RON SANDOR ART ED, BA, BFA, MFA
Born April 3, 1951, Ron studied piano with Ms. Grayson, First Violinist with Detroit Symphony Orchestra, until he was 10. He then studied with Ms. Trowler, a retired Concert Pianist, and obtained his Grade X piano in 1964. Ron studied guitar, cello and organ and received his first Organist’s position in 1965. Later that year, he became Organist and Choir Master at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. In 1969, he became Organist and Choir Director of Calvary United Church.
Ron was a member of many rock and blues bands until his mid twenties. Consequently, although he prepares many students for the University of Toronto Royal Conservatory Piano, and, Theory Examinations, his teaching approach is to include music from Jazz, the Blues, Folk, as well as the main Classical Repertoire.
Ron studied Music Composition at Wayne State University for two years before graduating from the University of Windsor with a degree in Philosophy. Soon afterwards, his artistic interests grew. In 1978, he obtained a diploma in Arts Education and went on to study Fine Art at the Emily Carr College of Art in Vancouver, receiving his BFA. He earned his Masters of Fine Arts degree from York University, Toronto, where he taught Multidisciplinary Studies for 5 years utilizing all of his varied talents. He has also taught at the University of Windsor and has been a visiting Artist in Residence at the University of Waterloo and Simon Fraser University. Ron has exhibited his artwork throughout Canada and in Italy and the US.
Throughout his career, he has taught Piano and Music Theory — beginning in 1964 and continuing until the present. Over the years, the average grade attained by his students enrolled in a Royal Conservatory of Music piano or theory exam has been in excess of 80 percent. We are very proud of each of his student’s accomplishments.
In the Summer of 2005, Ron was hired as an Assistant and Chaperone for the Victoria ‘VIVA Children’s Choir’. The VIVA Choir traveled extensively through southern Wales and England marvelously singing in Castles, Cathedrals and ancient ruins.
In addition to teaching in Victoria, Ron has been an active Community Leader holding titles such as:
– President Oak Bay Figure Skating Club
– PAC President Oakland’s School
– Vice President, Ombudsperson and Founding Member Oakland’s Neighbourhood Association
-Current Vice-President of the Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce
Ron is happily married to May Blair, who is a U.S. citizen, and he has one daughter, Loreena, who was named after Loreena McKennitt the Jewel of Canada’s Folk Music Scene. Ron knew her when she was busking in Ontario at various markets and other places. Ron travels to the United States to spend time with his wife’s children and grandchildren during all holidays at Christmastide, Spring Break, and in the summer. He also is POA for his 78 year old sister who lives in a Care facility in Ontario. He is owned by 2 cats, Winston and Wally.