About: Instructors
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Jessica Baudry (lessons in French or English) Jessica Baudry is from Ste. Agathe, Manitoba and is currently studying at CMU, in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Music Education degree, and plans to pursue her Bachelor of Education. Jessica is in the Early Years stream and has a passion for working with young students at all levels. She studies piano at CMU with Tracey Regier Sawatzky. She has performed in various festivals across Manitoba as well as accompanied junior choirs in her hometown. Jessica has experience teaching in both a classroom setting as well as one-on-one in her own piano studio out of her home and at a studio at École Ste. Agathe. She taught in a bilingual classroom at École Héritage during her spare periods in high school, where she took on an internship with her music teacher, Liane Ouimet, learning important and fundamental teaching skills. She has experience working with students with special needs and at various developmental stages and is passionate about adapting lessons to best suit each student’s learning style. |
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Tadeusz Biernacki Tadeusz Biernacki was born in Czestochowa, Poland where he began his music education at the early age of four. He won the Karol Szymanowski competition in Warsaw in 1976 and earned his Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Conservatory of Music in Katowice in 1978. He has performed as a soloist in many European countries. Biernacki settled in Canada in 1978 and continued his piano studies with Marek Jablonski at the University of Manitoba and Banff School of Fine Arts and conducting with Stanislaw Skrowaczewski in Minneapolis. In 1983 he began his association with the Manitoba Opera (Assistant Music Director, Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master) in 1988 with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (Associate Music Director/Music Director) and in 2001 with Saskatoon Opera (Music Director). He made his conducting debut with Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra in 1992 and has since conducted orchestras across the world including Vancouver, Regina, Toronto, Montreal, National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Grand Forks Symphony, Tessaloniki State Orchestra (Greece), Kaohsiung City Symphony Orchestra (Taiwan), and Hong Kong Sinfonietta. He also conducted world premieres of RWB's Nutcracker, Moulin Rouge, Wonderland, Svengali, Princess and the Goblin, The Handmaid's Tale, Going Home Star, and Vespers. His last CD recording, the soundtrack to "Going Home Star" with Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra has been awarded a 2017 Juno Award as the Best Classical Album of the Year – Large Ensemble. Biernacki has branched out into composition with his one act opera "Happy Campers" composed for the Manitoba Opera School Tour and "Charlies Kreuzfahrt", ballet commissioned for Stadtische Theater Chemnitz in Germany. |
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Liam Berry Liam Berry is a composer of film, game, media, and classical music from Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has collaborated with creatives at home and abroad, most recently with Folks Films on their shorts Phenomena, and Songs from a Box. His music will be heard in numerous upcoming projects such as Anti-Body, directed by Cam Patterson, and Seaside Parcel by local game developer Kyle Schmitz. He has led workshops on composition, improvisation, and music theory with the Winnipeg Film Group, Winnipeg Early Music Society, and Independent Game Developers Association. In his teaching, he hopes to inspire fluency and a practical understanding of composition and theory, and help his students express themselves fully through the medium of music. |
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Kyle Cobb Living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Kyle Cobb has been learning from and creating with great musicians from a young age. Having developed an appreciation for Jazz and American music, Kyle earned his Bachelors of Jazz Performance at the University of Manitoba. Kyle has taught privately as well as in studios for over 10 years. Additionally, he has taught at the university level and has helped many students successfully audition for post secondary music programs. As a teacher Kyle seeks to help each student appreciate music not only as a study and a craft, but as an artform and vehicle for self expression. |
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Crizelyn Cubol Crizelyn Cubol has been teaching Music for Young Children for seven years. She is dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of aspiring pianists and allowing her students to explore their creativity and expressiveness. Crizelyn is a music teacher in a Montessori school and has produced and choreographed several musicals and shows within the community. Her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and background in psychiatric nursing allow her to connect with students of all backgrounds. Having worked with children who live with autism, attention deficit disorders, and students who are hard of hearing, she has seen firsthand how valuable music education can be to everyone of all ages. She hopes to combine all her skills and abilities to become a music therapist one day. |
