INSTRUCTORS

Zach Deniro: UMA Director, Producer & Engineer

Zach's experiences in the music and entertainment industry began in high school, when he and a friend began a drum and bass record label called Jedi Records in 1996. They obtained a distribution deal in the U.K. and began putting out vinyl singles around the world. With the success of the label, Zach and two friends ventured into the area of event promotion and began putting on large scale events in Toronto under license from A.W.O.L. in the UK. Things were rolling along nicely and Zach decided to learn more about the audio production and engineering field. He left an economics degree at Wilfrid Laurier University to attend The Harris Institute for the Arts, where he graduated from the Audio Production and Engineering program with honors. Since then he has logged numerous hours in various studios, honing his craft and producing a range of styles from hip hop, reggae, jungle, rock, jazz, soul and rhythm & blues. Zach has produced TV commercials for Young Jeezy and Neyo and has recently worked in the studio with artists such as Bedouin Soundclash, Kardinal Offishal, Snow, In Essence and Rich London for whom he produced the 2007 Juno nominated "Rap Recording of the Year" - "The Answer".

Sean Warfield aka DJ Slip: Producer, Engineer & DJ

Dj Slip is recognized as the foremost Drum n’ Bass authority in North America, having won the highly acclaimed “Knowledge Drum n’ Bass Awards for Best International Drum n’ Bass Label”. At the young age of 15 Sean Warfield started DJing and producing UK drum n’ bass,
developing a deep love for the jungle sound. His first release in 1997 on Jedi Records titled”Let Me Know” remains an anthem throughout North America. Over the past decade, Slip has toured the world performing and working with the top dance floor producers. Today, Slip remains one of the greatest drum and bass producer’s ever, continuing to release dance floor hits to a worldwide audience.

Niko Sofianos: Producer & Engineer

Niko has had a wide range of experiences in the music and entertainment industry over the past ten years. With a background in percussion, he has developed an real understanding of rhythm and an equally well tuned ear. At an early age, Niko toured Italy as the first percussionist in a 50 piece orchestra, gaining an understanding of every instrument in a large scale production. Niko is a graduate of the International Academy of Design earning a diploma in Sound technology, and is currently writing, recording and mixing diverse styles of music for various clients and applications. Niko's signature vibe is unmistakable and he is proud to be able to share his knowledge with the next generation of music makers.

Rich London: Artist & Lyricist

Spitting real thoughts and ideas comes easily to this born and raised Toronto native. Rich London possesses a natural ability to clearly express his views about anything through rhythm and rhyme. Rich’s undiluted, natural style has been a welcome addition to the world of
Hip Hop. DJs, producers, artists and critics around the world have begun to embrace this rising star. Genuine intelligence, on the street and otherwise, paired with a determination to shine has allowed Rich to grace the stage at landmark venues across North America working with the world’s top Hip Hop personalities. Recently nominated for a Juno for the "Rap Recording of the Year", Rich London welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge with a diverse group of people.