Who We Are

Krista Suzanne McGinn – Piano

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.

Matthew Beaubien – Guitar

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 – Piano

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.

Charles Foreman – Senior Instructor, Piano

Praised for his superb musicianship, his formidable technique, his vast repertoire, and his imaginative programming, pianist Charles Foreman has created several important recital series, concluding Canada’s first complete cycle of the solo piano works of Chopin in March, 2009. He completed his first (as well as Calgary’s first) cycle of the thirty-two Beethoven piano sonatas in 2005, to sold-out houses and standing ovations, a series he repeated from February, 2015 to May, 2016. In 2001, Foreman finished his two-season “Sounds of a Century” project, ten recitals of twentieth-century piano music, one for each decade.

Foreman made his debut in 1972 with the Chicago Civic Orchestra conducted by David Gilbert, playing the Brahms B-flat Concerto. Since then, he has won prizes in Canadian and U.S. piano competitions, received two Canada Council grants for study and performance in Europe, performed over 30 times with orchestras, and played over 760 solo and chamber recitals in Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and the U.S. He is currently recording the 32 Beethoven solo piano sonatas for Centaur Records: the first CD, “Chiavi strane” is also available on Spotify and iTunes, and the second CD, “Sonate intessere” will be available in 2022.

Foreman has taught individual piano students in Calgary since 1973: his students have won prizes in local, regional, national and international competitions.

Please note that students are accepted by audition only.

Alec Tanase – Junior Instructor/Practice Partner, Piano

Alec started piano when he was five years old and has enjoyed every moment of it. He has twelve years of musical experience—going way back to when Crescendo Kids lessons took place at Carmen Morin’s house. He grew alongside the studio, as it became very successful.

Alec recently completed his level 8 RCM Piano Exam, as well as his level 8 RCM Theory. Both exams were completed with First Class Honors, the latter with Distinction. Under the exceptional guidance of his instructor Rachel Kreyner, he hopes to complete his level 9 and 10 RCM examinations in the near future.

Alec has excellent piano technique and methodology. His teaching approach emphasizes high academic expectations while also focusing on fun. For instance, from 2018 to mid 2019, he successfully coached several 10–12 year old students swim at the competitive level with the Killarney Swim Club. He is also a team player—as part of the Ernest Manning High School Football Team, winning the City Championship in 2019.

Alec would like to specialize in Biological Sciences and plans to attend Medical School. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and socializing with his peers.

Shannon Wong – Junior Instructor/Practice Partner, Piano

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.

Robyn Holdstock – Administration, Student Support Specialist

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.

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.

Adam Pettigrew – Piano, Double Bass

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.

Teresa Serafini – Piano

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.

Juliette Sallé – Junior Instructor, Piano

Juliette was born and raised in Calgary and has been playing music from a very early age. She started playing piano in pre-school, and is currently completing her grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music. She received first class honours for her grade 8 exam, and plans on continuing piano until she completes the ARCT. She has always been passionate about music and was even involved in her school band since grade 4. She performed the flute at many music festivals and was part of the Junior Honour Band. Being guided by fantastic, reputable, high level teachers such as Dmitry Nesterov and Edwin Gnandt, Juliette has been able to perform piano at various recitals and talent shows, and is eager to pass the love of music to her students.

Juliette is currently completing her last year of school and is planning on pursuing computer science or astrophysics in university with a minor in music. Juliette understands how important and beneficial music is in life, and is thankful for the opportunity of teaching beginner students. She will work carefully with the students and will observe the way in which they learn in order to keep them guided and motivated for successful piano playing. Being fully immersed in young music learning, she understands the difficulties in playing, but also understands the amazing rewards and fun that music brings. It is a true privilege to finally be able to pass this love of music as a junior piano teacher at the Morin Music Community.

Esther Kim – Voice, Piano

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.

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.

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.

Jaewon Ahn – Cello, Piano

Jaewon Ahn was born in Korea where she pursued her passion for music since the age of nine. She has won several competitions in Korea, among them, the prestigious Strad competition. In 2004, she moved to Calgary, Canada and began her studies with John Kadz at the Mount Royal Conservatory. As the recipient of Barbara Wanner Scholarship, she has consistently won numerous competitions in Canada including the Canadian Music Competition and the Frank Simpson Concerto competition where she was featured twice as a soloist performing the Rococo Variation and the Dvorak Concerto.

Jaewon has participated in numerous solo and chamber music festivals regularly over the years including the Banff Chamber Music Residency, Banff International Music Festival, Orford Arts Centre Festival/Orchestra, Great Mountains Music Festival, Montecito International Music Festival, the Young Artists Program in Ottawa and the Morningside Music Bridge. Jaewon has performed extensively throughout Europe, North America, China and Korea collaborating with many of acclaimed artists such as Lynn Harrell, Andres Diaz, Roberto Diaz, Ignace Jang, Parry Karp, and Chee-Yun Kim. An avid chamber and orchestral musician, she has worked with world-class artists such as Lawrence Lesser, Pieter Wispelwey, Jian Wang, Donald Weilerstein, Paul Katz, Ron Leonard, Axel Strauss, Steven Dann, Mark Steinberg and Wolfgang Redik.

