U-Rock Teachers

Teach your children well

We think ALL of our U-Rock teachers are FANTASTIC and as it turns out, so do their lucky students. Teachers at U-Rock embody the spirit of what makes our school so unique – everyone is like family, but a really fun TALENTED family. Our teachers shadow teach with Cathy & Brian after completing their 5 year award of merit. We feel they are spectacularly qualified because they match our teaching style, enthusiasm and unique approach to learning, seamlessly.

Cathy Hallessey

Owner/Teacher vocals, guitar & director of all bands and groups

CATHY founded U-Rock Music School in 1997. Her lifelong love of all things musical started very early. She asked Santa for her first guitar at age 7; the next year she asked neighborhood kids to pay a nickel to listen to her sing and play along to records in her basement. They paid. She loved it. Since that time, Cathy, a professional accredited musician, teacher and lead singer of numerous bands since 1979, including SpiderKillers, and the duet/band Ghost Pepper with her hubby Brian, is a shining example of living your passion. Cathy continues to work as a professional musician while also teaching her many students to sing, write music and play guitar. Her extensive musical background also includes songwriting and recording. Cathy studied Voice at Concordia University’s Music Department and also has a degree in Music Production and Sound Engineering from the Trebas Institute of Recording Arts & Sciences in Montreal. She has won many awards and competitions for her original songs and continues to inspire her students to express themselves through their own music. Her passion for teaching has allowed her to share her enthusiasm for music education with thoussands of guitar and vocal students over the years. Having grown up in the Montreal music scene, Cathy is also fluently bilingual.

Brian Brodersen

Owner/Teacher guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, keyboard & The Crushers band coach

BRIAN is co-owner of U-Rock and has been crazy about music since he first learned to play the recorder in Grade 4, to his parents’ dismay. He luckily went on to study classical piano, guitar, drums, trumpet and music theory and then started his first rock band at age 16. With an extensive musical background in many classical and rock instruments, Brian is a gifted musician, teacher and professional guitarist/singer who has taught for more than 30 years. As the lead guitarist for two well-known Ottawa rock bands, SpiderKillers and KC and the Moonshine Band, Brian performs regularly all over the Ottawa region. Along with his wife, Cathy, Brian also performs in the duet/band Ghost Pepper. He is a terrific, dedicated and very patient mentor. His ability to motivate his students will make your lessons feel like you’re having way too much fun, while still learning the technical skills you need to be a real rock star. Brian has coached many students with learning disabilities and offers the kind of mentoring that is a rare gift for all of his students. His impressive knowledge base in music theory and crazy skills at switching from one instrument to another, effortlessly, serves to inspire students and peers alike. Brian plays guitar, drums, piano, ukulele, banjo, dobro, slide guitar and mandolin, he also loves to sing. There’s nothing he can’t do. He is also fluently bilingual.

BRIAN & CATHY are also husband and wife 🙂 this is the story of their U-Rock music “family”…

Focus ... on piano

How Nachal inspires her students

Encouraging practice: Nachal values the importance of consistent practice and acknowledges the progress students make when they commit to regular practice.
Making learning fun: Nachal emphasizes the enjoyment of playing music, mentioning that it's a fun way to take a break and express oneself.

Overall, Nachal's teaching style is student-centered, focusing on individual progress and fostering a positive, motivating environment.

Piano lessons teach discipline, the value of hard work, and the joy of music. Learn how Nachal, our primary piano instructor, teaches children to love music.

Nachal's teaching style is supportive and encouraging, with a focus on helping students overcome challenges and achieve a sense of accomplishment. Here are some key aspects of Nachal's teaching style:

Breaking down difficult tasks: Nachal mentions going over a difficult bar or section of music repeatedly with students until they master it.
Building confidence: Nachal finds it rewarding to see students feel proud of themselves when they accomplish something they've been working on.

Take a trial lesson with Nachal

Meet our Team

Savannah Philpott

Savannah is a wonderful person and a great singer. She has been attending U-rock Music School taking voice and guitar lessons since she was 8 years old and has completely fallen in love with music ever since. She sings at multiple community and fundraising events, even singing the national anthem for the mayor of Ottawa. Savannah is very excited to share her knowledge and passion for music with others.

Nachal Muthuraman

Nachal's journey with the piano spans over 11 years. Through dedication and proficiency, Nachal achieved several provincial awards in the Conservatory Canada Contemporary Idioms playing exams. Having successfully graduated from level 8 of the Conservatory program, she feels a strong desire to impart her knowledge and love for the piano to young children. Nachal's goal is to introduce them to the beautiful world of music, fostering an appreciation that will last a lifetime!

Carter Freeman

Carter is a naturally gifted musician. A guitarist and bassist with a decade of experience, he has a passion for teaching children, teens and adults. His patient and caring disposition benefits all those he teaches, from beginners to more advanced players. Carter is excited to share his passion and eclectic musical knowledge with all of his students.

Ethan Peacock

Ethan started playing ukulele at age 7, displaying an affinity for music from the start. Shortly afterwards he began learning guitar and took vocal training, developing a passion from an early age. He was a member of the Crushers for several years and is an incredible performer with a ton of stage presence.

Ethan teaches guitar, ukulele and voice at U-Rock.

Mia Smith

Mia has had a passion for music for as long as she can remember, and she started singing for her family at the age of 5. Mia has been a dedicated student at U-Rock for just over 4 years and she now teaches both singing and guitar. As well as performing in one of the U-Rock bands for several years, she is now a band coach. Not only is Mia a gifted vocalist and all around musical enthusiast she is a team player who enjoys sharing her love of music with others.

Ashley Monaghan

Ashley is a easy-going, kind hearted, skilled guitarist who has been studying guitar and bass at U-Rock since 2020. Being heavily influenced by rock music, she loves to share her passion since music has always played a prominent role in her life. Ashley is a member of CASTBACK, which performs all over the Ottawa region. She is looking forward to teaching your children and helping them find their inner rockstar.

Savannah von Teichman

Savannah has been a dedicated student at U-Rock for the past 8 years and performs with the Crushers. Having discovered her own voice within these walls, she looks forward to guiding every aspiring singer and songwriter on their own journey.

Fluent in French and English, she takes pride in cultivating a safe and inclusive space where each student feels empowered to express their unique potential and love for music. Her unwavering support and sincere dedication for nurturing young talents shine through as she leads the Junior Crushers and the Pop Patrol groups.

Mason Hartwick

Mason is an experienced guitar player who gigs regularly with various bands and studied under Juno-nominated recording artist JW Jones. In addition to teaching private students at U-Rock, Mason also coaches one of our teen Crushers bands. Mason, who has been with us for five years, is an inspiring example to all his students.

Your child’s well being and safety is always very important to us. All full-time and part-time teachers at U-Rock have documented Vulnerable Sector Checks for your security and peace of mind.