The Executive Director and Co-Owner of Chinook School of Music,Carrie Kalmakoff obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. At Chinook School of Music, Carrie focuses on implementing new and innovative programming to engage students in self-expression through music. Her commitment to fostering a lifelong love and enjoyment of music for students and their families is reflected in both her teaching and involvement in the musical community. Carrie is a passionate teacher and dynamic leader who inspires and encourages her students to be creative-minded, independent thinkers. Her students achieve high marks in music examinations and frequently win festival scholarships and awards; many have gone on to pursue music as a career.
Carrie is the Past President and General Manager of Cowtown Opera, past Chairperson of Calgary Contemporary Showcase, a retired member of the Alberta Registered Music Teacher Association and Alberta Piano Teachers’ Association. One of the benefits Carrie enjoys in her role at Chinook School of Music is the opportunity to form relationships with families and witness the musical growth of the students.
Read MoreRobert Motchalov began his musical studies at the age of five at the Novosibirsk Academy for Arts in Russia. He continued his musical studies on the piano, violin and clarinet and completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Victoria. Robert continued his education at the Indiana University in Bloomington, where he was granted the Master of Music degree with distinction, in piano performance.
Robert enjoys performing as a soloist and collaborative artist. He has performed in master classes with renowned pianists and musicians such as the famed performer and pedagogue Gyorgy Sebok, as well as Lev Vlasenko and Enrica Cavallo Gulli. Today Robert enjoys a busy teaching schedule as well as his position as a Director of Chinook School of Music.
Read MoreOriginally from Victoria, BC, Stefanie started piano lessons at the age of 6 which sparked a lifelong joy with the arts. Graduating from Bishop's University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Languages, she spent the following few years travelling Europe and Africa before settling in Calgary in 2011.
Stefanie enjoys adventuring with her husband and two young boys and you can find her at the front desk for any and all questions.
Read MoreAshna was born and raised in Calgary and grew up in a music-loving family. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology, and also acquired a Human Resources Management certificate. Ashna is a creative person and loves to read, bake, and travel in her free time. Ashna loves animals, especially her dog Oreo, and interacting with people.
Read MoreChris was born and raised in Calgary. Music has been an important part of Chris’ life. He began learning piano at the age of four. During his piano studies, he participated in multiple recitals and music festivals such as Kiwanis and received scholarships for his achievements. He has also taken part in choir and played the clarinet during grade school.
Aside from music, Chris enjoys taking courses at the University of Calgary. In his spare time, he enjoys all things hockey and playing badminton. He believes in creating a welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy music and is thrilled to be a part of the Chinook School of Music team.
Read MoreKarina’s passion for music has been a constant source of inspiration and joy in her life, leading her to excel in playing a variety of instruments in which she has won numerous accolades and recognition.
Aside from her love for music, Karina has a heart for teaching children. She has been actively involved in this pursuit for several years and has developed a reputation for being a dedicated and enthusiastic mentor to young minds. She is currently dedicated to pursuing a marketing degree with a minor in sociology. In her free time, she indulges in her love for swimming, volunteering, and seeking out thrilling new experiences through spontaneous activities.
Read MoreOliver Miguel Gonzalez - I was born in a Latin American country named Chile, a country full of beaches, mountains, and fine wine. My family moved to Canada when I was 9 years old in pursuit of more opportunities. I’ve been honored with musical gifts and have visited countless parts over the world thanks to it. I’m often called a “ridiculously happy individual”, I love music, dogs, inspiring people, and my amazing Slovakian wife Nika.
Read MoreAlida completed her Master's of Music Degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Toronto. She lived and worked in Toronto for 10 years, performing with The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Opera Atelier, Tapestry Opera, Toronto Summer Music, Toronto Operetta Theatre, and Voicebox: Opera In Concert. Alida was also a musician for the United Church of Canada in Toronto, providing music for Sunday services and assisting with music programs. She has supported various choirs at U of T and in the larger community. Alida worked with Echo Women's Choir for seven seasons exploring folk and world music, and sang in an a capella folk music quartet.