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Riley Dyck Riley is a passionate Winnipeg-based musician who loves engaging in music in a variety of ways, including playing piano, composing and arranging, listening to music, and singing. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance from Canadian Mennonite University studying under Shirley Elias, and a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Piano Performance from the University of Manitoba under Dr. Darryl Friesen. He has also had formal training in voice and composition. During his studies at CMU, Riley placed 2nd in the Verna Mae Janzen Music Competition. Further, he has thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with many types of musicians and groups, from vocalists and choirs to instrumentalists and chamber ensembles. As a teacher, Riley is passionate about music coming alive to his students, and loves to help others be inspired. |
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Cheryl Ferguson Cheryl Ferguson received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (French horn) and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Mary (Bismarck, ND). She has also done graduate work at Southern Oregon University, and has earned a Master in Curriculum Studies (Music Education) at Acadia University (Nova Scotia). Cheryl has taught music at every level, including K-6 general music classes, nine years running junior high band programs, and has been in her current position as Director of Bands at Fort Richmond Collegiate since 2006. Cheryl has completed the Canadian Wind Conductor's Development Program Levels I and II. She is active as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor, including conducting the 2010 Manitoba Junior Provincial Honour Band, the 2017 Manitoba Intermediate Honour Band, many regional Honour Bands across the Prairies. She has adjudicated at festivals across the prairie provinces and in North Dakota (including the Manitoba Band Association Level One Festival). The Fort Richmond Collegiate band program, under Cheryl's direction, was awarded the Don Green Award at the 2011 Optimist Band Festival in Winnipeg. In 2013, Cheryl received the Manitoba Band Association Award of Distinction recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to music education in Manitoba. In 2014, she received the I. Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director Award, national recognition given to one band director in Canada per year. Cheryl continues to perform with the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble and the Cambridge Brass Quintet. She is also the conductor of the Westwood Community Band and has conducted the Adult Advanced Band at International Music Camp. |
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Darryl Ferguson Darryl Ferguson received a Bachelor of Music (Applied Trumpet) from Brandon University, a Master's of Music (Trumpet Performance) from the University of South Florida, and a Bachelor of Education (After Degree) from the University of Manitoba. He currently teaches at Acadia Junior High School in Winnipeg where he directs three concert bands and a jazz ensemble. Under his direction, the Acadia band program consistently receives recognition for outstanding performance at festivals across western Canada and the northern United States. The school's ensembles regularly achieve superior ratings for their festival performances. As a trumpet player, Darryl's major private teachers include Henry Christian, Alan Ehnes, and Jay Coble. He has also worked in lessons and/or masterclasses with Vincent Cichowicz, Don Owens, Larry Knopp, James Thompson, Laurie Frink, John McNeil, and Ray Sasaki. He has performed with the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble, the Winnipeg Brass Quintet, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and the Cambridge Brass Quintet. Darryl is active as an adjudicator, guest conductor, clinician, and freelance trumpet player. He also serves as a sessional instructor and applied trumpet teacher at Canadian Mennonite University. He also is the conductor of the Rupertsland Brass Band (www.rupertslandbrass.ca) |
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Madeleine Friesen Madeleine Friesen holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Canadian Mennonite University as well as a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Toronto. She has been teaching piano since 2011, and enjoys working with students from elementary through post-secondary levels. Madeleine works at finding each student's individual learning style, determining and working toward each student’s goals in learning the piano, and facilitating an enjoyment of music through playful and engaging instruction. Her approach to teaching and learning piano encompasses playing, composing, improvisation, and other musical skills, and she strives to develop these skills through a wide variety of repertoire, including classical, contemporary, cinematic, and popular music. Madeleine has always enjoyed making music with others, and encourages her students to cultivate joy through making music at the piano. |