Her piano trio, Trio Armonioso was formed at McGill university in 2015. They garnered immediate success, winning the Schulich Chamber Music competition in December 2015. The group has been invited to perform in various concert series including McGill’s Café Concert Series as well as a residency and performances at the Mozarteum’s 2016 Chamber Music Festival in Salzburg, Austria.

Comfortable sharing her talents beyond the stage, Jaewon was selected to perform on national television with Finger Eleven at the Juno Awards in 2008. Later that year, she was also featured in the Canada’s Rising Star Concert series. Then in 2011, she had the privilege to perform at TEDxSMU, an award-winning non-profit conference focused on sharing ideas of technology, entertainment and design.

In Oct 2017, Jaewon will graduate from McGill’s Schulich school of Music under the tutelage of Brian Manker, the principal cellist of the OSM. Her previous teachers include Natasha Brofsky at the New England Conservatory and Andres Diaz at SMU where she has received the Artist Diploma in 2012.

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.”

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.

Dr. Michalis Andronikou – Senior Instructor – Guitar, Music Theory, History and Composition

Michalis Andronikou is a composer and musicologist currently residing in Calgary, AB. He holds a PhD in composition from the University of Calgary. He received his Bachelor’s and Integrated Master’s degrees in musicology from the Department of Music Studies, University of Athens, Greece. He has a Diploma in Classical Guitar, Clarinet and Music Theory from the Trinity College and the Royal Academy of Music, and a Diploma in Byzantine Music from the Argyroupolis Municipal Conservatory. Michalis gained credentials in Harmony, Counterpoint, Fugue, and Music Composition (with Theodore Antoniou) from the Hellenic Conservatory. Moreover, he has studied Greek folk instruments such as lute, tampoura and bouzouki.

Michalis has composed music for small and large ensembles, theatre plays, art exhibits, movies, and songs. Seven CDs with his works have been released since 2003, and his scores are published by the Canadian Palliser Music Publishing, the Bulgarian Balkanota, the Italian Da Vinci Edition, and the English Trübcher Music Editions.

Michalis is an associate composer of the Canadian Music Centre, a member of the Canadian League of Composers, a member of the Greek Composers Union and a member of the Center of Cypriot Composers.

Teacher Profile: Dr. Michalis Andronikou

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.

Dan Morin, Senior Instructor – Piano

Dan Morin has been teaching piano in Calgary for over 40 years and is very pleased to be joining the Faculty of Morin Music Studio. An established member of Calgary’s musical community, his students have excelled and reached recognition across Canada having won in competitions at the local, provincial and national levels. Having studied under the guidance of Peter Turner, he is an associate of the Mount Royal University Conservatory as well as the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Morin was one of the coordinators of Honens inaugural year as an International Piano competition, and has acted as fundraiser and coordinator for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. In support of his students, he has also been integral in several media productions that serve to feature and highlight outstanding young Canadian musicians.

As an instructor, he is highly experienced with young beginners and believes that a solid foundation in a student’s earliest years are integral to their long term enjoyment and success. Many of his students have proceeded to professional careers in music both as performers and teachers, and he believes it most rewarding to know that his students will enjoy a lifelong love of music.

Please note that students are accepted by audition only.

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.

Joanna Lyster – Piano

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Joanna Lyster has had a lifelong love and fascination with music. She began her private studies at the age of 9yrs old with lessons with Wendy Wells and continued formal training into adulthood.

She enjoys studying and performing a wide range of repertoire in popular and classical genres, and has consistently received top honours in her formal Royal Conservatory examinations.

As a junior pedagogy instructor at Morin Music Studio, Joanna continues to pursue the completion of her ARCT through the Royal Conservatory of Music as well as her theory co-requisites. To supplement her formal instrumental training, she is active in teaching workshops and training through Morin Music Studio and is a current student of Simon Morin.

Joanna has nearly a decade of private teaching experience, and enjoys sharing her love of music with beginner-early intermediate students of all ages. In her teaching philosophy, she recognizes that each student has a unique way of learning and individual set of talents and goals and aims to adjust to each of her student’s needs.

Joanna believes in lifelong learning and believes in sharing her own experience as a student with her students as encouragement. She believes you are never too old to learn and music can challenge and excite you and bring creativity into every aspect of life.

Eileen Schneider – Piano, Voice

Having first begun piano lessons at the age of 4, Eileen values the incredible impact music has had on her life. Classically trained in piano under the tutelage of Zuzana Gabor, a highly reputable music teacher from Slovakia, Eileen has a love for music and a passion for sharing this enthusiasm with her students.

As a piano student, Eileen was recognized for her ability early on as a competitive performer throughout Ontario. Regularly recognized for her achievements, she successfully graduated to the Advanced Level through the Royal Conservatory of Toronto in piano, then would later pursue classical vocal training and is experienced in Suzuki teaching philosophies for young piano beginners as young as age 3.

With piano and voice as her main disciplines, Eileen’s love for music extends to any instrument she can get her hands on – including drums, guitar and ukulele. In her post-secondary studies, Eileen studied in the Music Therapy program at the University of Windsor which gave her the opportunity to hone her skills as a musician as well as a greater appreciation for the invaluable role that music can play in people’s lives.

