VIOLIN, BRASS, WOODWINDS & CELLO LESSONS
Learning to play the violin, a brass instrument, woodwinds or the cello not only comes with the benefit of learning it, but it also assists in developing other areas crucial to playing a range of musical instruments. These areas include rhythmic skills, finger dexterity, pitch recognition, and ear training. If you’re looking for an experienced and skilled teacher, we are the right choice for you! Our talented teachers, offer professional lessons in Calgary. With our lessons, you will learn to read and play sheet music, and other skills corresponding to your chosen instrument.
ANNE CHOI - CELLO
Hello! My name is Anne Choi, and I am a third-year undergraduate nursing student at the
University of Calgary. I have been playing the cello and piano since I was about six years old. As
a former member of Mount Royal Conservatory’s Calgary Youth Orchestra and Academy
Program for Young Artists, I am passionate about cello performance and have had opportunities
to perform in several concerts and competitions.
My music journey began with piano, achieving level 8 RCM in both piano and theory. However, my musical passion expanded when I started learning the cello. Participating in annual festivals and programs with other musicians, I have
had the privilege of performing in diverse settings and accomplishing milestones in my journey.
Some include reaching level 10 RCM, advancing to the final round of the Canadian Music
Competition, and consistently earning gold awards every year that I participated in the Calgary
Performing Arts Festival. As a young cellist, I always sought advice from upper-year musicians,
learning from their experiences.
Now, as a music teacher, I strive to share my knowledge and love for music to other aspiring musicians and aid them in their musical journey. I believe that I can provide a supportive and nurturing learning environment that fosters confidence and growth, just as my teachers and peers did for me.
ADRIANE LEGAULT - VIOLIN
I started playing when my uncle sent me a violin as a gift for my 3rd birthday. A neighbour who was teaching violin in the neighbourhood at the time took me on as a student, and I haven't put my violin down since. As a passionate young fiddler, I joined the Bow Valley Fiddlers, then graduating to the Calgary Fiddlers. Through that wonderful organization, I got to work with many renowned musicians, and tour around the world to perform. As I got older, my interest in classical music grew stronger. In 2019, I accomplished my goal of completing my first RCM exam (level 8). I am now working on my RCM level 10 materials, preparing for a university audition for a Bachelor's of Music Performance at McGill's Schulich School of Music.
I started teaching because I wanted to foster strong relationships with, and have a positive impact on both the children and adults who wanted to learn to play the violin. In the past 6 years that I have had the pleasure of teaching, mentoring, and coaching students, I have strived to create a positive, creative, and encouraging musical experience. I always try to balance music education and fun, to ensure that the student is enjoying the learning process, and have always focused on making violin lessons accessible to all. Everyone can learn to play!
*Online Lessons Only*
DAVID LAVOIE - TRUMPET & GUITAR
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.
GABY NUNEZ - VIOLIN
Gaby started playing violin at age 3. She has been a member of Mount Royal University’s (MRU) Junior Orchestra Program, MRU Conservatory Strings, the Calgary Fiddlers, and the prestigious Calgary Youth Orchestra (CYO) where she played as a concertmaster and a soloist for the 2019-2020 season. With the CYO, she performed internationally in Hungary, Austria and Poland in 2018. She has also participated in MRU’s Academy Program for Young Artists and the Amici String Program, through which she played in master classes and chamber groups. She enjoys musical outreach and is involved in performing for seniors, patients, and children around Calgary.
Gaby is an incoming second year Kinesiology student at the University of Calgary. She is also pursuing a minor in Violin Performance and enjoys playing in the university orchestra.
LANA MIHAJLOVIC- TROMBONE & PIANO
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Lana showed interest in music from an early age and began classical training at the Royal Conservatory of Music at the age of 7, under which she is currently completing her grade 10 piano. In addition, she has been playing trombone for the past six years during which she has been a part of wind ensembles, brass ensembles, and jazz bands, which have had great success in regional festivals. In her spare time throughout the last year, Lana has picked up the cello and has been enjoying expanding her musical capabilities.
Lana is continuing her music education through a bachelor of music program. She is passionate about working collaboratively with her students to foster musical experiences that will benefit them both within their musical studies, as well as other aspects of their lives.
MATHEW JAMES - FRENCH HORN
Mathew James is a hornist known for radical performance and as an advocate for New Music. Mathew has performed with orchestras in both the USA and Canada, and appeared as a soloist at the New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival.
He is the Artistic Director and Solo Horn of Timepoint Ensemble and formerly held the position of Fourth Horn with the Saskatoon Symphony. He is an in-demand teacher and performer with and has performed with numerous groups including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, Theatre Calgary, The Banff Centre, and others.
