CONTACT US FOR PIANO LESSONS IN CALGARY
Get in touch with Cornerstone Music Cafe for professional piano lessons in Calgary. Whether you want to learn to play the piano for the enjoyment of it or receive accreditation from the Royal Conservatory of Music, we can help. Our team of qualified and talented piano instructors can offer lessons for both beginners and advanced students. Be it classical or modern, we have a teacher for all the styles you want to learn. You can jam with other musicians in a rock band setting or perform solo in our recitals. Give us a call today to talk to our teachers.
OAITSE HELLARD - VOICE AND PIANO
Oaitse Hellard - coined as Ms. Oäi, is known for soulful jazz stylings reminiscent of the late greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Born in Botswana but raised here in Calgary, Oaitse has been trained classically in Piano and Voice. She has performed at the Jubillee Auditorium opening as a soloist with a Gospel Choir for Ms. Coretta Scott King and has been singing with The Ray Charles Tribute Orchestra for the last 7 years and performing with Grammy Award winner Donald Ray Johnson. Her latest project performing in Jazz Band The X-Oäi-Z’s with Johnny Summers, Tyler Hornby, John Gray, and Stephen Fletcher she brings on this Classic Jazzy notes.
JAN SULLIVAN - PIANO
Jan has been teaching piano and theory lessons for over 15 years with students from ages 5 to 65. She offers creativity and enjoyment that keep her students returning year after year.
Classically trained and having completed the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Certificate in Teaching Elementary Piano, Jan has successfully guided many students through the Royal Conservatory of Music levels and is also happy to work with students in whatever genres might interest them.
A lifelong learner, Jan continues to study at the ARCT level. Her teaching philosophy maintains that a teacher is most effective when personally growing and learning.
KATIE FILSON-LAU - PIANO, VOICE & CHORUS
Katie Filson-Lau is a soprano soloist and choral singer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is a graduate of the University of Calgary and received a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in vocal performance. She has performance and training experience in classical, musical theatre, choral, pop, and jazz singing. As a soloist, Katie has been awarded the WorldStrides OnStage Maestro Award, at a choral competition in Montreal, and the Don Wright Prize from the University of Calgary. She also has been awarded the Anthony G. Petti Memorial Scholarship in Music and the Norman J. Kennedy Memorial Scholarship for Choral Performance, both from the University of Calgary. She has performed as a soloist with Juno award-winning group Rosa Barocca. She has competed as a soloist in the Karaoke World Championships, in which she placed top 20 in Canada and the NATS Southern Alberta Songfest. Katie also has 12 years of experience playing piano as a soloist and accompanist for choirs and accompanying her own performances. She hopes to share her knowledge of these experiences with her students while fostering a passion for music. In the future, Katie plans to pursue a master's in choral conducting and vocal performance. When she isn’t making music, she can be found baking yummy sweets or knitting.
KATRINA JORDAN - PIANO
Katrina has been teaching piano for a decade and enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels, tailoring a curriculum to each student. She is enthusiastic, caring, and nurturing and uses inquiry-based instruction to engage and guide her students. She teaches both classical and popular musical styles, and encourages students to explore their own musical creativity.
Born into a musical family, Katrina fell in love with music early, and starting playing the piano at 4 years old. She completed her own grade 9 RCM Piano Exam, and has helped students prepare for their own RCM exams and recitals. Katrina holds certificates in music theory including basic, intermediate, and advanced music, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Ambrose University. She has competed in the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival, played in the Yaminda Classical Guitar Quartet, where she received a first place award. She also sang soprano in the Centennial High School Choir and the Ambrose University Singers, performing in a variety of events and concerts.
NIKO TSARIS - PIANO, THEORY & SAXOPHONE
Niko, a 29-year-old saxophonist, hails from Calgary and grew up in North-Central Alberta. He boasts 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 his passion truly ignited in high school, where he joined the Concert and Jazz Bands, excelling as both a clarinet and saxophone player.
During his high school years, Niko demonstrated his leadership and passion for the arts by founding a musical theater program for children in Grades 3 and 4. This initiative, funded and organized by him 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 his post-secondary years, Niko continued to hone his craft, performing in various ensembles and projects, both as a principal member and a substitute. He 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. He 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.
PARDIS ABBASNEJAD - PIANO & THEORY
Pardis Abbasnejad has been playing piano since the age of 4. At the Royal Conservatory of Music, she has completed up to Level 8 and is currently in the process of completing level 9 RCM.
Pardis LOVES the piano. It’s able to sound fleeting and effervescent in one instant and gritty and powerful in the next - that’s what she enjoys the most about it. She also enjoys playing piano because of the emotional connection she makes with this instrument while playing it, and she loves to foster that same passion further in her students.
