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Emily Haug – MusicologyA native Calgarian, Emily began lessons in classical piano at the age of five, introduced to music by her grandfather, an organist, choral conductor and Brass musician. Emily’s advanced studies in Piano with Dr. Peter Jancewicz at Mount Royal College continued where she completed Royal Conservatory Examinations in piano, history and theory, as well as competing in the Calgary Concerto Competition and the Calgary Kiwanis Festival, placing first and second in Classical and Twentieth-Century piano classes. Emily began post-secondary studies in music at Mount Royal College enrolled in the Piano Diploma Program where her passion turned towards studying Music History, inspiring her to transfer to the University of Calgary in 2002 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Music.
As an undergraduate student, Emily continued to study classical piano with Dr. Charles Foreman alongside furthering her education in Music History with Dr. Victor Coelho and Dr. Kenneth DeLong. In addition to her studies at the University of Calgary, Emily maintained a private studio teaching piano lessons to both children and adults, guiding them through the Royal Conservatory Examinations in piano and history. Upon completion of her Bachelor’s degree, Emily went on to complete a Masters degree in 2014 in Historical Musicology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, studying history under Dr. Vera Micznik, Dr. David Metzer and Dr. Gregory Butler, and studying music theory (specifically Classical Form) under Dr. Willian Benjamin. After deciding to specialize in music of the Italian Renaissance, Emily completed a thesis paper on the topic of musical borrowing of sacred and secular poetry in fifteenth-century Florentine Carnival songs under the supervision of Dr. Alex Fisher. Returning to Calgary, Emily worked with the Calgary Performing Arts Festival from 2016 to 2019 as Festival and Registration Coordinator, where coordinating performers, production staff, and venue technicians and Adjudicators from across North America offer her a unique perspective of the real-world demands and circumstances of the performer.
Her teaching approach places a strong emphasis upon the knowledge of musical theory and music history. A specialist in advanced music history, Emily believes students gain valuable tools from learning about the people, places and cultures the music they perform was created within, tools that help them to successfully engage with and communicate their music to their listening audience.
Leon Leontaridis – VoiceOver the last 30 years, Leon Leontaridis has toured and performed with groups such as: The Canadian Tenors, Destino, Calgary Opera, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Cowtown Opera, Vivace, Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, GhostBoy, piano and violin sensations Roy Tan and Rosemary Siemens, and as the solo artist The Gentleman Leon.
Some of his touring highlights include performances in: Carnegie Hall, the Beijing Olympics, Miss America Pageant, Children’s Miracle Network, Disney World, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. He has performed in cross-Canada tours with The Rankin Family and Canadian Country Music superstar George Canyon.
Leon holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Victoria. Currently, Leon is also part of the voice faculty at The Conservatory of Music at Mount Royal University in Calgary. He is a highly sought-after vocal coach and has worked with performance companies such as: Storybook Theatre, The Young Canadians, Revv52 and Kantorei.
Leon is married to Susan Leontaridis and has 4 talented daughters to share his passion of music with.
Jasmine Morin – Crescendo KidsJasmine Morin is a passionate young musician who began her music career at the young age of three. As she played the piano under the tutelage of Dan Morin and Charles Foreman for 13 years. She has continued to develop her extensive interest in classical music through the learning of clarinet, trumpet and percussion instruments. Jasmine participates and is an active member of Western Canada High School’s well-regarded Junior Jazz Band and Symphonic Grade 11 Band. She is currently learning and continues to develop her understanding of piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music and is now learning at the Grade 10 level.
Jasmine is an engaged, focused individual who enjoys sharing her love for classical music and piano.
With a professional background in graphic design of sixteen years and a lifelong love of music, Alana provides administrative, graphic and web design support for Morin Music.
