Iana Ahilov is a founder of the Piano for Everyone studio and co-author of the method book Piano for Everyone. Both the studio and the book share the same philosophy: that everyone could learn to play the piano and be part of the wonderful world of music, whether as a composer, performer or a listener.

After graduating from Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts in Bulgaria with Bachelor’s degree in Music (Piano and Pedagogy), Iana completed postgraduate Studies at St. Kliment Ohridski University in Sofia, and worked as an assistant professor at the Faculty of Primary and Preschool Pedagogy at the South-West University "N. Rilski" in Bulgaria.

In addition to teaching the piano there, Iana participated in conferences to present her personal research on piano pedagogy and music education. Iana’s international teaching experience also includes positions in London, England, at Noel Park Junior School and the Watford School of Music. Upon moving to Toronto, Canada, she continued teaching the piano at The New Conservatory of Music, Academy of Music, and The Bishop Strachan School (BSS). Iana has been a member of ORMTA Central Toronto Branch since 2007 and a member of Whitby Branch of ORMTA since 2022. She is a Royal Conservatory of Music Certified Teacher for Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Piano.

In September 2014 Iana founded the Piano for Everyone studio with the belief that high quality lessons should be available to all students regardless of age or ability. For students who are competitive by nature, she offers opportunities to perform at music festivals, concerts, and piano competitions. Many of Iana’s students are winners of international piano competitions, including the Crescendo International Music Competition, leading to performances at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Others have won awards at the Northern Lights International Piano Festival (Sweden), the Music Lights the Way Piano Festival (Toronto), Concours Musical de France, and the International Music Festival and Competition in Markham. Above all, Iana seeks to inspire students to learn the piano, develop a deep musical understanding, and perform the pieces in a meaningful way-which she considers the greatest reward of all.

From the branch:

Whitby branch would like to nominate Iana Ahilov. She is an active member of the Whitby branch and an important asset. She contributes ideas and helps to run our events. Thank you Iana!

Patricia Baker has been an active member of the Oshawa and District ORMTA Branch for the past 36 years, Treasurer for the Oshawa and District Branch for the past 9 years and has been a member of the ORMTA Provincial Council for the past year.

Patricia attained her Royal Conservatory Music Piano Teacher diploma from the University of Toronto with ARCT designation. She had the privilege of studying piano for a great portion of her piano studies with Mrs. Simone Lesley, who is also a current Oshawa and District Branch Member. She considers Mrs. Lesley her mentor!

Patricia has run a private and successful piano studio for over 40 years. With her infectious smile, warm heart and her firm belief in reaching the needs of every student, Patricia tailors her lessons to be educational, fun and inspiring for all her students. Many of her students participate in the local festivals and Branch adjudications/recitals where some have received awards for their performance.

In addition to her busy music teaching schedule, Patricia is a supply Educational Assistant with a local School Board in Durham Region. In previous years, Patricia was also the Aquatics supervisor with the Town of Ajax and then moved on to become the Aquatic Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Durham.

Patricia values and adores her beautiful family. Married to David Baker for the past 39 years, together they have 3 children, Christina, Jessica and Patrick, as well as a granddaughter, Abby! They enjoy travelling to watch their granddaughter compete with her team competitively in artist swimming. Patricia and her family enjoy making beautiful memories at their family cottage in the summer. They are excited to welcome another grandchild in July 2026!

From the branch:

Patricia Baker has been a vital and integral part of the Oshawa and District Branch. Not only has she been a member for 36 years, she continues to grow as a musician and an educator, has taken on additional roles within our ORMTA branch as Treasurer, and most recently, a Provincial Council Position as the OCTA portfolio member.

Elanna Clark is based in London, Ontario, where she maintains a thriving private piano studio with a focus on healthy playing techniques, expressive performance, and integrating music theory directly into repertoire. After many years teaching both elementary and high school music, she discovered that her greatest passion lies in private piano teaching, where she works closely with students to develop strong technical foundations, thoughtful practice habits, and a lifelong love of music. She is especially committed to helping students practice effectively and build routines that support long-term musical and personal growth.

