The Executive Director and Co-Owner of Chinook School of Music,
Carrie Kalmykov 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 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.

Robert 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.

Margaret Dahlberg is dedicated to inspiring joy and connection through music. Born and raised in Calgary, Margaret Dahlberg is an active teacher, composer and pianist.

An award winning classical pianist, Margaret studied piano performance at Mount Royal Conservatory (A. Mus.), Cleveland Institute of Music (B.Mus.) and University of Calgary (M. Mus). She has been on faculty at the Mount Royal Conservatory and the Mount Royal Academy as a teacher, chamber musician and coach and has performed throughout Western Canada and the United States.

Margaret injured her hand in 1998, bringing her classical piano performing career to an unexpected halt. She then combined her musical knowledge and her love of children to create a music program for pre-school aged children. Her program, Music Kids at Chinook School of Music, has a team of teachers and sees hundreds of children every year from babies to 5 year olds.

In recent years, Margaret has become a singer-songwriter and has written songs and albums that have been on the Grammy Awards long-list for both popular music and children’s music.

Currently, Margaret is a  teacher and Director at Music Kids and Chinook School of Music, as well as the Choral Music Specialist at Calgary Arts Academy. Side projects include writing music for Meditative Massage as well as creating a musical of original songs.

Meaghan 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!

Calgary born soprano, Anna Mendham has become an integral member of the city's music community since returning a year ago. She has established herself as a committed music educator and an accomplished and versatile performer with an affinity for new music.  In Calgary, she has performed for Calgary Concert Opera, Cowtown Opera and the Pro Arts Noon Recital Series. I Recent opera credits include the role of Desi in Cowtown Opera's original production of Prison Divas. Other roles include Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Noémie (Cendrillon), Sara (Black Burned Wood), Circle (Numera). As an ensemble singer, Anna has performed under the baton of Marin Alsop with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Christophe Eschenbach with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC. In addition to her busy schedule of voice students, Anna teaches early childhood music classes, and her enthusiasm for children’s music has led to original recitals for organizations such as OrchKids in Baltimore. Anna holds a Masters Degree in Music Performance from the University of Maryland. 

Bailey has been pursuing music since childhood. She completed her Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 2018 with a Voice concentration and a minor in Inclusive Education. Her extensive vocal training lead to being selected to sing with the National Youth Choir of Canada in the summer months of 2016-2018 as one of four representatives from Saskatchewan. Alongside her vocal training she has also been playing piano for 15 years and has completed advanced levels of RCM.  Bailey teaches summer camps as well as private voice and piano lessons in the summer at the Chinook School of Music, and during the year at Long and McQuade in Regina, Saskatchewan. You can also find her as a choral director and arts educator at O'Neill High School in Regina during the school year. 

Catherine James Tetz is an exceptional performer and instructor who shares a wealth of passion with the students she teaches. Catherine received her Honours degree and Diploma in Opera from Wilfrid Laurier University, and has been singing her heart out ever since! With an impressive performance resume that stretches all the way from soloist at the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual “traditional Christmas” concert, to starring in Mozart’s Magic Flute. ­Catherine believes that it is important to not just play music, but to bring it to life. She feels that it is important in a lesson to keep the mood relational and fun, while simultaneously challenging her students to discover their true voice within.

Dallas Hayes-Sparks is an opera singer, and teacher from Calgary, Alberta. She obtained her Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia, majoring in opera performance. She is also an honours graduate of the Mount Royal Vocal Academy for Gifted Students. Dallas has experience working with both children, and adults of all ages. She has taught masterclasses, workshops and private lessons. She is also familiar with both the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), and music festivals, having placed first across Southern Alberta Music festivals. Dallas is currently performing as a rostered singer with Cowtown Opera Company, as well as chorus with Calgary Opera Company. Dallas is very excited to start a new school year filled with learning and music!

Heather Henderson Hryhoriw has served the Southern Alberta region as a singing teacher, performance coach, adjudicator, singer, stage and choir director for over twenty years. She is the co-coordinator of the Mount Royal University Conservatory of Music Vocal Academy in Calgary, Alberta and a stage director and coach at the Cow Town Opera Summer Academy (COSA) for several seasons.

