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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Angela Cavar, Piano, Voice

Angela 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.

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Ben Tizzard, Guitar, Ukulele

Ben 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.

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Bethany Yon, Voice

Bethany has been enamored with the power, beauty and sense of connection of the human voice since childhood and pursued this fascination though the study of classical singing with a Bachelor of Music in Voice, a Master of Music in Performance & Literature and advanced work-study programs throughout Canada and in Europe. As a performer in the musical community here at home, she has worked with the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, the Calgary Arts Orchestra, the Calgary Civic Symphony, the Calgary Concert Opera Company, Cowtown Opera, Mercury Opera and the Calgary Opera Chorus as well as Classical Revolution and the Calgary Pro Arts Society. From 2017 to 2020 Bethany additionally held the title of Executive Director for Cowtown Opera Company.

Bethany has thorough experience teaching voice to students aged 5 to adult having served as the voice faculty for the Ambrose University Music Studio as well as the private vocal coach for the Calgary Girls Choir and having taught one-on-one lessons for a decade. In addition to her education and experience in the classical realm, Bethany is also well versed in the vocal genres of Musical Theatre, Pop and Folk. She strongly believes that a successful singer is a well-rounded one and encourages the study of diverse genres, styles and languages, teaching classically based technique that allows for success in all styles, and helps students build vocal skills, performance confidence and appreciation, passion and knowledge of the art of singing, all the while having fun. Above all, Bethany finds great joy in helping students feel empowered and connect to themselves and their communities through music.

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Catherine James Tetz, Voice, Piano

Catherine 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.

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Chantelle Gillies, Piano

Chantelle 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.

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Charlotte Pallister, Piano, Music Kids

Charlotte has sung with Spiritus Chamber Choir and Rev 52 Choir as a soprano singer, performer, actress, and movement advisor. As a dance enthusiast, she has been a student and performer of Ukrainian, ballroom, country, tap, Canadian step, and flamingo dancing, she’s been playing piano, singing and seniors homes, churches, schools, weddings, and private functions for many seasons.

Charlotte teaching style blends the student’s needs and learning style with her creative personality and diverse artistic background within the scope of curriculum. She delights in teaching music to students with inspiration, clear expectations, and warm connectivity. In turn, students are invited to create and be musical with success!

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Chris McNevin, Drums

An 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.

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Dan Chapman, Piano

Dan 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!

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Danae Turgeon, Piano, Music Composition

Danae 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.

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David Blitt, Guitar, Ukulele

As 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.

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Dylan Cooney, Guitar, Ukulele

Dylan Cooney is a talented performer and dedicated teacher. Dylan is currently in the BMus program at the University of Calgary with a focus on classical guitar. He has 10 years experience performing various rock, pop, classical, and country genres in and around Calgary. Performances include the University of Calgary, cafes, weddings, and private venues. 

Dylan has been teaching for over 3 years and is committed to being a role model to his students. He is passionate about music and guitar with a strong desire to share this love of music with his students. Dylan's teaching style is focused on creating individual lesson plans as well as exploring what has drawn the student to music and the guitar. As students advance, Dylan incorporates instruction in theory, note reading, improvisation, and technique. He works with his students to develop their own personal repertoire of songs. Key to Dylan’s success in teaching is ensuring that practice is fun and personally rewarding for all students.

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Eva Pospisilova, Piano

Eva Pospisilova has a Masters degree in teaching and performance from the Conservatory of Brno, Czech Republic, as well as degrees in pedagogy and psychology. Her professional background includes numerous accompanist contracts: Okanagan Symphony, Kiwanis Festival, KCMS Singers, Ontario Music Festivals, and Choir Festivals in Ottawa, Saint John, and at the International School of Prague. Eva has performed across Europe as a solo pianist and accompanist for various instrumentalist and vocalists. She was a teacher and accompanist at the Kelowna Community Music School from 2003 to 2013.

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Gillian Newburn, Flute

Gillian has been playing the flute for over 18 years. She began her studies at the Mount Royal Conservatory, and then completed a degree in flute performance at the University of Victoria. Gillian has had the pleasure of playing for Emmanuel Pahud, Lorna McGhee, William Bennett, Jim Walker, Michael Hasel, and many others over the course of her studies, and is proud to have played with numerous organizations, including the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Wind Symphony, Front Row Centre Players, the Painted Fish Performing Arts Society, the Meridiem Wind Ensemble, and the Cowichan Consort Orchestra. 

As a flute teacher, Gillian's compassionate and patient approach fosters a welcoming environment for students of all ages to learn and grow. A lifelong student herself, Gillian currently studies with Lauren Eselson, and though she has a strong passion for classical repertoire and musical theatre, she loves working with students in whatever genre they are interested in, whether that be pop, jazz, movie tunes, or otherwise. 