She holds a Master of Music Education from Western University and is an active member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA), serving on the London Branch executive since 2018 and as Branch President from 2020–2023. During her tenure, she strengthened programming, increased recital participation, and helped guide the branch through the challenges of COVID-19 by facilitating online meetings and virtual recitals.

A passionate advocate for Canadian music, Elanna founded and continues to run a multi-day, non-competitive Canada Music Week festival each November in London, welcoming guest composers to work directly with students. She regularly contributes across committees, supporting initiatives from bylaws to workshops and the AGM.

She has studied with Karen Rowell, Jim Hibbard, Gwen Beamish, and Laura Pin. As both a teacher and adjudicator, she is dedicated to nurturing students and helping them become confident, expressive performers.

From the branch:

We proudly nominate Elanna for this award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to the ORMTA London Branch. A member of the executive since 2018 and Branch President from 2020–2023, she has made a lasting impact on our community.

Elanna has devoted countless hours to enriching our musical community. As a member of the recital committee, she played a key role in increasing participation while bringing greater structure and organization to our events. She also founded and continues to lead a multi-day, non-competitive Canada Music Week festival—an initiative that has become a meaningful and inclusive opportunity for students to perform and grow. During COVID-19, Elanna’s leadership was instrumental in keeping our branch connected and supported. She facilitated online meetings and recitals, ensuring continuity and inclusion during a challenging time.

Elanna’s passion, initiative, support and dedication embody the very best of our organization. Her contributions have had a profound and lasting impact, and we wholeheartedly believe she is a most deserving recipient of this honour.

Liz Craig is a Toronto-based pianist with a passion for making every event special with her custom tailored live music. In both 2025 and 2024 she was named one of Toronto's Best Wedding & Party Professionals and in previous years has been recognized as a top choice on EventSource.ca, WeddingWire.ca, and the Knot.com. She has performed for over 600 weddings and events since 2012. While classically trained, she plays a wide variety of styles of music including her own arrangements of the newest popular songs. She often collaborates with the city's top musicians to create intimate ensembles to suit the needs of a variety of event clients. Besides performing regularly, she has been teaching piano and music theory lessons since 2006. She provides a student-centered curriculum which focuses on developing musical literacy from beginning to advanced levels. Her students thrive in their musical life, often becoming known as the "piano kid" at their school, performing all over Toronto and getting paid professional gigs as well as becoming piano teachers themselves. She is a past member of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators’ Association and the RCM College of Examiners and is now working with the Conservatory Canada examining team. She is quite active with the Central Toronto Branch of ORMTA currently serving as treasurer and previously having been in every executive role. Liz has been interviewed on both the Top Music and Full Voice podcasts due to her unique perspective as an entrepreneur in both the event and music teaching industries. She continues her education by regularly attending conferences, workshops and receiving coaching in a variety of areas. She loves supporting the small business community, specifically female business owners in the arts, which led her to join the Scotiabank Women Initiative® Program as a mentor in 2025. In her formative years, she had the privilege of studying with Juilliard alumni Dr. David Moroz at the University of Manitoba where she graduated with a B.Mus degree in Piano Performance. She also holds ARCT Diplomas in both Piano Performance and Pedagogy. When not making music she is practicing yoga, writing poetry or spending time with her partner, two step kids and three cats. Learn more at www.lizcraig.ca.

From the branch:

Liz Craig has been an integral member of the Central Toronto Branch of ORMTA, serving as treasurer from 2024-present, secretary from 2022-2024, president from 2017–2020, webmaster from 2014–2020, UofT Student Group Leader from 2015–2017, vice president from 2015–2017, and branch auditions & recitals coordinator from 2014–2016. Liz carries a wealth of expertise and experience to the membership; continually offering guidance and support to the betterment of the music education community. She has 20 years of teaching piano and theory of all levels.

Jennifer Levitan has enjoyed a career in music for the last 28 years and has been a member of ORMTA since 2005. She is a proud member of the North Bay branch where she has held committee and executive positions including secretary, treasurer and president. Jennifer is a passionate teacher, leader, and performer. She received an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory in Toronto in 2000 after studying privately with ORMTA member, Suzanne Hughes.  Around this time, she also completed two years of formal organ training under Dutch organist John Boone. After moving to North Bay in 2007, she acquired her Music for Young Children™ teaching certification and began teaching group classes in addition to her roster of private students. Jennifer has served as an accompanist for numerous community choirs and her ability to lead and create music in a variety of worship styles has also put her in demand as a church worship and choir leader for the last 30 years.