A lyric soprano she performed with St. Louis Opera Theatre, Opera East, Boulder Festival, Calgary Opera, Calgary Philharmonic, Banff Festival and Folks Opera.  Her education credentials include a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Houston, a Bachelor of Music from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Graduate Music Diploma from the St. Louis Conservatory.  She has continued studies in Alexander Technique, Acting, Dance, Yoga and Martial Arts.  She participates in teaching workshops and master classes and is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She is dedicated to helping singers of all levels achieve their goals by de-mystifying the act of singing: from basic technique - building, to meeting the challenge of performing with authenticity, vitality and endurance. Teaching singers to integrate and explore their whole body and creativity into their singing in a positive and disciplined manner is a cornerstone of her teaching.

Jeanine Williams is a Canadian mezzo-soprano noted for the “size and character of her singing and her thoughtful musicality”. Jeanine completed her masters training under the guidance of Christiane Riel at the University of Ottawa and her undergraduate education at the University of Lethbridge in vocal performance. Her venture in opera began with the Countess in Mozart’s Le Nozze Di Figaro, a role she later performed at the University of Ottawa and professionally debuted with Cowtown Opera Company. Her further role credits include: Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas , Angelica in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, the Mother in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme, and Micäela in Bizet’s Carmen. 

Jeanine has performed as a soloist and chorus member with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Canata Singers chamber ensemble and Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. Her recent engagements include a recital for the Ottawa Chamber festival and her European debut in Der Teufel ist los with der Landestheatre Linz (Austria).

As a vocal teacher, Jeanine emphasizes fun through dedication and genuine expression. She aspires to nurture young performers in musical theatre, pop, folk, and classical styles through technical and expressive pedagogy. 

Mandy Morris is equal parts vocalist, educator and coffee. She is the namesake and creator of Music with Mandy, which combines her love of jazz with her natural talent for working with and entertaining children. 

Her musical education began in Medicine Hat where she studied classical voice under Ralph Browne. Mandy obtained her Vocal Diploma in Jazz and Contemporary Music from Grant MacEwan University in 2010. Immediately following graduation, Mandy began teaching early childhood music, musical theatre and vocal lessons at Visionary Centre for the Performing Arts. It was there that she found her passion for working with children and their families. She co-directed multiple casts of “Mulan Jr” (2012), “Cinderella Kids” (2013) and “Dinostars!” (2013) with Curtis Labelle.

In 2013, Mandy and her partner in life and music, pianist/composer Matt Morris, moved to Calgary where she quickly became a highly sought after music instructor and children’s entertainer. She has developed multiple children’s music classes and day camps at Chinook School of Music as well as family programming at the National Music Centre. Mandy has a diverse background performing as “Princess Vi” in the interactive children’s musical “Fergus the Frog” and engaging with kids in themed music birthday parties such as "The Royal Ball" and "Pirate Parties". She has played the Medicine Hat Jazz Fest, JazzYYC, the National Music Centre and the Canadian Rocky Mountain Music Festival in Banff as well as headlining the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival with her former band “Gee Baby”.

Music with Mandy has been the focus of Mandy’s artistic endeavours since August 2017. Best described as Fred Penner meets Ella Fitzgerald, her high energy stage presence and unique interpretation of jazz standards have won the hearts of all who have come to her shows. After a string of self produced, sold out shows in Calgary and a performance at JazzYYC's International Jazz Day, Music with Mandy will be releasing it’s first album “On the Sunny Side of the Street” in the Summer of 2018!

An avid performer, Michelle Minke is one of Canada’s up and coming vocal pedagogues, sought after for her teaching, masterclass and adjudication abilities. Along with Chinook School of Music, Michelle has been on the teaching faculty at the University Settlement Music and Arts School and Merriam School of Music in Toronto, Ontario, Rocky Mountain College, Ambrose University, Thames Valley University and The Merton Music Foundation in London, England. As an engaging lecturer, she is a frequent guest in Yellowknife, NWT where she directs masterclasses for the Yellowknife Choral Society.

Michelle is the Founder and Artistic Director of Cowtown Opera and is a frequent performer with Calgary Opera. She is a graduate from the University of Toronto where she received her Masters in Voice Performance specializing in Vocal Pedagogy, with the support of the Richard Bradshaw Graduate Fellowship in Opera. While in pursuit of this degree Ms. Minke was the teacher’s assistant for the music education undergraduates. Further academic achievements include her post graduate diploma from the Opera Course at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England, a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice Performance from the University of Toronto and a Vocal Performance Diploma from Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta.

