Private Lessons

Emily Haug – Musicology

A 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.

N. Andrew Polachuk – Piano

N. Andrew Polachuk has enjoyed teaching piano for over fifteen years. He has obtained the Advanced Specialist designation through the RCM Teacher Certification program. While at the University of Calgary, he studied piano performance with Prof. Marilyn Engle. Collin Athparia and Derek Chiu have been past teachers and mentors for piano and pedagogy.

Andrew enjoys performing chamber music as a member of the Anju Trio.

His teaching philosophy has put emphasis on enjoyment and appreciation of music and approaching learning with mindfulness.

Alec Tanase – Junior Instructor/Practice Partner, Piano

I started playing the piano when I was the age of 5 and have enjoyed every moment of my 12 years of playing this instrument. I began my piano journey as one of the first students with Morin Music way back when it was in Carmen Morin’s house. I have watched this studio grow and become very successful in teaching students to play the piano and recently in other instruments as well. Currently, I have finished my Grade 8 piano and theory exam and I will be working on completing my Grade 9 and Grade 10 exams.

In my spare time, I enjoyed socializing with my friends, whether that be going out for drives, biking on mountain bike trails, or simply going out for walks around the neighborhood.

Lev Nesterov – Violin

A versatile artist, Lev Nesterov is a chamber and orchestral musician, arranger, teacher, arts administrator and concert presenter striving to create new artistic initiatives in the community.

As a violinist, Lev has performed throughout Canada at numerous music institutions, festivals and concert series, including Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, Scotia Festival of Music, National Music Centre, and has recently made his solo and chamber recital debuts at National Art Centre’s Fourth Stage in Ottawa. Lev is a graduate of the universities of Ottawa and Calgary, where his principal teachers were Yehonatan Berick, Joan Barrett and Edmond Agopian. In post-graduate studies, Lev completed a diploma in Arts Administration and Cultural Management at Toronto’s Humber College. Lev is also the founder and artistic director of the Ottawa Winter Music Festival and Peaks + Prairies Productions in Calgary.

Emilia Tzaneva – Piano

Emilia was born in Bulgaria, Eastern Europe where she graduated in a High school, specialised in Music education and Piano performance.

Emilia continued her post-secondary education in the National Academy of Music “Pancho Vladigerov”, which is the only one university for professional musicians in Bulgaria and includes the full spectrum of musical, theoretical and performance majors.

Upon moving to Canada in 2002, Emilia advanced her teaching certification through the University of Calgary and received her teaching certification through Alberta Education.

Her teaching experience includes classroom teaching in the Alberta school system using Kodaly Method and Orff, as well private piano instruction to students of all levels and backgrounds. She is an active member the Alberta Registered Music Teacher’s Association (ARMTA).

With over 20 years of teaching, Emilia believes that Music is beneficial for everyone. She believes that music is not only a powerful influence on human beings, but is also meant to be fun.

She shares:

“From my personal experience as a teacher I know that we can find a song that my student likes, because music is like an ocean. I love to teach. I can see my students grow and they enjoy playing. For the last couple of years I’ve enjoyed working with people who want to play not only classical music, but also pop and jazz. Playing different genres of music gives you the opportunity to know what you like.”

Esther Kim – Piano, Voice

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.

Grace Shukuda – Junior Instructor/Practice Partner, Piano

Grace Shukuda began her piano studies at the age of two with Dan Morin. With Dan’s tailored learning, Grace had the privilege of laying a foundation of musical development through both Suzuki as well as Royal Conservatory pedagogy. Grace continued her studies with Simon Morin and is currently working towards the completion of her Grade Ten Royal Conservatory Exam. Through volunteering in group and private music classes with Jen Shukuda, Grace has developed a knowledge around the importance of meeting a child where they are at and guiding the learning according to their specific needs.

Partaking in a variety of local charity performance galas, Grace understands both the pressure and privilege of public performance. Grace’s entire life has been immersed in the musical culture of the Morin Music Community and she is grateful to be now joining this incredible team as a teacher.

Michelle Grégoire – Piano, Jazz Piano

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.

