Music

Outside of Sydney’s social justice work, Sydney is a seasoned and enthusiastic musician. Interested in working with Sydney as a musician? Fill out one of the request forms linked below, or send nem an email, at sydneybc.music@gmail.com.

Concerts

Upcoming Concerts

Unless otherwise indicated, all concerts will be offered in both London AND Windsor. The following dates are rough estimations and subject to change. For full details of Sydney’s upcoming concerts, subscribe to nir mailing list

April 2025: Honouring Mother Earth

July 2025: Celebrating Canadian Composers

October 2025: Queer History Month

Past Concerts

Holiday Piano Concerts | December 2022, 2023, and 2024

Pride Piano Concert & Debut of “Pride Piano Suite” | June 2023

Piano Concert for International Women’s Day | March 2023

Piano Concert for City Council Campaign | September 2022

Graduation Recital for World Human Rights Day | December 2021

Sheet Music 101 Course

The Sheet Music 101 course is an opportunity to learn about the basics of sheet music. The course will be taught from a choral lens, covering important things to know about navigating sheet music, particularly within a choral setting.

This course would be a great fit for anyone who is interested in 1) learning how to read sheet music and/or 2) wanting to expand/enhance their existing knowledge of sheet music.

Piano Lessons

Location: London, ON (in person) or Virtually (anywhere in Canada)

Requirements: be above the age of 13

Interested in learning to play piano? Whether you are interested in preparing for something specific (a concert, festival, jury, or exam), or simply learning to play or enhancing your existing skills, you are welcome to study with Sydney in a fun, affirming, and collaborative environment.

Flexible scheduling is available (including evenings and weekends). Lesson costs are based on a sliding scale; contact Sydney for more details.

Lessons Can Include…

Reading/learning sheet music

Keyboard skills such as chording, improvising, and transposition

Theory & music history

Wide range of genres (classical, jazz, pop, musical theatre, etc)

Playing & learning by ear

The Evolution of a Pianist is a mashup created by Sydney chronicling nir journey through Grades 1-9 in Conservatory Canada as a way of demonstrating how piano skills can evolve and grow over the years.

Collaborative Pianist

Past Collaborative Experience

Choirs (various sizes)

Chamber ensemble (small groups of instrumentalists)

Solo instrumentalists

Solo singers

Sydney is a collaborative pianist who is experienced in working with all voice and instrument types, either as soloists or group performances (such as a chamber group, ensemble, or choir). Ney are well-versed in multiple genres, though ney work best when ney have sheet music (either completely notated, or lead sheets). Ney especially love musical theatre, pop songs, and classical pieces.

A sample collaboration of a chamber group of vocalists and instrumentalists.

A sample collaboration with a single vocalist.

Event Performances

Examples of Events

Weddings

Funerals

Worship Services

Holiday Celebrations

Receptions

Sydney provides solo piano performances for various types of events and organizations. Ney are well-versed in a variety of genres, including jazz, pop, classical, sacred, and musical theatre. Ney are also able to work within specific requests/ideas for music.

Locations: London, Ontario; Windsor, Ontario (with ample notice)

Sydney’s Musical Background

Experience

  • 18+ years playing piano

  • 6+ years of collaborative work

  • 3+ years of teaching

Education

  • Bachelor of Music (Honours w Distinction) | University of Windsor

    • Specialization in Jazz/Pop Piano

  • Grade 9 Classical Piano (First Class) | Conservatory Canada

  • Grade 6 Classical Flute | Conservatory Canada

Professional Experience

  • Assistant Conductor, Aeolian Pride Chorus

  • Collaborative Musician, Riverside United Church

  • Music Director, St. Paul’s Anglican Church

  • Keyboard Instructor, Arts After School Kids Brantford

Awards

  • Conservatory Canada | Scholarship for Musical Accomplishment (2016 & 2018)

  • Walkerville Centre for the Creative Arts | Award for Piano Excellence (2018)

Ensembles

  • Aeolian Pride Chorus (2024-Present)

  • University of Windsor | University Singers (2019-2023), Jazz Combo (2019-2020), Wind Ensemble (2018-2020)

  • Windsor Symphony Orchestra | Community Orchestra (2019-2021), Pit Orchestra (2019), Youth Orchestra (2018-2019)