A native of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Susan began piano and voice lessons at the age of seven with Gary Graham.  After graduating from McGill University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Music, she has since studied and performed across Canada and internationally.

Susan’s stage experience is diverse.  She has performed in operas, light operas, cabaret, and in various solo and collaborative recitals. Some of her past roles include: Linfea in the McGill Opera rendition of La Calisto, Eurydice in Jacopo Peri’s Eurydice, Elsie Maynard in the McGill Savoy Society’s production of Yeomen of the Guard, and Tessa in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. She has also enjoyed 2 rewarding seasons with Cowtown Opera Company, here, in Calgary.

Susan is passionate about music education and and developing programs to inspire students towards a passion for performing and sharing the art of song.

Victoria Erhardt recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University with her Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre. Victoria is excited to be back in the city she loves and to be a part of the growing music and theatre scene in Calgary. Some of her favourite past performances include: Kristin Chenoweth: My Love Letter to Broadway (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Techincolour Dreamcoat (Storybook Theatre), Anything Goes (OKCMTO) and The Drowsy Chaperone (OKCMTO). Victoria was also a cellist in the Oklahoma City University Symphony Orchestra. Victoria counts it a privilege to teach young artists as they develop their passion and skills in the arts.

Alice began her studies in piano at the age of six. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition at Chongshin University and a Certificate in Musical Conducting and Directing at Yeosei University in Seoul, Korea. She went on to complete training in the Suzuki Method at Mount Royal University. She is also certified in Music for Young Children and Music Together programs. 

Alice has a passion for educating and sharing her love of music with young children. She has worked as a Music Director, directing musicals for children. With over 10 years of teaching and performing experience, Alice believes that all individuals have music potential and deserve access to a music education. She offers a balanced and flexible music curriculum which includes classical piano, jazz, popular piano, ear training, sight reading, arranging and composition.  In her spare time, Alice enjoys composing musical theatre songs for children.

Eva 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.

Gringo Villarin spent most of his life in the Philippines where he started piano lessons at the age of eight. He graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music Major in Music Education with piano principal from Saint Scholastica’s College Manila, Philippines. Gringo believes that everyone has the right to experience music and discover their own talents. This philosophy motivates him to teach and discover the potential in all of his students.

Joseph Fernando began studying piano at the age of five. He competed for many years in the Calgary Kiwanis Festival (now the Calgary Performing Arts Festival), winning several classes. He studied in Calgary with Ann Davidson and earned his Performer's ARCT in January 2009, and recently completed the Royal Conservatory's Teaching Elementary Piano course. 

He performs at open mic's and music nights around the city, and has been featured as a solo artist at several venues. He has collaborated as a pianist with many local musicians and singer-songwriters, and plays the accordion as a member of the Calgary-based gypsy-punk-folk band Total Gadjos. 

Joseph earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary in 2009, and an M.Sc. in 2011. He worked as an engineer at a downtown consulting company for over 5 years, and was licensed as a Professional Engineer in Alberta in 2013. He is currently back at university working towards a Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Calgary. Throughout his graduate studies, he has gained educational experience by working as a teaching assistant and tutor. 

Joseph believes in adapting teaching methods to the learning styles and personality of each student, and emphasizes creativity and personal interpretation in music performance. He strives to make every lesson enjoyable for his students, and to instill students with a joy for making music. 

At age six, Julian Iafelice began piano lessons at Chinook School of Music and also started lessons on the drumkit shortly after. Julian is currently studying music at the University of Calgary with a concentration on composition. He enjoys performing all genres of music including classical and pop. His teaching style centers around providing an engaging environment for the student, as he believes intrinsic motivation is an important factor when learning to play a musical instrument.

Alberta-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.

A former student of Chinook School of Music, Katelyn Gillies is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge education program where she majored in music. Katelyn has spent over 15 years studying music. She was the pianist for the University of Lethbridge Wind Orchestra and has enjoyed teaching piano to students of all ages throughout her university career.

Katelyn is passionate about her student’s exploration of music and strives to ensure that her students have an emotional connection to the music they are playing. She believes that each student is unique and requires a personalized teaching approach in order to develop their love for music and the piano. Katelyn is able to understand her student's needs and is keen to help each student achieve success and develop life-long musical skills.

