Sherwood Music Lessons

Samuel Dlugokecki is an internationally touring multi-instrumentalist who has recorded on multiple Juno Award nominated records. He is mostly known for his one-man-band performance abilities under the moniker "Sammy Duke". Proficient in over 13 musical instruments, he simultaneously plays guitar, sings, beats on a drum, plays bass synthesizer pedals with his foot, plays percussion with his other foot, and an occasionally liberated hand – or elbow, as in the case of his famed “elbow chimes.” Sam released his first full-length album "Terminus" in 2018. Sam’s most recent album “Speed of Life” was released in 2022. Recorded with Ian Graham at Small Dog Studios in Kitchener - an off-the-grid, solar powered recording studio.

Sam has been teaching with Sherwood's lesson department since 2010, and also started Sherwood's popular Band Camp. He teaches guitar, bass, ukulele and hand percussion lessons. Whether you're a complete beginner, or an experienced performer looking to polish your live performance, Sam's experience and positive vibes will inspire you to take your craft to the next level.

Vanessa is a graduate from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music from 2008. She also holds a Diploma of Applied Arts in Vocal Music from Mohawk College from 2006. Vanessa is classically trained in both voice and piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music. She also has vocal training in jazz, pop/rock and musical theater styles. Vanessa has starred in several local musicals including Kitchener Waterloo Musical Production’s (KWMP) Titanic, Lost and Found Theatre’s Hello Dolly, JM Drama’s Evita and KWMP’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Vanessa holds several Kiwanis Festival Awards in both Voice & Piano. Vanessa takes much pride and joy in teaching music to a variety of age groups for over 17 years. She has been teaching voice and piano at Sherwood since 2012 and is now the lessons manager/coordinator. Vanessa is also a licenced Kindermusik teacher. With a passion for music education Vanessa is the perfect choice to run our lessons department.

Brett studied classical guitar under Wilfrid Laurier’s Tibor Puskas, and harmony under pianist Paul Stouffer. He is accomplished in all genres of music, from classical and jazz to country and rock. His passion is the electric guitar and he has played with such bands as Yuma, Airkraft, The Distance, Outrider, and Canadian Hall of Famer Larry Mercey (Mercey Brothers), Robyn Pauhl, various tribute acts and Radio King. He currently plays with Kitchener’s own “Glider” (formed in 1980 and became one of Ontario’s most popular Top 40 bands) with Grant Cummings, Dave “Fritz” Belbeck and Mike Kipper. He is also a member of party band “Moonshine” with Mark Waechter, James Hastings, Jody Moser and Steve Todd. In addition to playing, Brett has been teaching beginner through advanced guitar both acoustic and electric at Sherwood Music since 1982.

As a high-school music teacher for 8 years at the Juana Escobar School in Bogota, Colombia, Edwin’s confidence and drive is sure to keep any student on track and playing beats by the end of the first lesson. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree in Music from The National Pedagogical University of Colombia, Edwin and his family made the move to Canada in 2013 and decided to settle in Waterloo Region. Though quiet and collected Edwin began expanding his musicality in the region and began playing with several Colombian folklore bands. He is the principal drummer at Calvary Assembly in Cambridge, and has participated in recordings and musical arrangements of Christian worship projects. He currently is the drummer and music director of Canadian Country artist Jeff Catto’s band. 

With his stylistic beats in jazz, funk and Latin jazz, Edwin has become an indispensable part of the Sherwood Lessons team, and we are so thrilled to have him share his unique experiences, interests, as well as his positive and determined attitude with our students. 

Koi is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s renowned Music Industry Arts program.  There he studied with music industry professionals in fields such as recording engineering, producing, performance and management. His passion for music and the guitar began at a very young age, which led him to purchase his very own Fender Stratocaster guitar at the age of 10. 16 Years later, Koi is not only and exemplary guitarist, he is also proficient in Bass, drums and has an extensive knowledge of music theory. With that he began teaching in 2018. As an active gigging musician, Koi is the lead guitar/vocals for his band Faulty Rivals and is the primary song writer and producer. They often gig throughout the region and surrounding areas. As a session musician, Koi is often found playing lead guitar for alternative indy/pop/rock band Apricity. Koi’s passion and dedication for music and teaching provides the perfect complement to the Sherwood Lessons department and the quality of music education Sherwood provides. 

Jack is a graduate of Fanshawe College’s renowned Music Industry Arts program. With over two decades of live music experience, Jack is a dedicated advocate in the local music scene. His musical career began after being enrolled in piano lessons at the young age of 4. Continuing with piano throughout his adolescence, Jack eventually started to pick up bass, guitar and tenor saxophone. As a multi-instrumentalist, he has performed in multiple settings and events, from open mic nights to recitals, weddings and folk festivals. He has also performed with numerous genre-spanning ensembles, all varying in size.  As a co-owner/operator of recording studio Canadian Daydream in Kitchener, Jack puts his passion for giving local music/musicians a voice, to work. With an extensive background in music theory, song writing and producing, he is the perfect industry-savvy addition to the Sherwood Lessons department. 

Sebastian began playing guitar at 14 years of age in Colombia. By age 17 he was studying music, and beginning his career as a live session musician. At the age of 19 he began teaching. Sebastian has over eight years of teaching experience. He has taught at two bilingual schools in Colombia, covering a wide range of styles including rock, jazz, blues, gospel, fusion, and funk. Sebastian is highly skilled in music theory and composition and is committed to tailoring his lessons to his students' preferences while ensuring they develop proper technique and musicianship

Charlie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Wilfred Laurier University, where he was part of the Community Music Program. During his time at Laurier, he facilitated an Early Childhood Music Program and a percussion workshop. With five years of teaching experience, Charlie also performs regularly in a metal band. His teaching focuses on building strong foundations in technique, ear training, and basic theory, as well as developing songwriting and improvisational skills for those looking to advance their musicianship.