B. Mus. (Humber) in-progress
Virginia has established herself as a respected musician/performer across Toronto, playing at numerous venues such as the Rex Hotel, Jazz Bistro, Gate 403, and also performing at events such as the Toronto Jazz Festival and the Beaches Jazz Festival. She has shared the stage with musicians such as Seamus Blake, Rich Perry, Peter Bernstein, Dick Oatts, Lorne Lofsky, P.J. Perry and Pat LaBarbera.
Virginia works as both a sidewoman and a leader, frequently performing with her own trios and quartets in Toronto. She also has recording experience, recently appearing on her first album “Common Ground” by the Kirk MacDonald Jazz Orchestra, where she played in a horn section with some of Canada’s leading jazz musicians. In addition to performing,
Virginia loves teaching students of all levels. She believes in an approach which encourages a solid knowledge of music rudiments along with an individual approach that caters to each student’s needs and musical aspirations.
Get to know Virginia…Beyond the Bio!
Hobbies: Music, Reading, Swimming
Musical influences: John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, The Beatles, Chet Baker, Clifford Brown
Favourite food: Pizza
Least favourite food: Onions
Favourite music: Jazz
Favourite song: How Deep is the Ocean
Favourite movie: Mean Girls
Favouirite movie music: Star Wars
Favourite musical theatre/opera: Rent
Best quote from your teacher: “If at first you don’t succeed, you can always blame the reed”
Favourite quote: “There are only two kinds of music, good and bad.” – Duke Ellington
Favourite book: Infinite Jest – David Foster Wallace
Best thing about teaching at ABC: Watching my students progress and grow as musicians.