Born and raised in the small town of Bradford, Ontario, Eileen has decided to start the next chapter of her life in Calgary and is thrilled to continue her teaching career with Morin Music Studio. With nearly a decade of teaching experience, Eileen writes of her teaching philosophy:

“First and foremost is to put students first. I have such a love for music and my goal is to pass that down to all of my students. Whether the student is interested in classical training, contemporary, songwriting, or whatever else, I strive to adapt my lessons to best suit the individual student’s learning style and interests while still developing their full musical potential. My hope is that everyone, both young and old, be able to experience the same joy I feel when they are playing or singing. Music has so many qualities to it and I think that’s what makes it so exciting to people – no matter what genre they like or musical ability they possess. Knowing my students leave my classroom with a greater knowledge and appreciation for piano, voice, and music altogether has been the most rewarding experience.”

Carlos Fernandez – Piano

Originally from Colombia, Carlos Fernandez has a diverse musical background that includes formal training with renowned pianists from Canada, Asia and Europe. Recognized for his dedication and passion for classical music, Carlos has pursued opportunities vigorously since emigrating to Canada in order to develop both the technical skills as well as the musical knowledge necessary to pursue a career in music.

He has studied with Ingrid Mosker and Roman Hernandez to reach the advanced levels and top honours with Canada’s Royal Conservatory of Music, and would later continue his post-secondary studies in the Bachelor of Music program with renowned professor Marilyn Engle.

Excelling academically, he was a participant in the Coimbra World Piano Meeting (Portugal) where he would receive guidance with distinguished piano pedagogues from Asia, North America and Europe.

As well as solo performance, Carlos is an active collaborative pianist as an accompanist as well as chamber musician thanks to his former teacher Roman Hernandez, with whom he performed under the name of Libertango, executing renditions of great tango composers such as Piazzolla or Gardel.

As a pianist who began his formal training later in life than others and who had no musical vein in his family and/or his surroundings growing up, Carlos feels that he has learned the subtleties of music and piano playing in full awareness of both their existence and implementation. Carlos fervently believes that high level playing can be achieved, regardless of background, with the right goals, the proper dose of discipline, and a devoted instructor. Therefore, as a teacher he seeks to share his passion for music, as well as helping students nurture the skills that will allow them to fully express their artistic vision at the piano and subsequently enjoy the true nature of the musical experience.

Rachel Kreyner – Piano, Theory and History

Rachel Kreyner is a versatile performer, accompanist and piano teacher with nearly a decade of of experience teaching privately and accompanying for children’s musical-theatre and ballet schools as well as University of Calgary ensembles. An active collaborative artist, she accompanied the University of Calgary women’s chamber choir and the U of C orchestra in 2015, as well as being part of the U of C Klezmer band (the latter two directed and led by Professor Edmond Agopian). She has taken part in several collaborations with CPO-tenured instrumentalists, working with flautist Sarah Hahn, cellist David Morrissey and violinist Theresa Lane.

Rachel assists students with juries and entries in the RBC concerto competition yearly; among them, finalists Jonathan Gresl and Ana Angelovska and frequently performs in masterclasses held by the Honens and Pro Musica societies, as well as the ‘Happening’ concert series.

In 2013 she studied with renowned personalities like Rudolph Jansen and Anton Kuerti in the Mountainview Chamber Music Festival. Various Canadian teachers shaped her piano technique, most notably: Professor Marilyn Engle, Ann Davidson and Irena Ginzburg.

Mrs. Kreyner holds of a Performer’s ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a combined Bachelor of Music (performance)/ English Honors degree from the University of Calgary, Rachel is also a recipient of her Master’s in Performance Graduate Degree from the University of Calgary with Professor Charles Foreman and studying jazz with Sheldon Zandboer. During her tenure at the University of Calgary, she has received a variety of awards including a grant from Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

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.

Heather Byford – Crescendo Kids Director, Piano, Voice

Heather began her musical training as a young beginner at the age of only three years old. As a young student, she excelled while pursuing the Royal Conservatory of Music piano program for both piano and voice, and reached the advanced level in both of her disciplines. Augmenting her examination focus through RCM, she was also quite active singing in school choirs and local performing arts festivals

In her post-secondary studies, Heather attained a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in vocal performance from the University of Lethbridge, where she studied with Dr. Sandra Stringer. During this time she was actively involved with the U of L Women’s Chorus and the Opera Workshop program, and some of her favourite experiences included her regular perforamnce opportunities as well as showcasing her own compositions to her peers.

Following her undergraduate studies, Heather maintained a busy private teaching studio in her hometown of Cranbrook BC where she also began teaching Ballet Barre classes. Her experiences in teaching in other areas reinforced her belief that practicing fine arts leads to improved concentration, discipline, and self-confidence.

Heather’s teaching philosophy is that all students have great potential, and should be given the opportunity to learn music and enjoy the benefits that music creates in other areas of life. She believes that the ideal teacher should be flexible enough to tailor lessons to the student’s interests while intuitively broadening the student’s interests and ability.

Although Heather’s passion and experiences are in classical music, she emphasizes that this classical technique allows her students the skills to be successful any genres of music that they wish to explore. She believes that a strong footing in classical technique is valuable and transferrable to all genres of music, and above all her favourite part of teaching is seeing her students gain confidence.