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Naomi Friesen, Music Therapist Accredited (MTA) Naomi has been providing music therapy for older adults around Winnipeg since early 2022. She presents personalized music as a communicator, connector and a portrayal of one’s unique self. Naomi seeks to highlight every person’s strengths within the safety of the therapeutic relationship. |
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Cassidy Hall My name is Cassidy Hall and I am so excited to begin my MYC journey this fall! I strongly I will be teaching Music for Young Children at the Canadian Mennonite University starting in |
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Rebecca Harder Rebecca Harder is very passionate about teaching and performing music. She is a graduate of CMBC and University of Manitoba. Rebecca has taught elementary music in the Seven Oaks School Division as a full time music teacher, and for the last few years as a substitute. Rebecca is an active member of the Canadian folk group House of Doc. She has performed in this capacity across Canada, and in the United States and Europe. Rebecca is an energetic and caring teacher. Her goal is to instill the love of music in young children. Rebecca believes in learning through experience and play and she is very excited to teach Music for Kids this fall. |
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William Harder William Harder is currently studying music at CMU. He has been playing the violin since age five, and studies with Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Gwen Hoebig. He has played in the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra, and has held the position of Assistant Concertmaster. William has been playing in the Winnipeg Music Festival for many years, and has played in numerous trophy classes including the Aikins Memorial Trophy. In 2018, he was the winner of the intermediate instrumentalist category for the MRMTA Scholarship Competition. In addition, he has attended Rosamunde Summer Music Academy for four years, and has attended Valhalla Summer School of Music. A lover of many kinds of music, William plays many instruments in addition to violin. He plays guitar, piano, saxophone, electric bass, and has sung in many choirs over the years. His wide range of musical interests include classical, jazz, progressive rock, and metal. William has worked for Camps with Meaning (Camps Assiniboia and Koinonia) for four years where he has led singing, accompanied songs on guitar, and been a counsellor. William is excited to share his passion for music with others. |
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Katy Hedalen Shariff Katy has a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from University of British Columbia and a Masters of Music in Vocal performance and Pedagogy from University of Colorado at Boulder. Originally from Vancouver, Katy has been teaching individual and group singing lessons for the past 15 years. She has a varied performing history (jazz, blues, pop, opera, classical, and musical theatre) and loves learning new repertoire. Her latest personal project is accompanying herself on the ukulele, as well as learning Bach Cantatas. She is dedicated to teaching efficient, easy vocal technique in a variety of vocal styles. |
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Alyssa Hildebrand Alyssa Hildebrand recently completed a Master of Music in Literature and Performance at Western University, studying with Jackalyn Short. She completed her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance at Canadian Mennonite University, studying with David Klassen. Alyssa grew up in rural Manitoba, and was given many opportunities to grow her artistry through local productions and festivals. In 2018 Alyssa performed the role of Barbarina in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro through Accademia Europea Dell'Opera in Italy. She has been the finalist in several music competitions, including the Verna Mae Janzen Competition and Winnipeg's Tudor bowl. Past roles include Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Bastienne in Bastien und Bastienne, and understudying the role of Anne Page in the Merry Wives of Windsor. In addition to Alyssa's passion for music performance, she has a deep love for vocal pedagogy. She has a keen interest in the workings of the vocal mechanism, and how to use this knowledge to help others become better performers. Over the past few years, Alyssa has enjoyed teaching voice students at different levels both privately and through institutions such as the Ontario Mennonite Music Camp. She is thrilled to be connecting with new students through CSMA, and helping them to learn how to use their voices to create beautiful music! |