Alana Berringer – Communications

Alana has been working in the visual design world since 2002, working at communications companies as a graphic and web designer and also as the principal and lead designer of her own company for the majority of her career. Alana has developed a wide variety of printed and interactive marketing material for a diverse group of clients including large companies, start-ups and local and national not-for-profit organizations, such as Genome Alberta, Canadian Red Cross, SAIT Polytechnic, Alberta Easter Seals, etc.).

Along the years Alana has pursued different passions, notably as a yoga teacher, but she has always come back to her love of visual communication. Alana joined the Morin Music team in 2019 and has had her kids in music lessons here ever since!

Silvia Todea – Junior Instructor, Piano

Silvia Todea began her musical journey at the age of 8. Inspired and motivated by wonderful teachers, Silvia worked throughout school and high school 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. She is excited to pay forward the great joy and benefits of studying the piano.

Lizzie Misutka – Voice, Piano

Vocalist and performer Lizzie Misutka is a Musical Theatre graduate from the Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto, and holds her advanced Grade 10 vocal certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music in vocal performance.

On top of her love of singing and formal vocal training, Lizzie has also enjoyed nearly two decades as a classically trained pianist. She reached the advanced levels, completing Grade 10 in classical piano certification through the Royal Conservatory of Music studying with Prof. Charles Foreman in Calgary.

In her free time she enjoys reading and hiking with her dog.

Daniel Szefer – Piano, Theory

Daniel Szefer, pianist is a first-generation American born to Polish immigrants. He had his first piano lessons at the age of seven and was introduced to the public in Miami, FL by the Chopin Foundation of the United States when he was ten. He gave three solo performances in Millennium Park in Chicago in 2010. In 2011, the cable television network, POLSAT, made a documentary about his life as a young musician. Szefer was one of eight international students invited to study at the Sergei Babayan Academy at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2012. The same year, he gave a solo concert at the Chicago Symphony Center. He had his orchestral debut with the Lira Ensemble Orchestra conducted by Mina Zikri at the age of 13 and would concertize with this orchestra for the next three years. Following this, Szefer was the youngest finalist in the Crain-Maling Foundation of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Youth Audition.

In 2013, he received a scholarship to the Oxford Philomusica Piano Festival at the University of Oxford, Great Britain. The next year he was a Fellow at the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and was one of two Americans who participated in the 8th International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in Moscow, Russia. Szefer had his Chica go Symphony Center orchestral debut with the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra in November 2015.

In June 2016, Szefer was a top prizewinner at the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition. That same month he was offered scholarship and admission to the Advanced Performance Program at the Mount Royal University Conservatory in Calgary, AB, Canada. In July 2017, he was a finalist and prize-winner of the international “Prix Orford Musique” in Quebec, Canada.

Szefer is an active chamber musician and a member of the Walden Trio, a piano trio formed in 2016 at the Mount Royal Conservatory in Calgary, AB. As a part of Walden, he has performed throughout Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Norway. In May 2018, The group competed in South Bend, Indiana at the 45th Fischoff Chamber Competition. Later that summer, they participated in the first Festival del Lago in Ajijic, Mexico. Walden attended in September 2018 at the Trondheim International Chamber Academy in Norway and had the opportunity to collaborate with Asbjørn Nørgaard, violist from the Danish String Quartet, and worked under musicians from the group, Stockholm Syndrome, as well as Joseph Kalichstein.

Since coming to Calgary, Daniel has spent three years in Calgary Pro Musica’s Young Artist Development Program. As a member of the program, he has gone to elementary schools throughout the city, giving music education workshops and assemblies, with a focus on literacy and appreciation.

As a student of the University of Calgary, he has participated in the Forms of Sound and New Music concerts, giving multiple world premieres. In 2018, he won the Calgary Philharmonic Concerto Competition. Recently, he performed on Harpsichord for a production of Handel’s The Fairy Queen put on by the University.

In 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.

Nicolas Luzzi – Saxophone, Clarinet

Nicolas 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.