Heather spends her spare time practicing yoga, enjoying the outdoors, and composing music. She feels incredibly fortunate to have a life filled with music and to be able to make her passion into her career. She has been very lucky to work with many inspiring teachers and looks forward to sharing her passion with her own students, as well as continually advancing in her own musical education.

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.

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.

Jocelyn Bouwkamp – Voice, Piano

Soprano Jocelyn Bouwkamp is returning to Calgary after completing a Masters of Music Degree in Voice Performance and Literature at Western University, where she studied with Jackalyn Short. During her time at Western she performed as Pamina in The Magic Flute and Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel. Other roles include Maria in West Side Story, Musetta (understudy) in La Bohѐme, and Sister Catherine in Dead Man Walking.

Jocelyn began piano lessons at the age of 5, reaching the advanced level in practical examinations through the Royal Conservatory of Music. Throughout her high school years, she was involved in Concert Band and Wind Ensemble where she played flute, as well as Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz. Jocelyn has attended many prestigious training programs including the Centre for Opera Studies in Italy, Canadian Operatic Arts Academy, Opera NUOVA, and Cowtown Opera Summer Academy.

Jocelyn is a passionate and dedicated pedagogue, and believes in building a well-rounded performer. She hopes that she can inspire every student to love music as much as she does!

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

Carmen Morin- Owner/Executive Director – Senior Instructor, Piano

Carmen Morin began her piano study at the age of two with her father Dan Morin and has since been an active member of Calgary’s musical community all of her life.

Her debut with the Calgary Civic Symphony at the age of 10 sparked several guest solo performances with orchestras throughout Canada, including a performance tour for the Canadian Embassy, showcasing Canadian talent.

Ms. Morin holds her ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She obtained her Diploma in Music Performance with Dmitry Nesterov at Mount Royal University and studied under the tutelage of Marilyn Engle and Charles Foreman in the Bachelor of Music program at the University of Calgary.

With her twenty years of teaching experience, Carmen has nurtured a passion for sharing music education with future generations. Following her faculty position at Mount Royal University’s Conservatory (2008-13) she established Morin Music Studio in 2014 where she enjoys her role as owner and executive director.

She currently enjoys her role as owner and executive director of this private music school, which boasts a collaborative team of almost 40 faculty and nearly 1000 classical music students. In 2016, she received the Horizon Alumni Award from Mount Royal University to celebrate the success of her private music school.

She is the founder of the Love of Music Calgary Program —a community organization that aims to extend the reach of music education to interested students who may not otherwise have the means to study.

In 2019, Ms. Morin proudly accepted a prestigious induction into the Steinway and Sons Teacher Hall of Fame in New York, a designation recognizing North America’s most committed and passionate piano educators.

In addition to her role as business owner and pedagogue, Ms. Morin enjoys an active performance schedule. She has studied and performed in Europe, including performances in Portugal at the Coimbra World Piano Meeting held by the Academia Internacional de Música de Aquiles Delle Vigne. She was recently awarded first prize in the Coimbra World Piano Duo Competition “Special Prize – Francis Poulenc” with her piano duo partner, Lana Henchell, which led to a performance with the Orquestra Clàssica do Centro in the São Francisco Concert Hall.

In her Music Mindset Podcast, Ms. Morin advocates that all people possess unique seeds of musical talent. The discipline of musical training not only develops tools for artistic expression but also cultivates character traits, which promote success and fulfillment in all areas of life.

Jaci Simpson – Guitar, Trombone

Jaci returned to her hometown of Calgary in 2005, after competing a bachelor of music degree at the University of Toronto.

Since returning, she has been teaching multiple instruments and styles with a preference for classical guitar, and music fundamentals.

Jaci has studied guitar with Jeffrey McFadden in Toronto, and Ralph Maier in Calgary. She has also performed and recorded with the University of Calgary guitar ensemble.

Previous performing credits include the Calgary Youth Orchestra, University of Calgary Symphonic Band, University of Toronto Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, as well as various chamber and solo performances.

Jaci enjoys teaching all ages and levels, and believes that every student is capable, given individualized instruction.

Joshua Park – Tutti String Program Director, Violin

Joshua Park started the violin and the age of eight years old and he studied with Erno Kabok at the British Columbia Conservatory of Music School. As a student, Joshua excelled and received recognition in British Columbia’s musical community. As well as being recognized in his local festivals and competitions, he was one of few students selected to perform in the Tom Lee Festival honours performances, and was selected with scholarship to the Surrey Symphony Youth Orchestra conducted by Lucille Lewis. He would later serve as concertmaster with this orchestra.

In 2002, Joshua moved to Calgary to study with Cenek Vrba, who was the concertmaster of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Joshua was admitted into the academy program at Mount Royal University conservatory and he eventually pursued a diploma in music performance. During these years, he had the privilege of studying with many great coaches and guest artists. One of his favorite chamber coaches was Nick Pulos, who had great impact on his studies. Joshua continued his studies in Music Performance with Edmond Agopian at the University of Calgary and received his Bachelors of Music. He was a member of both Mount Royal Youth Orchestra and University of Calgary Orchestra.

In 2013, Joshua was appointed as head music director for the Korean War Concert held at Jack Singer Concert Hall where he performed his own solo composition and played with the concert’s chamber orchestra.

