well as being a Provincial vocal finalist.
Tatiana loves to volunteer, having raised over $3,000 for heart and stroke research and having been actively involved in teaching assistance at Lakeview Montessori since 2021. Tatiana has worked extensively with diverse individuals, including those with special needs.​
Fluent in English and proficient in French, Tatiana is excited to inspire and teach students, combining her academic knowledge and musical talent to create positive, engaging learning experiences.
Irene
Violin
Irene is a passionate violinist who loves helping others discover the joy of music. With 14 years of experience, she has earned her RCM Level 8 in both violin and theory, and performs regularly with the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Her teaching style is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each student’s pace and personality. Whether working with beginners or exam students, Irene focuses on building strong foundations while making lessons both challenging and enjoyable.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys rehearsing, listening to classical music, and exploring new string techniques. Irene is excited to guide students on their musical journey.
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