Meet Our Teachers
Passionate educators dedicated to nurturing musical and artistic talent at every stage of the journey.
Emilie
Arts Teacher
Emilie is an artist and dedicated art instructor with a passion for helping others discover and develop their creative voice. With a degree in Graphic Design and a life long passion for traditional art mediums, she brings both technical expertise and a thoughtful, student-centered approach to teaching. Her artistic work explores themes of storytelling, diversity, and photo realism, often working in graphite, acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media. As an instructor Emilie has taught students of all ages and skill levels, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where creativity can thrive. With a focus on building foundational skills while encouraging experimentation, confidence, and individual style, Emilie's teaching philosophy emphasizes that art is not just about technique, but about curiosity and self-expression.
Fatima Zishan
Arts Instructor
Fatima Zishan is a passionate art educator and practicing artist with over three years of experience teaching diverse age groups. Currently based in St. John's, NL, with a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University, she blends creative mastery with strong professional leadership. With a specialization in a wide range of media including painting & sketching (acrylics, oil pastels, pencil portraiture, botanical illustration), technical skills (advanced shading, light rendering, 3D structural modeling), and step-by-step age-appropriate instruction that builds student confidence. Her own creative practice spans portraiture, botanical studies, and mixed media work, giving her a rich studio practice to draw from in the classroom. Committed to creating inclusive, encouraging environments where art is accessible and enjoyable for every student.
Bruce Smith
Guitar & Drums Instructor
Bruce Smith is a multi-instrumentalist based in St. John's, NL, performing regularly on guitar, piano, and drums. He collaborates with musicians at venues including the Newfoundland Distillery, Trinity Hall Winterton, and the Sheila NaGeira Theatre. Bruce values music for its ability to build community, reflected in his participation in local benefit concerts and church fundraisers. He co-founded Refuge, a youth band at St. Matthew's Church, Bay Roberts. Music has been central to Bruce's life from an early age — piano lessons at six, vocal technique studies, and classical guitar as his artistic home. He has performed at the XXII Newfoundland Gala, the President's 50th Golden Celebration at MUN, and the 2024 NL Summer Games. In February 2026, he performed at the Guitar Alla Grande Festival in Ottawa. Bruce has received numerous awards including First Runner Up at the St. John's Kiwanis Festival, Dermot O'Reilly Legacy Award (2025), Concert Crowd 50th Anniversary Award (2024), Dame Vera Lynn Scholarship (2025), and Fry Family Foundation Dean's Leadership Award in Music (2022). He has completed multiple RCM levels in piano, voice, theory, and classical guitar, earning two RCM gold medals. Currently a fourth-year student at MUN School of Music majoring in Comprehensive Music Education.
Paul Martin Malicdem
Piano Instructor
Paul Martin Malicdem is a pianist and music researcher from the Philippines. He graduated from the University of the Philippines in 2024 with a Bachelor of Music in Musicology (magna cum laude) and a minor in Piano. Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Ethnomusicology at Memorial University, his research interests include decolonization in music education, Indigenous memory, and contemporary styles like hip-hop and pop. From 2016 to 2024, he performed regularly across the Greater Manila Area as a member of indie band Serotonin. As an ethnomusicologist and educator, Paul embraces an inclusive, eclectic approach to music-making and pedagogy. Drawing on his experience as both a keyboardist and classical pianist, he integrates theory, technique, and creative exploration to foster a learning environment that supports each student's potential.