Ben Lahring – GuitarBorn in Canada and raised on the tropical northern coast of Australia, Ben has lived a nomadic life and called many cities home — a diversity of life experience which is reflected in the music he creates. After earning his Bachelor of Music (classical guitar performance) in Sydney, Australia, Ben moved to NYC where he taught guitar at the NY Conservatory of Music, LREI and the 92nd Street Y.
Over the last couple of decades Ben has performed classical recitals, gigged with soul singers and rock bands, conducted orchestras and choirs, played weddings, birthdays and funerals, and even worked in churches as Music Director and Worship Pastor. Through it all he’s taught countless guitar lessons in schools, studios and private residences, doing whatever he can to share the joy of music and fan to flame the creative spark that lives in each of us.
Nicolas Luzzi – SaxophoneNicolas Luzzi is an aspiring young saxophonist studying music at the University of Calgary with Dr. Jeremy Brown. Growing as a performer, Nicolas has enjoyed playing with the University of Calgary’s Jazz Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. Recently he took part in the premiering of brand-new Canadian works at a prestigious North American saxophone conference with the UofC Saxophone Octet.
Nicolas has attended masterclasses with professional North American saxophonists such as Kenneth Radnofsky and Timothy McAllister.
Nicolas is a hard-working musician, always focused on improving his technique, knowledge of repertoire, and general saxophone pedagogy. Passionate about learning and self-improvement, he is currently studying clarinet and flute in his spare time.
Serena Yeung – Voice, Piano
Daniel Szefer – PianoIn February 2020, he performed Chopin’s Concerto No.2 with the Calgary Philharmonic for their PhilKids Benefit concert. That same month, he was a Quarter-Finalist in the National Chopin Competition in Miami, FL.
He has had masterclasses under artists such as Rafal Blechacz, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Robert McDonald, Garrick Ohlsson, Dang Thai Son, Jeffrey Swann, Dame Fanny Waterman, Llyr Williams, and among others. Daniel previously studied with Alexander Zintchenko, Pawel Checinski, and was a student of Ralph Neiweem at The Academy of the Music Institute of Chicago, a pre-college program for talented young musicians.His current teacher is Prof. Krzysztof Jablonski at the University of Calgary.As a teacher, he is very passionate about teaching his students the importance of quality work and finding joy in that process, regardless of genre or style.
Jessica Lui – Piano
Dr. Esther Kim – Piano, VoiceDr. Esther (Soon-Young) Kim is a soprano, who studied at the University of Calgary (Bachelor of Music) and the City University of New York (Master of Music and Doctorate of Musical Arts). While she was in New York, she studied with Daniel Ferro, Patricia McCaffrey and Gäit Sirguey.
A highly-trained singer, educator and mentor she prides herself on being a compassionate, supportive and patient teacher able to help her students find their interest and talent in music to accomplish their potential.
Her students have been recognized having won local voice and piano competitions like Calgary Performing Arts (2019), Steinway Piano competition (2018), Dance Works (musical theatre- song and dance solo, 2019), Shy Ann Dance Festival (Musical theatre, 2019) and Wild Rose Dance Arts Competition (2019) in Calgary, Red Deer and Medicine Hat. They have accomplished high scores at RCM exams for voice, piano & music theory as well.
She has performed on many stages around the world, including the United States, Canada, Italy and Korea. She has appeared in Gianni Schicchi, Die Zauberflöte and Suor Angelica in the US and Italy. She has been singing cantatas and oratorios as a soloist with many choirs in the US and Canada.
Soon-Young is an active participant in diverse communities. She sang Claud Choi’s compositions in the concert We Are Together at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary to celebrate the friendship with Canada and Korea.
On behalf of Calgary, the Japanese consulate requested her to sing Canadian Anthem in 2015. That same year, she was also invited to the Calgary Korean Choir by the Korean Government to sing during for the celebration of the seventieth anniversary of Independence Day in Korea at the Seoul Arts Center.
In 2016, she sang in the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey, during the Annual Conference Clergy Meeting in the US.
