PIANO LESSONS
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.
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.
GARRETT BANFIELD - PIANO & VOICE
Garrett Banfield is a high school student and an aspiring music director, composer and producer. His passion for music drives his desire to excel as he gains both an education and hands-on experience in the music industry. He is training to direct a wide variety of vocal and instrumental groups and teach a variety of music from classical to rock. Additionally, he is currently taking a Mount Royal course in choral conducting under Andrea Ciona, royal conservatory piano under Linda Kundert-Stoll and conducting the congregation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Garrett attends Bishop Carroll High School where he's a member of the chamber choir, an auditioned classical choir, and the vocal Jazz program, which is a smaller auditioned choir where they perform jazz and rock classics. When not performing or learning, Garrett is often writing classical compositions from piano sonatas to orchestrated symphonies.
Garrett has also had the opportunity to work with Scott Henderson (Grandstand Show music director, Earthtones, Souls in Rhythm) and Dave Pierce (Grandstand show creative director, producer-Michael Buble, Vancouver Olympics) through the Young Canadians programs.
GEORGINA CRAIG - PIANO, VOICE, FLUTE & 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.
JAMIE QUIRING - PIANO & GUITAR
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
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.
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.
KAYLA WILLAMS - PIANO & VOICE
Kayla Williams is a vocal coach and musician with over 12 years of experience as a vocal coach and over 15 years as a musician. She has a diploma in music (major in voice, minor in piano from RDC) and has furthered her education with training under some of the best vocal coaches and countless workshops/seminars on vocal health and voice science (examples: ROAR Pedagogy Classes/one on one sessions with vocologist Carol Lynne Quinn and attending The Singer Summit, The Svara Project presented by Mindy Pack, clinical vocologist/LMT and Laryngologist Dr. Reena Gupta, MD).
Kayla is passionate about singing and loves sharing her knowledge in a fun, interactive way. As a vocal coach, she takes a holistic approach, aiming not only to educate students on how and why the voice functions as an instrument but also to support them on their journey, helping them discover their authentic voice with confidence and freedom. In lessons with Kayla, you'll learn about technique, warm-ups, vocal health, intonation, tone, range, breathing, flexibility, style, physical stretch and more- all while keeping your instrument safe. Kayla also teaches piano, and theory and has tips on performance and songwriting if interested.
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.
NIKO TSARIS - PIANO, THEORY & SAXOPHONE
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.
OAITSE HELLARD - PIANO & VOICE
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.
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.
SUSAN VARCOE - PIANO & VOICE
Susan Varcoe is a versatile and highly esteemed collaborative pianist and vocalist, renowned for her expertise in musical theatre, art song, and jazz. Based in Calgary, Susan's talent transcends borders, captivating audiences both locally and internationally. She has graced prestigious stages, lending her captivating vocals and deft piano skills to esteemed institutions such as Calgary Opera, Cowtown Opera, Stage West dinner theatre, and the Banff Centre summer opera program.
Susan's passion for nurturing talent extends to her role as an educator, where she has enriched the vocal programs at the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and Ambrose University. Her dedication to teaching reflects her profound love for music and her desire to inspire others with its transformative power. Whether she's enchanting audiences on stage or empowering aspiring musicians in the classroom, Susan's devotion to her craft shines through, leaving an indelible mark on all who have the privilege of experiencing her artistry.
RYAN AGUILAR - PIANO & GUITAR
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 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!
