Born and raised on Canada’s East Coast, Maren McLean Persaud was trained in piano, voice and euphonium from a young age. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Mount Allison University and a Masters Degree from the University of Toronto. She has worked as a collaborative pianist with many ensembles and musicians across the country, has extensive performance experience as a soloist and has competed at the national level. Maren also works professionally with children and youth in not-for-profit organizations and is passionate about the creation of programs and opportunities that nurture the healthy development and unique gifts of young people.
Maren works to pass on a deep love of music to those she teaches. In addition to helping her students grow into well trained musicians with a sense of professionalism and skill, she wants them to enjoy what they are doing while discovering their own interests, talents and passions.
Read MoreMarianna has been interested in music since her childhood and started playing the piano at the age of six. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree and eventually with a Master of Music Degree, from the R. Glier Kyiv Academy of Music.
Marianna has experience working with kids and adults with all levels of students (beginner, intermediate, advanced). She has been teaching piano lessons for 6 years.
Marianna adapts lessons to the student's needs, interests, and goals. Also, she combines different types of music to develop all skills and to make your musical pastime more interesting and diverse. Marianna can help you in becoming and developing in a professional way as well as to reveal and improve your piano skills if you play for fun.
Marianna can teach lessons in English, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Read MoreMeaghan Schulz has a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, and an LLB from the University of Alberta. She is on the roster with Cowtown Opera Company, and is a member of the Calgary Opera Chorus. Meaghan has trained in early childhood music education and she also developed and taught a baby sign language program called Nursery Signs. She is so excited to play and explore at Chinook School of Music with Music Kids!
Read MoreMichael Coburn’s passion and tenacity for piano performance have led him to become an inspiring and in demand educator. Michael has developed his own teaching philosophy that seeks to transform the way his students understand music by focusing on thought first, action second. By allowing students to understand what happens in the brain, Michael is able to evoke more creative and secure performances.
In 2006, Michael was featured as a soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, shortly before receiving his Bachelor’s of Music from the University of Calgary. He furthered his studies at the Académie Musicale Internationale "Barbara Krakauer" in Vaison-la-Romaine, France, and working with internationally acclaimed pianists such as Paul Badura-Skoda and Emanuel Krasovsky.
Michael is currently the Piano Faculty Director at Chinook School of Music, the Artistic Director of Cum Vino Cantus Choir, the Director of Music at Parkdale United Church, and an adjudicator at music festivals across Alberta.
Read MoreMelissa graduated with her Bachelor of Arts on the violin at Ambrose University under the tutelage of Joan Barrett. One of Melissa greatest passions is playing in various community and university orchestras throughout Calgary. She has also enjoyed performing with her siblings in the Priddis Strings Trio and the Ambrose String Quartet.
Melissa has enjoyed teaching violin for the past five years and aims to inspire in her students a love for music and a desire for continued learning. Melissa incorporates a holistic approach to teaching and believes that the things that we learn through music should be transferable to other areas of life.
Read MoreMichelle Kyle is a performer and music educator based in Calgary, Alberta. Originally from Manitoba, Michelle has been performing since she was 12 years old, playing a wide variety of venues and styles. Michelle can be seen performing anything from coffee shops to pit bands or jazz ensembles. After being inspired by her band teachers Michelle decided to study jazz guitar at Brandon University where she completed a bachelor of music and education. She has nearly 10 years of experience teaching private lessons from ages 5 to 65 and has taught concert band, jazz band and guitar in classroom settings.
Michelle is passionate about helping others experience the joy and community that music has brought her. Michelle believes that music is for everyone and works hard to adjust every lesson to suit each student's individual goals and interests.
Read MoreNataliia was born in Kiev, Ukraine. She started her violin studies at age six. After completing her studies at school of music, she proceeded to Kiev State Music College, later furthering her education at the Kiev State Conservatory. She supplemented her violin tuition with lessons in musicology and chamber music performance.
Apart from performing as soloist and in chamber ensembles, Natalia has been a member of several orchestras, including Kiev Opera House for Children and Youth, the famous Kiev National Philharmonic Orchestra, and Cairo Opera House and Malta Philharmonic orchestra. She has performed extensively giving concerts in Europe, Far East and United States (including Carnegie Hall and Chicago Symphony Center).