Other than piano, Pardis plays competitive volleyball, loves the outdoors and reading. Her goal for teaching piano is to help students reach their goals (help them see and hear what they want to achieve), love the piano (just as much as she loves it), and make sure that they always have fun.
OLESIA VOLOSHCHUK - PIANO
Olesia Voloshchuk is a highly accomplished Ukrainian-born pianist and dedicated piano teacher. Growing up in a family of musicians, Olesia's life has always revolved around music. Her piano journey began at the tender age of six, and her passion for the instrument has only grown stronger over time. Olesia's educational background is extensive. She studied at the prestigious Lviv Music College and later graduated from the Lviv State Music Academy with a Bachelor's and a Specialist (Master's) degree in Piano Performance, Piano Accompanying, Piano Teaching, and Chamber Ensemble Playing. Her exceptional talent has led her to participate in numerous national and international competitions, where she has garnered top prizes and accolades as a solo pianist and accompanist.
With over 12 years of teaching experience, Olesia has nurtured the musical abilities of countless students. She has worked as a piano teacher and accompanist in specialized music schools and the esteemed State Academic Choir in Ukraine. Additionally, she has served as a pianist at the prestigious Shanghai Shangri-la Hotel and as a piano teacher at Shanghai Pudong Dulwich College.
Olesia's teaching expertise spans a wide range of ages and skill levels, from five-year-olds to adult learners, and from beginners to advanced players. Her ultimate goal as an educator is to enrich the lives of her students by providing them with a deep understanding of music, fostering their enjoyment of the art, and igniting their musical imagination.
With her patient and encouraging teaching style, Olesia inspires her students to reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love for music. Whether you're a beginner embarking on your musical journey or an advanced player seeking to refine your skills, Olesia Voloshchuk is committed to guiding you toward success and helping you discover the transformative power of music.
TOM SEJK - PIANO, GUITAR, BASS & DRUMS
Tom is a versatile veteran instructor. With 20 years of teaching 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!
GEORGINA CRAIG - VOICE, FLUTE & PIANO, MUSIC THEORY
Georgina welcomes students of all levels, ages and abilities to explore singing in a safe and supportive environment. She is passionate about helping individuals discover their own unique sound through the development of healthy singing technique, based on supportive breathing, body resonance and vocal freedom. Students learn to develop emotional connection to music and text that is appropriate for their age and level of vocal development. Georgina is happy to work with students who have specific goals in mind, such as RCM exams, festivals, auditions, recitals and concerts. Georgina also teaches flute, music theory and beginner piano. She also plays a pretty mean folk tin whistle when the opportunity arises.
Georgina is a classically trained mezzo soprano with a diverse repertoire that ranges from baroque, classical and romantic through to traditional folk music and music theatre. She earned her music degree in Christ Church University in Canterbury, UK, and continued her training with postgraduate vocal studies at Trinity College of Music in London. Georgina has been living and working in Victoria, BC, for the past nine years as a faculty member at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. She is still on faculty at the Conservatory and retains an online vocal studio.
LANA MIHAJLOVIC- PIANO & TROMBONE
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Lana showed interest in music from an early age, and began classical training under 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.
JULIA BROWN - VOICE, BASS (& BEGINNER PIANO)
Julia grew up singing in choirs and showed passionate determination in her piano and violin lessons. When she got a little older, she began teaching herself to play the guitar. In high school, Julia focussed her efforts on mastering the bass and played orchestral percussion at Western Canada High School. Julia has performed her original songs at the National Music Centre and showcased at the Ironwood Stage & Grill with Jazz YYC Youth Lab Band. She knows first-hand what it’s like to be inspired by the hard work of others, and the importance of having fun while you learn.
Being a well-rounded musician, it’s hard for Julia to choose a favourite style of music. She’s currently inspired by Funk & Soul and continues to study voice & bass with her own mentors. She is excited to share her knowledge with her students. Outside of music she likes plants, going back-packing, and drinking tea!
DREW ERFLE – GUITAR, UKULELE, THEORY, MUSICAL COMPOSITION AND PIANO
Get ready to rock and roll with Drew Erfle! Born in Vancouver, but raised in the bustling city of Calgary, this musical maverick has been making waves in the local scene for over a decade. Drew has always had music in his blood – both his parents were professional musicians – and after seeing Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings live in concert at just fourteen years old, he knew he had to pick up the guitar.
