Our Team

Amanda Allikmaa

Multi-instrumentalist, introductory instructor

Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Harmonium, Drums

Amanda’s musical journey began at an early age when a light-up keyboard sparked her passion, allowing her to memorize and play classical pieces before she could even read sheet music. Formally studying piano for four years while expanding into the alto saxophone, she went on to achieve first-chair honors in her school's jazz band and second-chair in the concert band.

A natural multi-instrumentalist, Amanda continually broadens her musical fluency. Over the years, she has expanded her repertoire to include acoustic guitar, ukulele, drums, and the harmonium. Beyond performing, she is an active composer who finds joy in the creative, improvisational flow of daily piano playing.

Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians, Amanda loves helping young learners discover their own musical abilities, fostering a supportive environment built on creativity, confidence, and the pure joy of music.

Close-up of a sound mixing console with colorful lights.

Anton Shynkinov

Music Production

Meet Anton, an up and coming music producer passionate about helping beginner artists and producers create music they love. With nearly four years of hands-on music production experience, Anton can help break down seemingly complex concepts into simple, actionable steps you can use right away.

Forget needing overwhelming software or deep music theory knowledge to start! Anton focuses on getting your ideas out, guiding you through the creative process using Soundtrap, a free, accessible online tool. He's dedicated to helping you bring your musical visions to life, one beat at a time.

Beverley McKiver

Beverley McKiver

Piano, Theory

Beverley McKiver is an Ottawa-based pianist, composer and teacher who frequently collaborates with singers, choirs and instrumentalists. Beverley completed a certificate in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Ottawa in 2019 and a certificate in Music Theory and Composition from Berklee College Online in 2024.

Beverley’s compositions have been commissioned by performers such as Ensemble ArtChoral, Musica Intima, Wychwood Clarinet Choir, The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, Soundstreams, and Jumblies Theatre. Her piano suite “Canadian Floral Emblems” is delighting piano students, teachers and performers across North America. Two of the selections have been included in the Royal Conservatory of Music piano syllabus.

Beverley has a philosophy of life-long learning and continues her own piano, theory and composition studies. As a teacher, she brings her creativity and love of music to students of all ages.

Bader Soma

Piano, Guitar, Harmonium

Bader Soma is a multi-instrumentalist based in Montreal with over a decade of experience in both performance and music education. He has released four original albums and toured in North America severl times, performing twice at the National Arts Centre. His style draws on meditative, devotional traditions, offering heartfelt compositions on piano and sacred chants harmonium, and guitar. Through concerts, retreats, and festivals, Bader shares music as a path to inner peace and transcendence. As a teacher, he encourages creativity, emotional expression, and a deep connection to sound, guiding students to find their own authentic voice through music.

Braun Enoe

Guitar, Theory

Braun has been a member of the RMA team since 2015. Mainly influenced by Blues and Rock, Braun has a passion for sharing music, and teaching others. His warm and encouraging personality is particularly notable amongst his students. Another great passion of Braun's is strength training and personal fitness.

Young man playing guitar outdoors on a sunny day.

Gabriel Glendon

Guitar, Bass, Band

I've been a long time musician but only recently started teaching. I work well with all ages. I have a history in performance in various theatre production bands, recording and performing bands. Playing many different instruments. I played guitar and vocals in a band called Hangar 18 for close to 10 years and we travelled across Ontario playing over 300 shows in our time. I've written, recorded and produced albums. Now I find my peace improvising on bass guitar during spiritual "musical meditations" called kirtan through our temple community. I like travelling and reading and movies. Some of my musical influences are hozier, city and colour, hiatus kaiyote and khruangbin but I can play and teach a wide variety of music.

Hugo Cayen

Drum-set, Percussion

Hugo is a percussionist from Ottawa who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in classical percussion at the University of Ottawa. His classical training has led him to perform with orchestras in cities such as Ottawa and Montreal. He has been drumming for nearly a decade and has extensive experience both playing drums, as well as teaching drums to people of all ages.

Krishna McAllister

Music School Manager

Krishna has been part of our management team since 2011. Whether you're new to learning an instrument, or an intermediate seeking a group to play with, Krishna will likely be the first person you see or speak to at Russell Music Academy. From scheduling, billing, or even pushing your stuck car out of the snow. Krishna is happy to help!

Jason Makinen

Drum-set

Jason Makinen has had a passion for music since he could talk. He is a member of the band Castor River Crew and has a love for rock, metal, and alternative music. While drums are his main focus, he also enjoys playing guitar and singing.

Jason believes learning music should be both rewarding and enjoyable. Having developed his drumming skills through years of dedicated practice and online instruction, he understands that every musician's journey is unique.

Jason is committed to creating lessons that are engaging, supportive, and tailored to each student's goals. Whether students are learning the basics, building new skills, or working on favourite songs, his goal is to help them grow with confidence and have fun along the way.

Tristan Le Bahezre

Guitar, Piano, Band

Tristan Le Bahezre brings a dynamic blend of professional musicianship and passionate mentorship to Russell Music Academy. Bilingual in French and English, he has been a core member of our teaching faculty since 2020, inspiring students of all ages across piano, guitar, and our ensemble rock band programs.

As an active multi-instrumentalist who regularly performs live gigs and records his own original music, Tristan brings real-world studio and stage experience directly into the lesson room. His approach combines solid technical fundamentals with a genuine enthusiasm for contemporary and rock styles, helping students find their unique voice on their instrument.

Off campus, Tristan is an avid soccer enthusiast who stays active both playing the game and refereeing matches in the community.