She was invited to sing the National Anthem at Jack Singer’s Hall at the graduation ceremonies of Bow Valley College in 2018 and 2019.
Dr. Lana Henchell – Senior InstructorCalgary native, Lana Henchell, obtained her Doctoral degree in piano performance from McGill University under the tutelage of Richard Raymond. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance with Marilyn Engle at the University of Calgary. She has been the recipient of several awards and grants from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Max Stern Foundation and the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival (Rose Bowl, 1994).
Lana made her orchestral début with the Calgary Civic Symphony at the age of 13, and has since performed as soloist with several orchestras including the University of Calgary Orchestra, the Calgary Civic Symphony, the Montreal Chamber Orchestra and the McGill Symphony.
She has received top prizes in competitions such as the International Stepping Stone of the Canadian Music Competitions, the Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition and the Shean Piano Competition. Her First Prize win at the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Piano Competition (for contemporary Canadian music) lead to a six-week concert tour across Canada.
Some performance highlights include concerts at the Alberta Scene Festival (Ottawa; featured on CBC Radio Two), L’Académie Musicale Internationale (France) and the World Coimbra Piano Meeting (Portugal). Most recently, she won the Piano Duo Special Prize “Francis Poulenc” at the 2018 Coimbra World Piano Competition with her duo partner, Carmen Morin.
In addition to performing, Lana teaches privately and at the University of Calgary. She is an avid adjudicator—offering masterclasses and clinics around the province. In recent years, she has served as a juror for the Honens ProAm Piano Competition and the Canadian Music Competitions, held across Canada. Recently, she began a performance and touring program—Soundboard Music Tour—which offers educational enrichment to aspiring musicians and brings music to unique and remote areas across Alberta.
Lidia Lee – Violin, PianoHae Ju (Lidia) Lee started her musical journey with piano at the age of 6 and violin at the age of 9. She completed her Bachelors (‘15) and Masters Degree (‘17) on scholarship at the University of British Columbia where she majored in violin performance under the tutelage of David Gillham. The following year, she studied abroad in Bergen, Norway, with David Stewart, the Concertmaster of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.
Over the years, she has participated in numerous orchestral/chamber music festivals, such as the Tanglewood Music Festival as a Violin Fellow for two summers (‘17 and ‘18), Orford Arts Centre Festival/Orchestra, Le Domaine Forget, and Camp Musical des Laurentides. Lidia has served as the Concertmaster and Principal Second of University of British Columbia Symphony Orchestra. She was also Principal Second of the Orford Academy Orchestra in the summer of 2016.
Although Lidia obtained degrees in violin performance, she holds her Grade 10 RCM Certificate in piano and occasionally accompanied her colleagues in her violin studio class at UBC. She has also participated and received awards with piano at the Kiwanis Music Festival and Burnaby Clef Music Society.
Lidia is currently an active substitute member of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. She was also a First Violin member of the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra and a substitute member of Opera Bergen during her stay in Norway.
Edmund Chung – ViolinEdmund Chung is the first violin with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Edmund began his violin studies at the age of four in Hong Kong. He began his studies with Shirley Givens at The Juilliard School in the pre-college division when he was 7 years old. At the age of 18, he was the grand prize winner of CMC in 2008. He completed his Bachelor’s (’15) and Master’s Degree (’17) on scholarship at the University of British Columbia, where he studied with Professor David Gillham. He then spent a year in Bergen, Norway, studying with David Stewart (‘17-’18), the Concertmaster of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.
Edmund attended music festivals such as the Heifetz Institute, Orford Music, Greenwood, and Le Domaine Forget. He was also a fellow at Tanglewood Music Center for two summers (‘17, ‘18), where he served as Concertmaster and Assistant Concertmaster. Before coming to Calgary to join the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Edmund was a regular substitute for the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
N. Andrew Polachuk – Piano
Kara Friesen – Voice, PianoSoprano Kara Friesen developed a first-hand love for Canadian music by premiering piano quartets by Canadian composer Christine Donkin. Her early musical studies included Kodály programs and RCM piano, and expanded to include RCM voice. She received her ARCT in piano performance in 2014, often attaining scholarships for both voice and piano in her local Grande Prairie festival. An active performer of Canadian vocal music, Miss Friesen received a scholarship from the 2018 Contemporary Showcase, a festival dedicated entirely to new Canadian music.
