Calgary East

aldis gislason (Piano, Voice)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

Aldis attended the University of Saskatchewan where she received her Bachelor of Education with a Major in Music. She has over 30 years of teaching experience in private music lessons as well as classroom teaching. Has her Grade Nine Piano in RCM, as well as Grade Two Rudiments in Theory and Level One in Orff Music. Aldis has a performing background both as a soloist and with small and large ensembles, including a String Trio and Youth Orchestra. Aldis enjoys all genres of music including classical, jazz, pop, folk and soft rock, as well as country. Her teaching style is easy-going, she is flexible and capable of adapting the lessons to fit with the individual student allowing for maximum musical progression. She is trained in the teaching of beginner to intermediate level students of all ages. Aldis offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and her rate is $30 per half hour.

alida schedel (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Originally from Vancouver Island, BC, Alida started playing with her family band at the age of 15. Since relocating to Calgary, she has been working with bands full time as well as hosting jams. A newfound passion has been teaching students the fun and enjoyment of music. The great interaction with her students and the 30+ years of professional performance make the perfect combination for a high level but enjoyable learning experience, particularly for the younger students who possess the same enthusiasm she had at a young age. Alida offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and her rate is $29 per half hour.

carlene kalin - b. mus. (Piano, Clarinet, Woodwinds)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Carlene graduated from the University of Calgary with a B.Mus in 2016 and a B.Ed in 2019, and has over 10 years of teaching experience and 20 years of performance experience on both piano and clarinet. Carlene has played with ensembles all over western Canada and the United States. Recently, she has had the opportunity to perform for the University of Calgary’s School of Creative and Performing Arts anniversary celebration at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in downtown Calgary. Carlene has experience working with children and adults who are learning to play for fun and those who are preparing for RCM exams. On her own time, Carlene loves to listen to and learn pieces from her favorite movies and video games. Carlene offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and her rate is $29 per half hour.

collin crossley (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Saturday

I have taught music to students in several schools, ranging from kindergarten students to grade 12. The piano is such an expressive instrument that can convey so many emotions and thoughts. I have been playing piano since I was a child, and play various genres including Classical, Jazz and Modern pieces. A day doesn't seem complete unless I get a chance to play the piano! Each student discovers their own way of learning and performing and I am thrilled to help them on their musical journey. Collin offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and his rate is $30 per half hour.

daniel amezcua - ba mus. (Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

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

A music graduate of UBC, Daniel has studied voice and piano with celebrated teachers including Donald Bell, Nona Mari, Edward Parker, and Daniel Taylor. He was a frequent guest soloist and cantor throughout Victoria and the Lower Mainland, having sung major works in major operatic works under the baton of noted conductors Bruce Pullan, Nicholas Fairbank, Kirk Bergan, and Laurence Cummings. Daniel's current students include 2014 Kiwanis winners and musical theatre performers throughout Calgary. Daniel's student accolades include the 2023 RCM Music Lights the Way Audience Choice Award, the Calgary Performing Arts Festival Platinum and Gold Medal Entries, and Long McQuade Scholarship Recipients. Daniel offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and his rate is $31 per half hour.

dylan cooney (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Thursday, Friday, Saturday

A talented performer and dedicated teacher, Dylan has recently completed his Bachelor of Music program at the University of Calgary, with a focus on classical guitar. He has 10 years’ experience performing various rock, pop, blues, classical, and country genres in and around Calgary. Performances include the University of Calgary, cafes, weddings, and private venues. Dylan’s experience also includes some composition and transcription. Dylan has been teaching for over 3 years and is committed to being a role model to his students. He is passionate about music and guitar, with a strong desire to share this love of music with his students. Dylan's teaching style is focused on creating individual lesson plans as well as exploring what has drawn the student to music and the guitar. As students advance, Dylan incorporates instruction in theory, note reading, improvisation, and technique. He works patiently with his students to develop their own personal repertoire of songs. The key to Dylan’s success in teaching is ensuring that practice is fun and personally rewarding for all students. Dylan offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and his rate is $29 per half hour.

gene strandquist - b. mus. (Cello, Harmonica, Mandolin, Ukulele, Violin)

Online Lessons:

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

Gene holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Lethbridge. He has been teaching many instruments to varying levels since 1995, both privately and through institutions. He has played in many bands, and his style includes rock, country, jazz, and symphonic. He has also published works for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Gene offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and his rate is $29 per half hour.

guy onraet (Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Songwriting)

Online Lessons:

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

Guy began his musical life in South Africa age 8. He studied music at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and released his debut solo album in 2009. He appeared in Guitar Player magazine and headlined Evolution Rock’s Masters of Shred. His music has featured in dozens of commercial videos. He is heavily involved in the Calgary music scene and has toured southern Alberta and B.C. Guy has vast experience teaching adults and children, giving more than 7000 lessons over the last 9 years. Specializing in technique and theory for rock, pop, metal, blues and country. Guy offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and his rate is $29 per half hour.

jaci simpson (Trombone, Trumpet, Guitar, Ukulele)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday

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 East store and her rate is $31 per half hour.

jeremy gignoux - b. mus. (Violin, Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday

