*Head of Music Department*
Simon Castle has been fortunate enough to have a truly vast and varied career in the Entertainment Industry.
From Canada, to the US, England and many more countries.
Simon has rocked them all!
Simon has been a sought after Sound Engineer for some of the biggest and the best.
Having started out in simple night clubs in Victoria BC, he found himself learning about Professional Studio Sound Design in Montreal.
From there he got involved with Live Sound and quickly found himself as the Head Engineer for companies like Princess Cruise lines, to Celebrity and Holland America.
As the shows and systems grew, Simons passion for sonic excellence, literally stood him apart.
Having family ties in England, he then found himself on an 11 year non stop, ‘gig of all gigs’. Working from Ireland, to Scotland, to every major city and shire in England.
From the biggest Theatre Shows for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, to Rock, to all manor of concerts, on a truly huge scale, to boom operating for the BBC,, Simon was there..
Van Morrison, James Brown, Jeff Beck, Jamiriqui, Fatboy Slim, Chemical Brothers, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, to Rock legends like Queen, were just some of the bands Simon was fortunate enough to work with.
From some of the biggest UK and European tours, in the biggest theatres and arenas.
To the smallest and oldest theatres, to being one of the only Canadians lucky enough to be a Sound Operator in London’s West End.
Simon has worked hard and wants to share his intense love of music, the arts and the entertainment industry!
It has been such an honour to return to the island with a wife, a daughter, and a truly unique level of knowledge about the entertainment industry.
Simon’s passion now, is to share his experiences here, in Nanaimo!
Teaching: Piano
Gaétan holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivieres.
He brings over 18 years of teaching experience in piano and flute.
His passion and commitment are to help his students succeed in achieving their goals.
Many of his students have excelled in exams and festivals and also won at provincial and national competitions.
He believes that every student needs an individual approach that is suited to their personality.
Although Gaétan has a considerable experience in training students for exams and competitions, he enjoys, just as much, teaching students who just want to learn for their own pleasure.
He is always happy to help anyone in exploring or perfecting the art of music.
Beside teaching piano Gaétan also train ballroom dancers to compete at national level.
He is a fellow certified and national adjudicator with Canada DanceSport Federation.
Gaetan is looking forward to joining the UK Movez Family!
Teaching: Violin
Paul Sadlemyer is one of the few Violinists to have attended the Vancouver Island University Jazz Studies Program and earned a Bachelor’s degree.
He began his study of the violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Nanaimo B.C.
Prior to this he played guitar and studied with local musical figure (and current member of legendary Canadian band Trooper) Paul Gogo.
Sadlemyer played multiple local charity events with Gogo such as food banks, the Nanaimo hospital, and the Child Development Centre telethon.
It was Gogo who sparked Paul’s initial interest in the violin encouraged him to remain open to all types of music.
At the conservatory Paul studied under local symphony member Karl Rainer.
With Karl, Paul studied the basic technique and repertoire of the violin.
After one year of conservatory training Paul was accepted into the Jazz Studies program at Vancouver Island University and began studying violin under James Mark.
Paul has been an active member of the local music scene throughout his musical career, playing as both side man and leader in the greater Vancouver Island area.
While in university Paul shared the stage with visiting artists Delfeayo Marsalis, Rufus Ried, and Ari Hoenig. Paul was awarded the Pieter de Reuver Foundation Bachelor of Music Jazz Award in 2018 and graduated from Vancouver Island University with a Bachelor in Music in 2019.
Paul is highly passionate about the study of the violin and looks forward to cultivating this passion within his students.
Teaching: Guitar & Bass
David has been excited about music since he first picked up a ukulele as a little kid.
He spent his teens simultaneously studying classical guitar and playing bass in psychedelic rock and metal bands.
Now he plays a whole wack of instruments, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies.
In his teaching he believes that a willingness to experiment in a diversity of styles is one of many keys to success.
He also believes that the study of music is best approached with a relaxed mindset and patience, as finding joy in learning is the best step toward cultivating a lifelong passion.