Student Spotlight Form

Pianist Matthew Kallio was born in Sudbury, Ontario where he took his first steps in music through the Royal Conservatory of Music. After RCM studies in piano he furthered his music education through Cambrian College’s music department earning a diploma in piano performance and finished his studies in piano performance and organ at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

As a piano instructor, with over 20 years of experience Matthew strives to meet his students in achieving their goals. An experienced RCM teacher, he has successfully prepared many students for examinations with consistently high results. Matthew believes a strong, dependable technique will serve any student well as a strong foundation wherever their music takes them.

Following Acadia university, Matthew worked in Halifax at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in the piano faculty and as a collaborative pianist. In 2015 he moved back to his home province of Ontario. Following this move Matthew became greatly involved in music scene in Northern Ontario which included artistic direction of the City of Lakes Music Society where he spearheaded a number of performances of chamber music including “Bachanalia: A Wild Celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach” and “Ode to St. Cecilia—music by George Frederic Handel and Henry Purcell”. In addition Matthew created and performed in the “Keys to the Library” through his role as COLMS director, a concert series which brought chamber music to the local libraries. Since moving to Calgary, he has held positions as music director at Grace Presbyterian Church as well as pianist at the Alberta Ballet.

Matthew is an experienced keyboard collaborator having performed with orchestras (Sudbury Symphony Orchestra, YES Theater Orchestra) as well as choral groups (Young Sudbury Singers, Laurentian University Chorus, Sudbury Chamber Singers, Octatonic Decadence, Acadia University Chorus). He has also performed in many musical theater productions through the Toronto based theater company YES theater. In addition, has also led successful music programs as a music director in several churches across Canada and concertized extensively. Matthew loves collaboration with other musicians in chamber music, duo ensembles, voice and most recently, four handed piano works.

Michelle is a passionate piano player who grew an interest for music at an early age. She started piano at the age of five where she first enrolled in music for young children and was inspired by all the melodious sounds. From there she participated in Apta festivals and Kiwanis festivals throughout her RCM journey. Michelle has been teaching piano for over 6 years to all ages and enjoys creating meaningful connections with students. Her favourite part about teaching is watching her students thrive in their musical journey and flourish as a piano player. She believes music is an outlet for creative possibilities and has the ability to paint stories that can be be felt with all the senses. Also, she believes music allows individuals to explore their artistic abilities using expression and interpretation.

Along with music, she is enthusiastic about business and is finishing up her Bachelor’s in Accounting. During her free time, she enjoys composing music and playing piano scores from her favourite Broadway shows including Wicked, Hamilton and Les Misérables.

Acclaimed as Calgary’s finest jazz pianist, composer, arranger, instructor, music industry professional, and author—Sheldon Zandboer is known as one of Canada’s most versatile musicians. Specializing in jazz piano and widely recognized as one of Canada’s premier jazz talents, he has been working behind the scenes on many recordings, theatre projects, song writing projects, jazz concerts, sound design, and film soundtracks.

Sheldon has performed globally since 1975 which makes him out to be one of the most experienced keyboard player/pianists in Canada. 

Extensive training and raw talent has allowed him to excel at playing whatever idiom that needs to be performed way beyond the norm, i.e.: Jazz, Classical, R&B, Blues, Rock, Pop, Country, Electronic Dance, Salsa, Reggae, Soca and Gospel.

Sheldon has performed jazz before Queen Elizabeth, as well as the other members of the British Royal Family, international dignitaries, Heads of State and publicly on 4 continents. His songwriting has extended into the European pop market and has composed music for a film that is on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan. 

His groundbreaking jazz training book The Tao of Jazz Improvisation adopts eastern philosophy and training techniques, which enables the young to advanced professional to reach a higher level of performance and creativity.

2018 Tipping Velvet Sheldon’s first solo recording was released internationally and was met with critical acclaim. It was also nominated as one of the top 5 Jazz recordings to come out of Calgary in 2019.

