GET PROFESSIONAL VOICE LESSONS IN CALGARY
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. Give us a call to learn more about our lessons.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