Drew wasted no time and started taking lessons from Calgary Jazz Guitarist Gary Wolfe for a solid four years. After high school, Drew headed off to the University of Lethbridge to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Composition under the tutelage of the esteemed Dr. Arlan Schultz, and for a year, Professor Thilo Schaller while Dr. Schultz was on sabbatical. But Drew's thirst for knowledge wasn't quenched yet – he then jetted off to Edinburgh University to obtain his MSc in Composition for Screen and Digital Media. He studied under the legendary Professor Yati Durant and Professor Emeritus Peter Nelson, honing his craft and gaining invaluable experience.
Drew's musical influences are as varied as they come. Having grown up surrounded by talented musicians, Drew's repertoire includes a wide range of genres, from rock to jazz, folk to musical theatre, and classical. He's even dabbled in playing the viol, an instrument from the Renaissance, as part of an Early music ensemble while studying in Edinburgh.
When Drew isn't shredding his guitar or composing stunning melodies, he can be found expanding his knowledge in other areas. He loves studying languages (he's an expert in the insular Celtic languages), devouring books, and cooking up a storm in the kitchen. So if you're ever in the mood for some musical magic or want to learn a thing or two about Gaelic, Drew is your guy!
LAUREN TIVADAR - VOICE & PIANO
Lauren's lifelong love for music has shaped her into a passionate and dedicated musician. From a young age, she immersed herself in music, taking lessons that laid the foundation for her musical journey. Her commitment to her craft led her to join the PVA (Performing Visual Arts) Program at Central Memorial High School, where she not only deepened her understanding of music theory but also explored a diverse range of genres, including jazz. Fueling her ambition, Lauren pursued a bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance (Voice) from Capilano University in Vancouver. This intensive program provided her with invaluable skills and knowledge, further enhancing her musical abilities.
For over half a decade, Lauren has been sharing her expertise as a private singing and piano teacher. She finds joy in guiding her students through various genres of music, encouraging exploration and self-expression. By helping her students apply proper technique and theory to songs they already know and love, Lauren creates a truly fulfilling and enjoyable learning experience.
Lauren's teaching approach is centred around individual growth and musical exploration. She believes that music education should be engaging, inspiring, and tailored to each student's unique goals and interests. With her guidance, students can unlock their full potential and develop a deep appreciation for the power of music.
Whether you're looking to refine your vocal skills or master the piano, Lauren is excited to meet you and embark on a collaborative musical journey. Her passion, expertise, and dedication will ensure a rewarding experience as you explore the world of music together.
​
KATE MELVINA - VOICE & PIANO
Kate Melvina, a multi-talented singer, pianist, composer, and the driving force behind Tendavillage, offers a rich and diverse teaching experience in music. As the group's vocalist, writer, producer, and keyboardist, Kate has been pivotal in their success, with their debut single EP receiving high praise, including accolades like “Criminally slept on” and a “Future classic” from Toronto’s iLiveRadio. Their music, including the chart-topping song on the iTunes RnB chart in France, has garnered an enthusiastic global fanbase, further solidified by their widely acclaimed single “Ralph Wiggum.”
Kate's artistic journey is rooted in a family deeply immersed in music, particularly jazz. She emerged as a prodigious classical pianist in her childhood, winning awards in prestigious competitions such as the Kiwanis Festival and composing her first song at just nine years old. Her teenage years saw her develop a profound passion for old soul music, with Stevie Wonder as her enduring idol. This blend of classical training and soulful influences is evident in her work and teaching style.
For over a decade, Kate has been a prominent figure in the Calgary music scene, performing regularly as a singer at venues like the Fairmont Palliser/Banff Springs Hotel and participating in popular festivals including the Lilac Festival and Block Heater. Her extensive experience, coupled with her deep understanding of diverse musical genres, makes her an exceptional mentor for aspiring musicians. Kate’s teaching philosophy is rooted in her diverse influences, from Stevie Wonder to Prince and D’Angelo, as well as contemporary artists like Mononeon and Moonchild, ensuring a rich, well-rounded educational experience for her students.
DAVID BORROW - PIANO
David Borrow's passion for music was ignited during his formative years in Fruitvale, B.C. With extensive musical training, he has earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary.
David's musical journey began with a focus on piano, which remains a cornerstone of his expertise. He developed a profound appreciation for Baroque, Classical, and Romantic music during his formative years. In addition to his classical roots, David also embraces the world of popular music, valuing the connection it forges with his students.
With years of experience, David has cultivated a teaching style that encourages students to explore their musical potential while nurturing their passion for the art. Join him on a musical voyage as he guides you through the world of music, inspiring creativity and helping you reach your full potential. Let's embark on this musical adventure together.
