About Us
About Donais Studios
Founded in 2018, Donais Studios was born from a deep desire—and a bold dream—to reimagine arts education for our community. We believe the arts are more than a skill to master; they are a powerful means of self-discovery, expression, and connection. Our programs are designed to ignite, discover, and share The Artist Within every student—whether they’re taking their very first music lesson or preparing for the professional stage.
Through The Artist Within Academy and RISE Children’s Choir, we offer a nurturing and challenging environment where artists of all ages grow in confidence, creativity, and joy. With a team of passionate educators and a heart for community, Donais Studios is a place where artistry and authenticity thrive.
Mission
To inspire a new generation of artists through the transformative power of the arts.
Vision
At Donais Studios, we envision a world where every young artist discovers the courage to express their voice with confidence and authenticity.
Through exceptional vocal training and the vibrant community of RISE Children’s Choir and The Artist Within Academy, we aim to cultivate artistry, ignite passion, and shape the next generation of empowered, expressive, and compassionate performers.
Values
Artistic Expression
We believe every voice has a story to tell. We nurture creativity and self-expression through vocal artistry, empowering singers to share their truth with authenticity, heart and kindness.Musical Excellence
We are committed to high standards of vocal training, musicality, and personal growth. Through focused skill development and consistent practice, we help artists build a strong and lasting foundation.Community & Belonging
We create safe, welcoming spaces where every singer feels seen, valued, and supported. Through choral singing and collaborative learning, we celebrate the joy of making music together.Growth Through Courage
We encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones, take creative risks, and develop the confidence to shine—in rehearsal, on stage, and in life.Inspiration & Impact
We believe in the power of the arts to shape lives and uplift communities. Through our programs, we ignite passion, inspire change, and cultivate voices that will make a difference in the world.The Studio
The Maloney House, established in 1823, is one of the original farmsteads of the area and home to Donais Studios.
This historic home provides an inspiring atmosphere for artistic development and creates a beautiful connection to the past. During recent renovations, we found 100-year-old recital programs within our walls.
This home has held a love for music for well over a century. Continuing this tradition, Donais Studios creates a warm and inviting space to learn, grow and develop as an artist.
Studio Culture
Our mission and vision are rooted in the conviction that art offers a transformative way to understand and express the world and our humanity. Art is fundamental to human expression, our ability to communicate effectively and authentically, and our ability to think critically. Art speaks to our intellect, emotions, intuition, imagination, memory, physical senses, and universal truths. Art is essential in developing our full potential.
We honour the creative voices of the past, relish in the beautiful artistry of the present, and embrace the artistic innovations of tomorrow.
All voices RISE. Past. Present. Future.
Artistic Team
Artistic Director & Founder, RISE Conductor and Academy Director
Andrea Donais is the Artistic Director and Founder of The Artist Within Academy and RISE Children’s Choir. With over 20 years of experience as a performer, conductor, and arts educator, Andrea is passionate about helping artists of all ages build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong connection to the arts. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto (BMus, MMus) and the creator of The Artist Within Method.
Andrea Donais is the visionary behind Donais Studios, where she serves as Artistic Director and Founder of both The Artist Within Academy and RISE Children’s Choir. A lyric soprano, conductor, and educator, Andrea has spent more than two decades empowering hundreds of individuals to become confident, expressive, and inspired performers.
Andrea holds both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Toronto, where she studied voice with the late Lynn Blaser and choral conducting with Dr. Doreen Rao. Her graduate work focused on collaborative and integrated arts learning environments—principles that continue to shape her teaching today. She is a Royal Conservatory of Music certified teacher in both voice and piano, and a licensed Smart Start instructor.
Through her innovative methodology, The Artist Within Method, Andrea helps artists of all ages and experience levels build sustainable artistic practices that not only foster musical growth but also support emotional wellness and personal development. Her approach nurtures the whole artist—encouraging each student to ignite their creativity, discover their artistic voice, and share it with confidence and joy.
Andrea has led programs across Ontario including her roles as Director of Choral Music at Pickering College, Junior Division Head of the Canadian Children’s Opera Company, and Director of Education with Upper Canada Chorus & Opus Alive. She currently teaches music at The Country Day School and leads the RISE and Artist Within Academy artistic teams with heart, clarity, and a deep commitment to igniting The Artist Within every learner.