The City of Calgary has recognized and listed Sheldon as one of Calgary’s preeminent artists on their official tourism website. 

Praise, born in Calgary and raised in Hong Kong, is a multifaceted artist with a passion for music and the arts. Growing up in a family deeply connected to music, Praise’s parents operated a music center in Hong Kong, where her father, a Suzuki piano teacher, and her mother, a singing teacher, provided her with numerous opportunities to explore various instruments. Praise eagerly embraced this environment, learning to play instruments such as the piano, jazz drums, guitar, flute, and violin.

In pursuit of her artistic aspirations, Praise embarked on an educational journey that allowed her to refine her skills and expand her creative horizons. She attended the Hong Kong Design Institute, where she majored in Visual Communication Design. Later, in 2021, Praise returned to Calgary to enroll in the University of Calgary, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Opting for a Bachelor of Arts rather than a Bachelor of Music, she sought to broaden her understanding of the arts beyond auditory perception, emphasizing a holistic approach to artistic expression. As a testament to her commitment to music, Praise became a valued member of the Chamber Choir at the University of Calgary.

Praise has achieved remarkable proficiency in several instruments, holding Advanced certifications  from the Associated Board Royal School of Music London in piano, advanced certifications in jazz drums, and flute, along with intermediate certification in violin. Additionally, she has excelled in various singing competitions, showcasing her vocal talents and passion for performance.

Looking ahead, Praise envisions a future deeply rooted in education and a desire to promote the importance of art and music. She firmly believes that music plays a pivotal role in personal growth, particularly when introduced at an early age. With this conviction, Praise aspires to inspire younger generations to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts. Moreover, her fascination with world music motivates her to explore the intersection of music and culture, seeking to foster cross-cultural understanding and connection. Praise’s ultimate goal is to merge art and music in her future career, whether it be through working in a museum or any other space that combines these creative realms. The potential to intertwine art, music, and education ignites her imagination and fuels her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the world.

Praise’s journey as an artist showcases not only her exceptional talent but also her unwavering commitment to promoting the transformative power of art and music. Her passion, combined with her diverse skill set, promises to shape a future that celebrates creativity, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Timea Agszer-Powaza is a talented Slovak-Hungarian pianist, accompanist, and piano teacher. She began her musical education at the age of 8 in Slovakia and went on to study piano playing, music theory, and pedagogy at the Conservatory in Bratislava from 2001 to 2007. In 2008, she became a student at the Academy of Performing Arts, where she received her M.Mus in Piano Performance and Pedagogy in 2013.

During her studies, Timea played in a variety of chamber groups, accompanying violin, flute, oboe, and voice. At the national competition of Slovak Conservatories in 2007 she, with her colleagues Juraj Tomka (violin) and Tomas Kardos (cello) won a first place in Piano trio category and received the absolutory winner price in Chamber music. She also studied harpsichord with Robert Gracz for 6 years and was a cembalo player for a Baroque chamber orchestra at the Conservatory and a Classic chamber orchestra at the Academy of Performing Arts. She has performed Haydn, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt and Poulenc on open masterclasses of Viviana Sofronitsky, Karl Andreas-Kolly, Eugen Indjic and Drahomira Billigova.

Timea is focused on piano pedagogy and has over 15 years of teaching experience in Slovakia and Canada. She is a certified piano teacher of Royal Conservatory of Music for Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels and an active member of the ORMTA teachers’ association.

“Every child carries a unique musical gift that I love to discover, nurture, and help to grow. Music is a wonderful gift.”

Andrew is a passionate musician with a love for piano that began at the age of 16. He was first introduced to music in his high school symphonic band, where he played the trombone. During his high school years, Andrew successfully auditioned for the piano curriculum program at Columbia National University.

Andrew’s interest in classical piano also led him to explore composition, and he began studying songwriting and composition. His academic performance earned him a scholarship for two consecutive years, and he later auditioned for Berklee College of Music, one of the most renowned music institutions in the world, where he was accepted and completed his academic music program.