Alida has taught voice and piano for many years, most notably for five years at Classical Music Conservatory (Toronto). She encourages students to celebrate their unique strengths, and fosters musical enjoyment through a focus on vocal and overall health. Alida holds a Bachelor of Music degree with Academic Honors from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She has participated in summer opera training programs in Taos, New Mexico, and in Marche in Italy. Alida grew up in Calgary and is happy to have returned to her musical home.
Read MoreAngela Cavar holds a Bachelor of Performance in piano from the University of Calgary, performance degrees in both voice and piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and a Diploma in Piano Performance from Mount Royal University. She has performed classical and contemporary music and worked in theatre as an actor and music director. In addition to directing choirs and collaborating as a pianist with singers and instrumentalists, she teaches voice, piano, theory, and musicianship. She has been a member of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ARMTA) for 28 years.
Angela is passionate about finding ways to help people of all ages and levels develop their skills and express themselves through music.
Read MoreAnna received her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Maryland, where she taught undergraduate level voice courses. Since then, Anna has maintained a busy teaching schedule teaching private voice, music theory, musical theatre, choir and early childhood music classes. Anna’s students have gone on to achieve first class honours in RCM examinations, participate in multiple competitions and pursue post secondary degrees in music.
Anna Mendham is an established voice teacher, early childhood music educator and professional opera singer. As a soloist Anna has performed in the United States and Canada with companies such as Cowtown Opera Company, and the University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, Anna made her debut with the Calgary Concert Opera at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary. As an ensemble singer, she has performed with Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Christoph Eschenbach and the National Symphony Orchestra in D.C. Over the last year, Anna has become most passionate about performing concerts outside of retirement homes and outdoors in her community
Read MoreAta began his musical journey as a guitarist and later pursued formal studies in composition. He completed his master’s in composition at the University of Calgary, studying with professors Allan Gordon Bell and Dr. Laurie Radford. His work bridges Western contemporary music with diverse musical traditions, and he has collaborated with renowned ensembles and orchestras in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
Ata creates a fun and safe space where students can enjoy learning guitar while developing their creativity and musical understanding. He tailors his lessons to each student’s age and learning style, combining practical playing with simple music theory. With his background in world music and composition, Ata offers a unique perspective, often sharing the stories behind each piece. He especially enjoys working with younger students, using games and encouragement to make learning enjoyable and effective.
Read MoreBen Tizzard is a Calgary-based musician with a Bachelor of Music Degree at Ambrose University in Jazz Guitar. He has had the honor of studying with leading Calgary musicians such asRalf Bushmeyer, Neil McVey, Stefano Valdo, Pat Belliveau, and Aaron Young. Playing since the age of 13, Ben has never thought twice about dedicating his time to studying and performing the guitar. His past experiences include being a finalist for the Stampede Talent Show, performing as the guitarist in the Badlands Passion Play, studying under the Calgary-based Flamenco guitarist Holly Blazina, and participating in local jams/open mics in various venues across town.
Ben fills his time professionally through teaching privately, engaging in clinics, and performing at Calgary venues such as the Ironwood Stage and Grill, Café Koi, SAIT Jubilee Auditorium, Mount Royal University, University of Calgary, Lolita’s Lounge, Hyatt Hotel, Ambrose University and many more.
Read MoreCatherine James Tetz is an exceptional performer and instructor who shares a wealth of passion with the students she teaches. Catherine received her Honours degree and Diploma in Opera from Wilfrid Laurier University, and has been singing her heart out ever since! With an impressive performance resume that stretches all the way from soloist at the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual “traditional Christmas” concert, to starring in Mozart’s Magic Flute. Catherine believes that it is important to not just play music, but to bring it to life. She feels that it is important in a lesson to keep the mood relational and fun, while simultaneously challenging her students to discover their true voice within.
Read MoreChantelle Gillies began her musical career twelve years ago, and has always had a passion for music. She has had extensive training in the Royal Conservatory of Music piano, voice and theory programs. She joined the Cantare Children’s Choir at age four and this ensemble gave her many unique opportunities, such as travelling to Vimy Ridge, and performing at the Crescent City Choral Festival in New Orleans. She has had the privilege of performing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra many times, as well as appearing in three Calgary Opera productions.
