VOICE LESSONS
Are you a big fan of pop, jazz, or any other musical style? Do you want to take voice lessons? If yes, then contact Cornerstone Music Cafe for professional voice lessons in Calgary. We have an excellent team of qualified instructors who are experienced in all forms of singing. From pop and jazz to opera, our teachers can sing everything. They have performance backgrounds as well. We can help you sing music from your favourite artists as well as classical arias.
Our instructors will train you in important aspects of singing, such as how to breathe properly, how to increase the range, proper pitch, how to project, and stage presence. In addition, our lessons have a Musical Theatre component! You can also enjoy opportunities to jam with other musicians in a rock band setting or perform solo in our recitals.
ALANDRA MAZIL - VOICE
Alandra Mazil is a triple threat vocalist known for her soulful sound and captivating stage presence.
With a solid foundation in classical and contemporary training, she has developed a unique vocal
style that spans genres such as R&B, soul, funk, pop, and rock.
As the lead vocalist for several event bands, Alandra lights up stages across Canada with her vibrant
performances. She is also a sought-after session vocalist, contributing her talents to a variety of
projects and collaborations within Calgary’s dynamic music scene. Notable highlights of Alandra’s
career include providing backing vocals for Jessie Reyez, performing alongside Boyz II Men with
The EarthTONES, and collaborating with the acclaimed Canadian funk/soul band Souls In
Rhythm.
Passionate about sharing her insights and experience, Alandra is excited to guide aspiring vocalists in
discovering and developing their own unique sound and style!
ASHLEY MAMEN - VOICE
Ashley Mamen has a passion for singing, and as a local musician, actress, artist and teacher, she strives to help students develop the skills that will nurture their appreciation and love for music and the fine arts while also giving them weekly opportunities to experience personal growth and a sense of achievement from the lessons they receive. Ashley Mamen has over a decade of professional training from one of Calgary's most acclaimed classical singers and has won numerous awards and accolades from various competitions. Ashley also has experience in the dramatic arts, including musical theatre, speech arts, and audition preparation. She brings with her numerous years of choral and ensemble experience and has performed many diverse styles and genres of music. Ashley Mamen has an energetic, encouraging and creative style of teaching that is informative, based on the individual, and most importantly, fun!
GARRETT BANFIELD - VOICE & PIANO
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 - VOICE & PIANO
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.
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.
KAYLA WILLAMS - VOICE & PIANO
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.
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.
SUSAN VARCOE - VOICE & PIANO
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.