His training began at the University of Calgary where he completed his Undergraduate degree. Following that he moved to Chicago, IL, where he completed both a Masters Degree with Distinction and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Performance at DePaul University under James Smelser and Oto Carillo of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
MICAELA FRANCESE - VIOLA & VIOLIN
Micaela Francese started her love for music at the early age of 6 experiencing music fundamentals and piano. She then began violin at the age of 8 with private lessons, and participated in the Mount Royal University (MRU) Junior orchestra programs. After her experience with the violin, she auditioned for the conservatory sinfonia where she was encouraged to explore the viola. Micaela started her viola journey with private lessons and participated in that orchestra for a year before auditioning for the Calgary Youth Orchestra. As a Mount Royal University (MRU) Academy for young artist program student, she has approved the following RCM exams: Piano Grade 7, Violin Grade 8, Viola Grade 9 and Harmony 9.
Micaela is currently a member of the University of Calgary Orchestra as a violist and has been since beginning her undergraduate studies pursuing a Bachelor’s in Engineering in 2021. Prior to that she was a member of the Calgary Youth Orchestra from 2018 until 2021. In the past she has worked with many artists around Canada such as Chris Sandvoss at MRU, Michael van der Sloot from the University of Ottawa, Daniel Scholz, the Principal Violist of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Sharon Wei from Western University, and Jeremy Berry from the Calidore quartet. Most recently she performed with Micheal Bublé when he came to Calgary in October 2022 during his Higher tour.
MATIAS FRANCESE - CELLO
Matias began his musical journey at age 4, with the piano. He then was inspired by The Piano Guys to pursue the cello at age 8 and studied under Liz Trembly, before switching to his current teacher Morag Northey at 11. Throughout his cello career, Matias has participated in the Mount Royal Orchestral programs, advancing through the young orchestral groups under Ben Neuman, up to Conservatory Sinfonia under Chris Sandvoss. Since 2022, he has been a proud member of the Calgary Youth Orchestra (CYO) under Edmond Agopian.
Additionally, Matias participated in the Mount Royal Academy Program and worked with renowned artists such as Beth Root Sandvoss, David Morrissey, Micheal Van Der Sloot, and more. Currently in his final year of highschool, Matias plans to continue his studies at the University of Calgary, with a major in Chemical Engineering. He hopes to maintain his passion for music with continued involvement in the University Orchestra and the Calgary Civic.
Matias hopes to further inspire young musicians and introduce them to the instrument he has come to love so dearly.
MYLES MALLOY - TROMBONE, BASS & GUITAR
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.
NIKO TSARIS - SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, FLUTE, PIANO & THEORY
Niko, a 29-year-old saxophonist, hails from Calgary and grew up in North-Central Alberta. They boast a Bachelor of Music Education in Jazz Studies from Capilano University, North Vancouver, and a Diploma in Jazz Performance from Mount Royal University, Alberta. Niko's musical journey began at the age of 13 with the piano, but thier passion truly ignited in high school, where Niko joined the Concert and Jazz Bands, excelling as both a clarinet and saxophone player.
During Nico's high school years, Niko demonstrated leadership and passion for the arts by founding a musical theatre program for children in Grades 3 and 4. This initiative, funded and organized by Nico through the Top Note Music School in Didsbury, AB, provided a nurturing platform for artistically inclined children to showcase their talents. The program culminated in biannual recitals, featuring a blend of music, choreographed dance, and theatrical performances, much to the delight of families and friends.
In their post-secondary years, Niko continued to hone their craft, performing in various ensembles and projects, both as a principal member and a substitute. They also dedicated time to teaching young students privately, focusing on a personalized approach to learning. Niko believes in respecting and empathizing with the unique learning methods of each student, whether child or adult. Niko champions a teaching style that adapts to individual learning preferences, facilitating the acquisition of skills and the development of new ideas in a way that resonates with each student.
NOAH BORN - VIOLIN, FIDDLE & THEORY
Noah Born's musical journey began at the tender age of 5 when he embarked on classical viola lessons. Since then, he has been honing his skills as a string musician and sharing his passion for music with others.
Having played the viola with the renowned Mount Royal Conservatory Junior Orchestra, Noah's experience in ensemble performance has been invaluable to his growth as a musician. Currently, he actively contributes his talents as a member of the Bishop Carroll High School Virtuosi Strings, further refining his artistry and inspiring fellow students.
Alongside his commitment to music, Noah is currently completing his high school education, which has instilled in him a deep understanding of the value of well-roundedness. During his spare time, he enjoys engaging in activities such as swimming, kayaking, and spending quality time with friends, fostering a balanced lifestyle that enhances his creativity and perspective as a musician.
Noah firmly believes that learning to play a stringed instrument is an extraordinary talent that is accessible to anyone with dedication and guidance. As a music instructor, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge, nurturing students' musical abilities, and inspiring them to explore the beautiful world of strings. With his diverse experiences, technical proficiency, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching, Noah creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, empowering students to embrace their own musical journeys.