Kathleen De Caen – Cello

Growing up in Edmonton, Kathleen de Caen started playing the cello at age 5. Her primary teachers were Grazyna Sobieraj, Julie Amundsen, and Tanya Prochazka; with whom she completed a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Alberta. She later went on to complete a Master’s degree in cello performance with Matt Haimovitz at McGill University.

As a soloist, she has been invited to perform with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra on multiple occasions for their education series. Kathleen was also the featured young artist of the ESO’s 2012 Symphony Under the Sky series.

As a chamber musician, Kathleen has performed across North America with musicians such as Yehonatan Berick, Jean Efflam-Bavouzet and Paul Coletti. She has participated numerous times with Matt Haimovitz’s ensemble, Uccello, who performed at Carnegie Hall in 2013. In 2016, Kathleen co-founded Trio De Moda, an Alberta based string trio that has performed across Alberta and the Maritime provinces.

Kathleen was acting principal cello of Symphony Nova Scotia, in Halifax, for the 2017/2018 series but is very excited to be back in Alberta and a section cellist in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018.

During her free time, Kathleen loves to be outside with friends; biking, hiking and checking out Calgary’s prolific bakery scene.

Edmund Chung – Violin

Edmund Chung first began his violin studies at the age of four in Hong Kong. He continued 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 while studying with Toni Stanick, he was the grand prize winner of CMC (’08). He completed his Bachelor’s (’15) and Master’s Degree (’17) 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).

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 joining the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Edmund was a regular substitute for the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Christine Sul – Piano

Born in Korea, Yun Seo (Christine) Sul started piano at the age of 6. Ever since, she has demonstrated an avid interest and facility for the instrument. In Korea, she studied with Prof. Taehee Park and attended the prestigious Busan Arts High School. Christine completed her
Bachelor’s of Music at the University of Calgary where she studied with Prof. J. Marilyn Engle.

Christine’s focus as a musician has been primarily directed towards performance, and has become the first prize winner and laureate of dozens of piano competitions in Korea such as the Busan Joongang Piano Competition and the Changwon International Meister Competition, where she earned first prizes.

Christine had her debut with an orchestra in 2008, when she performed Mozart with the Solist Volgograd Orchestra. In 2020, Christine became the finalist of the Concerto Competition, where she was set to perform with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra prior to the COVID-19 closures. In 2020 Christine became the Prairies Favourite for the 19-25 years old division of the Canadian Music Competition.

Christine has also become a regular attendee of international piano festivals held in Portugal such as the 2018 and 2020 edition of the Coimbra World Piano Meeting and the 2019 edition of the Sardoal International Piano Meeting, where she has participated in masterclasses with renowned professors from around the world, as well as performing in public concerts. Christine’s excellence has made her the recipient of several scholarships and awards.

Beyond her interests in solo playing, Christine is also an experienced accompanist, having served as the principal pianist for the Calgary Korean Baptist Church from 2013 to the present. She has also worked in a variety of ensemble groups.

As a teacher, Christine is adamant in conglomerating the variety of styles in teaching and playing she has experienced throughout her life in order to provide well rounded and thorough instruction to her students.

Erinn Komschlies – Clarinet

Erinn Komschlies is a clarinetist and teacher living in the Yukon Territory. Originally from the United States, Erinn received her Bachelor of Music degree in music education from St. Olaf College in Minnesota, studying clarinet with Jun Qian and Scott Anderson. She was principal clarinet of the St. Olaf Orchestra and St. Olaf Band, ensembles that toured across the United States and Europe. She was also
nominated for membership in Pi Kappa Lambda, the only nationally recognized music honors society in America.

Erinn completed her Master’s degree in clarinet performance at Southern Illinois University, where she studied with world-renowned composer and clarinetist Eric Mandat. At SIU, she was principal clarinet of both the Southern Illinois Symphony and Wind Ensemble. She rounded out her performance experience by participating in the university’s free improvisation group every semester and completing an independent research, performance, and presentation project on Klezmer music. She continued her study of Klezmer music as an artist-in-residence at Jenni House in Whitehorse, Yukon in 2020.