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Everett Hopfner Everett Hopfner is not a harmonium player. However, if you need a harmonium player, you’re in luck: he’ll probably say yes. An enthusiastic explorer of the piano (or whichever keyboard instrument happens to be nearest), Everett’s performances exude joy and intention, qualities he translates to his roles as teacher, administrator, advocate, and life-long learner. Everett’s reputation as a generous, thoughtful, and brilliantly skilled player continues to grow. His openness and penchant for musical risk-taking has led to many collaborations with composers and artistic peers. Delighted audiences have found him strumming piano strings surrounded by whale skeletons in Frankfurt’s Senckenberg Museum, tinkling away at the jeu de timbres on tour with the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, performing on cathedral steps under the stars as a collaborative pianist for Casalmaggiore International Music Festival in Italy, touring across Canada as a winner of the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, and illuminated by a pulsating light installation alongside the Assiniboine River as part of Winnipeg’s Nuit Blanche. Everett is an active piano teacher in high demand for workshops, masterclasses, adjudication, and summer festivals. He facilitates meaningful experiences by asking questions, embracing challenges, and developing goal-oriented, student-centred learning processes. Everett lives for the “lightbulb moments” -- instants where his students find clarity or realize a musical wish -- and works tirelessly to break down barriers to musical participation and understanding still enduring in traditional institutions. Everett has contributed to his artistic community as a board member for the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals, and the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers' Association, and previously served as Director of the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music at Brandon University. He is based in Winnipeg. |
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Rick Klassen Richard Klassen, a native of Winnipeg, is both a clarinetist and a clarinet instructor. He holds a music performance degree from the University of Toronto. He has studied clarinet in Chicago, USA with Larry Coombs and in Paris, France with Yona Ettlinger under a Canada Council grant. Richard played clarinet in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for forty years. His hobbies include traveling, painting, reading, woodworking, and spending time at the cottage. Richard has been active in the Manitoba music community for decades. |
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Jesse Krause Jesse Krause is a dynamic musician and dedicated educator based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He holds a Master of Music in Composition from the University of Manitoba (2022) and a Bachelor's of Music with an emphasis on music education from the Canadian Mennonite University (2010). Krause has over a decade of experience as a guitar teacher and choral conductor, nurturing musical talent and creativity in his students. Since 2011, he has provided private instruction in guitar, bass, cello, and ukulele at the Canadian Mennonite University Community School of Music and the Arts. He has also led workshops in instrument-building and graphic score writing at the University of Manitoba and co-taught the enriched high school program Quantum at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Passionate about inspiring young minds, Krause enjoys working with kids in various educational settings. His teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity and exploration, fostering a love for music in his students. As an experienced songwriter, Krause brings a wealth of knowledge to his students, encouraging them to express themselves through original compositions. Krause's background as an experienced touring musician, notably with the bands Flying Fox and the Hunter Gatherers, and House of Doc, enriches his teaching with practical performance insights. His multifaceted career underscores his commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and a deep appreciation for music in his students. |
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Megan Krause Since completing her BFA Honours at the University of Manitoba in 2011, Megan has held a studio practice in the Exchange District, at which she experiments with different paint mediums to create surreal landscapes both personal and political. She has received several grants, residencies and awards and has exhibited her work across Canada. In addition to teaching at CMU CSMA, she has taught a variety of mediums to both adults and children at Forum Art Centre, the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Children's Museum. Megan is represented by Galerie D'Este in Montreal. Examples of her work can be found on her website: megandkrause.com. |
