Welcome to the Michael Johnston Music Studio!

Offering piano, guitar, accordion, vocal, songwriting and theory lessons and recording in Roncesvalles Village. 

That's me on your left, Michael Johnston.  I teach piano, accordion, vocal, songwriting, theory and recording.

On your right is the fabulous Lori Cullen.  Lori teaches guitar, vocal, songwriting, arranging and recording. 

We love being musicians!  Our goal at the studio is to encourage each and every student in a creative, fun and non-intimidating environment. Our belief is that while technique is important, learning to play from the heart makes for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.

More specifically, we believe in experiential learning:  creating a 'living textbook' for students based on positive connections to music and music-making at our studio. 

It is an absolute joy to work with students dedicated to learning the piano and accordion.  I have over 15 years of teaching experience, and have discovered many styles of music I like to teach - pop, blues, folk traditions, classical, jazz and rock.  My youngest student is 5 (I typically suggest starting at age 6 or 7); my older students are often busy professionals, interested in having a deeper connection to music making. 

I also work with aspiring and accomplished singer-songwriters.  I can collaborate, offer resources, career guidance, produce demos (in my music studio) as well as full-length recordings. 

In 2009, Michael Johnston Music Studio was proud to welcome Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Lori Cullen as our 2nd teacher at the studio.  We are thrilled to have such an engaging, talented and inspiring person in our midst!  With several years of teaching experience, Lori also brings to our studio an interest in technology (using her laptop to do recordings with students), songwriting, a fluency in many styles of guitar playing, and an enthusiasm for helping vocal students connect with their voices.

Lori has released 5 albums, one of which, "Calling For Rain", was a Juno nominee for best vocal jazz album in 2006. She has performed at folk festivals, jazz clubs and coffeehouses across Canada and South Korea. She has also won the Colleen Peterson songwriting award from the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals.

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"Michael's approach is active, engaged and intuitive - he cuts right to the chase so you'll be creating the music you want faster than you expected."

- Philly Markowtiz

"Lessons with Michael far exceeded my expectations. His gift of fusing the rudiments of musical theory with joy and spontenaety is refreshing. Every session was a musical retreat amidst my hectic urban schudule, as I always walked out of each lesson tapping my hand whistling a new tune. Above all, Michael takes a learner-centered approach and works to build on your existing musical interests and talents. He gets excited with his students through a supportive, energetic and focused style. His love of music, in all its forms, has inspired me to continue the lifelong joy of the accordion."

- Tom Robson, student

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Studio update: 

3rd annual Michael Johnston Music Studio Recital:  Saturday, April 10, 2010 @ Hugh's Room

Please contact mj@michaeljohnston.ca for more information.