Mr. McKinnon holds Licentiate & Fellowship Diplomas from Trinity College of Music in London, England and Associate Diplomas (ARCT in Teacher & Performer) from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is now in his 30th year of teaching theory and piano, and has prepared thousands of students for RCM examinations, many of whom have gained admission to numerous university and college programs. He taught for many years at the Royal Conservatory of Music and continues to serve as a member of the RCM College of Examiners. He is a published composer, arranger, performer and recording artist.

Mr. McKinnon studied on scholarship at the Royal Conservatory of Music with Clifford McAree and William G. Andrews, further studies with Gordon Hallett and composition with Dr. Samuel Dolin. His pedagogical method incorporates a detailed approach emphasizing a thorough comprehension of the various concepts in the theory of music.