Don Ficzere
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard Teacher, Drum Teacher
Don Ficzere is an experienced teacher and Music Director for the Little Wing, Rookies, and Rock 101 programs at School of Rock St. John's, Newfoundland. A natural and deeply passionate entertainer who loves listening, playing and teaching Classic Rock & Roll, Heavy Metal, Blues, Pop, Jazz or Country.
When not working on his own music, Don plays as session musician in studio and has a solid reputation as a hired gun for other artists and bands working the performance stage. Don loves sharing his passion for music and in particular guitars, so much so that he can be found building custom guitars in his spare time!
Don is a guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and drum teacher who also plays harmonica, and sings lead vocals on his many active projects.
Greg A. Tobin
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher,
Greg has been a musician for over 25 years and a music teacher for over 15 years. Touring with bands across Canada and abroad, Greg has worked in countless countries. Greg performs with local bands, produces music for other artists and writes music for internet, television and radio. Greg draws from a wealth of technical knowledge garnered from direct experience and having been the main teacher at Academy Canada for the music recording arts program, which focussed on audio production technology, as well as song writing and performance camps.
Greg is constantly on the go and loves to share his passion for music with his students as much as he relishes his next gig! At School of Rock St John’s, Newfoundland, Greg is a guitar teacher and bass guitar teacher.
Marco Fiore
General Manager, Keyboard Teacher
Marco began his career in high school playing guitar in rock bands, continuing his education studying jazz piano at Berklee College of music, before embarking on a sixteen-year stint working as a musical director for various cruise lines; traveling the world, making music, having a ball! Marco met his wife Robyn Sears, a native of Mount Pearl, on a cruise ship. She brought him over to Newfoundland which he now proudly calls home. On top of GM duties at School of Rock St. John’s, Marco can be found teaching keyboard as well as regularly gigging around the City.
Robyn Sears
Studio Coordinator, Vocal Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Robyn is an active singer performing in shows and with various bands on the local music scene. Robin trained at Sheridan College and has performed all over the world, as well as on CBC TV nationally. Robyn brings a huge smile, tremendous energy and positivity to the School. Robyn is at her best when sharing her love of music, stagecraft and positive can-do attitude with children, parents and staff. Robyn teaches life skills, singing, guitar, keyboard, and dancing in group and one-on-one classes. Robyn especially enjoys working with children. Always willing to listen and ready to help, Robyn can often be found at our front desk where she coordinates and facilitates daily activities.
Tomas Bridal
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Tomas Bridal loves directing shows and is a vocal instructor, guitar teacher, bass guitar teacher, piano teacher, and drum teacher at School of Rock St. John's. Tomas is an experienced singer and songwriter who has performed locally and internationally in various musical theatre productions and live acts over the last two decades.
Tomas studied Vocal and Drama at O’Neill CVI after being accepted into their acclaimed performing arts program. There, he would cut his teeth, writing songs, recording and performing in many rock bands, choirs, and musicals, and going on to win a Best New Band Award at Canada’s Music Week Festival. After attending Centennial College’s Music Industry Arts and Performance program, Tomas came to St John’s, Newfoundland to continue his creative journey.
Bill Simms
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Bill Simms is a musical chameleon with a background in Jazz from St. Francis Xavier University. Simms plays a plethora of genres on several different instruments. Simms loves listening, playing, and teaching music of all different kinds. He is equally comfortable being in the lead as he is playing a supporting role.
Simms has toured across Canada with his original project, Ol Billy Bob Boy, and his album Sweltering Sun was nominated for MusicNL’s Rising Star and Country Artist Of The Year awards. In addition to writing and performing his own music, Simms has supported many artists and plays double bass, electric bass guitar, guitar, mandolin and voice, leading him to be nominated for MusicNL’s Side Musician Of The Year award. He has performed and recorded with great Canadian musicians including Raine Hamilton, Abigail Lapell, Denis Parker, Matthew Hornell, Natasha Blackwood, Mallory Johnson, The Heavy Horses, Unidentified Funk Object, Beep Bop and the Nyachty List in addition to many jazz combos and theatre pit bands.
Simms is currently living in St. John’s Newfoundland and loves sharing his passion with School of Rock St. John's students, as well as performing in the city's vibrant and diverse music scene.