When my teacher Robin Harrison decided to retire, he sent me to continue with one of his students named Bonnie Nicholson. What I did not realize was that it would be this period where I would develop the most as a pianist. Bonnie enriched my life for 10 years, both musically and in life in general. When competitions like the National Music Festival, CMC or CFMTA competitions rolled around, she would find time on a daily basis to teach me, if needed. I remember once when she told me I had learned everything from her and it would be a good time to find someone better. That’s how humble and dedicated a teacher she is. I was so glad I ignored her advice and continued studying with her!

Here is a picture with my two teachers, Robin Harrison and Bonnie Nicholson, during a ceremony last October where I was awarded the University of Saskatchewan Young Alumni Award. As a side note, I am very proud to mention that during the University’s centennial year, I have been recently selected as one of the University’s 100 most influential alumni in the past century! That’s pretty darn cool.

I did eventually find someone to take over such a vital role as being my mentor. I met Marc Durand in Banff, during a time when I was struggling with what I wanted to do with my life. I had even contemplated quitting dental school and going to study music. This was the advice given to me by many teachers...i.e. that music is a language, and one must develop the instincts at an early age before it is too late. When I mentioned this advice to Marc, he did agree...but he then said something to me that changed my life. He said that I already had the language, and so it didn’t matter when I would decide to pursue music because the instincts to play were already there. He said “finish dental school and I will be waiting for you in Toronto”.

Here is a picture taken last week with Marc, along with his studio in Toronto (from left to right: Patrick Cashin, Matthew Bagasao, myself, Ben Cruchley and Marc Durand).

I also have a picture of me and Marc, sitting around and reflecting on life during one of the hikes along Emerald Lake in Banff.

Eventually, as he promised, he took me at the Glenn Gould School in Toronto two years later. I have been so grateful for all my teachers, whom I would like to mention below. They have all been an inspiration to me. Thank you for the countless hours spent on this little boy.
- Margaret Richards
- Louise McPherson
- Marylin Harrison
- Robin Harrison
- Bonnie Nicholson
- Marc Durand