MEET YOUR MENTORS
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MENTOR (HE/HIM/HIS)
Guitar/Bass/Ukulele
Shane is a guitarist and singer/songwriter who intertwines his views on life with singable melodies, easy-listening jazz harmonies, and a throwback writing style. As a graduate of the Vancouver Community College music diploma program, his own music clearly showcases his love for rock, blues, jazz, and folk music. Shane picked up the guitar at 13 and fell in love with Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, occasionally playing upwards of ten hours in a single day.
Growing up and residing in British Columbia, Shane is quickly emerging in the local Vancouver music scene. In 2025, he performed with the Shane Terry Band at both the Vancouver Khatsahlano Street Party and the Ladner Barnside Harvest Festival. Along with fronting his own band, Shane is comfortable performing guitar or bass for other artists of varying genres. He was also nominated for the 2025 Fraser Valley Music Awards “Pop Artist of the Year.”
In 2026, Shane released his debut EP, “So What Next?” and continues to write and collaborate with other musicians and creatives. He hopes to inspire others in the community just as his favourite musicians and music inspired him, believing that learning music should be fun and rewarding.
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MENTOR (SHE/HER/HERS)
Voice/Piano/Songwriting
Rebecca’s musical journey began at a young age, growing up in a richly creative family where music was a natural part of life. She fell in love with singing at just five years old, and by eight, she had recorded her first EP. At nine, she was already shooting music videos in LA, and by twelve, she was passionately writing her own songs.
With formal training in Royal Conservatory piano and years of vocal coaching, Rebecca has built a strong foundation for her singer-songwriter career. Her love for creative expression led her to explore vocal jazz, musical theatre, acting, and dance—each experience shaping her as an artist and performer. Now a touring and recording artist, Rebecca has played hundreds of shows across North America, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and dynamic performances.
With over a decade of experience working with children, she brings warmth, encouragement, and creativity to every lesson. Specializing in R&B and pop vocals, she has been teaching for four years, helping students develop their technique, confidence, and unique artistic expression. She is passionate about making music fun, inspiring, and accessible, guiding her students to discover their voices and experience the magic of music.
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MENTOR (HE/HIM/HIS)
Piano/Drums/Recording & Production
Elias is a passionate musician, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who loves sharing the joy of music with students of all ages. Originally from Calgary, Elias grew up in a musical family and started piano at just five years old. From the very beginning, he found excitement not only in learning but also in performing and creating.
As he grew, Elias immersed himself in music—playing piano and drums in church, joining city marching bands, and performing with jazz groups throughout high school. Along the way, he achieved his RCM Level 9 in classical piano, before branching out into jazz piano, guitar, bass, and vocals. This wide-ranging background allows Elias to connect with students across many instruments and styles.
In 2019, Elias moved to Vancouver to pursue music full-time, completing a diploma in Audio Engineering & Studio Production at the Nimbus School of Recording. Today, he works as both a performer and producer while dedicating himself to teaching.Elias believes learning music should be fun, creative, and confidence-building. He brings patience, encouragement, and a deep love of music to every lesson—helping students not just develop strong skills, but also discover their own voice as musicians.
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OWNER (He/Him/His)
Songwriting/Bass/Guitar/Piano/Voice/Ukulele
(Not currently accepting new students)
Nicholas is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer hailing from New Zealand and South Africa. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition and Arranging as well Jazz Performance from Canterbury University. He has had the opportunity to study and work with amazing mentors and musicians like Tom Rainey, Michael Story, Darren Pickering, David Berkman, Dave Dobbyn, Delaney Davidson, Nadia Reid, Pat Pattison, and Richie Pickard.He has performed as a touring musician, a busker, in musical theater pits, and as session musician in recording studios.
Nicholas has made a career in music by being in love with the idea of songwriting and composition. He flourishes in moments where he can write and be creative or assist in other people's writing. His writing credits cover a broad range of musical styles as well as other mediums such as dance and visual media.
As a teacher, Nicholas has had 15 years worth of teaching experience with people of all skill levels and ages. His students have gone on to win awards, record their own original music, and become professional musicians. He has taught people from all walks of life, from at-risk youth to the children of A-list celebrities. Along the way, these experiences have refined his teaching to a relaxed, yet practical approach that centers the students own personal taste and experience, while creating a fun learning environment. Over the years this collected wisdom has now evolved into Solar Music Academy's value of "Joy and Community Through Music"