Today, Joshua is a member of the Civic Symphony Orchestra and also plays with the Calgary Arts Orchestra. He freelances at weddings, church, corporate events, and parties. He has played live on air for Calgary’s station 101.5 Kool FM and also played live on CTV morning channel as a representative of the Civic Symphony Orchestra.

In his teaching, Joshua is an avid teacher and is passionate about sharing his experiences with his students. He is experienced working with students of all ages and levels in both private and semi-private instruction, and is knowledgable on various learning techniques and schools of teaching in violin. His students successfully participate in Royal Conservatory Examinations as well as local festivals, and he believes that everyone can learn and enjoy the violin with hard work and dedication.

Heather Natividad – Piano, Voice

Heather Natividad began her musical training at the age of 4 years old in classical Piano, Organ and Voice. Coming from a very musical family, Heather quickly showed natural talent and a love of music and performing.

During her young studies, Heather’s training was mainly classical as a student of the United Conservatory. She was very active in Calgary’s musical community as a performer and in competitive festivals, and regularly received top honors in both disciplines of piano and voice.

As a vocalist, Heather was the 1997 Top-Prize Winner of the Calgary Stampede Talent Search, and would later finish as Top Vocalist Nationwide in the 1998 National Exhibition and Fair Talent Search.

Her teachers have included Brian Farrell, Miguel Wilcox and Tom Bridges, as well as Malcolm Edwards and Donald Bell while completing her undergraduate degrees at the University of Calgary. As an educator with over 11 years of private teaching experience in both piano and voice, Heather has also been a full-time instructor of Choral and Instrumental programs with the Calgary Separate School Board since 2003.

Outside of her teaching, Heather has maintained a very busy performance schedule as a sought-after vocalist for the the past 15 years. A former member of the Youth Singers of Calgary, she is regularly asked to perform with varieties of vocal ensembles and live bands as well as to be solo-vocalist for several city-wide festivals, sporting and corporate events.

Heather is recently completed her 15^th season as the Official National Anthem Singing Voice of our Calgary Flames.

Katrina Lee – Piano, Crescendo Kids

Katrina Lee began her classical training in piano at the age of 6 years old. A pupil of Dan Morin, Sonia Poon, and Simon Morin, her training was intensively classical and mainly through the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Having completing her intermediate levels through the Royal Conservatory Examinations, she would later be successfully awarded First Class Honours with Distinction at the advanced level through Conservatory Canada.

Katrina has been very active in Calgary’s musical community for all of her life. Consistently receiving awards and recognition at the Kiwanis Music Festival throughout her studies, she continues to share her musical talent in her community. She regularly performs in community recitals, and has shared her musical talent as a volunteer pianist for the residents at Wentworth Manor since 2006.

Having extensive knowledge in music theory, Katrina was awarded the Theory Medal for the highest mark received in Alberta for the Theory 4 examination through Conservatory Canada, and would later be awarded 1^st place (province-wide) in the Alberta Piano Teachers’ Association’s composition competition in 2004.

Katrina’s experience in teaching ranges through students of all ages, from beginner to adult. Regarding her teaching philosophy, Katrina writes:

“I strive to encourage students to meet their full musical potential by creating a comfortable atmosphere where they are free to learn at their own pace while gaining confidence to express themselves musically.

My goal is to help my students to harness their curiosity and passion for music in order to direct their learning, and I feel that it is essential that students enjoy their lessons while continuing to learn and develop.

I recognize that everyone has a unique learning style and I pride myself on my ability to tailor my teaching to each student’s individual needs. I enjoy incorporating many different methods in my teaching to help my students better understand musical expression and to reach their full potential.”

Sherry Ebnjalal – Piano

Sherry Ebnjalal has been teaching piano privately for over 15 years in Tehran, Dubai and Toronto before moving to Calgary. Receiving her classical training and teacher certification in Tehran, she is highly experienced working with students of all ages and levels. She is much loved for her patience, creativity, and commitment to her students and believes in continuing her own studies and artistic development.

As well as maintaining a busy teaching schedule, Sherry also accompanies choirs in Calgary. A passionate music lover, she believes that learning and enjoying music benefits people by improving their mental strength and their confidence in their own abilities.

Yunfan Bai – Piano, Suzuki Piano

Yunfan Bai began her classical piano training in China at the age of 3. Excelling and showing great promise as a young student, Yunfan progressed quickly and graduated from the Grade 10 Conservatory level in China at the age of only 10 years old.

A very active musician and performer in China, Yunfan consistently received top awards and recognition as a student while also building a class of students as a young teacher.

In post-secondary, Yunfan began her studies in Canada in the Bachelor of Music Program at the University of Lethbridge. Under the tutelage of Deanna Oye, she was regularly chosen to perform for visiting guest artists and clinicians from across Canada and Europe while also maintaining a busy performance schedule as the pianist for the University’s Choral program.

Yunfan was one of few performers chosen for Calgary’s Esther Honens Masterclass Program, and in 2012 she was awarded first prize in the Provincial-National Music Festival. Yunfan holds her Bachelors Degree in Music at the University of Calgary, where she studied under the tutelage of Professor Charles Foreman.

