­A skilled instructor and musician, Svetlana Alexeeva is passionate about music and teaching. She has received honours with distinction from the Royal Conservatory of Music and has a wide range of performance experience including the Kiwanis Music Festival and accompanying for the Alberta Ballet School of Dance. Svetlana believes in cultivating a positive and nurturing relationship between the teacher and student that combines discipline, respect, passion for music, and a desire to better oneself and society as a whole. She believes that playing a musical instrument shapes a student in all areas of their life.  

­

­

­A highly skilled performer and instructor, Matthew Blackburn has studied and performed music all over the world. He has performed concertos with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra as well as chamber and solo music with Musicale Internationale in Vaison la Romaine, France. Matthew's education includes an ARCT diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree. He is currently working on his Master­ of Music degree at the University of Calgary. Matthew is a passionate and dedicated instructor who aims to teach music from all aspects and viewpoints so his students can not only play their pieces, but understand and appreciate them in every way.

­

Osmond Chiu holds ARCT diplomas in both piano and viola performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He began studying piano at the age of 6 and violin lessons at the age of 8. Osmond has been a member of the Calgary Youth Orchestra for 4 years, and is a student in the Academy of Music program at the Mount Royal University. Currently, Osmond is studying music and business at the University of Calgary. ­

­

A talented and dedicated performer and instructor, Sarah Derkowski recently completed her Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT diploma ­in Piano Performance and completed all of her RCM examinations with first class honours or higher. Sarah began teaching piano at age 16 and is extremely passionate and enthusiastic as an instructor. She has received scholarships from the Mount Royal University Branch Association and the Frederick Harris Music Company. She was awarded the Royal Conservatory Silver Medal in Alberta in 2009 and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program at the University of Calgary. Sarah believes that a teacher’s responsibility is to provide an encouraging environment for the students. In her teaching, Sarah strives to support and motivate her students to conquer challenges and express and discover what music means to them.

­

­Soprano Maria Drost was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. Maria ­completed her Master­ of Performance and Literature degree from the University of Western Ontario (2011) and her Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Rocky Mountain College (Calgary 2007). She has attended numerous summer programs, including the Centre for Operatic Studies in Italy, La Musica Lirica, and the Manhattan School of Music Summer Voice Institute. Ms. Drost has recently been presented in recital by Tapestry New Opera for their inaugural Tapestry Songbook Concert (Toronto 2011). Maria was also a member of the Calgary Opera Chorus from 2004-2009 appearing in Carmen, Tosca, The Ballad of Baby Doe and Faust. Maria recently debuted with the Cowtown Opera Company in their production of The Magic Flute in the role of First Lady.

Ben Herold is a well rounded musician who has been playing guitar for 14 years and has been teaching lessons for 8. Currently, Ben is a student at Mount Royal University, studying English and is working towards becoming a school teacher. Ben is fluent in  music theory and can teach all genres of guitar. In his spare time he gigs around the city and enjoys the great outdoors.­

­

­Catherine James 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 only 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.

­

Carrie Kalmykov obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University in Manitoba with a focus on piano pedagogy and studied Suzuki piano pedagogy at Mount Royal College in Calgary.

Carrie’s passion and love for music is apparent in her teaching. Her primary goal is to cultivate a lifelong enjoyment of music for all. Carrie’s students achieve high marks in music examinations and frequently win festival scholarships and awards; some have gone on to pursue music as a career. ­

Carrie is an Alberta Registered Music Teacher. She is President of Cowtown Opera Company, past Chairperson of Calgary Contemporary Showcase and is an active member of the Alberta Piano Teachers’ Association. One of the benefits Carrie enjoys of being co-director of Chinook School of Music is the opportunity to meet the wonderful students and families and follow their musical growth.

­

­Minnie Kwon shares a wealth of education and performance experience in her teaching. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music from Yale School of Music. She has endless experience including performances with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, recitals, and chamber performances. Minnie is a member of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and also plays with the Lily String Quartet. Minnie believes that music is a way to express oneself. She believes that music is fun, enjoyable and something that anyone at any age can do.

­

Anne Loree has been a professional singer songwriter in the Calgary scene since the mid eighties. Her song "Insensitive" was a big hit for Jann Arden and earned her a Juno nomination in 1998. Since then Anne has enjoyed writing and recording her own albums and performing her music across Canada. Anne is also an accomplished  pianist, having studied classical for many years through Toronto and Western Conservatories as well as popular and Jazz at Humber College in Toronto. Anne has been teaching classical, contemporary and jazz piano for the last 5 years as well as also teaching beginner acoustic guitar and songwriting skills on both instruments. She enjoys helping kids and adults of all ages find their inner musician through exploration and creativity...a­nd not to mention…FUN!­

­

Jackie McLean possesses a true zest for music and teaching. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Rocky Mountain College and completed her practicum in early music education at Mount Royal University. Jackie has been involved in music since her childhood. She has sung with several choirs including the Rocky Mountain College Choir, with whom she toured Canada and the United States. She has also been involved with a professional choir called the New West Symphony and Chorus. Jackie believes music lessons should be inspirational and fun in a way that makes learning exciting and effective.

