GUITAR, UKULELE & BASS LESSONS
If you want to learn how to play an acoustic guitar, a ukulele, or a bass guitar, visit Cornerstone Music Café for music lessons. We have an experienced team of music instructors in Calgary whose musical training ranges from classical to metal and everything in between. Our guitar and ukulele lessons are also enhanced by the opportunity to perform with other musicians. You can either jam in a rock band setting or perform solo in our recitals.
AIDEN JAMIESON - GUITAR
Aiden is a dedicated musician, student, dog lover, and actor. When he is not jamming or spending time with his family, Aiden spends his free time supporting kids with disabilities and jamming with his dad. He discovered his love for the guitar while playing with his stepbrother's birthday gift, quickly growing his pastime into a passion. His weekly lessons at Cornerstone Café helped him hone his talent while strengthening his confidence. Cornerstone has played a pivotal role in his music journey, and he is excited to support the next generation of budding musicians.
DAVID LAVOIE - GUITAR & TRUMPET
David is a trumpet player, guitarist, composer, and educator in Calgary. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz from Capilano University. He began studying trumpet in his teens, which led him to major in trumpet studies in university. He has also studied guitar for 11 years from age 12, and it has remained his secondary instrument throughout his degree with classical, rock, and jazz guitar styles continuing to be a focus in his musical career.
As an educator, David has taught guitar and trumpet at studios throughout the lower mainland in BC and enjoys sharing his passion for music with students of all ages, abilities and levels. He believes that students all learn differently and that in addition to helping students through the various elements of advancing their musicality, a teacher is also there to help students learn how to effectively practice (so that they may achieve these goals when they are away from the studio). David’s lessons are tailor-made to each student to ensure they may advance in the areas they are focused on while at the same time diversifying their skills.
BEN TIZZARD - GUITAR & UKULELE
Ben Tizzard has a Bachelor of Music Degree from Ambrose University in Jazz Guitar. Ben started playing at the age of 13 and has never thought twice about dedicating his time to studying and performing the guitar. He was a finalist for the Stampede Talent Show, performed as the guitarist in the Badlands Passion Play, and is honoured to have studied with leading Calgary musicians — Ralf Bushmeyer, Neil McVey, Stefano Valdo, Pat Belliveau, and Aaron Young. He’s even studied under the Calgary-based Flamenco guitarist Holly Blazina.
Ben enjoys participating in local jams/open mics in various venues across town and has performed at Calgary’s favourite 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.
JAMIE QUIRING - GUITAR & PIANO
Jamie Quiring is an international performing artist with roots in Canada, and extensive touring and performing credits to his name. With over a decade of music production and keyboard performances under his belt, Jamie has strong connections with the international music scene, from Beijing to New York to Berlin. These connections have provided him with accomplished versatility in many styles and genres of music in both production and performance.
Jamie’s experience provides him with the ability to be a successful show and music producer. Having been part of the team bringing specialty production shows for clients such as PWC, ENCANA, TransCanada Pipeline, WestJet, BVA Banking Groove Academy show band, to performing with Groove Academy around the world (China, Germany, Mexico, USA), as well as composing and producing up and coming artists, and also composing and producing music for the video game market, Jamie continually proves himself as a consummate performer and band leader. Jamie also employs his talents at the venerated The Second City Theatre as a Music Director. You can follow him on Instagram: @jqkeys
JARED HARTY - GUITAR & BASS
Jared Harty is a guitarist and bassist from Medicine Hat. He started playing guitar over 20 years ago when he started learning from his grandpa at the age of 6. He has a Music Degree from the University of Lethbridge, years of private guitar lessons, and played in the high school band. He has many musical influences, but some favourites include Iron Maiden, Alan Jackson, In Flames, and Brooks & Dunn. Jared produces and records music and loves helping others express themselves through their own music. Outside of music Jared is a sports fan (Flames and Riders) and loves reading.
KARL SALINGUA - BASS, GUITAR & UKULELE
Meet Karl Salingua: bass virtuoso, performer, and educator extraordinaire. Hailing from Calgary, Karl has been a driving force in the city's music scene for over five dynamic years. He's lent his masterful bass skills to a diverse array of artists, including Marcus Trummer, Kayla Williams, Jennie Harluk, and more. Karl's musical journey has taken him across Western Canada, gracing stages at renowned festivals like Roots Blues and BBQ at the Badlands Amphitheatre, Robson Valley Music Festival, and Calgary International Blues Festival.
Karl's musical odyssey began at Centennial High School, where he honed his craft in both classical and jazz realms, earning prestigious accolades as Musician/Jazz Musician of the Year. Under the tutelage of esteemed mentors like Stefano Valdo and Kyle Tenove, Karl's artistry flourished, blending gospel, soul, and blues influences cultivated from his childhood in the church. As an educator, Karl imparts not just technical prowess, but a profound love for the transformative power of music. Whether onstage or in the classroom, Karl's passion and creativity shine through, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of experiencing his musical magic.
KEITH WATSON - GUITAR, BASS, & UKULELE
Keith started teaching himself piano at the age of 6 but realized at the age of 15 that piano wasn’t going to get him the girls, so he quickly switched to guitar. After learning every possible Led Zeppelin note he could, he started teaching music at the age of 17. A few short years later, he decided to take up a classical guitar because, well, it sounded harder than what he was playing. (And, he already found his girl…. thanks U2 Desire). Keith completed his Royal Conservatory studies and made the switch back to rock and roll, jazz, blues, folk and more contemporary styles, picking up the bass, mandolin, ukulele, and didgeridoo along the way. After almost 40 years of teaching, he has an even stronger belief that “Learning has to be fun.” Oh yeah, Keith has been on stage with such greats as Randy Bachman, Loverboy, Trooper, Tom Cochrane, Jim Cuddy, Northern Pikes, Big Sugar, Colin James, and the list goes on.
