GET TO KNOW ME!
This is where my journey begins. Explore my world of music, teaching, and growth as I continue developing as a young educator. I’m grateful you’re here to share in this chapter of my story.
The start of my journey
Hello, my name is Rafael Secillano Javier, and I’m currently working toward my Honours Bachelor of Music, with the violin as my main instrument. Music has always been a significant part of my life, but what truly shaped me were the meaningful opportunities I received growing up. These experiences didn’t only help me grow as a musician they also connected me with others who shared similar challenges and passions.
The Journey that led me to now
I began my musical journey at Community Music Schools of Toronto (CMST), where I wasn’t just learning and performing vbI was also involved in community service and music outreach. That combination of performing and giving back showed me that music is more than just sound; it's a way of connecting people. Over time, I worked in music camps, teaching and performing with kids, which sparked my passion for sharing music and helping others discover it.
Today, I teach at the Lotus Centre, founded by Dr. Erin Parkes, whose work in inclusive music education has greatly inspired me. Teaching children with a variety of disabilities has expanded my understanding of what music can do and the real impact it can have on students’ confidence, communication, and joy.
My future Goal
Originally, my goal was to teach music within the Toronto District School Board, and that’s still a meaningful path. But my experiences have sparked an even bigger ambition: to create my own non profit music community. It’s a bold dream, but through teaching, performing, and building connections, I feel like I’m laying the foundation piece by piece. For me, music isn’t just a career it’s a way to give back, uplift others, and create opportunities that weren’t always available to me growing up.