Jennifer is an innovative teacher who has been using technology in her studio for over two decades. This skillset became invaluable during the pandemic years as she provided quality online lessons which included the option of connecting digital pianos directly using the Internet MIDI software from TimeWarp Technologies™. Combined with her love of Canadian music, she established an annual online Canadian composer recital where North Bay branch students were invited to perform with a Canadian composer in attendance via zoom.

Jennifer champions creativity and teaches the art of composition. Many of her students have shared and performed their own works at local recitals and festivals. One such student was inspired by Nancy Telfer to create a sequel to her piece “Malfunction, Malfunction” which you can view here.

In addition to music, Jennifer has recently graduated with her Masters of Osteopathic Manual Sciences from the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and has opened her own clinic where she is able serve the music community through manual therapy, assisting musicians with improved health and posture, directly impacting the biomechanical approach to their instrument of choice.

From the Branch:

We have had the privilege of knowing Jennifer Levitan as a member of the North Bay Branch for over twenty years. She has distinguished herself as a music teacher and has consistently supported our branch. As a member of our executive committee, she has served as secretary and treasurer and taken on two terms as president. As treasurer, Jennifer’s understanding of our financial workings has been invaluable. Jennifer introduced the idea of a Zoom meeting the February before Zoom meetings became a necessity because of the COVID shutdown. She guided us through that difficult period, maintaining our recitals, workshops, and meetings online.

She has always taken pride in her ORMTA membership and has demonstrated through her actions as a music teacher, why she is most deserving of an OCTA.

Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Diane Manojlovich eagerly anticipated piano lessons like her older sister. From the beginning, she was drawn to the instrument’s sound and structure. Studying with the late Beverly Jamieson through Grade 10, she developed discipline and a deep love of music. Early on, Diane recognized the connection between music, math, and science. With a naturally logical mind, she appreciated the patterns, precision, and problem-solving shared by musical study and scientific inquiry. Diane earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and began working in pharmaceuticals then industrial chemicals. After the birth of her first child, her former teacher encouraged Diane to teach a few piano students. That decision became life changing. Watching children who could not yet read walk confidently onstage, perform for family and friends, and take their first bow to warm applause profoundly moved her. Seeing their pride, she realized music was far more rewarding than chemicals. She returned to university to complete a Bachelor of Music at McMaster University and made piano teaching her full-time profession. A psychology background further shaped her teaching approach, helping her understand students as individuals. Diane describes herself as a “house league” teacher, rather than a “rep” teacher, supporting students of all abilities. She believes music should be accessible to everyone as a source of lifelong joy. One memorable example involved a frustrated young hockey player ready to quit piano. By introducing him to a simplified version of “Hockey Night in Canada,” Diane connected music to his passion, reigniting his enthusiasm. In her studio, students gain more than musical skills; they build confidence, discipline, attention to detail, resilience in accepting constructive criticism, and a strong sense of accomplishment. Diane has been an active member of HH ORMTA since 2014, serving on the executive committee in roles including recital coordinator, treasurer, first class honours coordinator, vice president, president, and now past president. A lifelong festival participant, she served for several years as coordinator of the Rotary Burlington Music Festival. When the Hamilton Kiwanis Music Festival folded, leaving no spring festival in the region, Diane co-founded the Hamilton Music Festival in 2016 with colleague Tom Oliver. Starting with just over 300 entries, the HMF has grown to more than 1,300. Known for its supportive atmosphere, the HMF offers performance opportunities, professional adjudication, scholarships, and advancement to provincial competition. Engaging over 100 volunteers annually, the Hamilton Music Festival stands as a vibrant and lasting contribution to the community Diane so passionately serves.

