The Executive Director and Co-Owner of Chinook School of Music,Carrie Kalmakoff obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. At Chinook School of Music, Carrie focuses on implementing new and innovative programming to engage students in self-expression through music. Her commitment to fostering a lifelong love and enjoyment of music for students and their families is reflected in both her teaching and involvement in the musical community. Carrie is a passionate teacher and dynamic leader who inspires and encourages her students to be creative-minded, independent thinkers. Her students achieve high marks in music examinations and frequently win festival scholarships and awards; many have gone on to pursue music as a career.
Carrie is the Past President and General Manager of Cowtown Opera, past Chairperson of Calgary Contemporary Showcase, a retired member of the Alberta Registered Music Teacher Association and Alberta Piano Teachers’ Association. One of the benefits Carrie enjoys in her role at Chinook School of Music is the opportunity to form relationships with families and witness the musical growth of the students.
Read MoreRobert Motchalov began his musical studies at the age of five at the Novosibirsk Academy for Arts in Russia. He continued his musical studies on the piano, violin and clarinet and completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Victoria. Robert continued his education at the Indiana University in Bloomington, where he was granted the Master of Music degree with distinction, in piano performance.
Robert enjoys performing as a soloist and collaborative artist. He has performed in master classes with renowned pianists and musicians such as the famed performer and pedagogue Gyorgy Sebok, as well as Lev Vlasenko and Enrica Cavallo Gulli. Today Robert enjoys a busy teaching schedule as well as his position as a Director of Chinook School of Music.
Read MoreBen Tizzard is a Calgary-based musician with a Bachelor of Music Degree at Ambrose University in Jazz Guitar. He has had the honor of studying with leading Calgary musicians such asRalf Bushmeyer, Neil McVey, Stefano Valdo, Pat Belliveau, and Aaron Young. Playing since the age of 13, Ben has never thought twice about dedicating his time to studying and performing the guitar. His past experiences include being a finalist for the Stampede Talent Show, performing as the guitarist in the Badlands Passion Play, studying under the Calgary-based Flamenco guitarist Holly Blazina, and participating in local jams/open mics in various venues across town.
Ben fills his time professionally through teaching privately, engaging in clinics, and performing at Calgary venues such as the Ironwood Stage and Grill, Café Koi, SAIT Jubilee Auditorium, Mount Royal University, University of Calgary, Lolita’s Lounge, Hyatt Hotel, Ambrose University and many more.
Read MoreBorn and raised in Scotland, Ben Montgomery holds a degree in Music Business from North Glasgow College as well as a BA Honours Music degree in Popular Music: Business, Production and Performance from Edinburgh Napier University. He has toured Europe and Canada with countless bands, worked as a percussionist with many theatre companies and toured around the world as a drummer on Carnival Cruise Ships.
Ben brings passion and patience to every project which not only make him a successful performer but an exceptional teacher. Most recently he has been performing and recording with a multitude of bands and artists around Alberta and building a vast student network. Having taught privately for nine years, Ben is extremely proficient in not only the practical components of music, but also the theory behind the songs.
Read MoreBranden Olsen is a rising Atlantic Canadian bass-baritone who has recently finished the McPhee Artist Development Program with Calgary Opera and is a pedagogical clinician and conductor of exceptional promise. In 2021 Branden won first place (voice) at the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals National Competition. He has a master’s in both choral conducting and voice performance and is currently studying under renowned Canadian tenor David Pomeroy. Branden was honoured to workshop the newly commissioned February with Opera on the Avalon, and also to conduct the Atlantic Boychoir in Cornwall, UK. He was recently seen on the Calgary Opera stage as Dulcamara (L’elisire d’amore), and with the Little Opera Company in Winnipeg as Papageno (The Magic Flute).
Branden is an avid teacher and sought-after clinician of both the voice and piano. He has had multiple students successfully audition into undergraduate programs, win competitions/festivals, and receive high marks at exams. He is comfortable teaching in all styles of music, specializing in the male voice and the transitioning voice. One of Branden’s more niche specialties is teaching proper technique of the heavy-rock “scream.” Branden is also a proficient organist and harpsichordist and is the proud owner of a recently purchased and restored harpsichord.
Read MoreChantelle Gillies began her musical career twelve years ago, and has always had a passion for music. She has had extensive training in the Royal Conservatory of Music piano, voice and theory programs. She joined the Cantare Children’s Choir at age four and this ensemble gave her many unique opportunities, such as travelling to Vimy Ridge, and performing at the Crescent City Choral Festival in New Orleans. She has had the privilege of performing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra many times, as well as appearing in three Calgary Opera productions.
Chantelle has a deep passion for the piano, and she is striving to help students discover this same emotional connection. Chantelle believes that making music isn’t just about playing the instrument, it is also about going deeper and understanding what the composer intended with the music. Chantelle aspires to help students find joy in learning the piano, and help them create music that they will appreciate for years to come.