Andrew’s career in the music industry has seen him perform live for both independent and national projects. Currently, he serves as a piano instructor and conducts the children’s and adult choir at the YMCA.

Alec Tanase began his formal training in piano at the age of five years old with Morin Music Studio. With over twelve years of formal training, he is passionate about all styles of music and the enjoyment it brings.

Alec has completed his certification to the advanced level from The Royal Conservatory of Music, consistently receiving First Class Honours and Distinction. He has excelled in performance, inspired by the exceptional guidance of his instructor Rachel Kreyner.

In his teaching, Alec emphasizes the importance of strong piano technique and offering a versatile methodology that can adapt to all student’s needs and goals. He supports his students to strive towards high academic expectations, while also focusing on the joy and fun that music offers.

As well as teaching piano, Alec also works with youth as a competitive swim coach to students with the Killarney Swim Club. As a team player, Alec is part of the Ernest Manning High School Football Team, winning the City Championship in 2019.

Along with his formal classical piano training, Alec aims to specialize in Biological Sciences and to pursue Medical School. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and socializing with his peers. He is pleased to share the love of music with his students at Morin Music, and enjoys inspiring the next generation of musicians and artists.

Born in small town Weyburn Saskatchewan, Robyn spent her formative years inside her Dad’s vinyl record shop. Immersed in his extensive collection of music throughout her upbringing, Robyn considers herself to be born and raised on music, and feels a deep understanding of the inherent power of music and the arts.

In her professional background, Robyn is passionate about human development and potential. Among her credentials she is a certified in Holistic Nutrition, Neuro-linguistic programming, and Reiki practitioner. She is a Certified Women’s Coach specialist with Girls Gone Strong, and has focused her coaching specifically to support women and young females.

As a coach to women and youth, she facilitates growth through tools of writing, sharing of vulnerable human experiences, and movement. Her driving principle in her coaching and youth work is to share that all we are born worthy, and deserve to step fully into our innate power.

With her love of music combined with her passion for coaching and human potential, she is thrilled to support the growth and development of the teachers and students of Morin Music Studio.

Born and raised in Calgary, Megan is attending Mount Royal University to pursue her Bachelors degree in communications with a major in public relations. She has recently completed an internship with a public relations agency, and has several years of experience in customer service and early childhood development. While she has no formal music education, she finds true joy whenever she is listening to music or seeing a live performance.

Carly was born and raised in Vancouver where she began playing piano at the age of 7. She studied with Jennifer Silva for 11 years before pursuing her Bachelor’s of Music at the University of Victoria under the tutelage of Dr. Jamie Syer. She went on to complete a Master’s of Music in Piano Performance at Texas Tech University and a Post Graduate Performance Diploma at the University of Arkansas, where she studied with Dr. William Westney and Jura Margulis respectively. Carly has performed as a soloist and chamber musician across North America, and most recently in Poland, Germany and Spain.

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Carly is passionate about working with students of all ages. She believes in providing a strong technical and musical foundation, in a positive and supportive environment.

I began my piano studies at the age of five at Morin Music with Jennifer Shukuda, studying Suzuki piano and eventually switched to studying Royal Conservatory to further expand my musical repertoire. I am now studying with Juliana Chan, working to complete my level ten Royal Conservatory of Piano and level nine theory examinations. Musical education is very important in my family, my mom grew up playing piano and is now studying guitar, and my three younger siblings are all also studying the piano which allows us all to bond over the instrument!

Shannon started playing the violin and piano when she was 3 years old in Bahrain. Growing up in North America, the Middle East, and Europe allowed Shannon to perform as a soloist, in ensembles, and in orchestras all around the world in many locations such as the Royal College of Music in England, and the Musikverein in Vienna, Austria.

After moving to Canada, she attended the Academy Program at Mount Royal Conservatory for several years. She was the concertmaster for two years in the Conservatory Sinfonia and Chamber Strings orchestras.

