Nate Taylor is a drummer and educator from Calgary, Alberta. He uses a collaborative approach to teaching on drum set to incorporate inspiration from a variety of different styles. Nate has been playing music since he started guitar lessons at 7 years old, dabbling in piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele. He has been playing drums for 10 years, and teaching for 3, both privately and in leadership roles within university ensembles. 

Nate has earned various awards and accolades based on his musical achievements, notably a Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) gold medal in 2023, and the Outstanding Drummer award in 2019 from AIBF Jazz festival.

Nate enjoys playing and teaching many styles of music. In 2025-26 he was the principal timpanist of the University of Calgary orchestra, as well as the core drummer for the University of Calgary jazz orchestra. Outside his schooling he plays in several bands, including an emo/punk band, an indie metal band, a couple small jazz combos, and a pop/party band. He uses his musical breadth to choose the right music to help a student reach their goals in a productive way, building and maintaining an appreciation of music.

Oaitse Hellard has a deep passion for teaching and sharing music with students of all ages. She offers instruction in both voice and piano, guiding students through the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum or a personalized selection of repertoire that balances both technical development and enjoyment.

Her goal is to foster long-lasting working relationships built on a shared love of music, while developing skills and techniques that support consistent progress toward monthly and yearly goals. She approaches teaching first as a mentor, helping students build strong, lasting habits in a warm and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their day-to-day experiences.

Oaitse's professional experience includes 16 years performing with the Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra and 6 years with the Amy Winehouse Tribute Orchestra, as well as 4 years with Ms. Oai’s Quartet. She is currently writing African music with her trio, alongside Chris Tauchner and Wakefield Brewster, former Poet Laureate of Calgary.

Rhianna McDonald is a classically trained vocalist with a Master of Music in Opera obtained at the University of British Columbia. During her graduate studies, she performed Nursemaid #1 in Kurt Weil's "Street Scene", as well as multiple other roles including Shirley and Joan. She also appeared in the opera chorus for Manon, Street Scene, The Magic Flute, and Candide.
She holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, where she performed Third Woman in Dido and Aeneas and sang with the Schola Cantorum, including a featured collaboration with VOCES8.

Tanya began piano at age seven and completed her Grade 10 certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music. She studied music at Capilano College and later earned a Fine Arts degree in music from the University of Calgary.

Tanya has been teaching piano for over 25 years, working with students as young as four. She has experience teaching Royal Conservatory of Music, Music for Young Children, and Safari programs.

Tanya values meaningful interactions with her students, creating an environment where both teacher and student can grow and develop as musicians while maintaining a balanced approach to learning.

“Music is what feelings sound like.” — Georgia Cates

In her free time, Tanya enjoys being outdoors and has completed six Ironman triathlons. She also enjoys reading.