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 is a dedicated educator with a deep understanding of both music and teaching.
Jacqueline's passion for music grew through performances in plays, choirs and through weekly music lessons. She was awarded the Kiwanis Bowl for overall vocals as well as awarded overall singer and actress and the national CMTC competition.
Jacqui holds an Honours Bachelor of Music in Opera from the University of Western Ontario, along with a Psychology degree from the University of Windsor and an Honours Diploma in Music Business.
Jacqueline taught over 300 young students in Early Childhood Music Programs in Toronto and contributed to curriculum design for local academies. She also honed her craft by producing original music in Nashville. Her original compositions have received prestigious recognition as top 15 the International Songwriting Competition and aired on national radio stations.
After moving back home, Jacqueline founded Verellen Music Academy in Windsor, initially as an online platform. Jacqui and her husband Joey decided to partner and opened a physical space for the academy so that students could have a bright, playful space where they could enjoy in-person lessons and continue to grow in their music education.
Jacqueline's teaching philosophy emphasizes interactive methods to help children thrive, with a strong commitment to providing the finest early childhood music education in Windsor and nurturing a lifelong love of music.
Joey Tyler
Co-Owner
Voice, Guitar, Piano
Joey Tyler is a Canadian Singer-Songwriter, guitarist and producer, whose music has landed top 40 radio.
Joey has toured nationally twice as part of the Live Different Tour and has worked with top managers, labels and producers in the Canadian music industry.
Joey specializes in voice, guitar, music industry mentorship and music production. Joey graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music and continues to work with record labels out of Toronto.
Joey feels that this practical experience, adds to his ability to create an immersive musical experience for his students, while teaching them real-life musical skills.
Recently, Joey produced a full-length originally written song for a student here at VMA.​
Joey is very passionate about music education and passing on his love of music. When he isn't teaching, his primary focus is to manage the logistics behind Verellen Music Academy and to ensure that students and families experiences at VMA, are of quality.
From sound and lighting to advertising, Joey ensures that everything is running smoothly and that all are having fun!
Karlee
Administrator
Karlee is the first smiling face you will see when you enter VMA studios! Karlee's positive energy allows students and families alike, to feel at home at VMA.
Karlee is in charge of making all who come to VMA, feel at ease. From managing client inquiries, to connecting students to with the perfect teacher, Karlee does it all!
Karlee hopes to pursue studies in Education in the future, and applies her natural gifts to each interaction she has with every student and family member.
Karlee has the cutest dog and kittens, and if you'd like to see a photo, you are welcome to visit the front desk photo board!
Karlee manages all of the VMA family and student experiences here at Verellen Music Academy with patience and love. She handles student accounts, phone calls and inquiries, so don't be afraid to visit the front desk and say hi to Karlee!
She is sure to make you smile!
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!
Emerson
Voice, Piano
Emerson is a talented music educator and performer with a strong background in musical theatre and vocal performance.
Currently studying Music Theatre Performance at St. Clair College, Emerson is a mezzo-soprano with experience in numerous productions, including "Into the Woods", "The Prom", and "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".
In addition to her vocal skills, Emerson is proficient in music theory, piano, and songwriting, and is bilingual in French and English.
Emerson is also a singer-songwriter, with music available on Spotify and various streaming platforms.
Emerson's background includes teaching young students not only music, but acting, art, and film skills.
Emerson fosters creativity and confidence in her students. Emerson hopes to inspire and guide students in their musical journey!
Jessica
Piano, Violin
Jessica Xing is a pianist, violinist and a passionate music educator!
Currently studying Level 10 RCM piano and Level 9 harmony, Jessica has tremendous practical experience to give to her piano students.
Jessica is also a passionate violinist and loves passing this gift on to students as well.
As a member of the Windsor Youth Symphony Orchestra, Jessica brings valuable performance experience to her teaching.
With a strong foundation in piano, violin, and music theory, Jessica creates a positive, supportive environment where students can thrive. She is committed to helping students balance music, academics, and personal growth, and is dedicated to inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Jessica is excited to teach you!
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Jessica
Voice, Piano, Guitar
Jessica Pistor 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.
Liah
Piano, Voice
Liah Howard 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!
Martin
Drums, Guitar, Piano, Bass
Martin has been playing professional drums for more than 13 years and has several years of live show experience within the music community here in Windsor. Martin graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance, and his balance of understanding both the classical and rock world of drumming, shows in every lesson.
In addition to his drumming skills, Martin is a fantastic guitarist, bassist and piano player.
Martin is involved in multiple rock bands in the community, including "Part of the Plan" and "Freedom in Exile." His performance experiences are applied to every lesson with his students.
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
Ricardo is a level 9 RCM pianist currently studying to complete his ARCT certification.
Ricardo has 13 years of piano experience and he loves to share his knowledge and teach!
Ricardo's technical abilities and understanding of his instrument make him a fantastic instructor. Ricardo is also known to be a very bubbly, lively teacher, and this allows his students to connect to him.
Ricardo is currently studying Computer Science and Business at the University of Windsor.
In the past, Ricardo has been involved with extensive volunteer work helping children and teachers, for that reason, teaching comes naturally.
Additionally, you may see Ricardo volunteering to do lights and sound work at our annual recitals. Through his many years of learning and performing, Ricardo is excited to continue to share his talents with his students !
Rita
Violin, Ukulele, Piano, Voice
Rita is a violinist, ukuleleist, singer and pianist and is a lifelong musician. She has attained her grade 9 Royal Conservatory certification in violin, and she sings and plays the ukulele.
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. She understands her students budding passion and works hard to inspire them to grow.
Rita has been singing since the 2nd grade, beginning with a school choir and then continuing to play and sing at church.
Rita graduated with a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Windsor.
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Silas
Guitar, Piano, Drums
Silas Tracey 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.
Stephanie
Voice, Toddler Tunes, Music Munchkins, Guitar, Piano
Stephanie is a vocalist, guitarist, pianist and actress, who loves to teach!
Currently studying Drama in Education at the University of Windsor, Stephanie combines her educational experience and years of singing experience, to help inspire and nurture young artists.
Stephanie has had a passion for music and for the arts from a very young age.
Stephanie became involved in musical theatre as a teenager, with her most notable onstage roles including Enid Hoopes in "Legally Blonde" and the Stepmother in "Into the Woods".
She is so excited to continue to share her love for singing with emerging performers at Verellen and looks forward to guiding her students on their musical journeys.
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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.
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