Read MoreAn instructor and performer since 1995, Chris McNevin has gathered a wealth of teaching knowledge. From beginner to advanced, rock to jazz, students of all ages have learned alongside Chris the most important lessons of all: dedication and follow through… Chris’s long experience and passion for the art are evident in each and every lesson he teaches, and always with a positive attitude. Motivation and feedback and are key factors and constant. Originally fron the East coast, Chris is currently an on-call drummer for an ever growing list of Western Canada’s artists and acts.
Chris McNevin can teach lessons in English and French.
Read MoreAs a distinguished graduate of Berklee College of Music, David Blitt received a world-class education in harmony, ear training, guitar skills as well as arranging and composition. David received Berklee's Professional Music Division Achievement Award for Outstanding Musicianship as well as the Louise McKinney scholarship two years in a row. David also performed as a featured instrumental soloist in Berklee’s prestigious Guitar Night concert and received Berklee's yearly North American tour scholarship. Other notable performances include playing electric guitar for Taiwanese Pop Stars Kevin Lin And Kay Huang at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts for over 1500 people.
An active recording guitarist, David released two original music EPs on iTunes in 2015. David excels in blues rock, instrumental music, rock/metal, pop and acoustic guitar including fingerpicking. In addition to his music degree from Berklee College of Music David has several years of teaching experience and a degree in Biological Science from the University of Calgary.
Read MoreDerek Haussecker is a musician and artist from Calgary, Alberta. He has been playing drums for over 15 years and has experience performing in Canada, Europe and the UK. While mostly self-taught, he spent a year studying jazz and latin drumming with local big band legend John de Waal. Derek has an eclectic knowledge of music and plays a variety of styles including rock, R&B, funk, afrobeat, bossa nova, jazz and experimental music.
Derek focuses on keeping sessions fun and engaging to ensure students stay excited about drumming and music. With personalized lesson plans that cater to the needs of each student, as every individual learns and approaches material differently. Derek offers useful and creative exercises that enable students of various skill levels to effectively learn in their own time outside of lessons.
Read MoreDylan Cooney is a talented performer and dedicated teacher. Dylan is currently in the BMus program at the University of Calgary with a focus on classical guitar. He has 10 years experience performing various rock, pop, classical, and country genres in and around Calgary. Performances include the University of Calgary, cafes, weddings, and private venues.
Dylan has been teaching for over 3 years and is committed to being a role model to his students. He is passionate about music and guitar with a strong desire to share this love of music with his students. Dylan's teaching style is focused on creating individual lesson plans as well as exploring what has drawn the student to music and the guitar. As students advance, Dylan incorporates instruction in theory, note reading, improvisation, and technique. He works with his students to develop their own personal repertoire of songs. Key to Dylan’s success in teaching is ensuring that practice is fun and personally rewarding for all students.
Read MoreElaine has been playing the piano since she was nine years old. She has taken many RCM piano and theory exams, consistently achieving high marks. Starting September 2023, she will begin working towards an Associate Diploma (ARCT). Elaine has also performed at recitals and festivals, winning several awards. Throughout her music studies, she has developed a passion for using music as a language and a mode of expressing her emotions to others.
Elaine aims to create a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for her students to gain confidence in their musical journeys. She is always excited to share her love of music with people in her community and hopes to foster musical creativity in young musicians.
Read MoreEva Pospisilova has a Masters degree in teaching and performance from the Conservatory of Brno, Czech Republic, as well as degrees in pedagogy and psychology. Her professional background includes numerous accompanist contracts: Okanagan Symphony, Kiwanis Festival, KCMS Singers, Ontario Music Festivals, and Choir Festivals in Ottawa, Saint John, and at the International School of Prague. Eva has performed across Europe as a solo pianist and accompanist for various instrumentalist and vocalists. She was a teacher and accompanist at the Kelowna Community Music School from 2003 to 2013.
Read MoreJames has a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Writing & Production from Berklee College of Music and has been teaching and playing professionally for 6 years. James enjoys teaching jazz, rock and indie music.
James teaches students songs they enjoy listening to by ear and through sheet music. He has an array of teaching materials and musical activities that help foster a love of music. James is happy to teach students music for their own personal enjoyment, for bands they play in, or for school.
James teaches guitar for all ages and skill levels as well as beginner and intermediate piano.
Read MoreJennifer Frazer’s appreciation for music began at a very young age while listening to her father play Beethoven sonatas. She began playing piano at age six and later added violin, cello, and viola. She has played violin and viola in several orchestras in both Canada and the United States, and has won awards in various competitions and institutions, including silver medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Music Performance from Bishop’s University as well as an ARCT in piano performance. She also has a teaching diploma from Cordes de l’Estrie and teaches both individual lessons and at music camps. Several of her students have won awards and medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music and local music competitions. Jennifer greatly enjoys teaching and passing on her love of music, and believes that anyone at any age can learn to play and enjoy music.