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Paul Levasseur Paul Levasseur's unique and diverse musical background directly shapes his teaching style. As a multi-instrumentalist and a multi-genre specialist, Paul has worked with classical and pop music repertoire. His ability to play by ear and to learn from rote yields a broad perspective which has proven useful in helping students find their way as performers—one of his passions. As a cellist, Paul studied with Yuri Hooker of the WSO as well as Professor Eric Wilson at UBC where he learned about conceptualizing movement and how it relates to a stringed instrument. In lessons, the physicality of playing is addressed through technique focused instruction. This approach engenders relaxed movement patterns which then develops fluid and pain free playing; a plus for students wanting a long career as a cellist. As a performer, Paul has done studio work on cello and played CD release parties for bands. He also leads worship at his church where he plays electric guitar and cello. As a composer, Paul is interested in unlocking a unique understanding of music beyond simply playing repertoire. He believes it is beneficial for students to approach instruments from a creative paradigm as well. In addition to using proven and effective pedagogical programs for teaching, Paul often reinforces lessons with customized arrangements created specifically for the student. He has composed original works for students to perform on recitals; a tradition which they value greatly! As a professional, Paul composes concert music for students and world class performers; creates scores for live action and animated film; and composes music tracks for videogame OSTs. BMUS, Composition; Minor in Cello Performance MMUS, Composition; Minor in Cello Performance DMA, Composition |
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Anna Martens Anna is currently in their final year of study in the Bachelor of Music Education program |
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Mila Prysiazhniuk Mila Prysiazhniuk has been teaching violin and piano for more than 8 years, with teaching experience in Ukraine, China and Canada. She graduated from the Kharkiv National I.P. Kotlyarevsky University of Arts with a Master's degree in the field of Musical Art. Mila's loves teaching children, leading them into the wonderful world of musical art. Her goal is to inspire children to be creative, to give them the opportunity for early and harmonious development. Music education stimulates intellectual and creative abilities, as well as strengthens emotional health and develops a child's willpower. Classes are designed not only to develop musical abilities, but also to enrich the child's inner world, helping him to become a self-confident person. MIla has a non-standard approach to each child, because each child is individual, taking into account the age, psychological characteristics and temperament of your child. Lessons mix different techniques from music schools, and use creativity to achieve results. In the lessons, we learn to understand music, learn musical notation. Through music we also get to know composers, study interesting facts from their biography, thus forming an idea of ??different styles in music. Students musical preferences are taken into account and we can compose a favorite melody by ear, thus improving the skills of intonation and improvising music. The main message of Mila's lessons is that a music lesson is a pleasant pastime and the discovery of a new world of impressions. |
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Melanie Matheson Melanie Matheson is a Winnipeg-based paper artist and sculptor, currently completing her Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Manitoba. She works with children often, encouraging experimentation and confidence in their creative instincts. |
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Andrew Morican Andrew is a seasoned string specialist and teaches violin, viola, fiddle, and composition. His students have appeared on Breakfast Television, achieved gold in the Manitoba Music Festival, performed with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and in Winnipeg's Folklorama. His pedagogical approach incorporates all styles of music enabling students to maximize playing time and remove the redundancy and repetition from practice time! Andrew is the electric violinist of Andrew & Andrew the violin and keyboard duo, the original exponents of great classic rock on classical instruments, in Canada. As a classical performer Andrew was a founding member of the Brandon Chamber Players and has performed with the Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Regina, and Saskatoon Symphony Orchestras. He is also the founder and leader of Stringbahn, a string chamber ensemble. |
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Georg Neuhofer Georg Neuhofer is from Inglis, Manitoba and has been playing piano since he was six years old. Georg has played at local and provincial festivals many times, attaining first place at the provincial festival in 2012 and placing four other times. Prior to coming to CMU, Georg completed his RCM Grade 10 in piano while studying with Penny Menzies. He is currently in his third of studies pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a concentration in the Senior Instrumental stream. Georg is studying classical piano under Shirley Elias and was awarded second place in CMU’s Verna Mae Janzen competition in 2021. He enjoys collaborating with vocalists as well as instrumentalists and has accompanied vocalists at several festivals. Georg also plays the alto sax in CMU’s community concert band and jazz band. Whether students are in a small rural school or a large urban school, Georg is passionate about all students having the opportunity to develop their musical skills in a variety of contexts. He also believes music can play a part in helping students become well-rounded and fulfilled people. |