As an instructor, Yunfan is experience and knowledgeable in Suzuki philosophy and also enjoys working with students working towards Royal Conservatory examinations as well as recreational learning. She is a successful graduate of the Suzuki Pedagogy Practicum Program, and is a registered Suzuki Piano instructor with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Regarding her teaching philosophy, Yunfan believes that enjoyment is at the root of the international language of Music. She encourages students to pursue all styles of music that interests them, and is focused to ensure that her students receive a solid foundation for all future musical studies. Placing a great value on proper classical training, her main goal is that her students will truly love the experience of creating and sharing their music.

Devin Kwok – Chamber Ensemble Director, Piano, Clarinet, Theory and History

Composer, music teacher, pianist, and clarinetist, Devin Kwok received his Bachelor of Music (Honours Theory and Composition with distinction) from The University of Western Ontario, where he studied under Dr. Omar Daniel and Dr. Peter Paul Koprowski. As a pianist, he has taught students of diverse ages and abilities while accompanying soloists and choirs in Fort McMurray, and continues studying piano with Michael Angell. As clarinetist and bass clarinetist, he has performed with the Western University Wind Ensemble, Western University Symphony Orchestra, the Alberta Winds, and Keyano Theatre’s production of “Cabaret”. As a composer, Devin seeks to craft purposeful, elegant pieces for teaching and performance, and his music has been performed in Calgary.

Informed by a broad musical background, Devin approaches teaching through a firm foundation in physical fundamentals and efficient practise habits. As a musician, he constantly challenges students to articulate their musical goals with intellectual and emotional clarity. As a composer, his close knowledge of rudiments, history, harmony, and counterpoint guides students from a mechanistic application of music theory rules to a deeper understanding of their scientific, aesthetic, and historical origins. He believes the finest quality of a teacher is compassion, and welcomes every students in the firm belief that music education has the power to instill the greatest of human virtues: imagination and rigour.

Jeanine Williams – Voice, Piano

Jeanine Williams, is a Canadian mezzo-soprano noted for the “size and character of her singing, and her thoughtful musicality” based in Calgary, Alberta.

Williams completed her masters training under the guidance of Christiane Riel at the University of Ottawa. Williams is described as a “lovely soprano” (National Capital Opera Society) and has been an active member of the arts community from a young-age having attended a fine-arts high school with emphasis in the Dramatic arts-musical theatre performance.

Williams completed her undergraduate education at the University of Lethbridge in vocal performance. Her venture in opera began with the Countess in Mozart’s Le Nozze Di Figaro a role she later performed at the University of Ottawa and professionally debuted with Cowtown Opera Company. Her further role credits include: Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Angelica in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, the Mother in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, Mimi in Puccini’s La Boheme, and Micäela in Bizet’s Carmen.

Williams has performed as a soloist and chorus member with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra (2013-2016), and Chamber ensemble (2015), the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (2011) and Calgary Philharmonic Chorus (2011) as well as the Canata Singers chamber ensemble (2017) and Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (2017). Williams’ pursued further education at Opera Nuova and Opera in the 21st Century in the Banff Centre for the Arts (C.O.C and Against the Grain Theatre).

Williams’ recent engagements include her European debut in in Der Teufel ist los with der Landestheatre Linz (Austria), Dvorak’s Mass in D with the Nepean Choral society, and Rosina in Cowtown Opera Company’s production of Figaro’s Wedding (ATG Adaptation of le nozze di Figaro).

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.

Dr. Geoff Wilson – Program Director – Piano, Guitar

A native of Vancouver, Geoff has been playing piano and guitar for nearly 30 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Calgary, where he studied piano with Charles Foreman and theory with William Jordan. He completed a Ph. D in musicology at the University of British Columbia in 2007, studying with Vera Micznik, William Benjamin and Richard Kurth. In addition to teaching piano, guitar and music theory privately and with studios in Calgary and Vancouver since 1993, he spent the past 6 years teaching music theory, history, composition and piano at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. His research on the intersection of music, art, literature and culture has been presented at conferences across North America.

As a specialist in advanced theory and history, Geoff stresses the relationship between academic subjects and performance. Understanding how the music works and the historical eras in which it was created makes it much easier to memorize and interpret music effectively.

Teacher Profile: Dr. Geoff Wilson

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

Bi-weekly Class dates:

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

Class Schedule:

Intermediate (3-5yrs experience) 4:00-5:00pm
Beginner (minimum 1 year experience) 5:00-6:00pm
Advanced (5+ years experience) 6:00-7:00pm

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

Test Popup

Evan Hiltermann began playing guitar in his early childhood. Although his interests began with rock and contemporary styles he would soon shift his studies to classical guitar, inspired by his Grandfather who was a musician who performed with several orchestras.

His classical guitar studies began in Cochrane with Martin Russell, which later led to pursuing music in his post-secondary education. Evan is a graduate of the Bachelor of Music program at Ambrose University, where he studied under the tutelage of both Brad Mahon and Murray Visscher.

Evan is highly experienced teaching and performing many styles of guitar music, although he believes in establishing a strong musical foundation and understanding as well as focusing on classical guitar and technical proficiency.

His broad musical studies and interests include theory, history and composition, and he has enjoyed performing both as a soloist as well as in ensembles in concert as well as for private functions. As well as his guitar studies, Evan also enjoys playing banjo, bass guitar, and acoustic guitar. A versatile musician, Evan performs in everything from various church and summer camp/retreat groups, to jazz ensembles for private events and local jazz festivals.