Kara has also received scholarships at Calgary’s Songfest (2019, 2018) and the Grande Prairie and District Encana Music Festival (Grand Prize: Encana Award, 2015). She was selected as a vocalist for the Ambrose Concerto Concert (2019, 2018) and has sung in masterclasses with Dawn Johnson and Robert Herriot (Calgary Opera, 2018) and Xin Wang (Palliser Music, 2016).
As a chorister, she performed in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors (Ambrose University, 2018), recorded and toured with the Ambrose Chamber Singers, and currently sings with Harmony through Harmony, a social justice choir.
Through her teaching, Miss Friesen seeks to show students what both themselves, as well as music, are capable of. She does this by making day to day lives more intentional, productive, and creative through consistent interaction with and practice of music.
Holding a B.Mus after studying under Dr. Rachel Goldenberg at Ambrose University in Calgary, Kara celebrates the success of both her recent senior recital and participation in Opera NUOVA, and looks forward to entering the NATSAA competition this fall.
Sophie Jang – PianoSophie Jang started playing piano at the age of five in Korea, where she also took violin and flute lessons. After moving to Canada, she received the Advanced RCM Certificate (Performer’s) for piano, then studied in Bachelor of Music program at the University of Calgary with renowned professor Marilyn Engle. Sophie participated in the Coimbra World Piano Meeting and performed for several world-famous professors and performing artists from around the world where she experienced various international teaching styles of music.
Sophie enjoys accompanying and collaborating with others. In addition to solo performances, Sophie has performed extensively with both large and small ensembles including a variety of chamber groups, University of Calgary wind ensemble and symphonic band.
Pianist and composer Michelle Grégoire’s music has been described as “ingenious”, “elegant”, “balanced”, and “original with great depth and imagination”. She has toured across Canada with her own projects and her music is heard regularly on XM Radio and Galaxie satellite jazz programs. An active freelance musician since 1984, Michelle Grégoire maintains a solid reputation as a sideperson and band leader having backed up artists in all genres. Grégoire holds jazz degrees from St. Francis Xavier University (1988, 1990), a Master of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the Florida State University (1993). Grégoire has also studied privately with world-renowned composers Maria Schneider and Bob Brookmeyer.
Currently an active freelance musician in Calgary (formerly Winnipeg), Michelle maintains a solid reputation as a sideperson and band leader having worked with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra since its inception in 1997, as well as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Prime Time Big Band, The Calgary Jazz Orchestra, The Fox Big Band and the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble. She has worked and recorded with Amy Bishop and Ralf Bushmeyer, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra and she has performed with Tyler Hornby, Jeremy Brown, Simon Fisk and many more. Michelle has also appeared with renowned artists such as Amy Sky, Marc Jordan, Steve Bell, Tom Jackson, Brian Hughes, Liberty Silver, Daniel Lavoie and Marie-Denise Pelletier. She has appeared with prominent jazz figures such as Dave Young, Rob McConnell, Peter Appleyard, VEJI (Vancouver Ensemble of Jazz Improvisation), Byron Stripling, Mike Murley, Al Kay, and Phil Dwyer to name a few.
She is very active in the world of Musical Theatre having performed in the pit orchestras of Theatre Calgary’s Secret Garden (2018), Crazy For You (2017), Mary Poppins (2014), Anne of Green Gables (2013) and CATS (2012). She has worked as part of StageWest Calgary’s production of Pure 90s (2017-18), 80’s Solid Gold (2014-15). She has also performed in pit orchestras in Winnipeg for productions such as Hairspray (2011 Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg), Grease (Manitoba Warehouse Theater), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg, and also Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg featuring Jimmy Osmond), and Fiddler On The Roof (Winnipeg). Additionally she worked with theatre reviews Divas of Pop I and II (1999-2000), and Masters of Pop (1999-2000).
