Our Team

Piano Teacher

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. 

She has performed at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Banff Centre for the Arts, and Native Earth Performing Arts in Toronto. Her “Odaabaanag” song cycle commissioned by Jumblies Theatre and Soundstreams in Toronto was performed at Toronto’s Harbourfront in November, 2019. 

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

Piano Teacher

Debra Bourne has a passion for helping people achieve their goals and in assisting individuals of varied age groups to learn to play music. Piano has been a part of Debra’s life since the age

of 7. Through hard work and determination, she achieved Grade 8 piano level and Grade 2 theory.. Debra especially enjoys teaching students who want to learn to play the piano and have fun while doing so. Enjoying oneself while learning, where the lessons “fly by” and progress is made for that particular individual, is very rewarding for Debra.

Interacting with individuals of all ages in a teaching environment has always energized Debra and she carries this through in other forms as well, also being the founder / director of the Russell Village Ringers which is a handbell choir, ringing a 3 octaves set of handbells. She volunteers at Russell Meadows and teaches some of the residents to play choirchimes which are similar to handbells however easier to ring. In her spare time, she has a few accounting clients and she teaches Little Rocks curling at the Russell Curling club, is learning to play bridge, loves spending time with her husband Jim and her grandchildren and their families. Life Coaching and being involved in Family Connections are other volunteer passions of Debra.

“Being engaged keeps me young,” says Debra. She has a goal of living the Blue Zone lifestyle

to age healthily.

Piano, Guitar, Bass, Cello, Violin, Percussion +

(Online availability only)

Since a very early age, my life has always revolved around music,

even when I thought it didn’t! My grandfather played violin and my mother the piano, and there would often be music at family gatherings.

I have since then travelled more than 20 countries and have learned all sorts of amazing instruments! From didgeridoo in Australia to the Guangzhou in China, I love them all! Overseas, teaching and performing were my life, and since my return to Canada, nothing has

changed! I strongly believe in the power music has over all living things, and I would love to show you! Anyone can learn music, no matter age or experience! I sincerely hope to show you how much fun music really is, as it truly does describe what words cannot!

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!

Drum-set, Percussion, Piano

 Sheldon has found his passion in both drumming and piano. His journey has provided him with the opportunity to pursue several classical training programs as a percussionist, as well as workshops with various professional artists in the French-speaking music scene. In order to diversify his musical skills, Sheldon has also been involved in a jazz ensemble at Carleton University. Furthermore, his dedication to music has enabled him to conduct several percussion workshops and drumming classes. Sheldon's goal is to inspire and support his students as they strive to fulfill their musical aspirations.