Calgary Seton

Eric Dylke

Eric's passion for music was ignited after hearing Nirvana's "Nevermind" album. He's never looked back since. Eric's vigurous love for 90's alt rock has lead him on a 20+ year career of teaching, recording and performing in various capacities.

Eric now brings that experience to L&M Seton as Lessons Coordinator. His mission is to facilitate the joy and benefits of music education to as many folks as he can. Welcome to the lesson centre!

Andrei Buldan (Guitar, Bass Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Andrei Buldan is a very experienced virtuosic guitar player who has played internationally, released music and performed many different styles. Andrei has played guitar and performed for over 20 years and has taught professionally for 12 years.

With all of the experience attained over the years Andrei is able to teach students of all levels, from beginners to very advanced. Utilizing a dedicated yet friendly style with all of his lessons, Andrei enjoys helping everyone achieve their musical goals.

Andrei believes in using a very patient, consistent and motivational approach to teaching and sharing the joys of music. He looks forward to working with students of all backgrounds and skill levels at Long & McQuade and helping them become the best musicians they can be!

Andrei offers lessons at $31 per half hour.

Cathy Stephen (Violin, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Thursday, Saturday

Cathy started piano lessons at age 5 and violin at age 11. Cathy has an Associate of Music in piano and violin from the Western Board of Music. She has taught for over 35 years and can prepare students for exams and festivals.

Cathy offers lessons at $32 per half hour.

Chrysanthema Pashunkova (Violin, Viola)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday

Chrysanthema has an extensive background in teaching and playing violin. She has her DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Russia and has studied all over the world. She is currently involved in the Vancouver Early Music Programme and is an executive on the Board for ARMTA.

Chrysanthema offers lessons at $32 per half hour.

Connor Wilson (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Connor began teaching in 2014. He studied music at the University of Calgary with a focus on classical guitar. There, he gained experience in practicing and performing solo pieces of standard classical repertoire. Though his specialization is in classical guitar, he offers lessons in all contemporary styles of guitar as well as bass and ukulele. His lessons are structured, goal oriented and personalized - but most importantly are fun! His philosophy is that it’s hard to improve unless you love what you’re doing. If you’re looking to challenge an RCM exam, refine your skills or just want to pick up a new hobby, guitar lessons with Connor could be for you.

Connor offers lessons at $31 per half hour.

Esteban Herrera (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Esteban Herrera is an internationally renowned pianist and composer, known for his distinctive style and contributions to contemporary jazz. Based in Calgary, he has led several musical projects, most notably the Esteban Herrera Trio, which blends piano, double bass, and drums to create original contemporary world jazz.

Esteban holds a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Music Performance, a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences, and a technical degree in piano. With 13 albums released, he was nominated for the Juno Awards in 2022 and won a YYC Music Award in 2023, with another nomination for the YYC Music Awards in 2024. He is also a voting member of the Latin Grammys.

With a 30-year career as a professional pianist, Esteban excels not only as a performer but also as a composer, arranger, director, and producer of his own albums. His experience as a music teacher, mainly in piano, spans around 15 years. He has lived in various countries, including Spain, Germany, Mexico, and Canada, which has enriched his musical vision and style.

Esteban offers lessons at $32 per half hour.

Esther Gerasymenko (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

My name is Miss Esther. I am a musician with over thirteen years of dedication to the piano in the RCM program, the standard Canadian conservatory curriculum. My greatest hobby is composing my own songs and improvising jazz. I follow a modern approach to teaching, aiming to connect with my students based on their learning preferences, whether visual, auditory, or other. My goal for becoming your piano teacher is to teach you that music is a language of our souls, connecting us in ineffable ways: I prioritize enthusiasm and passion in my lessons, as well as walking on the learning journey with my students, inspiring them to play what they love. I am fluent in English and Russian, and am happy to ensure good quality lessons for students who prefer either language. In my classes you will see musical activities at the end of classes, awarded to my students who have shown hard work. Hands-on learning activities such as rhythm games, "Build a Piano", and memory activities will help enhance the students' understanding of basic musical terminology. My expectations for you as a teacher are to practice regularly, and attend lessons with good spirit. Learning an instrument is an acquired skill, and will take both motivation from you and from me, to ensure progressive success along your musical journey. I am looking forward to becoming your teacher!

Esther offers lessons at $31 per half hour.

Jon May (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday

Jon grew up an avid music lover in New Hampshire whose passion for the drums eventually landed him in Canada. Jon has a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern Maine School of Music. He has toured extensively through the U.S.A., Canada, and Europe. Jon has taught at St. Ambrose Drums intensive with jazz educator John Riley, at the University of New Hampshire’s Summer Youth Music School, The Mt. Royal Jazz Camp as well as the Long Lake Camp for the Arts in New York. As a talented composer, teacher, recording artist and player, Jon brings a thoughtfulness to the Canadian music scene, where he bridges a gap between many genres.