Jeremy graduated from the University of Montreal with a degree in composition. Music has been part of his life since he started the violin and the piano at age 7. Jeremy learned classical violin through the French conservatory system until he was 20, and then discovered other styles. He has played in numerous bands, in a variety of styles ranging from rock to Eastern European Gypsy music, including classical, jazz, folk, country and bluegrass. Recently he had the privilege of accompanying composer William Parker in Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ production “New Universe” in 2016. Jeremy brings his variety of experience directly in his lessons. This experience enables him to help his students succeed at playing in the music styles that they like, but it also allows him to introduce them to new styles. One of his favourite techniques is to teach them fiddle tunes by ear and you would be surprised just how fast they can learn this way!
Rate: $30 per half hour

lisa cheng (Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

ARCT, MBA - Lisa is from Taiwan. She started learning piano at the age of five. She has performed classical piano repertoire in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival, the Honens Festival, the Toronto Summer Music Festival, and the Aloha International Piano Festival. In the fall of 2021 Lisa was honoured to be invited to play the Honens ProAm Piano Competition at the beautiful Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Lisa enjoys being a piano teacher. She has taught students of various ages. Many of her students received excellent results and honors in festivals and examinations. Her approach to piano learning is to achieve a healthy balance of technique and expressiveness. She rewards diligence and has an open mind to inspire and to be inspired. Lisa holds an ARCT in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She was honored as the Teacher of the 2019 Gold Medalist, Alberta for RCM prep B piano. Her piano publications include A Pianist’s Treasure of Christmas Songs, 26 Fun Nursery Rhymes for Level One Piano and February First Canada Suite. Other than music, Lisa loves literature and creative writing. Lisa specializes in the RCM curriculum and classical piano and speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese and English. Lisa offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and her rate is $30 per half hour

marco rojas (Drums)

Online Lessons:

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

Marco is an established session drummer, record engineer, and music educator hailing from Mexico City. His drumming experience spans two decades, 10+ studio albums, and five tours in both Canada and Mexico. Formally trained with his degree in Audio Production from G Martell, he takes his love of the perfect mix to teach his drum students about finding their unique sound and place within music. Marco’s teaching philosophy stems from his own experience as a learner: hands-on learning, dynamic lesson plans, and helping students find their passion. He adapts his teaching approach to match their unique needs, personalities, and motivations. Marco also believes in challenging students to step out of their comfort zone to advance their skills and gain confidence in themselves, which can foster a lifelong confidence and love of music. Marco specializes in ergonomic drumming techniques inspired by John Lamb’s Anatomy of Drumming. He believes that the right techniques can support a musician perform an hour long set without trouble, and most importantly, they can take joy in playing their instrument for years to come. Marco offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and his rate is $29 per half hour.

nicolas luzzi (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Sunday

Since Grade 8, Nicolas has had a passion for playing the saxophone. He pursued this passion by earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Calgary. During his time at university, Nicolas also learned to play the clarinet, flute and piano which has expanded his musical horizons and enhanced his performance skills. To continue honing his skills and pursuing excellence, Nicolas recently underwent further saxophone training at the University of British Columbia, where he continues his training today. These experiences have been invaluable, and have deepened Nicolas' appreciation for the beauty and versatility of the saxophone. As a musician, Nicolas is committed to sharing his passion and knowledge with others and helping them discover the joys of playing their instrument. Nicolas offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and his rate is $29 per half hour.

nicole niewinski (Drums)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Friday, Saturday

Nicole has been teaching since 2018 and has over a decade of experience playing drums, performing, and recording with bands. Utilizing skills gained from her BSc in Psychology and MSc in Neuroscience, she is passionate about teaching and applying the fundamental principles of learning and memory in a way that benefits students both in and outside of music lessons. Her lessons focus on the aspirations and needs of the individual with an emphasis on developing the passion/excitement that gives rise to intrinsic motivation and long-term success. Nicole offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and her rate is $29 per half hour.

phoebe chan - b.a., b. ed. (Piano, Theory)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday

Phoebe was born in Hong Kong and started learning the piano at the age of four. Phoebe completed her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education at the University of Calgary. She has taught in many music programs of all grades in school, such as music theory, band, choir, and jazz band, in both Hong Kong and Calgary. She has over 15 years of teaching experience and can help all students learn piano regardless of age or learning disability. During her practicum, she was a conductor of 96 students in a music band. Currently, she teaches over 450 students in the music program with 2 amazing doctoral colleagues majoring in music. During band festivals, Phoebe plays in the band as a pianist as a request from the music doctors. She also teaches flute and clarinet in school bands starting in grade 5. Phoebe can also speak Cantonese and loves teaching piano for all ages. At Long & McQuade Calgary East, she is the founder and director of the Mini Orchestra since 2016. Phoebe offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and her rate is $32 per half hour.

shayleigh sihlis (Voice, Piano)

Online Lessons:

Teaching Day(s): Wednesday, Saturday

Shayleigh graduated as a Fellow of Rosebud School of the Arts in the Theatre Arts Programme. She has achieved Grade 7 Piano and Grade 8 Voice in RCM, as well as advanced theory. Her love of music has guided her to perform in many capacities. As her final project for RSA, she performed a self-produced solo musical. She values a holistic view of the body as an instrument and aims to help her students maximize proficiency and vocal health through proven methods. Her classical background gives her a solid foundation of technique, while her experience with musical theatre and contemporary styles allows her to help students express their unique voice. She enjoys many kinds of music and is open to discovering new things. She specializes in teaching beginner to intermediate students of all ages in both piano and voice. Shayleigh offers lessons in Calgary at the East store and her rate is $29 per half hour.