From the branch:

We are excited that Diane Manojlovich is our Hamilton/Halton OCTA recipient for the current year. Miss Diane, as she is affectionately called by students, spends hours passionately teaching her students, and in addition, providing opportunities to enrich other teachers' students' experiences. She has supported ORMTA as a diligent executive member and assumed the many responsibilities that come with each position. Her computer skills continue to expand and be refined through her meticulous organization of events and creative design and production of programs. If she is not knowledgeable in any area, she treats it as a learning opportunity from which she shares information with her successors. Diane's unwavering dedication and love of Festivals beginning with RBMF (The Rotary Burlington Music Festival) and including consistent volunteering within OMFA (The Ontario Music Festivals' Association) evolved into the co-founding of The Hamilton Music Festival with Tom Oliver in 2016. As Tom amply stated, "Her positive attitude, and highly skilled work ethic are the bulk of the HMF's success. Diane's kindness and supportiveness make her a cherished teacher and colleague." She is most deserving of the OCTA.

Shelagh McKibbon-U’Ren started teaching at the age of 13 (over 50 years ago!). During her teens, she attended the RCM in Toronto in the summer (1979–1982) to complete all her written exams, while taking extra courses in Music and Special Needs Education. By 19, she was teaching piano, theory and voice full time. Shelagh has twice been recognized by the Royal Conservatory of Music for having Students earn the highest mark in Provincial Piano Exams. She has had 3 articles published in the ORMTA and CFMTA Teacher Magazines. Early onset Degenerative Osteoarthritis made performing difficult, however it did not stop her from finding creative ways to teach. Understanding her own learning disabilities (including dyslexia) fueled her desire to help any student learn and grow as a musician. Her studio became a safe place for students to learn at their own pace without judgement. Students excel at their music, whether they are on an Examination Stream or are learning “just for fun.” Shelagh was thrilled to partner with Glory St. Germain as Editor, Author & Examiner for Ultimate Music Theory. Together they have over 60 Publications, including Workbooks, Practice Exams, and matching Answer Books. Shelagh’s Ultimate Music Theory Blogs have been read by thousands of Teachers worldwide, and provide examples, ideas, and “how to” guides for learning and teaching theory concepts. She is also a featured author in the book series “The Power of Why”(Musician Series). Alongside her sister Kirsti Bakker and her daughter Deanna Walker, their studio “McKibbon-Bakker Studios” provides a safe place for Students of all ages to develop confidence in their learning and performance abilities. Whether their goal is their ARCT, or to perform on stage, or to just perform for themselves, each student will be able to achieve their goals. Having lived and taught in Brockville for most of her life, she is currently teaching the children and grandchildren of former piano students. Shelagh has been married to her husband Scott for over 42 years. They have 3 children (Wendy, Richard, and Deanna), 2 grandchildren (Abigail and Benji – both of whom take piano, theory and voice lessons with their “Maw-Maw") and a Yellow-Bellied Slider named Max the Turtle.

From the Branch:

Shelagh has been an active member of the Kingston branch for many years. She attends meetings regularly, volunteers, and contributes to our branch discussions with positivity and a collaborative spirit. Shelagh’s dedication to her students is evident in her own love of learning and commitment to professional development. She even shows dedication to students beyond her own studio by volunteering with her local music festival and providing opportunities for music students to thrive in the Brockville area. As a branch we want to take this opportunity to celebrate Shelagh in the way that she has celebrated her students for over 5 decades. Congratulations Shelagh!

Holly Moir is a distinguished piano and theory teacher with over 32 years of experience instructing students from elementary through advanced levels. She holds an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music and is a Royal Conservatory Certified Teacher at all levels. Holly studied Accounting at the University of Waterloo and St. Clair College, and serves as Treasurer of the Windsor-Essex Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association.

Holly studied with Carol Prime and Elizabeth Tithecott and has extensive training in collaborative piano. She also holds NANC certification in youth social work, reflecting her commitment to student development.

Holly's students have earned top honours at Kiwanis festivals and provincial competitions and consistently achieve outstanding results in Royal Conservatory examinations. Holly is dedicated to fostering confidence, artistry, and a lifelong appreciation of music.

