Juliana 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 MoreKassandra Schantz believes anyone can sing as long as they have passion and perseverance. She grew up in Westlock, AB and from a young age performed in many community theatre productions. Her love of opera led her to Victoria where she completed her Bachelor of Music at the University of Victoria under the guidance of Benjamin Butterfield, and then her Masters of Music at the University of Ottawa under the guidance of Christiane Riel. As a budding mezzo-soprano, she has performed in a number of oratorios and operas, most recently as Dorabella in the University of Ottawa’s production of Cosi fan Tutte. Now she has returned to Alberta and is eager to share her passion, knowledge, and experience.
Kassandra creates an open and safe space to explore your voice and tailors lessons to suit your specific goals and needs as they arise, whether you’re an absolute beginner, or preparing for the audition process. You will receive a solid foundation in the basics of singing, beginning with a focus on breath support, proper onset (when the vocal cords come together to produce sound), vowel formation, production of resonance, and the overall anatomy of the vocal mechanism. You will learn to release tension and bad habits, and replace them with healthy techniques. Whatever genre you are pursuing Kassandra will help strengthen your performance skills including stage presence and storytelling. Her ultimate goal is to reveal to you your own unique and pure voice, and to give you the tools to feel confident, and even fall in love with that voice. This process is both fun and profound.
Read MoreAlberta-born pianist Kathleen van Mourik earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary in Piano Performance before moving to the Netherlands, where she studied lied and chamber music at the Hilversum Conservatory under Hans Broekman, receiving the Uitvoerend Musicus degree.
Upon returning to Canada, she received a Master of Music degree in piano performance under the tutelage of Vladimir Levtov at the University of Calgary.
Ms. Van Mourik is the founder and co-artistic director of the Mountain View International Festival of Song, Canada's only summer master class programme and concert festival combining art song and chamber music as well as the Mountain View Connection, Calgary's only concert series devoted to presenting emerging artists in concert.
Read MoreKevin is an accomplished solo and chamber pianist, pedagogue and choir director. This is his fourth year at Chinook School of Music and Kevin has enjoyed every moment working with students of diverse ages, levels and musical interests. His students range from beginner to ARCT diploma level. Kevin nourishes his pupils to use music as a tool to express themselves while gaining appreciation of a wide variety of musical styles and developing problem solving, customized learning strategies and critical thinking techniques that can be applied to areas beyond piano education. Kevin grew up in the BC coastal community of Powell River and began piano lessons at the age of 6. After receiving substantial local and provincial recognition, Kevin received his Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) diploma at the age of 16 under the tutelage of Dr. Moira Hopfe-Ostensen and was the recipient of a silver medal from the Royal Conservatory of music for achieving the highest mark in British Columbia. Kevin conducted post diploma studies with Mr. Kum Sing Lee, an internationally renowned pedagogue at the Vancouver Academy of Music. Kevin then attained both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in piano performance from the University of British Columbia under the tutelage of Dr. Henri-Paul Sicsic, a phenomenal internationally recognized concert pianist and pedagogue who was raised in a musical and cultural environment of teachers, composers and performing artists in the direct lineage of Chopin. During this time, Kevin was provincial and national finalist for the Canadian Music Competition on numerous occasions, received 3rd prize at the 2002 Pacific International Piano Competition, won numerous grants and scholarships at UBC and graduated with a distinction (over 90% average) in all his performance studies for his Masters Degree in 2006.
Kevin has engaged in a full time performance and teaching career since 2007 and has taught piano and music theory to students of all ages and levels. He continues to give solo and chamber recitals and was Music Minister and Choir Director at St. Catherine’s Anglican Church in Port Coquitlam, BC for 9 years. Kevin also teaches music theory and composition including advanced music harmony, analysis, counterpoint and history.
Kevin Wong can teach lessons in English and Cantonese.
Read MoreLaryssa Warne began playing the violin at age 3. She graduated from the Mount Royal University Conservatory Academy program and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary. Laryssa was a member of the Calgary Youth Orchestra, University of Calgary Orchestra and the University of Calgary New Music Ensemble. Laryssa has performed across Western Canada and Eastern Europe.
Laryssa completed Suzuki Teacher Training with Elayne Ras in 2018 at the University of Alberta. In 2021, she attended the Japan-Seattle Suzuki Institute and completed further Suzuki Teacher Training with Edmund Sprunger. Laryssa is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and teaches beginner to advanced level students. Her teaching mission is to instill a love of music in her students by developing skills, motion and awareness in their playing.