Katrina began teaching music in 1994 and has been passionate about it from the first day. With more than 20 years of teaching experience, her students have ranged from pre-schoolers to university students, and from beginners of all ages to advanced level pianists. She completed a Bachelor of Music from Memorial University and a Master of Music Education from the University of Oklahoma, where she received an award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching.

Since moving to Calgary, Katrina has worked as a piano, pedagogy and theory teacher, a clinician, arts administrator, church musician, adjudicator, and accompanist. Her volunteer work includes Coordinator for the Calgary Contemporary Showcase and a member of ARMTA and APTA. Outside of her musical endeavors, Katrina is joyfully raising her two young children and loves to take them to play in the mountains skiing, biking, camping, hiking and climbing.

Kevin is an accomplished classical pianist, chamber musician and teacher. 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) at the age of 16. While finishing his high school years, Kevin studied and maintained a studio of piano students in his home town of Powell River. Kevin then began his undergraduate studies, majoring in piano performance at the University of British Columbia with Dr. Henri-Paul Sicsic, an internationally recognized concert pianist and pedagogue. During this time, Kevin was provincial and national finalist for the Canadian Music Competition on numerous occasions and received a prize at the 2002 Pacific International Piano Competition. After graduating with his Bachelor of Music Degree in 2004, Kevin immediately continued onto the Master’s Degree program in piano performance and completed this degree in 2006. 

Aside from continuing to compete on a national and international level and giving recitals, Kevin has developed an appreciation for chamber music and has undertook numerous performance and recording projects with singers and instrumentalists. 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. In addition, he continues to give solo and chamber recitals and has been Music Minister and Choir Director at St. Catherine’s Anglican Church in Port Coquitlam for the past seven years. Kevin also teaches music theory including advanced music harmony, analysis, counterpoint and history.

Kevin is extremely excited about joining the faculty at Chinook School of Music and looks forward to helping to nurture and teach pianists of all ages and levels to develop their musicality, technical and expressive skills while helping them to acquire a love and appreciation for a diverse range of musical styles. 

Lauren 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

Born 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.

Marley Gillies began her musical career at a young age enrolled in the Royal Conservatory of Music piano, voice, and guitar programs. At a young age, she joined Cantare Children’s Choir and sang with the ensembles for 12 years. During this time, she had the opportunity to travel to international choral festivals in London UK, Washington DC, Newfoundland, and many other places. She has had the privilege of singing with both the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philharmonic Adult Chorus, as well as appearing in Calgary Opera productions. Marley has participated in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival for eight consecutive years for both piano and voice, taking home many awards for her excellence. She has also participated in local festivals including Honens Competition and Festival, and others.

Marley has been teaching piano for 7 years. She has developed a style of teaching that reflects her own learning and accomplishments, with an emphasis on the enjoyment of music as well as personal development. She has worked with Chinook School of Music as a Piano Coach and has subbed for CSM teachers frequently. Marley aspires to be a teacher that inspires
students to bring themselves to the music that they create and eventually master.

Composer and pianist Matt Morris began writing music almost immediately after starting piano lessons. Classical training led to an interest in jazz and other modern styles which took him through the MacEwan jazz program. He holds Music Diplomas in jazz piano performance and composition as well as a Bachelors of Music degree.

Since university Matt has been actively performing with small and large ensembles, composing, accompanying and teaching. In teaching, Matt strives to develop musical skills while encouraging creativity, poise, coordination, patience, and confidence.

Melodie is a native of Calgary. Her Mother was an accomplished pianist and was Melodie’s first piano teacher. Melodie graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Calgary and has taught music to all ages and levels for over 30 years. Her musical experience includes piano performance, accompanying and singing. She has participated in many choirs including Jazz groups, a big band, solo and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus.

Melodie has served on the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association (ARMTA) Calgary Branch for over 15 years including two years as president. She is also a member of the Alberta Piano Teachers Association (APTA) and presently serves on the Contemporary Showcase committee. She is passionate about music education, loves to learn new ways to help her students and believes that music is fundamental to humanity.

Melodie has an active and musical family. Her two daughters and her husband are all musicians and active educators. Her time outside of music teaching, volunteering and upgrading her skills is taken up by her new grandson, skiing, hiking and camping.

Michael 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.

Shannon Magee combines both creativity and skill in the lessons she teaches. She has performance training from the Royal Conservatory of Music and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Ambrose University. Shannon has performed all over the world and she performs locally and nationally with her duo Georgia Sound, who have released two CDs.  Shannon believes that every one of her students is unique and requires a unique teaching style. She wishes to instil in all of her students that music is about having fun, being creative, and loving what you are doing.