From 2008 till 2022 Natalia was a Lecturer in Violin Performance at the University of Malta and a violin instructor at Johann Strauss School of Music, Malta.
She participated in numerous international festivals as a first violinist of “Yaro” string quartet and “Lakota” piano trio. Nataliia teaches both piano and violin at CSM.
Read MoreNiel is a Calgary-based saxophone, flute, and clarinet player and educator. Since his first violin lesson at age 7, music has been a central part of Niel's life. He started learning the saxophone at age 13 and began playing regular shows in Calgary by the time he was 17, taking advantage of every opportunity he could find. Neil earned his Bachelor’s degree in jazz performance at Capilano University in North Vancouver. While studying there he played countless shows across many genres, including jazz, hip hop, classical, pop, and musical theatre. As a performer, Niel has appeared on professional recordings and performs regular shows across the Calgary area with local bands.
Niel has an insatiable curiosity for music and is enthusiastic about sharing music with others.
Understanding that every student has distinct learning styles and goals, he provides personalized instruction, ensuring to accommodate diverse strengths and interests.
Read MoreA passionate and dedicated instructor, Patricia Higgins is head of the strings faculty at the Chinook School of Music. She received her master’s degree in viola from Quebec Music Conservatory and has been a very active member of the musical community since. She is currently the violist of the Lily String Quartet, and has played with many orchestras including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Patricia is passionate about performing and wishes to instill a love of music in all of her students. She believes that it is important to share the joys of classical music, and takes great pride and pleasure in educating the musicians of tomorrow who will one day share their own musical joy with the world.
Read MorePaige was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and has been an integral part of the community theatre scene since childhood. She attended Central Memorial High School for Performing and Visual Arts, focusing on dance and vocal performance, which further cultivated her passion for the performing arts. Actively participating in numerous productions, both on and off the stage, Paige has honed her skills and fostered a deep love for theatre. Her extensive experience in the vibrant Calgary theatre community has enriched her teaching approach, blending practical performance insights with her artistic background.
Paige firmly believes that music has the power to heal and bring happiness, making it essential for children of all ages to be exposed to its wonders. At the Chinook School of Music, she is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 5 years can explore their musical potential. Paige focuses on early development and exposure to music and music theory, helping young children develop their talents and find joy in their musical journey from the very beginning.
Read MoreRachel completed her Bachelor of Music in cello performance at Ambrose University. A former student of the Mount Royal University Music Academy, Rachel has had the opportunity to perform for and study under some of North America's most renowned musicians. One of Rachel's favourite passions is playing chamber music. She has played in many chamber groups and currently performs with two string quartets as well as a string trio, Priddis Strings with her siblings.
Rachel has enjoyed teaching cello for the past 7 years to students of all ages and levels. She appreciates the opportunity to help students discover their potential and express themselves through music. Rachel is dedicated to helping students use their passion for music to grow and challenge themselves in other aspects of their lives.
Read MoreRiley Ngo began studying piano at age 6 with Carrie Kalmakoff, completing ARCT in Piano Performance with distinction at age 14 under the tutelage of Colleen Athparia. A regular scholarship and award winner, Riley enjoys playing the piano as a soloist as well as collaborating with fellow musicians. He played harpsichord with the Mount Royal Conservatory Sinfonia at the Winter Fantasia concert in 2013. As an award-winning piano duo, he and his partner placed first at the Canadian Music Competition in 2015 and went on to win first place at the North West International Piano Ensemble Competition in 2016. The piano duo won first place again at the Canadian Music Competition in 2018 and 2019, while Riley’s piano quartet placed 3rd in the same competition that year. Riley debuted as a soloist with the Calgary Civic Symphony in 2022 playing Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No. 5.
Riley is a supervisor at the Calgary Arts Summer School’s piano program. He is also an avid accompanist, having accompanied advanced level RCM string exams. Riley believes every piece of music tells a story. He hopes to inspire students to bring music off the page by developing a balance between good technique and a vivid imagination. He looks forward to sharing his love of music with the next generation of aspiring musicians.
Riley Ngo can teach lessons in English and French.
