Carrie Kalmakoff, Executive Director, Owner, Piano

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.

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Robert Motchalov, Executive Director, Owner, Piano

Robert 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.

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Stefanie Schulz, Administration

Originally 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.

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Ashna Khera, Administration

Ashna 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.

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Chris Chow, Administration

Chris 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.

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Karina Chow, Administration

Karina’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.

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Sarah Yee, Administration

Sarah was raised in Calgary and from a young age has had a passion for music. She grew up learning to play the piano and eventually expanded her field to include concert band and string orchestra as well as chamber music. She regularly attends festivals, recitals, and musical gatherings such as the Alberta Piano Teachers Association Festival and Calgary Classical Piano meetups. In addition to the work Sarah does throughout the year, she annually attends CASSA Piano Camp and Lethbridge Piano Intensive in the summertime in order to further develop her musical skills.

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys travelling and weightlifting. She believes that everybody deserves to experience the joy of music and brings that philosophy to life through her teaching.

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Susan Leontaridis, Administration

Susan Leontaridis graduated, with a Bachelor of Music, from McGill University in 2001.

Her singing career has taken her across Canada and to the international stage.

She has performed in opera, light opera, musical theatre, and in various solo and collaborative recitals.

Some of her past roles include: Linfea in the McGill Opera rendition of La Calisto, Eurydice in Jacopo Peri’s Eurydice, Elsie Maynard in Yeomen of the Guard, and Tessa The Gondoliers. Susan also enjoyed 3 rewarding seasons with Calgary’s own Cowtown Opera Company and performed 3 summers with the cast of the Gros Morne Summer Music festival.

Susan has been a vocal coach for Cantare Children’s Choir, Calgary Actor’s Studio and for Storybook Theatre’s Ellie Tim’s Project and their most recent Student Summer Intensive Program.

This will be Susan’s 13th year as a private vocal instructor at Chinook School of Music! She is both creator and coach for the the Indie Performance Program at CSM.

Susan lives in Calgary with her husband Leon and their 4 beautiful daughters.

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