As a leader, she released two quintet recordings featuring her own compositions and arrangements. Both releases Reaching and Diversity earned a nomination as Outstanding Jazz Recording at the Western Canadian Music Awards and both recordings enjoy continued airplay making the top ten lists on jazz radio programs throughout North America. Her music is regularly featured on XM Radio’s Real Jazz and on Galaxie Radio programs. Michelle’s big band compositions have been aired on CBC’s Silence on Jazz, Afterhours, Arts Encounters, Atlantic Airwaves, Jazz Beat, and have been performed and recorded by many ensembles, most notably by the McGiill Jazz Ensemble I, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, The Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra, the Calgary Creative Arts Ensemble, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra and the Banff Jazz Orchestra. In 2007 Michelle was commissioned by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and the CBC to create a suite for jazz trio and string orchestra and in 1998, she received a Manitoba Arts Council Commission and Development Grant to compose a large scale work for the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra which was recorded and released on the WJO’s self-titled CD as well as the WJO’s Canada 150 Suite (nominated for a WCMA award 2019).
A devoted clinician and educator, Michelle has taught privately since 1988 and works regularly in Calgary schools as a jazz piano clinician. She has been a featured clinician in many colleges and high schools across Canada, namely Humber College, ST F X U, Capilano College and more. She is a sessional faculty member with Ambrose University in Calgary teaching jazz piano. In Winnipeg she held adjunct teaching positions at the Canadian Mennonite University as an applied jazz piano teacher, and was one of the jazz ensemble instructors at the University of Manitoba prior to the establishment of the current jazz program (1993-95). She was on Faculty at the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts teaching private lessons in jazz piano, jazz theory and composition. While at the Florida State University, Michelle was a teaching assistant, directed the FSU Jazz Ensemble II, taught private students, and some improvisation courses. Many of her former students are engaged professionally as performers, composers, producers and educators across Canada and the US.
Hollman began his musical beginnings at the piano, and soon after added violin to his palette. He accelerated through the RCM curriculum and holds advanced certificates in piano and violin. He went on to attain a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Mathematics. Hollman is an active musician who has performed on many stages, whether it be banquets or competitions. He also helped raised funds as a performer for the 2009 Tsunami in Thailand. As a pianist,he regularly accompanies many artists and has premiered several works from many composers.
Aside from the piano, Hollman is also very active in the ensemble setting. He has played with many ensembles including the University of Calgary Orchestra, and was named section leader in the University of Calgary Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Echos Chamber Orchestra. He has also been invited to perform with the highly prestigious Alberta Winds.
Outside his instrumental prowess, Hollman is also an rising conductor. He was chosen to be the assistant conductor of the University of Calgary Symphonic Band in 2016. He has also served as assistant conductor of the Dr. EP Scarlett Symphonic Band.
Hollman believes that the gift of music exists in everyone, and that the best reward is the spark of discovery between both teacher and student.
Cindy Zhang – Piano, Flute and GuitarAn avid musician since the age of 6, Cindy Zhang plays the piano, flute, and guitar. After receiving her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Cindy moved on to study with Charles Foreman at the University of Calgary.
Cindy is passionate about sharing music with others, whether it be through competitions and recitals, or out in the community. She regularly performs at senior homes, leads the occasional sing-along, and recently founded a summer music camp for underprivileged students with the Heart of the City Piano Program. Having learned countless life lessons through music, she wants to make music an opportunity for self-discovery for her students as well.
Alongside her studies in music, Cindy is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Calgary. Driven by a fascination with molecular intricacies, she has spent several summers conducting neuroscience research both at home and abroad.
