Faculty
Kevin McCloskey
Guitar & Bass Teacher
30 years of professional playing and 25 years of studio sessions. Kevin has taught beginner to advanced bass and guitar since 2001.

Since
2010
Teaches
Guitar
Signature
Rock, Blues
About Kevin
A working musician who happens to be a wonderful teacher.
Kevin Mccloskey
GUITAR TEACHER
30 years of professional playing, 25 years of studio sessions, 10 years of teaching has brought Kevin to the Leaside Music School. And we are proud to offer bass and guitar lessons with this seasoned and creative performer. Kevin Mccloskey has been successfully teaching bass to beginner and advanced musicians since 2001. In his travels, Kevin has taught in Trenton, Ontario, in Alberta, and now he brings his experiences in teaching guitar and bass here in Toronto, at the Leaside Music School. He has explored far ranging styles, beyond rock and country, past blues and jazz, and he has incorporated the roots of African and swing styles into his playing, along the way developing impressive finger technique. In your lessons with Kevin, you will draw on his experiences as you learn songs, mastering new techniques, and explore the bounds of creative bass playing. Composition on its own is a unique skill and a gift, one that Kevin demonstrates here in the video Anything with Strings Attached. However, the ability to execute a composition and truly do it justice is what sets him apart. The nuances of playing each instrument, beginning with the excellent intonation on the fretless bass, solid groove on the electric bass, warm and tonality on the upright bass, and dexterity and articulation on the acoustic guitar are only overshadowed by his brilliant improvisation, again, on the fretless bass.
TEACHING
Kevin's warmth and unassuming manner put his students at ease in the lesson studio. He exudes a passion for bass, guitar and music in general, inspiring his students with confidence in their instrument and in themselves. With clear communication and instruction, he continues to guide his students to better bass and guitar playing, a clear understanding of performing on these instruments, and the place of these instruments in contemporary music.
Videos
Anything with Strings Attached
ROCK with “Bad Dog Band”

Credentials
- Teaching since 2001
- 25 years session work
Meet the rest of the faculty
Working musicians, teaching one-on-one.

Jay Burak
Drum Teacher & General Manager
A Humber Jazz graduate mentored by Paul Robson, Jay has been part of the school since 1994. Steady, patient, and endlessly practical.

Robin Boers
Drum Teacher & Department Head
Best known for his work with the Ugly Ducklings, Robin has been drumming since the sixties and teaching at the school since 1980.

Tim Stokes-Rees
Drum & Guitar Teacher
A working drummer and guitarist of 30+ years, Tim moves fluently between pop, classic rock, jazz trio and modern cover bands.
Get in touch
Book a lesson with Kevin.
Tell us the student, age, and any goals. We'll confirm Kevin's availability and match a time to the school week.
- Google reviewsRated 5.0
- Established1965 · Leaside
- CurriculumRCM exam prep
- PressVoted #1 by NOW Magazine