From the Branch:

The Windsor-Essex Branch of the ORMTA has nominated Holly Moir in recognition of her outstanding contributions to our branch's activities. While maintaining a thriving private studio in the Chatham area, Holly consistently demonstrates the utmost dedication to our local organization, including frequent travel to Windsor to attend meetings and recitals. We witness and appreciate her work as treasurer and acknowledge the considerable efforts Holly puts forth in assisting and organizing many of our monthly student recitals.

Dr. Lori Lynn Penny operates an independent studio in Orleans, an eastern suburb of Ottawa, teaching all subjects of music theory at all levels for more than 45 years. She is a long-standing member of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Theoretical Examiners, marking rudiments, history, harmony, and analysis examinations from across Canada and the United States. She is also a writer for RCM Publishing, co-authoring RCM’s Celebrate Theory series from the preparatory level through level 8.

Lori Lynn received a BMus in Elementary School Music from the University of Calgary, as well as a DipFA in Music Education with a specialization in the Kodály Method. From the University of Ottawa, she received an MA in Music Theory, and in 2021, a PhD in Education with a specialization in Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation. Her research, centered on the topic of Music Theory Pedagogy, experiments with an integrated, music-first approach to theory teaching. Post-graduation, she collaborated with Dr. Roxane Prevost on a research project titled Music for Seniors.

Lori Lynn became a member of the Edmonton Branch of ARMTA in 1992, transferring her membership to the Ottawa Region Branch of ORMTA in 1998. A year later, she joined the ORB Council, serving as Assistant Treasurer, Membership Convenor, and Newsletter Editor, before becoming Treasurer in 2002. Pre-pandemic, she was also Treasurer of the Gloucester Music Teachers’ Association and Director of the Gloucester Music Club. In 2023, after 21 years as ORB’s Treasurer, she accepted the position of Treasurer for ORMTA’s Provincial Council.

Always in search of a project, Lori Lynn recently purchased a circa 1914 boarding house in southern Alberta, which she plans to renovate and restore, transforming the original bedrooms into multi-discipline art studios and the main-floor common area into a combination art gallery and performance venue. In the basement, she plans to build a fully-equipped recording studio. With this “passion” project, Lori Lynn intends to serve the arts community in her hometown, while also providing a meaningful legacy for her arts-minded family.

From the Branch:

For her long standing work and volunteering. Her presence in the Ottawa branch and now the provincial level has been integral and extremely valuable.

Anne Steinman is a dedicated piano and theory teacher with over 40 years of experience. She has taught dozens of students in a caring and supportive environment, helping each one achieve their full potential. Anne’s students consistently earn excellent standings in RCM exams and local festivals.

One of her most cherished teaching highlights involved a student who returned to lessons at the age of 99, after studying as a child. He showed remarkable spirit and determination, continuing his studies until age 101 while still driving himself to lessons. Despite severe arthritis in his hands, Anne ensured that thoughtful adaptations made it possible for him to continue playing.

Anne began lessons with her mother at age four, growing up on a farm in Baden, Ontario. She later studied with a registered ORMTA teacher and went on to earn scholarships and many top honours at the KW Kiwanis Festival.

After moving to Toronto, she explored a different career before her love of music called her back to teaching, both in music schools and in her private home studio. She had the privilege of studying piano and theory under James Lawless, Boyanna Toyich, and Gordon McKinnon. Throughout her career, Anne continued to improve her skills, actively participating in numerous workshops and masterclasses led by renowned pianists and pedagogy experts. She also earned an ARCT in Piano Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music while raising her four children.

Anne is deeply committed to her community, sharing her music through longstanding service as an accompanist for her church congregation, as well as supporting children’s choirs and musical productions. In 2019, she was delighted to perform alongside her colleagues in the KW-ORMTA Gala Benefit, supporting the Community Music School of Waterloo Region.

She is grateful and humbled to be honoured with the KW ORMTA branch’s nomination for the OCTA this year.

From the Branch:

Anne Steinman has been an important member of our branch for more than a decade. Her students participate in many of our branch recitals and masterclasses, and Anne regularly participates in our branch meetings. We have especially appreciated her contributions to providing snacks and hot drinks at our events over the past number of years. Her banana chocolate chip muffins were a big hit at our recent coffeehouse event. We are pleased to offer her this award in recognition of her dedication to our branch. Congratulations, Anne!