About Us
Welcome to Cornerstone Music Café
Where Music and Community Meet
At Cornerstone Music Café, we believe in the power of music to bring people together. Located in the heart of Calgary, our café is more than just a music school; it's a community hub where passion for music and delicious food converge.
Our Story
Sylvia Age 4
Sylvia and Jim Johnston, the owners of Cornerstone Music Café, have a unique journey that brought the café to life.
The couple first met while working at Cornerstone Music—Jim as a drum instructor and Sylvia as the administrator. Jim, a drummer since his teens, and Sylvia, with restaurant experience dating back to age 14, combined their passions and envisioned adding a café to the music studio, transforming it into what is now Cornerstone Music Café.
Both Jim and Sylvia are known for their hard work and determination, traits that run deep in their family history. Jim’s grandmother, Cecille, was not only a nanny at the Historic Bow Valley Ranch in Fish Creek but also a skilled piano player. In the café, you’ll find a special photograph of Jim playing drums alongside his grandmother on the piano. Sylvia’s grandmother, Ida, owned a café/garage in the Hamlet of Irvine in Cypress County, where a young Sylvia could often be found enjoying crinkle fries or ice cream.
Shortly after the café opened, they welcomed their son, who has grown up in the café, eager to help and be part of the family business. Family and community are at the heart of everything the Johnstons do, a value instilled in them by their grandmothers’ legacies.
Jim Age 1
Meet The Team
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Owner, Cornerstone Music Café
Sylvia Johnston
Sylvia is the passionate owner of Cornerstone Music Café, combining her love for music, community, and great food.
With a deep curiosity for the world, Sylvia has spent three years working abroad and has traveled to numerous countries, including Scotland, England, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Tenerife, Ghana, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and Jamaica. Her travels have fueled her love for learning, new cultures, and culinary experiences. When she’s not busy running the café, Sylvia enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, always on the lookout for new adventures and opportunities to connect.
Co-Founder
Jim Johnston
I’m a professional drummer, educator, and co-owner of Cornerstone Music Café, where I teach, perform, and help create a vibrant community space for musicians and music lovers.
I’ve had the opportunity to study with some of the world’s top drummers and perform with incredible groups like the Calgary Jazz Orchestra and The Hello Darlins—while also running a café that brings music and good food together!
Studio and Café Operations Manager
Hannah Smart
Hannah answers emails and eats Blueberry Oatmeal Squares.
Hannah is also a professional singer! You may recognize her from performances at Stage West or the Grandstand Show at the Calgary Stampede.
Marketing Manager
Natalie Schnellback
Natalie is a creative Social Media Strategist with over seven years of experience helping businesses build their brand presence through eye-catching graphic design and compelling content. As a mom, she’s mastered the art of multitasking - whether it’s crafting the perfect post, curating her vinyl record collection, or appreciating the musical talent of her 2 Cornerstone students.
Program Manager
Georgina Craig
Georgina is Cornerstone's Program Manager. She gets involved in event and program planning from concept through organization to delivery.
Fun Fact: She is teaching herself to play French Horn.