Calgary Chinook - Guitar Lessons

Nikol Popovics

carlos cruz -b mus (Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar)

Online Lessons:

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

As a versatile musician, he has devoted his life to music, teaching and performing in bands with different styles of music. Carlos Cruz has a Bachelor's degree in music education and winner of Rock recording of the year YYC Music Awards 2020. With over 10 years of teaching experience, he is eager to pass on his passion for music to all his students in a way that motivates them to meet their needs and goals. Carlos offers lessons at the Calgary Chinook store and his rate is $30 per half hour.

connor wilson (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical, jazz, rock

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

Connor first picked up the guitar at the age of 7 and has been playing ever since. Over his musical career, Connor has grown familiar with all sorts of styles including rock, blues, jazz, latin styles and especially classical. Following his RCM exams in high school, he studied classical guitar at the University of Calgary under Ralph Maier and is currently finishing his BA in music. Connor has been teaching for 7+ years and has experience in group and solo performance. With his help, students have found success in Royal Conservatory exams and at recitals. Connor believes that finding one's own individual voice in music is the key to success and encourages all his students to explore the music they're most passionate about. He also emphasizes the importance of ear-training, theory and other fundamental skills so that the student doesn't just grow as an instrumentalist, but as a musician too. Connor offers lessons at the Calgary Chinook store and his rate is $30 per half hour.

dean lauderdale - b mus (Voice, Piano, Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Style: classical, jazz, rock

Teaching Day(s): Tuesday

Dean holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Humber College and a Diploma in Classical Voice Performance from Mount Royal University. With over 8 years of teaching experience, Dean's passion for music and performance greatly reflects that upon his own students. He understands how important it is to discover what motivates and inspires an individual, and does so in a fun & friendly manner. Dean works with many styles of music including pop, rock, jazz, classical, and musical theater. He has been successful in preparing his students for public performance, auditions, recording projects, and recitals. Dean offers lessons at the Calgary Chinook store and his rate is $31 per half hour.

filip vujanovic (Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

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

Filip Vujanovic is completing his Bachelors of Music in guitar at the University of Calgary under the tutelage of Ralph Maier. Filip’s music career started in high school by singing and playing guitar in several rock bands. With 9 years of teaching experience, he is committed to bring out the best in his students development and enjoyment of music and guitar. He utilizes a comprehensive approach incorporating guitar technique, music theory, harmony and history with a learning style that is intuitive, fun and adapts to the student in a unique way. Filip transfers his passion for guitar by believing strongly in the transforming effect that music can bring to each student. Filip offers lessons at the Calgary Chinook store and his rate is $30 per half hour.

jaci simpson - b mus (Guitar, Ukulele, Brass)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Friday

Jaci returned to Calgary in 2005, after completing a bachelor of music degree at the University of Toronto. Jaci has studied guitar with Jeffrey McFadden in Toronto, and Ralph Maier in Calgary. She has also performed & recorded with the University of Calgary guitar ensemble. Jaci enjoys teaching all ages and levels, and believes that every student is capable, given individualized instruction. Jaci offers lessons at the Calgary Chinook store and her rate is $32 per half hour.

liam epp - b mus (Cello, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

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

Liam Epp has had the pleasure to play in a variety of styles and genres. Performing in Front Row Centre Players production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" after just over a year of playing cello Liam is known for his drive and passion for music. Growing up in Calgary, Liam first studied cello with Christine Williams. After intense study with Christine, Liam went on to study under Pamela Highbaugh-Aloni of the world-renowned Lafayette String Quartet at the University of Victoria where he received his Bachelor of Music.
While in Victoria he played in professional groups like the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra and student groups like The University of Victoria Symphony Orchestra and The Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. Liam is also known for his intense attention to detail performing challenging pieces like Elisabeth Lutyens' "Triolet 1 Op. 160" live with members of the Victoria Composers Collective.
Liam hopes to share what he has learned with his time on the west coast and hopes to inspire a new generation of musicians to foster a sense of confidence and self-expression. Liam offers lessons at the Calgary Chinook store and his rate is $30 per half hour.

ryan milliken (Drums, Guitar)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Ryan Milliken started playing drums and guitar at age 5. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Music from Humber College and has been teaching group and private lessons for over a decade. Ryan believes in a balanced approach to all aspects of music literacy. Ryan teaches at the Calgary Chinook store. His rate is $30/half hour.