Gillian has been playing the flute for over 18 years. She began her studies at the Mount Royal Conservatory, and then completed a degree in flute performance at the University of Victoria. Gillian has had the pleasure of playing for Emmanuel Pahud, Lorna McGhee, William Bennett, Jim Walker, Michael Hasel, and many others over the course of her studies, and is proud to have played with numerous organizations, including the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Wind Symphony, Front Row Centre Players, the Painted Fish Performing Arts Society, the Meridiem Wind Ensemble, and the Cowichan Consort Orchestra.
As a flute teacher, Gillian's compassionate and patient approach fosters a welcoming environment for students of all ages to learn and grow. A lifelong student herself, Gillian currently studies with Lauren Eselson, and though she has a strong passion for classical repertoire and musical theatre, she loves working with students in whatever genre they are interested in, whether that be pop, jazz, movie tunes, or otherwise.
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 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 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 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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