Shannon has received distinctions in many examinations from three music boards. She has obtained her Trinity Licentiate Performance Diploma (LTCL) for both the violin and the piano, with distinction. She also has her ABRSM Violin Grade 8 (Distinction), ABRSM Piano Grade 8 (Distinction), and her RCM Grade 9 Piano (Distinction with Honours).

Shannon has the pleasure of having her piano studies with Carmen Morin and has participated and received awards at CPAF and Steinway Piano Competition under her tutelage.

She enjoys accompanying, collaborating with others, and performing in recitals through volunteer work. Shannon is excited to share her joy and passion for music as a teacher and/or accompanist with the students in the wonderful Morin Music Community.

Krista Suzanne started Suzuki violin at age 5, then Yamaha piano group lessons. Private teachers included Magda Hazai in Calgary at Mount Royal College Academy (now MRU Academy) towards exams and festival competitions; Pierre Souvairan, Toronto, Ontario (towards RCM – ARCT), and Dr. Marnie Van Weelden (Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario) towards her Bachelors of Music in piano performance in 2021.

Also earlier earning her RCM Licentiate Diploma in 2018, and Music Therapy Diploma from Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC, Krista Suzanne utilizes these calming tools near the end of lessons (playing improvised duets on the black pentatonic keys with students or accompanying songs on her flute).  Moving back to her roots from Ontario to Alberta, Krista Suzanne looks forward to teaching at Morin Music and collaborating with students and faculty.

Krista Suzanne’s teaching philosophy is to tie together all aspects of music (ideally in every lesson if even for a moment but usually over time): rhythm, solfege, composer/era, hand choreography/body mapping, memorization mapping, recording on cell, improvisation, composition, etc. As well, to focus on singing the music inside when you are playing. Like concert pianist Stephen Hough says, “the music needs to resonate at least with one person”.

Any level or age of student is welcome. Krista Suzanne enjoys teaching younger children (through sequential pentachord hand positions & visuals), arranging favourite songs for preteen/teens and providing keyboard Youtubes (if unable to read music well), producing arrangements of some of the classics for intermediate students, and the highly motivated exam & competition-routed students (Krista Suzanne resonates too with long hours of practice in reaching the zone of nimble fingers). Music is a gift to give away. Soli deo Gloria.

With a Master of Music Degree in classical guitar performance, and with over 15 years of teaching and performing experience, Matthew enthusiastically shares his knowledge, skills, and passion for music with students. His friendly and relaxed manner puts students at ease, and lessons are both fun and goal-oriented.

Matthew is comfortable with students of all ages, and has the versatility to teach most styles of guitar including folk, jazz, rock, blues, funk, and classical. For younger students, he strongly emphasizes developing the fundamental skills of reading music notation and theory along with learning the techniques of playing. He works with each student to set goals, whether it is to pass their next Royal Conservatory exams, or to ‘just strum a few chords’, learn to improvise, develop songwriting skills, refine technique, etc., and he personalizes projects and repertoire to suit each student’s unique objectives.

He studied jazz guitar at MacEwan university in Edmonton with Bob Cairns before studying with Ralph Maier at Mount Royal University (obtaining the final Diploma in classical guitar performance to be bestowed by that institution), and at the University of Calgary where he obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He received several academic grants and awards, and In 2015 he was a recipient of the prestigious Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Joseph Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

He has performed in masterclasses with several notable classical guitarists, including Xuefei Yang, Pavel Steidl, Emma Rush, Alexander Dunn, Jerome Ducharme, Jeff McFadden, Marc Teicholz, Johannes Möller and others, and he has performed at hundreds of weddings and other events in and around Calgary.

Agata Skulimowska, originally from Poland, fell in love with Fryderyk Chopin’s music as a child. Every minute spent with his masterpieces was so special, that at age of twelve she decided to start her music education.

In 2017 she finished her Bachelor studies at The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland under professor Krzysztof Jablonski’s guidance. To continue her education and broaden the musical experience, she moved to Calgary in 2019 and joined Advanced Performance Program at Mount Royal University Conservatory. Right now, Agata is taking Master of Music Program at University of Calgary in Dr. Jani Parsons’ class.

