About
Our School
Learn about our academy, and our amazing teachers.
"Nine tenths of education is encouragement."
- Anatole France
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
Academy Director & Co-Owner
Jacqueline embodies the essence of a multifaceted artist and educator. Her original music has earned prestigious recognition in the International Songwriting Competition and enjoyed airplay on National Radio stations.
Starting her musical journey at the age of four, Jacqueline's passion for music blossomed through participation in plays, talent shows, and choirs throughout her formative years. Her academic pursuits led her to graduate with distinction from the University of Western Ontario, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Music in Opera, complemented by a Psychology Degree from the University of Windsor. Subsequently, she obtained an Honours Diploma in Music Business.
Upon graduation, Jacqueline's desire to cultivate her artistic and teaching endeavors led her to Toronto. There, she passionately taught over 300 young students in Early Childhood Music Programs, while also contributing to curriculum design for various academies in the Toronto area. Her creative journey also took her to Nashville, where she had the privilege of producing original music.
Motivated by a longing to establish roots closer to home, Jacqueline, supported by loved ones, embarked on a new venture: founding Verellen Music Academy in Windsor. Initially launched as an online platform during the pandemic. Jacqueline's passion for music education led her and her husband, Joey, to expand the academy into a physical space. Through their collaborative efforts and dedication, they transformed the academy into a vibrant hub of musical learning and joy.
Jacqueline's philosophy centers on the belief that children thrive best in music education through interactive methods. Her commitment to offering the finest early childhood classes in Windsor underscores her dedication to nurturing young talents and fostering a love for music from a tender age.
Joey Tyler
Academy Director & Co-Owner
Joey Tyler is a Canadian Singer-Songwriter, whose music has landed top 40 radio. Joey has toured nationally twice, and has worked with top managers, labels and producers in the Canadian music industry.
Joey specializes in vocals, guitar, music industry mentorship and music production. Having graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music. Joey currently works with record labels out of Toronto and feels this adds to his ability to create an immersive musical experience for his students, while teaching real-life musical skills. Recently, Joey produced a full-length originally written song for a student here at VMA, and he is known for helping students build the start of their musical careers.
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Joey also manages the logistics behind Verellen Music Academy. Family and student experience is the top priority, Joey makes sure that everything is running smoothly and that all are having fun!
Meaghan
Administrator
Meaghan is the first smiling face you will see when you enter VMA studios! Her radiating positive energy is contagious, and she is in charge of making all who come to VMA, feel at ease.
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Meaghan is currently working on a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, and applies her skillset to the interactions she makes with every student and family member. On occasion, Meaghan steps into our Music Munchkin's classes to facilitate one-on-one learning with students with special needs.
Meaghan manages all of the VMA family and student experiences here at Verellen Music Academy. She handles all student accounts, phone calls and inquiries. Come say hi to Meaghan at our front desk, she is sure to make you smile!
Meet Our Teachers
Nadia
Voice, Piano and Theory
Trained as a classical vocalist and multi-instrumental musician, Nadia is currently a Dramatic Arts student at the University of Windsor. Last year Nadia completed her Level 8 Conservatory Canada idioms exam and was awarded the Medal for Excellence for achieving the highest score in her category.
As a singer, Nadia has had the opportunity to create many different kinds of music. Some of her favourite styles are musical theatre, pop, rock, and folk! Music has always been a special part of Nadia’s life, and she is passionate about helping others find joy through song.
Silas
Piano, Guitar, Drums
Silas Tracey is a classically trained guitarist who graduated from Mohawk College music program in Hamilton Ontario. 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.
While studying in Hamilton, Silas learned from famous guitar players such as Emma Rush, Tim Phelan, and Jeffery McFadden. Silas graduated from Mohawk with honors in 2019. Now he brings his talents to Verellen where he hopes to inspire and teach a new generation just how beautiful music can be.
Martin
Drums, Guitar, Piano, Music Theory
Martin has been playing professionally for more than 13 years and has several years of live show experience within the music community here in Windsor. Martin is currently studying a Bachelor's in Music Performance, and is in his final year of studies.
Along with having a formal music background, Martin is involved in multiple rock bands in the community, including "Part of the Plan" and "Freedom in Exile." Martin regularly records in studio, and this experience allows him to teach his students practical skills needed for both on-stage and in-studio performance.
Ricardo
Piano, Music Theory
Ricardo is a level 9 RCM pianist currently studying to complete his ARCT certification. He has 13 years of piano experience and he loves to share his knowledge and teach!
He is currently studying Computer Science and Business at the University of Windsor. Ricardo has been involved with extensive volunteer work helping children and teachers, for that reason, teaching comes naturally.
Through his many years of learning and performing, Ricardo is excited to share his talents with his students !
Mark
Voice, Guitar, Rockband
Mark is a local singer-songwriter and has sang on world stages such as Downtown Disney and Carnegie hall!
Mark specializes in vocals and guitar, and has has trained under classical and Broadway-tyle 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 and sings in the WSO choir and is currently at work on a concept album about his life. He hopes to make his musical ambition contagious for his students and help them take their next big creative risk!
Rita
Voice, Violin, Ukulele
Rita is from Calgary Alberta, she is a lifelong musician. She has attained her grade 9 Royal Conservatory violin, and she sings and plays the ukulele.
Rita is studying environmental science at the University of Windsor. Since Rita was a young child she had a passion for music. Rita started playing the violin in the beginning of high school since then she has been in love.
Rita has been singing since the 2nd grade starting with a school choir and then continuing on playing for her church in Calgary and her current church in Windsor.