Jon offers lessons at $32 per half hour.

Matthew Beaubien (Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Saturday

With over 20 years of teaching experience and a Master's degree in classical guitar performance, I bring a wealth of expertise and versatility to your lessons. Having also studied jazz guitar performance, I’m well-versed in a variety of genres and techniques. I work well with students of all ages, from 4 to 80+, and skill levels — from complete beginners to those preparing for auditions or exams. I offer lessons in guitar, ukulele, and music theory, and I individualize each student’s lesson plan towards their own unique goals and preferences, offering a tailored path to musical growth.

Matthew offers lessons at $33 per half hour.

Paul Skurdal (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday

Hi I’m Paul Skurdal, drum instructor at Long and Mcquade.
I began drumming at the age of 13 playing rock music with my school mates, then years later in 2011 as adults we formed the band Dogs Gone Wrong and recorded the punk rock CD”Kant Get Right” available on iTunes. Dogs Gone Wrong gigged local pubs in Calgary until breaking up in 2024. In the 1990’s I was house drummer for “49th Street Blues” a club in Red Deer Alberta where I played with many musicians touring the area.
Because of my interest in jazz and Latin music I studied under some of the best and most notable drummers in the Calgary area, and recently I was the drummer for the 25th anniversary of the Calgary French Choir at the Engineered Air Theatre in Calgary.
I currently perform in the quartet “Refried Rhythms” a jazz/latin/pop band. I have enjoyed teaching drums for 2 years.

Paul offers lessons at $32 per half hour.

Rick Coumont (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Rick is a passionate drummer who has been honing his craft for 15 years, and teaching for 8 of those, with a focus on children and young adults. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from St. Mary's University, and has experience in public and school-setting education. He specializes in contemporary music, especially modern rock, pop, psychedelia, prog, and alternative genres, but is always looking to expand his musical horizons. Rick takes a student-centric approach to teaching – In his lessons, you are the star! Whether you're a beginner just starting your musical journey, or only looking to brush up on your established skills, Rick is ready to meet you where you are and help you excel!

Rick offers lessons at $31 per half hour.

Ryan Aguilar (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Friday, Saturday

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.

Ryan offers lessons at $31 per half hour.

Stefano Valdo (Upright Bass, Cello, Bass Guitar, Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Stefano is an experienced Performer, Studio Musician and Music Educator. Born in Northern Italy, he studied classical guitar and double bass at the local Conservatory. He studied and taught at many other prominent institutions, including Grove School of Music in LA, Harrison School of Music, California State University, and Ambrose University. Stefano has also been a freelance musician for over 30 years, and is excited to share his knowledge and expertise with his students.

Stefano offers lessons at $32 per half hour.

Steven Dorscher (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday

Steven Antonio Dorscher is an in-demand artist, session player and educator based in Calgary. He has performed and competed across Canada and the United States as a solo artist, and with various musical groups and bands after completing his Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Calgary. Steven currently serves lead guitar duties for Cabrakaän, and Matt & Steve. With over 10 years teaching experience including emphasis on technique and theory, Steven knows what the beginning musician needs, and can provide sound advice and help for the intermediate and advanced players. He also offers RCM exam prep, College / University Prep, and Music Theory instruction.

Steven offers lessons at $33 per half hour.

Tracy Hayduk (Piano, Saxophone)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Tracy started learning music at a young age, and after progressing through private lessons and school music programs, she went on to study Jazz/Contemporary Music Performance at Mount Royal on saxophone and piano. Since then she has been teaching professionally, and for more than 20 years has been performing steadily in the local music scene with several bands as well as doing freelance and recording work.
She specializes in contemporary, rock, and jazz styles.

Tracy offers lessons at $31 per half hour.

Zahava Blake (Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday, Friday

I am 29 years old and have been training to be a professional opera singer since the age of 14. My journey in the classical music world has not been a traditional one.
In college when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. After my diagnosis, I had to begin looking at what it meant to be an opera singer differently. I had to relearn how to sing in ways that would accommodate my body. Due to this, I strongly believe that not all vocalists are created equally, and that extends into my teaching practices. I tailor my lessons to the individual as opposed to tailoring the individual to meet the expectations of the music, and the music industry. My goal as a teacher is for every student to leave my lessons feeling empowered in being themselves, as opposed to only feeling that they sang a song well today

Zahava offers lessons at $31 per half hour.