Teachers
Dr. Shelley Marwood (DMA, ARCT) has been the director of Cascadia Music Studio since 2018. She is a Canadian composer, pianist, and educator currently based in Toronto. She has been teaching piano, composition, and theory for over 20 years, through private lessons and as a teaching assistant at the Universities of Windsor, Calgary, and Toronto. In 2004 she received her Bachelor of Music in piano from the University of Windsor, where she studied with David Palmer; that same year she also completed her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Shelley is also an active composer, with performances across North America and in Europe. She holds a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Calgary, and received the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Toronto. Before assuming leadership of Cascadia Music Studio, Shelley taught piano and composition both privately and with Bloor West Music Studio, where her students spanned a range of ages from 3 to 70.
At Cascadia Music Studio, we strive to create an environment that demonstrates fun, patience, and encouragement for the students, while also instilling the importance of developing proper technique and practice habits.
Shelley teachers piano, theory, and composition from Monday to Friday; her 2024-25 schedule is currently full. Please contact the studio if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.
Shelley is also an active composer, with performances across North America and in Europe. She holds a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Calgary, and received the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Toronto. Before assuming leadership of Cascadia Music Studio, Shelley taught piano and composition both privately and with Bloor West Music Studio, where her students spanned a range of ages from 3 to 70.
At Cascadia Music Studio, we strive to create an environment that demonstrates fun, patience, and encouragement for the students, while also instilling the importance of developing proper technique and practice habits.
Shelley teachers piano, theory, and composition from Monday to Friday; her 2024-25 schedule is currently full. Please contact the studio if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.
Suu Taylor (B.Mus) began her musical journey taking piano lessons at the age of six. She continued to study piano through high school, earning First Class Honours with Distinction in her Gr. 8 RCM. Then she decided it was time to get serious. She continued to develop her piano skills at the University of Windsor, where she earned an Honours degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. Suu pursued her passion to perform, continuing her studies after graduating. Suu has performed around the Windsor and the GTA with ensembles and opera companies, including Opera York, Opera Mississauga and Opera Atelier.
Suu began teaching over 30 years ago, and quickly discovered that she loves to teach as much as she loves to perform. Suu teaches voice and piano to students of all ages and levels using classical, contemporary, and musical theatre repertoire. She loves to challenge students to strive for excellence, teaching strong musical technique, effective practise habits, and music that excites and inspires. Learning music is about so much more than just the music - it develops the whole person. Students in Suu's studio learn to work independently, use learning techniques that apply to any life skill, set and meet goals, and perform with confidence. Humour and respect are used in equal measure.
Many of Suu's students have won at local festivals and Provincial competitions. Some have gone on to study classical voice and musical theatre. Students are encouraged to perform in seasonal studio recitals and local Music Festivals. Preparation for RCM exams and auditions is available.
Suu firmly believes that everyone can sing, and she loves to help students unlock and develop their voice.
Suu teaches voice and piano on Saturdays; her 2024-25 schedule is currently full. Please contact the studio if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.