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Judith Oatway Soprano, Judith Oatway completed her Masters of Music in Voice from the University of Western Ontario in London and her Bachelor of Music from Brandon University. She has performed with The Little Opera Company, Kitchener Opera, Flipside Opera, Manitoba Underground Opera and with the Winnipeg Gilbert & Sullivan Society. In addition to teaching, Judith is an active Festival adjudicator in Voice and Speech Arts. She is an active member of the Manitoba Chapter of NATS(National Association of Teachers of Singing). Judith is proud to be a part of the teaching faculty at both Canadian Mennonite University, University of Manitoba and the Community School of Music & the Arts. She is committed to sharing her knowledge of singing and performance to students in a supportive and encouraging environment. She has successfully prepared students for university auditions and examinations and loves to help students accomplish goals big and small. |
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Tayah Plett Tayah Plett is currently studying music at Canadian Mennonite University and plans to graduate with a degree in Music Therapy. She has loved making music since she was little. Tayah studied both piano and cello at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music for several years before moving to private teacher’s Leanne Regehr Lee, Karen Erhardt, and Natalie Dawe to further advance her skills. Throughout high school, Tayah was part of the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra with conductor Andrea Bell and was also part of Pembina Trails Voices’ choirs with conductor’s Valdine Anderson and Michael Dueck. She has been a student at multiple summer camps including Cadenza Summer Music Week, and she currently pursues her passion for music education through her growing collection of private piano students as well as cello students. In her last year of high school, Tayah performed with Toronto based composer, sound designer, and music director Michael Doherty in Winnipeg Jewish Theatre’s production of The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk. Tayah currently studies cello with Emma Quackenbush and looks forward to doing more collaborative music-making as well as teaching throughout and after her degree. |
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Mikhail Pokhanovski Mikhail Pokhanovski began his musical studies at the age of 5 with his uncle Lev Zaides. He studied in Central Music School for gifted children in Moscow from 1981 to 1985. Then entered The State Moscow Conservatory where he studied with Prof. Fyodor Druzhinin. He graduated it receiving the Master degree with honors in 1990. Mikhail was a member of the first Russian-American orchestra, which had a tour in US, Soviet Union and Europe. From 1988 to 1990 he was a member of the State Symphony Orchestra of USSR under conductor Vassily Sinaisky. In 1990 Mikhail was accepted in St. Louis “Solisti dal Mondo” program under Prof. Taras Gabora. From 1992 to 1997 he was a principal violist in McGill Chamber Orchestra in Montreal under direction of Alexander Brott. In 1993 Mikhail was a winner of “Debut” series in Montreal which followed by his CBC recital. In 1995 he took part in European tour with “I Musici de Montreal” under Yuli Turovsky. From 1992 to 1997 he was a member of the Joachim quartet which toured with numerous concerts and CBC broadcasts in Quebec and Ontario. In 1992-1997 he gave numerous performances in “Allegra” chamber music series with violinists Vladimir Landsman, Richard Roberts, cellist Marcel St. Cyr. From 1997 Mikhail was an Artist-in-Residence at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan. Since then he gave numerous concerts in Michigan area, took part in “Virtuosi” international chamber music series in Frankfurt, Germany, in Kitchener Waterloo, “Virtuosi” and “Groundswell” music series in Winnipeg, Brandon Chamber Players, and was a part of the Minnetoba Piano Quintet on a tour in Minnesota. He frequently performs in his brother’s series “Oleg and Friends” as a chamber musician. In 2004 Mikhail joined the Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba as an adjunct professor. |
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Meagan Reimer Canadian vocalist, Meagan Reimer, returned to her home province of southern Manitoba in late 2020 after almost ten years performing as a classical vocalist in Toronto, southern Ontario, and Europe. Meagan holds a Bachelor of Music from Canadian Mennonite University, and Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Vocal Performance from the University of Manitoba Desautels Faculty of Music. Meagan has been a featured soloist in a broad range of repertoire from jazz and musical theatre to art song, but primarily as a classical soloist. She has been a featured oratorio soloist and a regular classical soloist with several indie opera companies based in Toronto such as Opera by Request, Toronto Operetta Theatre, Voicebox Opera in Concert, Opera Sustenida, Tapestry Opera, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, York University and the Talisker Players. Meagan was a finalist of the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra Clifford Poole Vocal Competition in Toronto, and