Chantelle has a deep passion for the piano, and she is striving to help students discover this same emotional connection. Chantelle believes that making music isn’t just about playing the instrument, it is also about going deeper and understanding what the composer intended with the music. Chantelle aspires to help students find joy in learning the piano, and help them create music that they will appreciate for years to come.
Read MoreAn instructor and performer since 1995, Chris McNevin has gathered a wealth of teaching knowledge. From beginner to advanced, rock to jazz, students of all ages have learned alongside Chris the most important lessons of all: dedication and follow through… Chris’s long experience and passion for the art are evident in each and every lesson he teaches, and always with a positive attitude. Motivation and feedback and are key factors and constant. Originally fron the East coast, Chris is currently an on-call drummer for an ever growing list of Western Canada’s artists and acts.
Chris McNevin can teach lessons in English and French.
Read MoreDan has been playing the piano since the age of four, and has taught music for over ten years. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Western Ontario before continuing his musical studies at McGill University in Montréal, where he first discovered his passion for teaching music. He also holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Lakehead University and an ARCT in Piano Pedagogy from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Dan’s philosophy and approach to teaching is focused on developing the musical skills and interests of each and every student. He believes that all students are capable of fostering a lifelong joy of music and achieving their musical goals by exploring repertoire and technique that is both challenging and fun to play!
Read MoreDanae Turgeon received her Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Piano Performance from Lakehead University, with a specialization in piano pedagogy. She has worked extensively as a collaborative pianist and in 2018 formally established the piano trio - Trio Turgeon - with two of her siblings. Turgeon is an award-winning composer and often performs her original compositions in concert.
Danae has nine years of teaching experience. In each lesson, she seeks to guide her students as they develop their ability to express their humanity through the language of music. Her teaching philosophy is centered around teaching a sensitive piano touch that mimics the human voice, achieved through a strong technique informed by expressive artistry.
Read MoreDane Neufeld is a guitarist, composer, and music educator originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, now based in Calgary, Alberta. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Guitar Performance from Brandon University. Specializing in jazz, blues, rock, and contemporary styles, Dane offers personalized guitar lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. His teaching style focuses on building strong fundamentals, encouraging creativity through improvisation, helping students discover their unique voice—and most importantly, having fun! With a supportive and adaptable approach, Dane creates a learning environment that’s engaging, encouraging, and tailored to each student.
Outside the classroom, Dane is an active performer who has played in a variety of settings—from music festivals and community events to intimate bar gigs and collaborative recording projects. He has led his own band, performed with numerous ensembles, and released a live album of original music. His work as an Artist in Healthcare also speaks to his belief in the power of music to connect, comfort, and inspire. Whether teaching or performing, Dane brings a deep passion for music and a commitment to fostering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Read MoreAs a distinguished graduate of Berklee College of Music, David Blitt received a world-class education in harmony, ear training, guitar skills as well as arranging and composition. David received Berklee's Professional Music Division Achievement Award for Outstanding Musicianship as well as the Louise McKinney scholarship two years in a row. David also performed as a featured instrumental soloist in Berklee’s prestigious Guitar Night concert and received Berklee's yearly North American tour scholarship. Other notable performances include playing electric guitar for Taiwanese Pop Stars Kevin Lin And Kay Huang at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts for over 1500 people.
An active recording guitarist, David released two original music EPs on iTunes in 2015. David excels in blues rock, instrumental music, rock/metal, pop and acoustic guitar including fingerpicking. In addition to his music degree from Berklee College of Music David has several years of teaching experience and a degree in Biological Science from the University of Calgary.
Read MoreDerek Haussecker is a musician and artist from Calgary, Alberta. He has been playing drums for over 16 years and has experience performing in Canada, Europe and the UK. While mostly self-taught, he spent a year studying jazz and latin drumming with local big band legend John de Waal. Derek has an eclectic knowledge of music and plays a variety of dynamic styles including rock, R&B, funk, pop, afrobeat, bossa nova, country, jazz and experimental music. Derek is a core member of local Indie rock/R&B group, Bad Bodies.
Derek focuses on keeping sessions fun and engaging to ensure students stay excited about drumming and music. With personalized lesson plans that cater to the needs of each student, as every individual learns and approaches material differently. Derek offers useful and creative exercises that enable students of various skill levels to effectively learn in their own time outside of lessons.
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