David Moncayo (he/him)
Studio Coordinator
David is the studio coordinator at then School of Rock in Winnipeg. He has taught drums, guitar and bass at the school in the past. David loves rock and metal bands, such as Radiohead, Deftones, Gojira, and Car Bomb, as well as the classics like Led Zeppelin and King Crimson. He trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and enjoys sports, such as soccer and mixed martial arts.
One of David’s most notable musical experiences is when he played guitar for the international artist Helian Evans in Ibarra, Ecuador. It was an amazing experience and he learned a lot about stage performance and engaging with an audience.
Aaron Bacon (he/him)
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Aaron is a bass, guitar, drum, and ukulele teacher. He has been teaching for nearly a decade and has been performing for 18 years. One of his biggest gigs has been opening up for Unleash the Archers, Propaghandi, Ninjaspy, 3 showcases at CMW in Toronto, and the CN stage at the Forks for Addiction Support Day in 2019. He has also live-streamed with Dizzy Mystics on Red Tie Live.
Aaron loves a lot of different genres and bands, some including Unknown Mortal Orchestra, NERVE, and Tame Impala.
Other than music, Aaron likes meditation, yard/plant/garden work and bonsai, video games, movies, and art.
Aiden Penner (They/Them)
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Aiden is a Multi-instrumentalist with a degree in Music Education from Canadian Mennonite University. They have been playing guitar and bass since high school, and their most prized possession is a fretless bass. Aiden loves to help young musicians develop their unique sense of style.
When they're not working at School or Rock, they can be found jamming with their folk-rock band or sitting in their room playing along to bands like Green Day, Paramore, OK Goodnight, and Aerosmith.
Aiden also enjoys long-distance rollerblading and learning fun facts about sea creatures.
Alex Braun (he/him)
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Alex teaches drums, guitar, bass, and keyboards at School of Rock Winnipeg. He is currently a member of the bands Jamboree and Fencing, as well as a freelancing session musician. He loves to teach feel and musicality and emphasizes the emotional power of music. He’s always looking to connect with students by making them feel part of the music they love, emphasizing artistic expression, and connecting with songs as a whole through playing their part.
Outside of playing music, Alex loves reading, watching movies, traveling, biking, and taking long walks, as well as collecting records and CDs from his favourite artists like Pavement, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Prince, the Sundays, and Yo La Tengo.
Carl Cyrius Hibbert (He/Him)
Vocal Teacher
Carl is a composer and singer who worked in LA but is now back home in Winnipeg. One of his biggest highlights is working with Luther Vandross on his mega-hit album 'Dance With My Father.' Carl has tons of experience with recording, producing, writing - you name it!
Carlos Pau (he/him)
Guitar Teacher
Carlos has worked as a guitar and bass teacher at the school since June 2022. As a young guitar player, he attended River Heights School of Music to advance his music theory knowledge and technical playing ability. His first introduction to School of Rock Winnipeg was as part of the school’s adult band, then known as “the Grad Band.” Carlos prioritizes a well-rounded teaching approach, aiming to not only assist his students in their playing but to inspire them and make their learning experience an enjoyable one.
Carlos has been involved in the local heavy music scene over the last few years, playing in the bands Trauma Shot and xMeans to an Endx. Through both bands, he has toured throughout Western Canada on several occasions. He is always eager to connect aspiring musicians to Winnipeg’s diverse musical community.
When Carlos is not working on his music, you can find him enjoying professional wrestling, stand-up comedy, and video games. He is currently attending the University of Winnipeg pursuing education.
Danielle Yackel (she/her)
Music Director
Danielle is a former School of Rock student and was a keyboard student for just over three years. During that time she never took a season off.
Danielle has been a two-time House Band Member and was also selected for the AllStars program. She went on the Western Canada House Band tour while also rocking performances at FringeFest, Rockin the Fields, Countryfest, WPG ICE Playoff Games, and Hi Neighbour Festival.
Other than music, Danielle enjoys reading, crocheting, and watching movies.
Gabriel Mignot (he/him)
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Gabriel is back at School of Rock Winnipeg after being a student and AllStar during his years here. He teaches guitar, bass, and drums at the school! His favourite thing about teaching is that he’s able to inspire the students to find their own voice and discover their path in music. He also loves talking about music and finding out what students are into.