RISE Associate Conductor & Academy Vocal Coach
Lian Senior is a passionate choral conductor and soprano who brings warmth, experience, and a deep love for community to her work with young singers. A graduate of McMaster University, Lian has held leadership roles with Upper Canada Chorus & Opus Alive and currently develops global education programs at Pickering College.
Lian Senior is an inspiring conductor, vocalist, and community builder who has devoted her career to empowering young singers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University and has over a decade of experience leading youth choirs and engaging communities in the performing arts.
Lian served as Director of Community and lead conductor with Upper Canada Chorus & Opus Alive for seven years, where she played a key role in shaping the organization’s inclusive and dynamic choral experiences. Currently, she is the Manager, Auxiliary Programs at Pickering College. Lian has been a part of the Donais Studios team since 2018. Lian brings empathy, energy, and a deep commitment to nurturing confidence and creativity in every young artist she works with.
Academy Voice Instructor & RISE Vocal Coach
Amelia DePiero is a vibrant soprano, voice teacher, and vocal coach with a deep love for musical theatre, classical voice, and youth mentorship. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, she is a certified Smart Start instructor and section lead at Trinity United Church in Newmarket.
Amelia DePiero is a passionate soprano, voice instructor, and youth mentor who brings performance experience and pedagogical insight to every lesson. She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, where she studied with Elizabeth McDonald and coach Suzy Smith, earning top marks in her performance exams.
A graduate of Huron Heights Secondary School’s Arts Huron program, Amelia holds double majors in voice and drama. Her stage credits include leading roles in Hairspray, The Sound of Music, Grease, and Colours in the Storm. Amelia was a vocal apprentice with the Orpheus Choir of Toronto and a fellow at the Bradford Arts Centre, where she later mentored aspiring performers. She currently serves as soprano section lead at Trinity United Church and has been part of the Donais Studios team since 2020. Amelia is also a certified Smart Start instructor, dedicated to nurturing each student’s artistic growth and self-expression from their very first note.
RISE Collaborative Pianist & Academy Collaborative Pianist
Asher Farber is an accomplished collaborative pianist and conductor with a Master’s in Collaborative Piano Performance from the University of Toronto. With a love for music in every genre—from classical to klezmer—Asher brings versatility, artistry, and a deep commitment to collaboration in performance and education.
Asher Farber is a dynamic collaborative pianist, conductor, and educator whose musical journey began at the age of four. He earned his Master of Music in Collaborative Piano Performance from the University of Toronto and his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Ottawa (Magna Cum Laude).
Deeply rooted in both classical and contemporary traditions, Asher has performed across a wide range of genres, from jazz and gospel to hip hop, klezmer, and opera. He has served as répétiteur, accompanist, and vocal coach for numerous productions, lessons, auditions, recordings, and competitions. His work is fueled by an authentic love of collaboration and a talent for bringing out the best in singers and instrumentalists alike.
Asher is also a dedicated educator, having taught music to students from ages 3 to 93. Currently based in Toronto, he works with several community choirs and teaches piano, coaches voice, and theory. His approach is both joyful and rigorous, always seeking to spark a meaningful and lasting relationship with music. Asher has been a member of the Donais Studios artistic team since 2020.
RISE & Academy Studio Coordinator
Janice Chong is the Studio Coordinator at Donais Studios and the heart of our day-to-day operations. With over 15 years of experience in administration and client care, Janice brings exceptional organization, professionalism, and warmth to every interaction—often serving as the first point of contact for our artistic community.
As Studio Coordinator at Donais Studios, Janice Chong keeps our artistic world running smoothly. With a calm and steady presence, Janice is often the first friendly voice you’ll hear when connecting with our studio—whether you’re booking a lesson, registering for a program, or asking a question.
Janice brings more than 15 years of administrative expertise to her role, with a background spanning corporate, residential, and community care sectors. Before joining Donais Studios, she worked as a Condominium Administrator with Del Property Management, and previously supported seniors and their families at the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care.
A graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology, Janice is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and is highly proficient with office and scheduling systems. Her deep organizational skills, warm communication style, and dedication to excellent service help our artistic team and families stay informed, supported, and inspired.
From scheduling lessons to managing studio communications, Janice plays a vital role in helping every artist feel welcome and ready to ignite, discover, and share The Artist Within.
