Lessons

Blake is a multi-instrumentalist composer with a degree in music studies and diploma in education. He’s worked semi-professionally as a performing artist for 20 years reaching stages throughout North America, Europe, Asia, South & Central America as either a drummer, guitarist, DJ, or singer songwriter. He’s recently returned from teaching abroad and is working on his 3rd full-length album for his original soul /folk project called the Passing Clouds.
Availability: Friday, Saturday

Brian has recorded with Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, Wild Strawberries, DMC (Run-DMC) and more. He has toured North America, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Australia and has performed on The Grammys, Saturday Night Live, Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show, The David Letterman Show and The Junos. Acoustic and electric guitar, electric bass and singing are Brian’s specialty.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Natalie has a Diploma in Classical Music, majoring in guitar, and a Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy from Capilano University. Along with classical guitar, Natalie teaches acoustic, folk, fingerpicking, rock, ukulele and theory. Her fun personality is perfect for kids and beginners.
Availability:  Wednesday, Thursday

Dana is a graduate of Selkirk college where she majored in composition. She has played in rock, folk and jazz bands and currently plays with local singer/songwriter Amy Blake and also runs music programs in the Downtown Eastside. Dana teaches folk, pop, rock, fingerstyle guitar and songwriting. Dana is lots of fun and great with all ages!
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Danny studied classical guitar at RCM Regina and has performed with many high profile rock and metal bands. His specialties include classical guitar, rock, metal, folk, blues, bass and mandolin. Danny had the honour of auditioning as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, if you want to shred he is your man! Availability: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs.

Daniel began studying guitar at Rufus Guitar Shop as a young student, since graduating from VCC School of Music he’s returned to teach where it all started for him. Fluent in several contemporary styles, focused on learning needs and musical goals, he enjoys working with students of all ages and skill sets, include adult beginners, and college audition prep.
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,

Alex is a versatile guitarist, both acoustic and electric. His awards include a 3rd place finish at the 2012 Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition. His teaching experience includes the UBC Summer Music Institute, Alex is comfortable teaching all ages and levels in a wide variety of contemporary styles.
Availability: Monday

Robin can get your acoustic, electric guitar and singer/songwriter skills to the next level with his extensive recording and performing background. He also specializes in fingerstyle guitar, slide and lap steel for the slide and open tuning curious! Robin is the newest teacher to join the Rufus team are we are excited to have him on board!
Availability: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Friday.

Ben Bullett Mortlock is a British professional guitarist and educator with 11 years of experience in the music industry, performing, recording, and teaching internationally. As a session guitarist, he has worked on international tours in pop (Kavana, The voice/X Factor), rock, R&B, jazz, and musical theatre (Cats, Rock of Ages, Tommy, Sister Act, Spring Awakening, Hair, Grease). Ben has taught guitar/theory & arranging at The Academy of Contemporary Music (UK) & The Fakanas Art School (Greece) alongside faculty such as Guthrie Govan, Ace (Skunk Anansie), and has worked as a content/course writer for guitar educational books, magazines, and online learning platforms.
Availability: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday

Dave is a Fanshaw Music College graduate and is our resident slide guitar expert. He teaches acoustic fingerstyle, blues, rock, mandolin and ukulele. Dave performs around the city and has appeared on numerous recordings. Apps include Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts.
Availability: Online Only, Monday, Tues, Wednesday. Mornings available.

Adam Willey has been active in the Canadian music scene for over a decade. Adam specializes in instruments such as bass, guitar, voice and ukulele, as well as music theory, musicianship, and composition. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Music degree at Vancouver Community College. Apps include Zoom, Skype, Facetime, Discord
Availability: Online Only Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Beau studied voice and composition at VCC and SFU here in Vancouver and has recorded two solo records. Folk, pop, rock and vocals are Beau’s specialties.
Availability: Online Only Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.

Jessica Benini is an inspired music teacher since 2009 specializing in voice, guitar, ukulele, harmonica and songwriting, including all genres and levels. She is a graduate of Rosebud School of the Arts in Alberta with a degree in Theatre and Music. She has recorded two albums and has toured throughout North America.
www.jessicabenini.com Availability: Monday, Tuesday

Joe is a guitarist and instructor with a range of interests and experience. He ’s a graduate of VCCÕs school of music and a career musician. Joe ’s teaching style has developed over several years and is both fun and effective while being mindful of individual student needs. Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Anthony has been playing guitar since 2001 and has taught formal lessons for three years in Kamloops before moving to the Lower Mainland. Anthony has performed in several bands over the years and is well versed in rock, hard rock, blues and metal styles of electric guitar. Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Sangito received his music diploma at VCC with a major in jazz guitar. He is a multi-instrumentalist and an accomplished bandleader specializing in African Hi-life, Gypsy Jazz, Classic Jazz, Cumbia, Bossa Nova and Latin Folk/Pop. Sangito loves teaching music to people of all ages and tailoring lessons to each student’s individual needs. Availability: Wednesday, Saturday

Seah Maister is an accomplished singer, songwriter, collaborator and music teacher. She has been teaching for over 8 years and performing and touring in a variety projects for 15+ years in many different genres including Rock, Metal, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Soul and World Music. Recently, Seah completed the bachelor degree program at VCC School of Music for jazz and contemporary vocal performance and holds 2 diplomas from Selkirk College School of Music.

Seah specializes in voice and focuses on teaching healthy singing for longevity in any genre. She also teaches guitar, ukulele, bass,  songwriting and combo lessons – singing and playing your instrument at the same time. Her lessons are tailored to each individual student with a focus on finding enjoyment in learning!

Kristy-Lee has been teaching since 2008, holds a B.Mus degree from the University of Lethbridge and studied jazz at Capilano University. She has toured internationally as a multi instrumentalist on trumpet, guitar, synthesizer, percussion and vocals. She has recorded with Coleman Hell, Marianas Trench, Carly Rae Jepsen and Steve Bays and performed with Sloan and Adele, and fronts a local rock band Rong. As an educator, Kristy Lee strives to balance a fun and flexible learning environment with structure, routine, theory and technique.

Taylor is currently studying music at VCC, majoring in jazz guitar. She has a wide range of performance experience in a variety of styles. She specializes in jazz, rock, folk, pop, neo-soul, music theory and composition. She is an experienced multi-instrumentalist and seeks to create a fun and comfortable learning environment tailored to each student’s needs.