Laryssa has performed with Symphony of the Kootenays, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, Timepoint Ensemble, Festival Chorus Orchestra, Calgary Civic Symphony and the Wintergreen Duo/Trio. Notable performances include the 2016 Honens Festival, Cirque Musica's Wonderland, and 'A Tribute to John Denver', conducted by Lee Holdridge. In 2019, Laryssa had a residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity, performing in the World Premiere of Calgary Opera's Ghost Opera. Laryssa is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Calgary Salon Series chamber music concert series.
Read MoreBorn and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Lana showed a passion for music from an early age, and began classical training under the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of 7 under which she has completed extensive training in the piano, music history, and theory programs. In addition, she has been playing trombone for the past seven years during which she has been a part of various wind ensembles, brass ensembles, and jazz bands which have had great success in regional and international festivals. She has worked closely with the Band Program at Western Canada High School for the last four years, bringing a diverse perspective to her teaching practice at Chinook School of Music.
Lana is currently working to complete her Associate Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music in the performance, music history, harmony and counterpoint, and analysis areas. In her free time, she is exploring the world of music production to broaden her skillset, and fuse her love of classical music with modern music.
As a teacher, Lana stresses the importance of raising independent, and confident learners. She is passionate about working collaboratively with her students to foster musical experiences that will benefit them both within their musical studies, as well as other facets of their lives.
Read MoreLauren graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance. She lived in Lethbridge for ten years teaching piano before moving back to her hometown of Calgary.
Lauren has taught music to children ranging from three to sixteen years of age, as well as adults. Children are her passion; she loves working with them and ultimately ends up learning from them in return. Lauren enjoys helping students achieve their goals of completing piano exams. Her teaching methods include a lot of movement-orientated techniques. She believes that it is important to think about all aspects of the body when playing the piano, and believes that incorporating movement allows for more musical quality.
Lauren’s experience as a musician includes solo performances in recitals and masterclasses, as well as recitals in chamber music with other instrumental musicians. She is an avid accompanist having accompanied opera soloists, musical theatre soloists and musical theatre groups
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 MoreBorn and raised on Canada’s East Coast, Maren McLean Persaud was trained in piano, voice and euphonium from a young age. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Mount Allison University and a Masters Degree from the University of Toronto. She has worked as a collaborative pianist with many ensembles and musicians across the country, has extensive performance experience as a soloist and has competed at the national level. Maren also works professionally with children and youth in not-for-profit organizations and is passionate about the creation of programs and opportunities that nurture the healthy development and unique gifts of young people.
Maren works to pass on a deep love of music to those she teaches. In addition to helping her students grow into well trained musicians with a sense of professionalism and skill, she wants them to enjoy what they are doing while discovering their own interests, talents and passions.
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.
Read MoreMelissa graduated with her Bachelor of Arts on the violin at Ambrose University under the tutelage of Joan Barrett. One of Melissa greatest passions is playing in various community and university orchestras throughout Calgary. She has also enjoyed performing with her siblings in the Priddis Strings Trio and the Ambrose String Quartet.
Melissa has enjoyed teaching violin for the past five years and aims to inspire in her students a love for music and a desire for continued learning. Melissa incorporates a holistic approach to teaching and believes that the things that we learn through music should be transferable to other areas of life.
Read MoreMichelle Kyle is a performer and music educator based in Calgary, Alberta. Originally from Manitoba, Michelle has been performing since she was 12 years old, playing a wide variety of venues and styles. Michelle can be seen performing anything from coffee shops to pit bands or jazz ensembles. After being inspired by her band teachers Michelle decided to study jazz guitar at Brandon University where she completed a bachelor of music and education. She has nearly 10 years of experience teaching private lessons from ages 5 to 65 and has taught concert band, jazz band and guitar in classroom settings.
Michelle is passionate about helping others experience the joy and community that music has brought her. Michelle believes that music is for everyone and works hard to adjust every lesson to suit each student's individual goals and interests.
Read MoreNiel is a Calgary-based saxophone, flute, and clarinet player and educator. Since his first violin lesson at age 7, music has been a central part of Niel's life. He started learning the saxophone at age 13 and began playing regular shows in Calgary by the time he was 17, taking advantage of every opportunity he could find. Neil earned his Bachelor’s degree in jazz performance at Capilano University in North Vancouver. While studying there he played countless shows across many genres, including jazz, hip hop, classical, pop, and musical theatre. As a performer, Niel has appeared on professional recordings and performs regular shows across the Calgary area with local bands.
Niel has an insatiable curiosity for music and is enthusiastic about sharing music with others.
Understanding that every student has distinct learning styles and goals, he provides personalized instruction, ensuring to accommodate diverse strengths and interests.
