Anna Konrad is a kaleidoscopic musician who loves sharing the joy of music with her students. She teaches both violin and piano in a range of styles including classical, fiddle, jazz, and pop. Anna is committed to teaching musical excellence in a wholistic manner, viewing positive motivation and creative exploration as core concepts in the process.
Currently, Anna is an active performer and teacher in the Calgary music scene. She gigs regularly on violin and piano with classical and jazz ensembles, as well as with the Smokin’ Toad Revival bluegrass band. Anna’s musical background includes a Bachelor of Music in classical violin from Ambrose University; jazz instruction at the university level; Grade 10 RCM violin and piano; and a wealth of experience playing in orchestras, church bands, and pop-folk ensembles. She is delighted to pass on her knowledge and enthusiasm to you!
Dominic Man, Violin, Music Theory
With over 14 years of violin teaching experience, Dominic is a dedicated and passionate educator who enjoys working with students of all ages and skill levels. His teaching approach is highly adaptable, offering customized lesson plans that cater to individual learning styles and goals. Whether guiding young beginners or advanced players preparing for ABRSM exams, Dominic provides patient and engaging instruction that fosters both technical excellence and a love for music.
Originally from Hong Kong, Dominic was a core committee member and violinist with the Hong Kong Community Philharmonic Orchestra and a first violinist with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Orchestra. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts and Culture (Music) from The Education University of Hong Kong and further refined his skills under the mentorship of Eduardo Zuber and Gian Paolo Peloso. In addition to his extensive private teaching experience, he has worked with various schools and music centers, leading both one-on-one and group classes. Many of his students have achieved Merit and Distinction in their ABRSM exams.
Read MoreJennifer Frazer, Violin, Piano
Jennifer 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 MoreLaryssa Warne, Violin
Laryssa Warne graduated from the Mount Royal University Conservatory Academy program and 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 also has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary.
Laryssa is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has completed Suzuki Teacher Training Units 1-3 and the Teaching Strategies course. She studied with Suzuki teachers Elayne Ras, Edmund Sprunger and David Strom. Laryssa has been teaching violin for over 15 years. She is a sought-after adjudicator and guest clinician for performing arts festivals and masterclasses across Alberta.
Laryssa has performed with Honens, Calgary Opera, Symphony of the Kootenays, Prince George Symphony Orchestra, St. Giles Orchestra, and Timepoint Ensemble. Notable performances include 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. Laryssa is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Calgary Salon Series chamber music concert series.
Read MoreMelissa Schroeder (Maternity Leave), Violin
Melissa 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 MorePatricia Higgins, String Faculty Director, Viola, Violin
A 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 Gurnett, Cello
Rachel 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 MoreWilla Clark, Violin
Since the age of four, Willa has been working with the Chinook School of Music in violin technique. She was a student in the school’s very first group violin class, and has been training with instructor Patricia Higgins ever since. Willa is trained in the Royal Conservatory of Music’s violin syllabus and has worked with several of CSM’s chamber ensembles from early on in her time at the school. She has thoroughly enjoyed substitute teaching young violinists, and is training to become a professional dancer as she pursues a teaching path. Willa believes the greatest advantage offered to violinists is their ability to balance challenging musical technique with profound artistry, and looks forward to sharing her joy of violin with the students she teaches.
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