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Gringo Villarin, Piano

Gringo Villarin spent most of his life in the Philippines where he started piano lessons at the age of eight. He graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music Major in Music Education with piano principal from Saint Scholastica’s College Manila, Philippines. Gringo believes that everyone has the right to experience music and discover their own talents. This philosophy motivates him to teach and discover the potential in all of his students.

Gringo Villarin can teach lessons in English and Filipino.

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Heather Henderson, Voice

Heather Henderson B.Mus, M.Mus, Graduate Diploma in Voice Performance

Heather Henderson has been a teacher, soloist, performance coach/director, choral director and clinician, in the Southern Alberta Region for over 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, a Master of Music degree from the University of Houston and a Graduate Diploma from the Saint Louis Conservatory of Music. She studied voice with W. Stephen Smith, John Glen Paton, Carol Ann Hill, Philip May, Elaine Case, Selena James and vocal pedagogy with Barbara M. Doscher. Performance coaching with preeminent vocal coaches Martin Isepp, Martin Katz, Richard Boldrey and Nico Castel and further studies in Acting, Dance, Alexander Technique, Languages and Martial Arts.

A Lyric soprano, she performed with St. Louis Opera Theatre, Opera East, Boulder Festival, Calgary Opera, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Banff Festival, Folks Opera, Gift of Music Recital Series, Storybook Theatre, Stampede Stage and Calgary Theatre Singers. She was a coach/director for Cow Town Opera Summer Academy for several years and a past facilitator and current faculty for the Mount Royal Vocal Academy. She is an active member of the Calgary NATS Chapter (National Association Teachers of Singing) and a busy adjudicator at music festivals across Canada.

Her students receive positive and experienced preparation for local music festivals, and examinations at all levels, (Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada and the London College of Music) as well as auditioning for music schools and theatre companies. Her students have attained several gold medals for their examinations and have attended top schools including Mannes School of Music, Berklee School of Music, Dalhousie, Western University, Randolph College and the University of Toronto. “I am dedicated to helping singers of all ages and levels achieve their goals by building a strong understanding and confidence in their technique, musicianship and interpretation to meet the challenge of performing with authenticity, vitality and creativity”.

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James Taylor, Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Theory

James has a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary Writing & Production from Berklee College of Music and has been teaching and playing professionally for 6 years. James enjoys teaching jazz, rock and indie music.

James teaches students songs they enjoy listening to by ear and through sheet music. He has an array of teaching materials and musical activities that help foster a love of music. James is happy to teach students music for their own personal enjoyment, for bands they play in, or for school.

James teaches guitar for all ages and skill levels as well as beginner and intermediate piano.

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Jennifer Frazer, Violin, Piano

Jennifer Frazer’s appreciation for music began at a very young age while listening to her father play Beethoven sonatas. She began playing piano at age six and later added violin, cello, and viola. She has played violin and viola in several orchestras in both Canada and the United States, and has won awards in various competitions and institutions, including silver medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Music Performance from Bishop’s University as well as an ARCT in piano performance. She also has a teaching diploma from Cordes de l’Estrie and teaches both individual lessons and at music camps. Several of her students have won awards and medals from the Royal Conservatory of Music and local music competitions. Jennifer greatly enjoys teaching and passing on her love of music, and believes that anyone at any age can learn to play and enjoy music.

Jennifer Frazer can teach lessons in English and French.

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Joseph Fernando, Piano, Accordion

Joseph Fernando began studying piano at the age of five. He competed for many years in the Calgary Kiwanis Festival (now the Calgary Performing Arts Festival), winning several classes. He studied in Calgary with Ann Davidson and earned his Performer's ARCT in January 2009, and recently completed the Royal Conservatory's Teaching Elementary Piano course.

He performs at open mic's and music nights around the city, and has been featured as a solo artist at several venues. He has collaborated as a pianist with many local musicians and singer-songwriters, and plays the accordion as a member of the Calgary-based gypsy-punk-folk band Total Gadjos.

Joseph earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calgary in 2009, and an M.Sc. in 2011. He worked as an engineer at a downtown consulting company for over 5 years, and was licensed as a Professional Engineer in Alberta in 2013. He is currently back at university working towards a Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Calgary. Throughout his graduate studies, he has gained educational experience by working as a teaching assistant and tutor.

Joseph believes in adapting teaching methods to the learning styles and personality of each student, and emphasizes creativity and personal interpretation in music performance. He strives to make every lesson enjoyable for his students, and to instill students with a joy for making music.

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Julian Iafelice, Piano, Theory, Drums

At age six, Julian Iafelice began piano lessons at Chinook School of Music and also started lessons on the drumkit shortly after. Julian is currently studying music at the University of Calgary with a concentration in composition and theory. He enjoys performing all genres of music including classical and pop. His teaching style centers around providing an engaging environment for the student, as he believes intrinsic motivation is an important factor when learning to play a musical instrument.

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