Erinn is passionate about sharing her love for music and has experience teaching students of all ages. She believes that with proper guidance, every student can accomplish their goals. She strives to create a comfortable atmosphere to make lessons both enjoyable and challenging.

Leon Leontaridis – Voice

Over 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 Kids

Jasmine 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.

Ben Lahring – Guitar

Born 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.

He encourages and prepares his students to complete RCM examinations.

Videos and recordings of Ben’s playing can be found at www.benlahring.com

Serena Yeung – Voice, Piano

Born in Hong Kong, soprano Serena Yeung recently graduated from Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at the University of Calgary. She began her choral training at an early age in the Hong Kong Children’s Choir, and continued her classical vocal training with Alex Tam (Hong Kong) and Laura Hynes (Canada). Serena has received numerous awards and scholarships including the Royal Conservatory of Music Provincial Gold Medal, Polyna Savridi Memorial Music Undergraduate Scholarship, Norman J. Kennedy Memorial Scholarship for Performance, and various scholarships from the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Highlights include taking part in an interdisciplinary production and modern adaptation of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen at the School of Creative and Performing Arts (2020), representing Calgary at Alberta Provincial Music Festival in Edmonton (2019), and participating in Opera NUOVA 10-day intensive program (2018). The past two years, Serena appeared with Alberta’s new Baroque chamber orchestra Rosa Barocca as Soprano soloist of Handel’s Messiah. In addition to her studies, Serena also made her opera debut as Second Lady (Die Zauberflöte) at Halifax Summer Opera Festival, other opera scene roles include Sophie (Werther) and Barbarina (Le nozze di Figaro). She also performed with Opera Hong Kong in Madama Butterfly and Die Zauberflöte in 2016 and 2018.

Jessica Lui – Piano

Born and raised in Vancouver, Jessica began playing the piano at the age of six. She is working towards her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Calgary where she studies with Lana Henchell.

Jessica has earned her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has been recognized for her academic excellence, receiving multiple awards and scholarships from the British Columbia District and the University of Calgary.

Jessica has been a participant in the Coimbra World Piano Meeting where she performed and received guidance from renowned professors from Asia, Europe and North America. She has a passion for collaborative piano and is experienced in working with singers, instrumentalists and choirs. She has performed extensively with both large and small ensembles including a variety of chamber groups and has been part of The Fairy Queen Production held by the University of Calgary.

Jessica values the importance of creating a fun and engaging learning environment yet creating a solid foundation with students. She hopes to guide and inspire students towards their goals and love for music.

Dr. Lana Henchell – Senior Instructor

Calgary 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, Piano

Hae 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.

Kara Friesen – Voice, Piano

Soprano 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 – Piano

Sophie 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.

Hollman Szeto – Piano

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 Guitar

An 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.

Jacinta Green – Cello, 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.

Ashley Ko – Flute, Piano

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.

Students of all instruments and vocalists throughout Calgary’s musical community are welcome to participate.
There is no age requirement, however students should be a minimum intermediate playing level to both benefit from and contribute to their ensemble group.
Students are required to be available for all rehearsal dates (times will be assigned) as well as the final performance

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.*

Please CLICK HERE to Register for Spring 2019 Chamber Ensemble Program

Devon Khousakoun – Junior Instructor, Piano

Devon 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 – Junior Instructor, Piano

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:

March: 16, 30
April: 13, 27
May: 11, 25
June: 8
June 22: Final Performance (Time to be assigned)

Class Schedule:

Junior Choir (Age 5+) Bi-weekly Saturdays 5:00-6:00pm

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.

Tickets Now Available – CLICK HERE to Reserve Today

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.

Learn more about the Love of Music Program

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.

No previous experience required.
Students are required to have their own instrument for class and home practice (please inquire for rental options)
Home practice and preparation is required
Required books: Suzuki Violin Book 1

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:

March: 9, 23
April: 6, 20
May: 4, 18
June: 1, 15
June 22: Final Performance (Time to be assigned)

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.

Classes are bi-weekly Saturdays, beginning on Saturday, March 9th – June 15th
Final Performance June 22nd