Music Educator | Composer
Multi-Instrumentalist

Kristian Balinov grew up surrounded by music in his parents’ studio, where creativity, structure, and high standards were part of daily life. In 2015, he graduated with top honors from the prestigious Metalworks Institute, earning a diploma in Music Performance and Technology. During his studies, he was mentored by Gil Moore of the iconic rock band Triumph, and was awarded the SONOR of Canada Outstanding Achievement Award for his excellence in performance.

With nearly a decade of full-time teaching experience, Kristian has guided over 150 students in drums, piano, guitar, voice, music production, songwriting, and RCM exam preparation. His teaching style combines high-level training with creative flexibility, making lessons both effective and fun for all ages and levels.

Outside the classroom, Kristian is an award-winning film composer with credits including The Final Wish (Best Music – Vesuvio International Movie Awards), Marigold, Mary, In My Skin, and The Embrace. His work bridges classical technique with modern sound design, giving his students a unique lens into real-world music applications.

At Tisho’s Music Academy, Kristian brings a fresh, forward-thinking energy to a school built on discipline and passion. He also runs a fully equipped professional recording studio on-site, where he helps young artists produce industry-quality demos and original music.

School Director
Pre-School Program Teacher | B.A.T.D

The youngest of the Balinov family, Diana also grew up surrounded by music. Although she studied music for many years, Diana’s passion for dance was undeniable. She trained and competed at the national level for 15 years in all disciplines and worked with many top industry professionals, including choreographer Amy Wright from The Next Step (Family Channel). Diana also represented Canada on the world stage in Germany, as Team Canada attended the World Dance Championships in 2010.

Diana has worked with individuals from ages 3 to adult, making her teaching style truly unique. From running our pre-school music program to teaching dance classes at local retirement homes, dance studios, and day programs, she is very well-rounded and builds strong relationships with everyone she works with.

Diana holds a Business Management and Human Resource Management degree from Humber College, alongside her British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.) certification for tap and jazz. She also received the Gold Medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music for receiving the highest mark in Ontario for her Grade 2 percussion exam in 2011.

Diana’s passion for the arts brings a new light, energy, and innovation to Tisho’s Music Academy!

Royal Conservatory of Music (Hons.)
Levels 1–8 Mus. Ed. (BA-Hons) – Liberal Arts
Piano, Vocal

Isabel grew up studying piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music and performing for the Brampton-Bolton-Caledon Branch of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association. Through this opportunity, Isabel annually competed in branch festivals, achieving First Place in ORMTA Grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 divisions, with Adjudicator Choice Awards consecutively from 2017 to 2020 for the Paule Kerluke Memorial Scholarship.

Isabel currently holds RCM Level 8 Performance, with First Class Honors and Distinction in RCM Levels 2, 3, and 4. She is currently a third-year undergraduate at York University, studying to obtain her Ontario teaching degree. Previously in high school, Isabel annually participated in the Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School Chamber Choir and Junior to Senior Instrumental Band, where she specialized in brass instruments (baritone/euphonium and trombone).

Isabel is very excited to share her passion for music with all of us at Tisho’s Music Academy!

Music Teacher, Composer, Multi-Instrumentalist

B.Mus in Music Composition
RCM Voice and Piano Level 8

A lifelong musician, Bella Sohl has devoted her life to exploring her creative pursuits and sharing them with her students. She grew up studying, writing, and performing music, including at Tisho’s Music Academy. Though she plays many instruments, she focuses on teaching voice, piano, flute, ukulele, music theory, and music composition. Bella has experience in classical music, but also contemporary music including pop, jazz, and rock.

After achieving her Level 8 RCM qualifications in both voice and piano, Bella went to Wilfrid Laurier University to study music. She auditioned as a singer and went on to major in Music Composition, receiving the Terrence and Janet Levesque Music Composition Award. She created several notable works, including a project for Halton Parks.

Bella is a dedicated teacher and fully customizes her lessons to help her students achieve their goals. She has now been teaching music for ten years and is excited to continue sharing her passion with her students.