Evan has experience working with students of all ages, from young children, teens and adults. He looks forward to sharing his love of music with his students of all ages and skill levels.

Isobel Aull – Guitar, Suzuki Guitar

Isobel joins the Morin Music Studio faculty as an accomplished guitarist and instructor. A native of Calgary, she studied classical guitar for over 17 years with renowned instructors, Kim Aull and Brad Mahon.

She achieved her accreditation as a Suzuki instructor after long term involvement in the Mount Royal University (MRU) Suzuki guitar program. Isobel has performed successfully in many festivals, including the Kiwanis Music Festival, GuitarFest West and the Suzuki Summer Institute, and is an active member of the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary.

Isobel teaches varied styles of guitar music to students of all ages and levels. She especially enjoys working with young children and guiding them creatively through their musical development with her Suzuki training and experience.

Stella Arcega – Office Manager

Stella Arcega is passionate about the arts and is an active chorister in Calgary. Stella retired from a successful project management career in the oilpatch to pursue personal interests including family, art and travel. Stella enjoys practicing yoga, taking long walks and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Stella earned a Bachelor of Commerce With Distinction as a young mother and encourages her children’s pursuit of their own educational, personal and business interests.

Jen Shukuda – Piano

Jen Shukuda began her piano studies in the Suzuki Program at Mount Royal University at the age of three. At three and a half, she was chosen to play and demonstrate the Suzuki Methodology on CTV News. Jen completed all of the Suzuki Piano Volumes with Merlin Thompson. While studying with Merlin, Jen had the privilege of playing in the Piano Con Brio group for three years. Jen has also received her Suzuki Pedagogy Training with Merlin Thompson.

At the age of eleven, Jen began competing in the Kiwanis Music Festival and has continued to compete into her adult years placing several times. More recently in the Calgary Herald, Jen was the focus in an article on her accomplishments as both a musician and nurse.

Jen has had the great joy of taking lessons with Dan Morin. Under his guidance, she completed her Piano Performance ARCT and has continued working towards her Performer’s Licentiate.

Jen has her Bachelor’s of Nursing and has had the privilege to work in Child Adolescent Mental Health, Internal Medicine and more recently as a manager in the community.

Laryssa Warne – Violin, Piano

Laryssa Warne began playing the violin at age 3. She graduated from the Mount Royal University Conservatory Academy program under the tutelage of Nick Pulos, former principal violist of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. At the Conservatory, Laryssa studied and performed in masterclasses with violinists such as Cenek Vrba, Gwen Hoebig, and conductor Bramwell Tovey. Laryssa won many competitions at the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival and at the Provincial/National level, and achieved the advanced level of Royal Conservatory of Music exams in violin performance. She studied music at the University of Calgary and attended a summer program at the University of British Columbia, and played in the Calgary Youth Orchestra, University of Calgary Orchestra and the University of Calgary New Music Ensemble. Laryssa traveled Eastern Europe with the Calgary Youth Orchestra and professionally recorded a CD with the Conservatory Strings at age 14.

Laryssa attended the 2018 Alberta Suzuki Summer Institute and completed her Suzuki Teacher Training with instructor Elayne Ras. She is a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has over 35 teacher observation hours. Laryssa has teaching experience with students ranging from beginner to advanced level. She believes every child can learn to play an instrument well and will provide the necessary tools and guidance to create success.

Laryssa has a successful freelance career and actively plays with the Symphony of the Kootenays, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra (PGSO), Calgary Civic Symphony, Rocky Mountain Symphony, where she has served as concertmaster, and Timepoint Ensemble. Laryssa is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Calgary Salon Series chamber music concert series, and has performed with CPO cellist Tom Mirhady, singer Laura Brandt, and the Oberon Guitar Trio. All of the Calgary Salon Series concerts have sold out in advance. In 2016, Laryssa performed in the Honens festival. She also currently plays and studies piano, and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary.

As an active volunteer at Studio Bell, Home of the National Music Centre, Laryssa received the outstanding volunteer award in 2015 and 2016. Laryssa also volunteers with the Calgary Civic Symphony for the C3 competition and with outreach by playing with her piano trio for events, including a concert in 2018 for the Canadian Club of Canada.

In her spare time, Laryssa enjoys reading, swimming, golf, figure skating, fashion, drawing and cooking. You will often find her shopping at farmer’s markets and trying out new recipes, and in the winter, heading to Olympic Plaza to practice her spins.

Alyssa Durnie - Voice

Alyssa Durnie – Voice

Calgarian soprano Alyssa Durnie is an accomplished emerging artist. She has
completed her Diploma in Operatic Performance at the University of Toronto under the
tutelage of Wendy Nielsen, and holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of
Lethbridge where she studied under Dr. Blaine Hendsbee.

Most recently Ms. Durnie has been seen with the University of Toronto Opera in the roles of Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Elena in the new work Vengence, and as Martha in Gershwin’s Of Thee I Sing. Past seasons she include Diane in Offenbach’s Orphee aux Enfers, Opera Fan in the new work Prima Zombie, and Clomiri in Handel’s Imeneo. Other credits include Chorus in La Boheme (Against the Grain), Gianetta in The Gondoliers (Opera NUOVA), title role in Suor Angelica (University of Lethbridge Opera Workshop), Gretel in Hansel and Gretel (Lethbridge Symphony), Musetta (Act II) (Lethbridge Symphony), and Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro (Lethbridge Symphony).