Read MoreRose Schmaltz has had a passion for music since a young age. As an active member of the Calgary flute community, she has played in many community ensembles including Front Row Centre Musical Theatre, FCC Jazz Flute Big Band, Badlands Passion Play and the Calgary Wind Symphony. Rose has been playing the flute since a young age and now has a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry with a Minor in Music. She has participated in lessons and masterclasses with Rachael Flatt, Bernard Blary, Lea Pearson, Wissam Boustany, and Ian Clarke. She has also taken pedagogy courses with Katherine Emeneth and Terri Sanchez. She travelled to St. Andrews Scotland in 2013 to participate in the Scottish International Flute Summer School. She is currently a member of ARMTA (Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association) and CFMTA (Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associations).
Rose has 17 years of teaching experience varying in all ages of students from beginner to advanced levels. She has experience teaching band clinics, group lessons, and private lessons. Her students have received high marks on RCM exams, including Regional Gold medals, Provincial festivals, and successfully auditioned for MRU ensembles. She enjoys maintaining a fun environment while challenging the students’ abilities. During lessons Rose works on technique, music theory, RCM repertoire, Disney and Broadway music, duets and more.
Read MoreFor nearly half a century, Ryan Aguilar has been immersed in music. At the tender age of six he began tinkering away on the piano and shortly after, picked up guitar, bass, ukulele, and vocals. His naturally gifted ear revealed an almost sixth sense for replicating the tunes he heard on his grandmother’s radio. He was insatiable. Soon, Ryan found himself at college for piano and vocals and then university, majoring in piano performance at Southwest Texas State. Since 1993 he has played in several quintessential Texan rock and country bands (Derringer, Sheila Marshall, The Triumphs) touring the southern US, Canada, and even into Mexico. Then in 2003, he felt nudged to give back all he gained on the stage—he began to teach others how to be rock stars. His personal mantra, ‘practice as joy’, sets the tone for each lesson. Watching students’ faces light up when a piece comes together is what continues to stoke the fires of his musical and teaching passion.
Read MoreRyan Ronksley completed his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary for classical guitar in 2009. In April of 2006, he received a Music Performance Diploma from Mount Royal College. Ryan enjoys teaching all types of music such as rock, pop, classical, folk, acoustic, bass, and flamenco. Ryan has taught acoustic, electric and bass guitar for over sixteen years at Chinook School of Music.
Read MoreSarah is an actor, singer, and emerging playwright born and raised here in Calgary. She is a passionate teacher and artist who strives to inspire compassion and joy through her work in opera, theatre, and even TV (if you’re a fan of The Last of Us, you may have spotted her at the very beginning of Episode 5)! She was recently nominated for a CAT Award for her performance as Mercutio in Full Circle Theatre’s Riverona. Other recent performance credits include Calgary Opera’s Arias and Ales (soloist), as well as The Elixir of Love, The Marriage of Figaro, Macbeth, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs (Canadian Premiere), and Carmen with Calgary Opera’s Chorus. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in both Theatre and Music from Dalhousie University, and is so excited to begin her second year teaching at Chinook School of Music!
Read MoreSarah 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.
Read MoreSarah 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.
Read MoreShannon (Magee) Roy combines both creativity and skill in the lessons she teaches. She has performance training from the Royal Conservatory of Music and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Ambrose University. Shannon has performed all over the world and she performs locally and nationally with her duo Georgia Sound, who have released two CDs. Shannon believes that every one of her students is unique and requires a unique teaching style. She wishes to instil in all of her students that music is about having fun, being creative, and loving what you are doing.
Read MoreGrowing up in China, Siyan started her piano journey at the age of three. Her passion for music and the piano drove her to achieve the Level 10 certificate from China Conservatory of Music in Grade 5 and win many prizes in national competitions held in China before she came to Canada in 2016. Beyond competitions, with the help of her most respected mentor Mr. Wu Di, Siyan had the privilege of engaging in transformative master classes with acclaimed pianists such as Engle Marilyn, Shen Wenyu, Wang Xiaohan, Yao lan etc. These invaluable experiences enriched Siyan’s musical understanding and further honed her technical skills.
Siyan continued her piano journey after coming to Canada. She achieved first class honours in her Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, and the certificate of RCM Elementary Piano Teacher program. She is currently earning a minor degree in Psychology at the University of Calgary. Siyan possesses a strong passion for music and a deep love for teaching it to others. She thoroughly enjoys working with children and helping them discover the joy of music.
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