Silvia Todea – Junior Instructor, PianoSilvia Todea began her musical journey at the age of 8. Inspired and motivated by wonderful teachers, Silvia worked throughout school and highschool to reach a Level 9 Royal Conservatory Level in piano, and is currently working towards reaching Level 10. Her piano studies have helped her to foster a deep appreciation of music, discover an outlet for expressing emotion, and develop discipline and determination. Silvia is currently a BSc Psychology major at the University of Calgary, and is excited to pay forward the great joy and benefits of studying the piano.
Jacinta Green began her piano studies at age 6 under Cherry Baines and cello at age 9, under Carlisle Wilson. As a regular competitor in the Cowichan Valley Music Festival and the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, Jacinta has won many awards and scholarships and has also been nominated from both to compete in Performing Arts BC. At age 19, she was also chosen to perform the Elgar Cello Concerto with the Victoria Civic Orchestra, under Giuseppe Pietraroia. The past two summers, Jacinta was chosen to participate in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, which involved a cross-Canada tour as well as a tour that took the orchestra to Germany and Scotland, performing in some of the world’s finest concert halls.
Prior to university, Jacinta was a member of the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Collegium Program for young musicians, during which she was a member of the Divertente String Quartet. As a member of the quartet, she placed first in Performing Arts BC and participated in the Saltspring Island Chamber Festival led by David Visentin and Kai Gleusteen. One of Jacinta’s most inspirational experiences in chamber music was her participation as a member of the New West Trio in Calgary Pro Musica’s Young Artists Development Program. As participants, the trio had the incredible opportunity to work with some of the greatest chamber groups from around the world, including the Jerusalem String Quartet and the London Haydn Quartet. In addition, the trio was given a unique opportunity to work with Education Adviser and Teaching Artist, Samantha Whelan-Kotkas, with whom they prepared and presented outreach performances for Calgary elementary schools.
Jacinta has become increasingly interested in working with young children, specifically in musical education. While completing her degree, she assisted cello pedagogue, Johanne Perron, in the Early Childhood Strings Program at the Mount Royal Conservatory, where children aged four to seven years old were introduced to the basics of cello and violin playing. Jacinta’s participation in Calgary Pro Musica’s Young Artists’ Development Program also helped nurture this interest, as she learned techniques on how to engage young audiences on different musical topics. Jacinta is excited to continue pursuing her passion in spreading the gift of music as an instructor at Morin Music Studio.
Jacinta holds a Bachelor in Music from the University of Calgary and is currently entering her second year of the Bachelor in Elementary Education at St. Mary’s University in Calgary. She has also completed the Advanced Performance Program at the Mount Royal University Conservatory, under John Kadz and Johanne Perron, and holds Grade 10 Royal Conservatory certificates in both piano and cello.
NaEun Ashley Ko began playing piano at age of 4 with her mother who was a renowned piano teacher in South Korea. She started taking flute lessons at age of 9, and continued her musical talent in flute after she moved to Canada, studying with Lauren Eselson, Gwen Klassen and Camille Churchfield. Ashley participated in Academy Program at Mount Royal Conservatory for several years, where she worked with world-class flutists such as Jim Walker and Peter Lloyd. She also took a part in the Pender Island Flute Retreat in 2014 where she spent a week with Lorna McGhee and William Bennett. Ashley pursued excellence of her musical training by achieving Diploma in Music Performance (Mount Royal University), Bachelor in Music Performance (University of Calgary), and Master of Music (University of Ottawa).
As the daughter of a renowned piano teacher in South Korea, Ashley excelled in her studies as a pianist. Reaching the advanced levels at a very young age, she performed advanced works of Schumann, Chopin as an active pianist and performer before later extending her studies to include the flute.