An avid performer, Michelle Minke is one of Canada’s up and coming vocal pedagogues, sought after for her teaching, master class 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 master classes for the Yellowknife Choral Society.

­Michelle is the founding Artist Director of Cowtown Opera. She ­is a graduate from the University of Toronto where she received her Master of Music Degree­ 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. Michelle currently teaches at Ambrose University and is happy to be returning to the Chinook School of Music in Calgary, Alberta.

­

­Susan Pagenkopf is a well trained and energetic instructor. With a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance, Susan has studied with many well known piano and voice teachers from several universities such as Brandon University, University of Regina, and University of Calgary. Susan has an extensive background in performance ranging from ballet accompanying, to pianist for Stage West Calgary’s “The Producers.” She also worked at Central Memorial High School teaching music theory to students in the Performing and Visual Arts program. Susan believes that music provides an expressive and creative outlet that is not easily found in today’s technological culture. Susan believes that music can be fulfilling and beneficial to students in many ways, especially when explored with discipline and joy.

­

Kristina Ruttan is a dedicated, conscientious instructor whose positive personality is enjoyed by all of her students. Kristina believes that musicians need to enjoy the music they play. She strives to instil her own love of music into every individual she teaches. Kristina has received her Bachelor of Music degree from Ambrose University College, where she was awarded the Ambrose Music Trophy for her performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Kristina has participated in university choirs and has toured throughout western Canada and internationally. ­

­ ­

­

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.

­

­­

Chelsea Rae Whitney grew up in Hinton, Alberta where she began studying piano when she was five years old.

She accomplished the Grade 10 RCM and has won many scholarships and awards at various piano festivals.

Chelsea has been teaching piano to students of all ages for the past eight years. She loves helping students learn and reach their musical goals and have fun at the same time!

­

­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 frequently performs both as soloist and collaborative artist. He has performed in master classes given by 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.

­ ­

­

Kristin Clements shares an abundance of fun and passion with students of all ages. She has studied with skilled and respected musicians such as Gwen Klassen and Vladimir Levtov. Kristin’s extensive performance experience ranges from principal flute of the U of C wind ensemble to the Afro-Cuban vocal ensemble. She has also performed with renowned Canadian flutist, Robert Aitken. Kristin is inspired in her teaching. She believes that music is a powerful and transforming element in every person’s life, regardless of age or skill level, and that it should be a joyful experience. Kristin aspires to make lessons fun and exciting for each and everyone of her students.

­

Michael Coburn is the Piano Director at Chinook School of Music. He ­began piano lessons when he was six and since then has had the opportunity to work with such artists as Paul Badura-Skoda, Emanuel Krasovsky and Richard Raymond. In 2005 and 2006 he attended the Académie Musicale Internationale "Barbara Krakauer" in ­Vaison-la-Romaine, France, and more recently was featured as a soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Michael completed his Bachelor’s of Music at the University of Calgary in 2006 and currently enjoys  freelancing in Calgary.­­

­

Bryndan Costuros Spence is passionate about music and performance. A co-founder of the Music is for Everyone Society, Bryndan received her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees and is currently enrolled in the University of Calgary’s Master of Teach­ing program, specializing in secondary music study. She sits on the board of the Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival, which is dedicated to showcasing and encouraging the arts of the youth of Cochrane and area. Bryndan has performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, the Edmonton Opera and more. Bryndan is extremely passionate about making all genres of music accessible to all generations. She believes that music transcends societal differences and its’ beauty can be appreciated by all.

­­

Margaret Dahlberg, an accomplished classical pianist, started her career as a performer and a private music teacher. Her unbridled love for children, coupled with her belief that music can bring joy into everyone's life, created a passion for teaching music to young children. For the past six years, Margaret has striven to empower all who enter her Music Kids studio: adult and child. She believes that each and every child, no matter what their learning style, may discover their own love of music in her classroom. Margaret has created the Music Kids curriculum with this in mind, writing and composing many of her own songs and activities.