Ms. Durnie represented Alberta at the National Music Festival where she placed first in the voice category and has also attended the prestigious program Opera NUOVA, St. Andrews Opera Workshop, and The Center of Operatic Studies in Italy.

Ms. Durnie was the proud recipient of the Lethbridge Kiwanis Festival Rose Bowl in 2015 and 2016 and she looks forward to sharing her love of vocal music with her students of all ages and backgrounds at Morin Music Studio.

Juliana Chan – Piano

Juliana Chan started pursuing the practice of music at the age of 6. She studied with The Royal Conservatory of Music for 10 years, and has successfully completed the requirements for all the RCM examinations. From her duration of training, she has developed a well-rounded knowledge in music and arts education. In the past years, she has pursued the piano for not only her own enjoyment, but also with a passion for sharing her music with others. Performing in competitions, recitals, talent shows and public community gatherings, she deeply values the fundamental skills that come with learning to play the piano; such as creativity, responsibility, concentration and interaction.

Recently, Juliana has been recognized for her leadership and international contributions to the global and immediate community, through multiple awards and scholarships recognized by The University of Calgary. She has graduated with a Bachelors of Science and achieved the Dean’s List in the Faculty of Kinesiology. Juliana’s true passion and motivator is providing quality education to all her students. She is constantly engaging in education opportunities, especially to those that lack the resources to obtain it. She has volunteered to teach in Greece and taught in Taiwan for a year. Juliana’s teaching revolves around helping her students develop a solid foundation, self-determination and concentration. Her main goal is to provide individual guidance and support for all her student’s needs, empowering their confidence towards their learning abilities.

Elizabeth Mitsuka – Junior Instructor – Piano, Voice

Elizabeth Misutka is a Calgary-based aspiring Musical Theatre performer. She began piano at the age of 3 and began singing and dancing shortly after. Her piano studies began in the classical stream with Elizabeth Rebozo and later Matthew Blackburn. She is currently completing both her grade 10 Royal Conservatory in both Piano and Voice with Charles Foreman and Michelle Minke respectively. With her long term goals to achieve her BA in Musical Theatre, Elizabeth is passionate about teaching and firmly believes that anyone can learn to play and enjoy music. In her spare time she enjoys running, reading, classic cinema and playing with her two dogs.

Evan Hiltermann – Guitar

Evan Hiltermann began playing guitar in his early childhood. Although his interests began with rock and contemporary styles he would soon shift his studies to classical guitar, inspired by his Grandfather who was a musician who performed with several orchestras.

His classical guitar studies began in Cochrane with Martin Russell, which later led to pursuing music in his post-secondary education. Evan is a graduate of the Bachelor of Music program at Ambrose University, where he studied under the tutelage of both Brad Mahon and Murray Visscher.

Evan is highly experienced teaching and performing many styles of guitar music, although he believes in establishing a strong musical foundation and understanding as well as focusing on classical guitar and technical proficiency.

His broad musical studies and interests include theory, history and composition, and he has enjoyed performing both as a soloist as well as in ensembles in concert as well as for private functions. As well as his guitar studies, Evan also enjoys playing banjo, bass guitar, and acoustic guitar. A versatile musician, Evan performs in everything from various church and summer camp/retreat groups, to jazz ensembles for private events and local jazz festivals.

Evan has experience working with students of all ages, from young children, teens and adults. He looks forward to sharing his love of music with his students of all ages and skill levels.

Meet Our Team

Carmen Morin

Dr. Geoff Wilson

Charles Foreman

Dan Morin

Dr. Michalis Andronikou

Jaewon Ahn

Yunfan Bai

Matthew Beaubien

Alana Berringer

Heather Byford

Juliana Chan

Edmund Chung

Kathleen De Caen

Carlos Fernandez

Michelle Grégoire

Emily Haug

Robyn Holdstock

Sophie Jang

Devon Khousakoun

Esther Kim

Ashley Ko

Rachel Kreyner

Erinn Komschlies

Lidia Lee

Leon Leontaridis

Nicolas Luzzi

Joanna Lyster

Krista Suzanne McGinn

Lizzie Misutka

Joshua Park

Adam Pettigrew

N. Andrew Polachuk

Eileen Schneider

Teresa Serafini

Grace Shukuda

Jennifer Shukuda

Jaci Simpson

Agata Skulimowska

Christine Sul

Hollman Szeto

Alec Tanase

Silvia Todea

Shannon Wong

Who is Morin Music Studio?

Our Facility

Community

"Dan has been an amazing teacher, trying to know the kids as whole person and using fit-for-purpose approach for different characteristics. We feel very fortunate and privileged to have him."

"Carmen is a great director in the studio, she is amazing and knows each child's musical needs."

"Our children have received excellent music instruction at Morin Music Studio. Thanks to the wonderful teachers, our kids have a love of music and a strong musical background which they will enjoy for their whole lives.”

"Dr. Michalis is a very qualified teacher, very supportive and cares for his students."