Lately, Gabriel has been listening to a lot of Brazilian music and some hardcore music as well. But overall, he listens to a wide variety of styles as he subs for different gigs in the city all the time! Outside of music, some of his favourite things to do are hiking, camping, traveling, reading, watching movies, biking, and hanging out with friends.
Some of Gabriel's most notable music experiences were going on tour with the School of Rock AllStars and playing at venues like The Troubadour in LA and Lollapalooza in Chicago. He has also studied with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the world (Larry Roy, Jon Gordon) in the U of M Jazz program while earning his music degree.
Glenn Radley (he/him)
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Glenn is a multi-instrumentalist with a degree in Jazz Studies with a focus on drums from the University of Manitoba. He has been teaching for a decade in a number of capacities, privately and in studios. On top of teaching and his own personal projects, he is a very talented songwriter for his band, Gladly!
Glenn digs the poppy parts of grunge and the grungey parts of pop. He enjoys Courtney Barnett, Father John Misty, Harry Nilsson, Queen, MCR, and Margaret Glaspy.
Glenn has toured all over North America in five bands over eight years. He has been coast to coast from Victoria to Charlottetown and 35 American states. Highlights include headlining slots at Winnipeg Jazz Festival, Kispiox Valley music festival in BC, and Feels Good Follyfest in Gagetown New Brunswick.
Ryan Simon (He/Him)
Drum Teacher
For the past 25+ years, Ryan has worked off and on as a freelance drummer, teaching, touring, and recording throughout Canada and parts of the United States. Ryan’s drumming experience dates back 40 years when he got his first drum kit and started jamming with friends in “garage band” type scenarios. At the age of 19, Ryan traveled to the U.S. where he met up with multiple musicians and started touring and playing on a nightly basis. After a few years of playing in the U.S., Ryan moved to Winnipeg where he worked for about 10 years recording, teaching, and touring.
Throughout that time, Ryan met up with many talented and world-class musicians and songwriters with whom he toured and recorded throughout Canada - coast to coast. During this time, he was also a drum instructor at Linden School of Fine Arts as well as teaching and mentoring students ranging from 5 to 45 yrs. old out of his own private studio spaces. Ryan also was a clinician for various churches teaching drumming styles, tuning technics, and other various lessons. Ryan currently works as a gigging and freelance drummer and private teacher and plays with various musicians and bands, and is also a professional freelance photographer - shooting portraits, weddings, bands, and other things.
Aside from his music career, Ryan has also worked as a multimedia artist for 20+ years, working for companies such as Winnipeg Airports Authority, The Winnipeg Sun, The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and Rossignol and Associates (Toronto). Other hobbies include reading, art, mountain biking, boxing, motorcycle adventures, and tech.
Samara Taniguchi (she/her)
Little Wing Teacher, Rookies Teacher
Samara teaches Little Wing and Rookies classes at School of Rock Winnipeg. She is pursuing a degree in psychology and education at the University of Manitoba. Samara has an extensive background in music, playing multiple instruments from childhood onwards. She has always had a passion for art and science and aims to share her knowledge with the next generation of students.
When Samara isn’t playing music or studying for University, she practices martial arts. She enjoys the discipline and physical activity of martial arts, particularly jiu-jitsu. She teaches several self-defence classes to kids ages 3 and up at a local school.
Theo Shalley (He/Him)
Drum Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Rock 101 Teacher
Theo is a former student with three years in Houseband. His primary instrument is drums, but he also has experience on bass, keyboards, vocals, and guitar. He enjoys collecting vinyl and listening to music whenever and wherever he can. Whenever he’s not listening to a record, he’s playing with his band SMOAKE.
Tierney Betz (she/her)
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher Teacher, Little Wing + Rookies Teacher
Tierney teaches voice, keys, and the Rookies program at School Of Rock Winnipeg.
With an extensive background in the performing arts, Tierney has honed her skills as a music instructor over the past 3 years. She currently serves as choir director of a local church, and proudly works with musicians of all ages, from babies to nearly 100 years old!
Tierney loves the freedom of self-expression that rock music provides and encourages her students to challenge and celebrate their artistry while keeping their voices healthy.
When she’s not jamming with her School Of Rock students, Tierney enjoys cooking, attending local shows, and exploring the great outdoors. She also dabbles in music production and songwriting! Tierney’s inspired by a wide variety of artists, including Fall Out Boy, The Tragically Hip, and Chris Cornell.