Agata is laureate of national and international piano competitions in Europe. She has taken part in many masterclasses and music festivals around the world, including places like Poland, Denmark, Japan, Rome and Canada. In order to further improve her pianistic and pedagogic skills, she has worked with acclaimed pianists and piano professors including Eugen Indjic, Sasha Starcevich, David Moroz, Tobias Koch, Janusz Olejniczak, Nikolai Demidenko and Alexander Braginsky.

Along with her passion for solo performances, Agata is also a part of a chamber ensemble and an accompanist for Chamber Choir and University Chorus.

Adam Pettigrew started playing piano at the age of six and double bass when he was 14. Growing up, he went through the Music for Young Children program, and later went on to complete his RCM Grade 10 examination, studying piano under Peter Rudzik and Tim Janz for Theory and History. During this time, Adam competed in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival where he won first prize in the 20th Century and Late-Romantic classes. He recently completed his Bachelor of Music at the University of Calgary where he studied under Marilyn Engle and Lana Henchell.

In 2018 and 2020, Adam participated in the Coimbra World Piano Meeting where he studied with world class educators, among which were Aquiles Delle Vigne and Makoto Ueno.

Adam performs regularly as a bassist with the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra, while also playing jazz in freelance settings and with his combo, the Sidewinders. In 2019, he was the bassist for the Timepoint Ensemble in the Banff and Calgary productions of Ghost Opera.

As a teacher, Adam strives to ignite a love for music in his students and believes that anybody can achieve great heights through hard work and dedication.

Calgary-born pianist Teresa Serafini is the second-youngest in a musical family of seven children. Being surrounded by music from infancy, she had a natural affinity for it when she started taking piano lessons at age four. From 2005-2016, Teresa studied piano with Marianne Bleile, before starting lessons with Marilyn Engle in 2016, whom she continues to study with. Teresa also studied at the Mount Royal University Conservatory’s Academy of Music for Gifted Youth from 2010-2015. During her time at the academy, she played for many guest artists, including Catherine Ordronneau, Jean-Paul Sevilla, Gabriela Montero, Helmut Brauss, Jin Zhang, and Dmitry Nesterov. In 2020, Teresa also participated in the Coimbra World Piano Meeting in Portugal, where she received lessons from several world-class musicians from Europe and Asia.

During her years at the academy, Teresa began to discover her enjoyment of collaborative music, playing in chamber groups and with vocalists. Between November 2014 and February 2016, she volunteered as an accompanist for the St. Peter’s Players’ productions of Steven Sondheim’s musical, Into the Woods, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Wizard of Oz. She also provided live accompaniment for ballet classes at Ballet School Lakeview in 2015-2017, and has played at Fun ‘N’ Dance, another Calgary ballet studio, since 2018. From September 2018 to June 2019, Teresa was a piano accompanist for the Calgary Music Academy Outreach Program, playing with the students in regular masterclasses and monthly public performances. She has also taught piano and accompanied at the Calgary Music Academy Centre’s Summer Music Camp in 2019 and 2021.

Teresa is currently in her third year at the University of Calgary, studying Piano Performance, after which she intends to pursue a Master’s degree in Collaborative Piano. Having competed regularly in music competitions growing up, she has received numerous awards and scholarships from the Mount Royal University Conservatory, the University of Calgary, the Contemporary Showcase, and the Calgary Performing Arts Festival. Teresa has also performed as a four-time national finalist in the Canadian Music Competition. Over the years, she has gained a wide range of experience in solo performance, chamber music, accompaniment (strings, vocal, musical theatre, ballet), background music, and teaching.

In her free time, Teresa enjoys many hobbies including painting with her mother, cooking, birdwatching, playing bridge, and searching for obscure classical composers with her oldest brother. She is also passionate about sharing music with others, and enjoys playing the piano for family and friends and at nursing homes during the holidays.

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.

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.

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.