­­

­An experienced instructor and educator, Janet Faulkner shares an intimate understanding of music with the students she teaches. She has produced a CD of Dulcimer music with a group of skilled artists and has a lot of experience accompanying vocalists, violinists and saxophone players. Janet is a dedicated teacher who wishes to inspire her students to go further than their lessons and get involved in music on a personal level.

­Steve Hazlett took an interest in percussion at a young age, using his very patient mother's cooking utensils as instruments. Since then, he has enjoyed expanding his musical horizons. His musical performance experience has included performing in such as productions as the Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, as well as various marching bands. Steve has played in swing ensembles and most recently with a theater group called Horse Raven. Steve was the lead drummer for the critically acclaimed Hedwig and the Angry Inch which had a very successful theatrical run.

Being a versatile performer gives Steve the opportunity to collaborate with many local artists. He plays Jazz, Roots, Folk, Rock, and Country music. Outside of percussion, Steve is a well rounded artist. His gift for painting and sculpting keep him in high demand as a prop designer for theatre companies worldwide. Steve's philosophy of teaching is to inspire students of all ages to enjoy the life enhancing pleasures and nuances of 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 performance and wishes to instil her love and passion for music into 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 joys with the world.

­

­Jack Keys has had a deep love of music his entire life, and came to iterate that love through guitar in 2003. Since then, he has been writing and playing music of varying, dynamic nature, coming to understand more and more through experience. Jack has been teaching with Chinook School of Music for three years and wishes to share this experience, and an appreciation for music and guitar, to his students. He believes in approaching the study of music with an open mind and an enthusiastic soul. ­

­

­Shannon Magee combines both creativity and skill in the lessons she teaches. She has a Piano Performance ARCT diploma­ from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Ambrose University College. Shannon has performed all over the world and performs locally at Cafe Koi each week. Shannon believes that every one of her students is unique and requires a unique teaching style. She believes that music is about having fun and loving what you are doing and also feels that it is important to give students permission to be creative.

­

For the past seven years, Ryan Ronksley has been teaching acoustic, electric, and classical guitar at the Chinook School of Music. Ryan has received his Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Calgary and also a Music Performance Diploma from Mount Royal College in classical guitar.  Currently, Ryan performs in a local acoustic band ­The Modern Traditional alongside fellow Chinook instructor Brett Roselle. In November of 2011, the band released their debut album and will be performing at several venues around Calgary. ­

­Throughout his musical career, Gavin Sorochan has had the opportunity to work with a variety of international artists including Destino Tenors, Bobby Arvon (Harry James Orchestra), Susan Anton, Howard McCrary (Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson), The Platters, The Drifters and The Coasters.   He has performed  extensively in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and Europe and in 1999 had the privilege to play for Prime Minister Jean Chretian.  

Gavin has recorded over 100 albums playing a variety of styles, and has an extensive background in recording and producing. He is currently working on a series of drumming instructional dvd's.  

­

­ ­

­Po Yeh is a well known and sought after theory instructor. She has been teaching advanced music theory for 18 years and loves doing it. Po is involved with several prestigious musical organizations in the community. She is the Manager of Community & Partner Engagement of Honens International Piano Competition, General Manager of New Works Calgary, Executive Director of Amici String Program, and National Convenor of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Association Canada Music Week.  Po is a member of ARMTA (Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association), AMEF (Alberta Music Education Foundation) and  APTA (Alberta Piano Teachers Association). Po believes in bringing alive the language of music for her students and in making connections between performance practise and theory. She is passionate about supporting and celebrating the arts and encourages creative thinking and participation of both artists and audiences in performance experiences that sustain our communities. 

­

Tim Young has enjoyed teaching acoustic, electric and bass guitar for several years, and has played the instrument for over twenty-five years. He is currently recording a CD with his band JunG and enjoys performing live.

Tim adjusts his teaching style to meet the needs of each student's ability. He believes that every student is part musician and part performer. As a teacher, Tim tries to find the best of these attributes in each student and bring them to the forefront of their playing. He strives to provide each student with the tools to create and perform as true artists.

­

Susan Yule is the Vocal Faculty Director at Chinook School of Music. She­began her pursuit of music at the age of seven with piano and voice lessons. By sixteen years of age, Susan had earned her grade 10 Royal Conservatory in both piano and voice. Susan is a native Newfoundlander who moved to Montreal in 1996 to study voice and now resides in Calgary with her husband and baby daughter. She is a graduate (class of 2001) of McGill University, attaining her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance with distinction.

­Susan's stage life has been varied, performing in opera, light opera, Broadway reviews, as well as solo and collaborative recital work. 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; Chava in TNL's Fiddler on the Roof; Daisy Mae in Li'l Abner; and Tessa in Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers. Susan has studied and performed musically in Austria, New York, and Salzburg.