KAT HAMMER - CLASSICAL GUITAR, BAROQUE GUITAR & THEORY
Kat Hammer plays many different types of guitars – focusing on renaissance and baroque period instruments. Kat has studied in Canada, Germany, and England, and has a MA in Music Theory and Analysis. She performs on lute, theorbo, and baroque guitars in various solo and chamber music settings, and teaches all styles of guitar and music theory.
KIERAN HEAD - ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC GUITAR
Kieran got into playing guitar when he was just 10 after being blown away by a street performer. He quickly became obsessed with the instrument and now has 5 years of experience under his belt, jamming out on both acoustic and electric guitar. Kieran's music taste is all over the place, ranging from metal to country. He's big on bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, Metallica, Pantera, Zack Bryan, Tragically Hip, and Alex G. His teaching style is totally chill and fun, covering everything from guitar basics to those sick solos that make you look like a rockstar. Playing guitar has seriously changed Kieran's life, teaching him about passion, practice, determination, and consistency. He strongly believes learning guitar can have a positive effect on everyone and wants to help others find themselves through music.
LINDEN CONROY - GUITAR, UKULELE & BASS
Linden has been playing guitar for as long as he can remember. He started taking music lessons when he was 6 and joined his first band when he was 14. His earliest influences were classic rock and blues records like Led Zeppelin but after many years of musical exploration, playing with artists like Jory Kinjo, Marcus Trummer, and Tenda village, as well as taking lessons from acclaimed Calgary musician Aaron Young, he's expanded his influences to include soul, funk, jazz, country, ska, gospel, slide guitar, and more.
Linden spends his free time looking for new, exciting ways to engage with music, whether that be searching for esoteric genres and artists, trying to sound like other instruments on his guitar, or learning about the history of his favourite artists and styles of music.
MITCHELL BRADY - GUITAR, UKULELE, BASS, MANDOLIN, BANGO & VOICE
Mitchell Brady, guitarist and vocalist from Calgary AB has a passion for creating music. With well over a decade of performance, songwriting, and recording, Mitchell has developed a unique sound that blends English and American vintage sounds with a modern twist and 70's vocal delivery. Inspired by English/American bands such as Led Zeppelin, Free, Jimi Hendrix and Creedence Clearwater Revival, Mitchell continues to hone his craft and expand his skills to include powerful classic vocal sounds.
Over the years, Mitchell has performed at numerous venues and festivals stages including The Whisky A-Go-Go, The Commodore Ballroom, The CNE, Grey Eagle Casino, Alberta Jubilee Auditoriums, sharing the stage with Kansas, Billy Talent and Collective Soul to name a few, delivering a captivating performance for audiences through his dynamic stage presence and musical prowess. In addition to energized live performances, Mitchell has recorded and released a number of albums/EPs recognized with multiple YYC Music Awards (Group of the Year - 2018, Prophets of Music Emerging Artists Award - 2017, Rock Recording of the Year - 2016, 2017, 2018) and accolade's from fans and critics alike. With a commitment to teaching a variety of string instruments, Mitchell is a great option for beginner, intermediate and advanced teaching styles.
MYLES MALLOY – GUITAR, BASS & TROMBONE
Myles' journey in music began with four years in a school band playing trombone, complemented by two years in a jazz band. This early experience laid a solid foundation in music theory, which he later applied to learning the guitar. His enthusiasm for the guitar sparked a broader involvement in music, encompassing songwriting, production, and playing in various bands. Myles recently achieved a notable milestone by producing music for "The Zone," an award-winning short film that clinched the title of Best Short at the 2023 Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift. Eager to return to live performances, Myles is gearing up to showcase his talents on stage once again.
Myles believes the guitar is an exceptionally versatile and enjoyable instrument, ideal for personal expression, discipline, and fostering human connections. He is enthusiastic about sharing his extensive knowledge and skills with others. Recognizing that each student has a unique set of motivations and goals, Myles emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing these individual drivers. His approach to teaching guitar is not just about imparting technical skills but also about encouraging personal growth and discovery through music.
RYAN AGUILAR - GUITAR & PIANO
For nearly half a century, Ryan 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.
TOM LEBLANC - GUITAR, UKULELE & THEORY
Tom LeBlanc has been teaching guitar in Calgary for over 15 years, and has helped hundreds of students achieve their musical goals. With over two decades of professional guitar playing under his belt, he offers lessons to students of all ages and skill levels, framed around the student's choice from dozens of genres and styles.
Tom has played in countless local bands over the years, notably playing in tribute bands for Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, a 90's cover band, and dozens of original/indie projects, including lead guitar duties for Bebe Buckskin. With extensive experience in recording studios, session work, and a deep knowledge of gear and equipment, and great expertise with music theory and history, Tom helps students to immerse themselves in their instrument and truly enjoy music.
As a teacher, Tom is patient and passionate, consistent and thorough. The focus is always on the student's progress and engagement. Tom seeks to inspire his students to always be excited about practicing and playing their instrument.
TOM SEJK - GUITAR, BASS, DRUMS & PIANO
Tom is a versatile veteran instructor. With 20 years of teaching experience under his belt, this straight shooter has methods to suit a variety of interests. For those seeking a classical approach, Tom has RCM Grade 10 in piano, and for those looking to explore Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz, Country, or even the obscure, he can mentor students on several different instruments!
When he’s not teaching, Tom can be found composing, practicing, or even simply listening to music. (It’s a real passion!) Other interests include reading, writing, playing pool, or having a bite and watching the game!
