Voice Instructors
Our voice instructors work with students of many ages and experience levels, from those singing for the first time to experienced vocalists looking to refine their technique. Lessons focus on breath control, tone development, pitch, and musical interpretation across a range of styles. Students can explore repertoire, prepare for performances or examinations, or simply develop confidence and comfort with their voice in a supportive learning environment.
Voice Instructors
Alexa Elser is a Calgary-based actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, and clown. Select performance highlights include, Escape to Margaritaville, The Louder We Get, As You Like It (Theatre Calgary), Elf: The Musical, Girls Like That (New West Theatre), The Antyssey, Snow Angel (Quest Theatre). She has also had the pleasure to choreograph The Sound of Music (Storybook Theatre), The Boy from Oz (Front Row Centre Players), and With Bells On (Lunchbox Theatre). Along with her experience as a performer, Alexa has also worked extensively in arts education. She has been teaching dance for over 15 years and working as a theatre arts instructor for nearly a decade, with organizations such as Theatre Calgary, Jubilee Arts, Calgary Actors’ Studio, Evergreen Theatre, and Quest Theatre. She is ecstatic to be teaching the Musical Theatre program at Chinook School of Music this season!
Erika Borglum is a vocal coach as well as singer, songwriter and musician with over 14 years of experience studying music, and being on stage. She recently graduated with honours from MacEwan University with a diploma in Vocal Performance from the Jazz and Contemporary music program. She has taken advanced courses in Music Theory, Ear Training, Vocal Health, and has vast experience with a variety of genres including Folk, Jazz, Country, Blues, Musical Theatre, R&B, Pop, Rock, and more.
Erika has established a successful career in the Calgary music scene as a gigging musician and singer/songwriter under the name “Erika Mae” and has had the opportunity to write and record music in Nashville. Her music has been featured on a variety of radio stations across Canada, and she frequently performs at many venues in and around Calgary and Edmonton.
With a strong passion for music and years of experience in taking music lessons and performing, Erika values a judgement free environment in which students of all ages can hone their skills. Erika has the ability to teach in a variety of styles and genres, and can also assist students in becoming more comfortable and confident performers. In her lessons you will learn proper vocal technique, breathing technique, warm up and cool down exercises, and how to connect with songs meaningfully and with dynamics to enhance your performance
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.