As a talented flutist, Ashley has demonstrated her outstanding flute performance by winning numerous awards, scholarships and competitions throughout Canada. Most remarkable honors are: Marley Rynd Memorial Performance Scholarship from Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Most Lyrical Performance at the National Music Festival in Montreal, the Final round of University of Calgary Concerto Competitions, and Rose Bowl of the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival (former name of Calgary Performing Arts Festival). As she participated in the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival for 5 years, she was recommended to the Provincial Festival, and honorably represented Alberta at the National Music Festival.
Her efforts were rewarded with opportunities to play concerti with Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Youth Orchestra and University of Calgary Orchestra. Ashley’s musical teaching career started in her late teenage years, and continued developing and broadening her skills in education through her private and group lessons.
Over the past years, her passion for music teaching has grown and her teaching skills have been continuously enhanced by supporting her students with meaningful lessons as a dedicated and active teacher in Calgary as well as for summer programs such as Valhalla Summer School of Music in British Columbia. An experienced instructor working with piano and flute students of all ages as well as young beginners, she believes in the importance of developing a strong foundation.
As a music instructor at Morin Music Studio, Ashley’s teaching philosophy is to spark student’s interest to get engaged in learning, to give pleasure in playing and learning music, and to develop their musical skills through inspiring creativity and applying logical practice methods.
Spring 2019 Registration deadline: April 18th, 2019
As musicians nurture their own skills they develop the ability to share their music with others. Playing as part of an ensemble will enhance skills and musicianship and is also a lot of fun!
Registered students will be grouped with classmates to form chamber ensembles, duos, trios and vocal ensembles. Students will learn their part with the support of their private instructor, and receive coaching in ensemble performance in preparation for their performance at Arts Commons for the Morin formal student recitals.
Spring 2019 Session Dates:
Coaching Sessions:
Apr. 21, 28
May. 5, 12, 26
Jun. 2, 9, 16
Final Performance: Saturday, June 22nd at Student Year-end Recitals (Time TBD)
Tuition: 159
*Fees include all coaching sessions with rehearsals, as well as final year end performance*
*Exact time of coaching sessions and performances will be assigned following registration after ensemble groups are assigned.*
Devon Khousakoun – Junior Instructor, PianoDevon Khousakoun has been playing piano since the age of five. A student of Dmitry Nesterov, he has completed his Grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and has completed his repertoire component of Grade 10 RCM. He continues to work on finishing the technical and theoretical requirements. Devon has received awards at the Kiwanis Music Festival/Calgary Performing Arts numerous times. His teaching goals include sharing his passion for music with others and making the music learning process fun and engaging. Devon also holds a black belt in karate and enjoys teaching it. He teaches children from the age of four, all the way to adults. Through teaching martial arts, Devon has developed patience and understanding in working with a variety of personalities. In his free time he likes to play basketball, work out, and hang out with his two dogs.
Alix Tucker began her classical training in piano at the age of three. She quickly became immersed in the instrument, participating in group lessons, master classes, and Suzuki music camps. Alix was one of the earliest students of Carmen Morin, where she progressed through the Royal Conservatory of Music grades, receiving First Class Honours or higher in all of her practical exams. Alix also participates in numerous music festivals,including the Kiwanis/Calgary Performing Arts Festival, often winning awards.
Outside of piano, Alix enjoys playing trumpet and keyboard in many bands both in and outside of school, having been a recent member of the Calgary Round-Up Band, playing the trumpet. Alix has played the piano in the pit band for her school’s production of Les Miserables and has participated in both the Senior High Jazz Band and her in-school concert band at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. Alix has also worked as a tutor for the Morin Music Studio, helping students gain strong practice habits and confidence with the piano. Because of her extensive involvement in her school arts programs, Alix was awarded the Forever Woods Jeffrey Trickett scholarship for music and academics at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School.
Alix is excited to share her passion for music with other young people. Music has been a great part of her life and she wants to share her love of music with others.
Choral Program:
Bi-weekly Classes begin March 16, 2019. Spring Program concludes with student year-end recitals on Saturday, June 22, 2019
Morin Choir Program for students of all levels. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.