Shirley Wright graduated from McGill University and University of Prince Edward Island. She is an active performer and educator. Shirley has been teaching in the public school system for over 15 years and private studio as well. She perform with the Altadore String Quartet, Calgary Civic Symphony, and the Symphony of the Kootenies.

Known for diversity, innovation and passion, cellist Jeff Faragher has excited audiences and inspired students across North America and in Europe with his dynamic musical style in classical, folk and jazz genres.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Jeff started learning music at age 3 with the Kodaly program. Shortly after he started cello with Suzuki cello teacher, Diana Nuttal. He then continued his studies in music at the University of Alberta under renowned cellist and teacher, Tanya Prochazka. With a focus on chamber music, Jeff was one of the founding members of the Pretorius String Quartet which received the prestigious Malcolm Forsyth String Quartet Scholarship four years running as they worked through their undergraduate degrees as Edmonton’s foremost performing string quartet. In addition, Jeff spent many summers touring the world and studying with famous cello teachers such as Janos Starker, Aldo Parisot and Yo-Yo Ma. Following his years in Edmonton, Jeff moved to Montreal to pursue a Masters of Music degree studying with Montreal Symphony’s principal cellist, Brian Manker and the Orford String Quartet founding member, Marcel Saint-Cyr.  

Learning a wealth of knowledge is only the beginning. Jeff Faragher believes deeply that sharing this knowledge is of the utmost importance and is passionate about bringing his expertise to the community in a supportive, focused and fun atmosphere. Drawing from his extensive experience working with world-class instructors, he has honed a style that speaks to his students and excites them to find undiscovered heights in their playing. Over the past 20 years, Jeff’s teaching career has seen him as the head cello instructor with the Edmonton Public Schools music enrichment program, director and cello instructor at St. Martin’s String program, assistant string instructor and orchestra conductor at the University of Alberta, strings technique instructor at McGill University and department head of strings at the Conservatory at Grant MacEwan College.

Jeff’s energy and passion for teaching has led him to create programs such as Mountainside Chamber Music in Nelson BC. He is the principal cello instructor and conductor at the Fiddleworks® summer camps, cello clinician at the Central Memorial and Bishop Carol school strings programs and is a highly sought after teacher and clinician for festivals and programs throughout Western Canada. Whatever he is doing, cellist Jeff Faragher is looking to innovate, perform and inspire his audiences, colleagues and students alike. 

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.

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.

Rachel is presently completing her Bachelor of Music degree 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 4 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.

Sophie Armstrong began studying the violin at the age of three, and during her school years in Australia, studied with Alex Todicescu and Chairman Gadd, achieving both the Associate & Licentiate Diplomas of Music in Violin Performance from the Australian Music Examinations Board. Sophie completed her Bachelor of Music (Violin Performance Major) at Sydney Conservatorium with Goetz Richter. Sophie then went on to study other styles of performance, and has given hundreds of solo performances around the globe of her own compositions.

Sophie has performed on stages with various artists in ensembles, and as a soloist in different genres including jazz, pop and world in addition to classical music. Sophie enjoys teaching and is passionate about sharing music with others not only through performance but through teaching and believes that every student has their very own unique musical path to discover. 

New to Calgary and the Chinook School of Music, Yoon is very excited to start connecting with her new musical community! Yoon began studying violin and piano at the age of seven and began competing in young artist competition throughout Texas and the Southern United States. After graduating on scholarship in Violin Performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Yoon obtained a Bachelor of Education with a focus in Early Education Music from Nipissing University.

Yoon's passion for teaching and traveling took her to Asia and recently just finished a three-year contract as a certified high school English teacher in the British Colombian offshore school system within mainland China. Now, Yoon holds her Alberta Teaching Certification and has begun working in early English and music education within the Calgary private education system. Yoon brings a well-rounded approach to violin instruction and her experience in music and teaching creates a fun, safe and welcoming environment for all students. Her hope is to share her love for learning and her passion for the violin to the next generation of aspiring local musicians.

As 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.

Dylan 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.

James Winton obtained a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Popular Music focusing on performance and music technology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Music Education from Earlsheaton Technology College in Dewsbury, England. James has extensive experience teaching music in both the classroom and as a private instructor and specializes in teaching improvisation, composition, music technology and guitar performance. 