Read MoreA passionate and dedicated instructor, Patricia Higgins is head of the strings faculty at the Chinook School of Music. She received her master’s degree in viola from Quebec Music Conservatory and has been a very active member of the musical community since. She is currently the violist of the Lily String Quartet, and has played with many orchestras including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Patricia is passionate about performing and wishes to instill a love of music in all of her students. She believes that it is important to share the joys of classical music, and takes great pride and pleasure in educating the musicians of tomorrow who will one day share their own musical joy with the world.
Read MoreRachel completed her Bachelor of Music in cello performance at Ambrose University. A former student of the Mount Royal University Music Academy, Rachel has had the opportunity to perform for and study under some of North America's most renowned musicians. One of Rachel's favourite passions is playing chamber music. She has played in many chamber groups and currently performs with two string quartets as well as a string trio, Priddis Strings with her siblings.
Rachel has enjoyed teaching cello for the past 7 years to students of all ages and levels. She appreciates the opportunity to help students discover their potential and express themselves through music. Rachel is dedicated to helping students use their passion for music to grow and challenge themselves in other aspects of their lives.
Read MoreRéjean Campbell is a conductor, educator, singer, and theatre music director with over two decades of musical performance and direction to his credit. Réjean focuses his musical leadership activities on building relationships within his groups to foster a culture of trust, growth and collaboration, and his efforts have earned him nominations for a Calgary Theatre Critic’s Award (Fiddler on the Roof, Painted Fish Performing Arts Society) and multiple Calgary-ACTS CAT Awards (e.g. Beauty and the Beast, Painted Fish Performing Arts Society). Réjean is currently Artistic Director of Blend Vocal, and holds ongoing educator positions at The Calgary Boys' Choir, Asylum for Art, Morpheus Theatre’s Gilbert & Sullivan Junior Theatre School, Storybook Theatre’s Theatre School, and Mount Royal Conservatory. Réjean is a long-standing member of the Calgary Opera Chorus, performs regularly with several professional and semi-professional choirs and orchestras, and is currently a finalist in the Timmins Symphony Orchestra's search for a new Artistic Director. A passionate coach, Réjean loves sharing what he’s learned and helping others achieve their musical goals.
Read MoreRiley Ngo began studying piano at age 6 with Carrie Kalmakoff, completing ARCT in Piano Performance with distinction at age 14 under the tutelage of Colleen Athparia. A regular scholarship and award winner, Riley enjoys playing the piano as a soloist as well as collaborating with fellow musicians. He played harpsichord with the Mount Royal Conservatory Sinfonia at the Winter Fantasia concert in 2013. As an award-winning piano duo, he and his partner placed first at the Canadian Music Competition in 2015 and went on to win first place at the North West International Piano Ensemble Competition in 2016. The piano duo won first place again at the Canadian Music Competition in 2018 and 2019, while Riley’s piano quartet placed 3rd in the same competition that year. Riley debuted as a soloist with the Calgary Civic Symphony in 2022 playing Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No. 5.
Riley is a supervisor at the Calgary Arts Summer School’s piano program. He is also an avid accompanist, having accompanied advanced level RCM string exams. Riley believes every piece of music tells a story. He hopes to inspire students to bring music off the page by developing a balance between good technique and a vivid imagination. He looks forward to sharing his love of music with the next generation of aspiring musicians.
Riley Ngo can teach lessons in English and French.
Read MoreRose Schmaltz has had a passion for music since a young age. As an active member of the Calgary flute community, she has played in many community ensembles including Front Row Centre Musical Theatre, FCC Jazz Flute Big Band, Badlands Passion Play and the Calgary Wind Symphony. Rose has been playing the flute since a young age and now has a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry with a Minor in Music. She has participated in lessons and masterclasses with Rachael Flatt, Bernard Blary, Lea Pearson, Wissam Boustany, and Ian Clarke. She has also taken pedagogy courses with Katherine Emeneth and Terri Sanchez. She travelled to St. Andrews Scotland in 2013 to participate in the Scottish International Flute Summer School. She is currently a member of ARMTA (Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association) and CFMTA (Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associations).
Rose has 17 years of teaching experience varying in all ages of students from beginner to advanced levels. She has experience teaching band clinics, group lessons, and private lessons. Her students have received high marks on RCM exams, including Regional Gold medals, Provincial festivals, and successfully auditioned for MRU ensembles. She enjoys maintaining a fun environment while challenging the students’ abilities. During lessons Rose works on technique, music theory, RCM repertoire, Disney and Broadway music, duets and more.
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