Jennifer Frazer can teach lessons in English and French.
Read MoreJuliana Jorge started her studies at the age of 6 at her birth city, São Pedro, in Brazil. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music – Piano, from the State University of Campinas – UNICAMP, and a Masters in Music degree, focusing on both Collaborative and Solo Piano from The University of New Mexico in the USA. In 2016, Juliana received a full scholarship to deepen her studies at the Bard College in NY, where she attended the Advanced Performance Studies program specializing in Collaborative Piano.
Juliana’s teaching style can be described as fun and productive. She approaches learning the instrument through music, allowing the student to experiment, but also building a firm foundation to grow from. She currently lives in Calgary, where she works as a staff pianist for the Alberta Ballet School and The Youth Singers of Calgary, as well as a chamber music coach and piano teacher. For more info about her work, please visit www.thepianistondemand.com.
Juliana Jorge can teach lessons in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Read MoreLisa MacLeod is a dedicated and passionate flute teacher with over 20 years of experience. Lisa works with both children and adults, ranging from beginners to advanced, helping them develop strong fundamentals, refine their technique, and cultivate a deep appreciation for music.
Lisa's journey with music started at a young age. This passion for music led her to study with Calgary teachers Mary Sullivan and Sara Hahn-Scinocco. Over the years, Lisa has also been fortunate to play for Emily Marks, Katy Wherry, Dr. Matthew Allison, Gwen Klassen, Lea Pearson, and Meerenai Shim.
Lisa has significant experience working with beginning flutists and her teaching style incorporates elements of the Suzuki method. Her teaching style is inclusive and encouraging and has allowed her students to excel, including receiving gold medal awards with the Royal Conservatory of Music.
As an active performer, Lisa currently holds chairs with the Calgary Wind Symphony and Ambrose Chamber Orchestra. Lisa is also an active freelancer and has performed with many ensembles within Calgary, including the Calgary Civic Symphony, Front Row Centre, Fire Exit, and Morpheus Theatres.
Above all, Lisa's teaching philosophy centers around the belief that every student has the potential to succeed with the right guidance and support. Whether you are starting the flute or looking to take your playing to the next level, Lisa is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and become the best flutist you can be.
Read MoreAn extremely talented Malaysian-born musician, Lone has taught guitar, ukulele, bass guitar and drums for over 18 years. He has a wide range of experience with a diverse group of students having taught all styles of music to children as young as three years old, and adults up to 75 years old, in two countries – Malaysia and Canada, as well as internationally through online channels.
Over the years, Lone has developed his own distinctive and versatile style of teaching. His lessons are tailor-made for each individual student’s learning style and experience to keep interest and enthusiasm levels up. Lone also encourages his students to push through their comfort zones and improve their skills through performances and various music activities.
Lone is a passionate musician and a well-loved music teacher. He is dedicated to sharing his love of music and cultivating the musical talents and abilities of his students and music lovers everywhere.
Lone Chu can teach lessons in English, Chinese Mandarin, Chinese Cantonese, and Malay.
Read MoreMarianna has been interested in music since her childhood and started playing the piano at the age of six. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree and eventually with a Master of Music Degree, from the R. Glier Kyiv Academy of Music.
Marianna has experience working with kids and adults with all levels of students (beginner, intermediate, advanced). She has been teaching piano lessons for 6 years.
Marianna adapts lessons to the student's needs, interests, and goals. Also, she combines different types of music to develop all skills and to make your musical pastime more interesting and diverse. Marianna can help you in becoming and developing in a professional way as well as to reveal and improve your piano skills if you play for fun.
Marianna can teach lessons in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Read MoreMeaghan Schulz has a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, and an LLB from the University of Alberta. She is on the roster with Cowtown Opera Company, and is a member of the Calgary Opera Chorus. Meaghan has trained in early childhood music education and she also developed and taught a baby sign language program called Nursery Signs. She is so excited to play and explore at Chinook School of Music with Music Kids!
Read MoreMichael Coburn’s passion and tenacity for piano performance have led him to become an inspiring and in demand educator. Michael has developed his own teaching philosophy that seeks to transform the way his students understand music by focusing on thought first, action second. By allowing students to understand what happens in the brain, Michael is able to evoke more creative and secure performances.
In 2006, Michael was featured as a soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, shortly before receiving his Bachelor’s of Music from the University of Calgary. He furthered his studies at the Académie Musicale Internationale "Barbara Krakauer" in Vaison-la-Romaine, France, and working with internationally acclaimed pianists such as Paul Badura-Skoda and Emanuel Krasovsky.
Michael is currently the Piano Faculty Director at Chinook School of Music, the Artistic Director of Cum Vino Cantus Choir, the Director of Music at Parkdale United Church, and an adjudicator at music festivals across Alberta.
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