James has played bass guitar in the established cover band, Relentless that has played all over UK and Dubai. James enjoys teaching a wide array of musical genres on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele and bass guitar. 

Jay Scraba is dynamic performer, songwriter and music educator based in Calgary Alberta. During his twenty six year career Jay has shared the stage with musical icons such as Cool and the Gang, Colin James, Tom Cochrane, Jully Black and Maya Angeloo.

After studying for several years and completing degrees in jazz performance and composition, Jay performed on the Rotterdam cruise ship in a jazz quartet and settled in Calgary in 2002 where he began a thriving freelance career working with party bands, jazz combos and solo performances. 2008 saw the release of his debut recording “Reasons, Seasons and Lifetimes” and is presently at work on it’s follow up which will be released this year.

Jay divides his time between playing guitar in several bands in Calgary, adjudicating festivals and private tutoring in guitar, ukulele, bass and music theory. Combining his classic style, along with his vast knowledge and years of experience, Jay specializes in jazz, rock, country and finger style guitar.

Matthew Beaubien holds a Masters of Music degree in classical guitar performance from the University of Calgary as well as a Bachelor of Music with distinction from the University of Calgary and a diploma in classical guitar performance from Mount Royal University. He has studied jazz guitar performance at MacEwan University and has performed in masterclasses for world-class performers. He regularly performs at weddings and other events in and around Calgary. 

Matthew has been teaching guitar full time for more than ten years and has worked with students of all ages and levels. He is comfortable teaching many styles, and believes in developing an individualized approach to learning for each student. Matthew is patient and encouraging and fosters a positive rapport with his students. He works with parents and students in defining specific goals and expectations and then provides ongoing feedback about the progress being made. He feels that music practice can be a deeply rewarding pursuit in itself, while also providing a transferable model of how to acquire skill in any discipline.  

Mustafa Kamaliddin is a graduate of the Bachelor of Music program at the University of Calgary where he studied under Dr. Ralph Maier. He has been teaching since 2010 gaining valuable experience in working with youth and families and helping them achieve their musical goals. 

Mustafa is an experienced soloist and ensemble performer. As an educator, he has taught private music lessons as well as in the public and private education systems. Mustafa appreciates and encourages the study of music as either a hobby or a more committed approach. He teaches classical, acoustic, and electric guitar, music theory and history. 

Ryan Ronksley completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary for classical guitar in 2009. In April of 2006, he received a Music Performance Diploma from Mount Royal College. Ryan enjoys teaching all types of music such as rock, pop, classical, folk, acoustic, bass, and flamenco. Ryan has taught acoustic, electric and bass guitar for over nine years at Chinook School of Music.

An 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.

Edison Grove began studying drums over eighteen years ago and is currently working on completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Electroacoustics, a degree focusing on sound design and audio recording. With over four years of teaching experience, his students range from six years of age to adults. Edison teaches all styles and genres of drumming and emphasizes groove and rudiment exercises to ensure maximum growth and development in each student. Edison understands that each student requires a unique approach based on their goals and taste in music.

A graduate of Humber College's performance program, Jim Johnston has studied with some of Canada's premier jazz musicians and drummers of all genres across Canada.

Jim is one of Alberta's busiest musicians. Working with both cover as well as original projects from folk, country, jazz, RnB, hip-hop, big band, blues, reggae, funk, Celtic and African to every imaginable kind of party band keeps this drummer on his toes.  

Recent highlights in Jim's busy performance career include Calgary stalwarts such as: Juno nominated Joanna Borromeo, Maple Blues award winning Kirby Sewell Band, critically acclaimed Calgary Jazz Orchestra, CBC Radio host/crooner Tim Tamashiro, and premier event band Sideone.

Rose 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 the Alberta Honor Band, City-Wide Youth Ensemble, University of Calgary Symphonic Band, Metropolitan Winds, Parthenia Flute Choir, Front Row Centre Musical Theatre 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, Wissam Boustany, and Ian Clarke. She travelled to St. Andrews Scotland in 2013 to participate in the Scottish International Flute Summer School.

Rose has 13 years of teaching experience varying in all ages of students from beginner to advanced levels. She enjoys maintaining a fun environment while challenging the students’ abilities. During lessons Rose works on technique, music theory, RCM repertoire, pop and contemporary music, duets and more.