We welcome Students throughout Calgary to join our Choir Program! Being part of the Morin Choir Program provides students with a creative and challenging opportunity to enrich their lives through musical expression. Students learn music and awaken their voices in a group setting, developing their own musicality and expression. Students of all ages and levels of musical experience will hone their performance skills under the guidance of their instructor as well as a collaborative pianist.
This bi-weekly classes augments private lessons, developing student’s musicianship and performance skills.
Bi-weekly Class dates:
Class Schedule:
Total tuition for Session: 129 CAD
*Fees include all bi-weekly classes as well as final performance June 22nd*
Registration:
Junior Choir (Age 5+): Bi-weekly Saturdays 5:00-6:00pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Each year, Faculty and Friends of Morin Music Studio give back to our community by raising funds and awareness for local charities through our annual Charity Concerts. In only two short years, we have raised over $15,000 through this initiative to donate directly to local charities and programs in our city.
Our next upcoming performance on Saturday, May 11th 2019 at RiverPark Church. Join faculty and friends of Morin Music Studio for a fun-filled evening of music in support of CUPS Calgary.
“Bright Futures begin with healthy brains”. CUPS Calgary is rooted in the science of brain development to help build resilience in individuals, families and communities.
Featuring world-class performances on many instruments including piano, voice, and cello – this concert is sure to offer a taste of of every style of music to please all music lovers.
Enjoy an evening of high-caliber music for a great cause. All proceeds raised through this performance will be donated directly to CUPS Calgary.
Saturday May 11, 2019
7:30pm
Riverpark Church
More info to come!
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In 2016, Morin Music Studio founded the “Love of Music Calgary” program. This program assists students who are passionate about learning music although may not have the necessary means to pursue lessons and instrument costs. We partner with leading music educators and institutions throughout Calgary, Alberta to extend the reach of music education to all students who may otherwise not have this opportunity.
Spring Session: March 1 -June 29, 2019
Registration deadline: February 28, 2019
The Suzuki method is celebrated worldwide through a thriving global community. Students develop ability through the mother-tongue method in a direct and natural manner, learning alongside their classmates in a pressure-free environment.
Beginner violin students will learn to play their instrument, along with the fundamentals of technique and performance skills in this introductory level course.
Schedule:
Weekly classes:
Beginner Violin class: Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm beginning March CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bi-weekly classes:
Intermediate Violin Ensemble: Saturdays 4-5pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Beginner Violin Ensemble: Saturdays 5-6pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Advanced Violin Ensemble: Saturdays 6-7pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Bi-weekly Ensemble Class dates:
Registration:
Beginner Violin class: Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm beginning March: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Intermediate Violin Ensemble: Bi-weekly Saturdays 4-5pm: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Beginner Violin Ensemble: Bi-weekly Saturdays 5-6pm: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Advanced Violin Ensemble: Bi-weekly Saturdays 6-7pm: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Tuition:
Weekly Beginner Violin: Total tuition for 4 month session: 345 CAD
Bi-Weekly Ensemble classes: Total tuition for Session: 225 CAD
Bi-weekly Ensembles begin March 9, 2019. Course concludes with student year-end recitals on Saturday, June 22, 2019
Tutti String Ensembles for violin students of all levels.
Students hone their performance skills under the guidance of their instructor as well as collaborative pianist.
This bi-weekly class augments private lessons, developing student’s ensemble performance skills.
Students will receive both private and group coaching, Master class performances while also preparing for a large-scale final performance.
Bi-weekly Class dates:
Class Schedule:
Total tuition for Session: 225 CAD
*Fees include all bi-weekly classes as well as final performance June 22nd*
Registration:
Beginner: Bi-weekly Saturdays 5:00-6:00pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Intermediate: Bi-weekly Saturdays 4:00-5:00pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Advanced: Bi-weeklySaturdays 6:00-7:00pm CLICK HERE TO REGISTER