Our Faculty

Svetlana Klempner is a native of Kharkov, Ukraine, where she completed her BA in Piano Pedagogy and Accompanist at the Kharkov Music College. In 1984 she earned her Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy under Professor L.I. Lazovaya. Between 1990 and 1998 she lived and taught in Israel. In 1998 after moving to Canada Svetlana continued her studies at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM) under Professor Pierre Jasmin, specializing in Piano Performance. Shortly after she founded a private piano studio, which would later become Music Academy Fortissimo. Svetlana is the winner of the Grand Prix at the prestigious Young Performers Competition in Tashkent, 1973 and the winner of the Concerto Competition at UQAM, 2003. 

At Fortissimo Ms. Klempner teaches piano. 

Svetlana Pailler-Melkostupova is a choral conductor and mezzo-soprano, a graduate of the Vladivostok Conservatory of Music, Russia. In 1996 Svetlana became Music Director and Conductor of the Billings Symphony Youth Choral in Billings, Montana. In 2000 her reputation as top-class Choral Conductor followed her to New Hampshire where she became the Founder and Music Director of the NH Choral Academy in Manchester, NH. In 2006 Ms. Pailler was offered a position of the Director of Children’s Choir at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA where she continues to teach presently. 

At Fortissimo Ms. Pailler teaches many pre-school programs, as well as piano and voice. 

Margarita Weber, born in Frunze Kirgiztan, started to discover the beautiful world of music at the age of five. In 1985, Margarita completed with honors her BA in Piano Pedagogy and Accompanist. Margarita participated in multiple prestigious competitions. In 1983 she received first place at the “Asia’s Young Pianists” competition which was held in memory of S. Rachmaninov. In 1985, she won the "R. Schubert's Piano Secrets" competition. In 1988 Margarita accepted first place in the "Young Performers” competition, in Vilna. In 1990, Margarita earned with honors her Master's degree in Piano Perfomance, Piano Pedagogy, Soloist in Chamber Orchestra and Accompanist. In 1993, she moved to Montreal and pursued her teaching and performing carrier at the "National Academy of Music" (1993- 2004). 

At Fortissimo Mrs. Weber teaches piano. 

Anna Peletsis has graduated from Tchaikovsky Conservatoire in Moscow (class of S. Dorensky, P. Nersessian and N. Lugansky), Royal College of Music in London, UK (Masters, class of D. Alexeev) and McGill University (Doctor of Music, class of M. Mdivani). She won 1st prizes of the International Piano Competitions in France (Nicolai Rubinstein, FLAME) and England (Bromsgrove, Harding) and performed in the Great Hall of Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and Chapelle Historique du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal among others. 

During her time at McGill Anna won the McGill Concerto Competition and performed A. Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto with the McGill Symphony Orchestra, which has been broadcasted by CBC Radio 2 Canada wide. She taught piano and piano ensemble courses at McGill while being a Doctoral candidate. Anna also took a conducting course with Maestro A. Hauser that led to a performance with the McGill Symphony Orchestra as well as her recent professional conducting engagement was with the Pronto Musica orchestra. 

Anna actively performs as a soloist and as part of Peletsis-Dardykina Piano Duo that went on concert tours in Canada, USA, UK and Russia. At Fortissimo Academy Dr. Peletsis teaches piano. 

Michael Angelo Fratino is a Montreal-born guitarist, drummer, performer, and educator with over 30 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University and a Master’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance from McGill University.

Alongside his teaching at Fortissimo Academy, Michael serves as Head of the Guitar Department at SUNY Plattsburgh in New York. Throughout his career, he has worked with students of all ages and skill levels, helping them develop their technique, musical understanding, and confidence. His teaching approach emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation while encouraging creativity, self-expression, and a genuine appreciation for music.

Michael believes that every student has their own musical interests, learning style, and goals. Whether learning guitar or drums for the first time, developing existing skills, or exploring new musical possibilities, he strives to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students can grow at their own pace.

Above all, Michael hopes to inspire his students to enjoy the process of learning, discover their passion for music, and develop the confidence to express themselves through their instrument. Whatever their starting point or musical interests, he is committed to helping each student make the most of their musical journey.

Seon Park was born in South Korea and started playing piano at the age of 5. She competed in young pianist competitions and continued to pursue her musical interests after moving to Canada. She is a classically trained pianist and has over 25 years of extensive experience as a piano teacher in various areas of Montreal and the West Island. During her career, Seon played in numerous concerts, including solo recitals, piano ensembles, and as a piano accompanist for choir and instrumentalists. As a piano teacher, she prepares students for recitals, school concerts, and also for RCM exams and competitions. Prof. Charles Reiner was Seon’s primary teacher while studying at Marianopolis CEGEP and she completed Piano Performance College II at McGill Conservatory of Music. Seon Park graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from McGill University under the supervision of Prof. Marina Mdivani. Seon enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of music. She values her relationship with students, teaching with care and love. At Fortissimo Academy, Ms. Park teaches piano.