a semi-finalist of the Doris MacLellan Competition in Winnipeg. She made her European musical debut in Berlin, Germany at the Knutson Studio presenting favourites of the French and Canadian art song repertoire, and in early 2020 sang a gut-wrenching Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, in Germany. Now based in Manitoba, Meagan has appeared semi-regularly with Winnipeg-based, Flipside Opera and with Manitoba Underground Opera. She often travels back to Toronto for collaborative projects, such as with Opera Revue and Opera by Request. OBR’s 2023 production of Rossini’s rarely performed Otello garnered accolades where her performance “impressed as Desdemona” (John Gilks, Opera Ramblings) and “…reminding me of Joan Sutherland in her secure pitch and focus, with precisely accurate colouratura” (Leslie Barcza, Barcza Blog). Meagan focuses her teaching on body awareness, healthy vocalizing for all styles of music, and how singing teaches us about awareness and beauty in our every day lives. |
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Tracey Regier Sawatzky Tracey is currently a piano instructor at Canadian Mennonite University, the Community School of Music and the Arts, and previously at Providence University College. She has been an avid piano and theory instructor over the last twenty years, maintaining large teaching studios in her home in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Champaign, Illinois, Bluffton, Ohio, and Paraguay. She has also developed a career adjudicating, giving masterclasses and accompanying a variety of soloists and choirs. After winning the Saskatchewan Valley Rose Bowl as a young pianist, Tracey moved to Winnipeg to attend Canadian Mennonite Bible College where she received her Bachelor's in Church Music, Piano Performance. She continued her piano studies in Waterloo, ON, receiving her Honours Bachelor of Music with High Distinction in Piano Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University. Former teachers include Kathleen Bender, Jean Broadfoot, Marjorie Beckett, and Jamie Parker. Tracey also studied vocal and instrumental accompanying with Beth Ann de Sousa and Leslie De'Ath, as well as piano pedagogy at the Beckett School of Music in Ontario. Tracey's students have achieved top honours with the Royal Conservatory of Music in piano and theory examinations and have won at the Piano Concerto Competition held annually by the University of Manitoba Preparatory Studies. At Canadian Mennonite University, Tracey teaches piano and tutors keyboard skills. At Providence, Tracey taught piano and keyboard skills, coached instrumental ensembles and was the administrator for the Providence Performing Arts School. Tracey is an active member of the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers Association, the Canadian Music Teacher's Association, and is an active adjudicator with the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals. When Tracey is not teaching or accompanying, she spends her time travelling, gardening, and spending time with her husband, David, and daughter Mikayla. |
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Tuesday Royko Tuesday Royko received her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance (Distinction) from McGill University. Further studies lead her to Italy where she began her career in opera, musical theatre, radio and film. While in Italy, she also taught privately and in the public school system where she pioneered an integrated English and Music program for elementary school children. After returning to Canada, her focus turned to teaching. She accepts students of all ages, levels and abilities from children to seniors. Her area of expertise includes opera, musical theatre, classical and other styles. She has prepared countless students for music examinations, performances, festivals, competitions, auditions and University entrance. Many of her students have been recipients of awards, scholarships and trophies and have advanced into music programs at the University level with careers in opera, musical theatre, film and television. Tuesday has a unique and customized approach to vocal training to meet the individual needs of each student. She believes in uncovering each student's individual learning style and works to motivate and build confidence in singing, technique and performance. |
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Brenda Schellenberg Brenda Schellenberg brings extensive vocal and choral experience to her involvement with the Community School of Music and the Arts (CSMA). She has taught private voice instruction for nearly 20 years with elementary, junior high, high school, and adult singers. Brenda earned a Bachelor of Church Music (Voice and Conducting) from Canadian Mennonite Bible College (1980), a Bachelor of Music (Honours Voice) from Wilfrid Laurier University (1985) and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario (1986). She brings significant choral experience and a love for singing to her interaction with young people and adults. |
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Anna Schwartz Anna Schwartz is originally from Fort Frances, ON and is currently completing a Bachelor of Music at CMU with concentrations in piano performance and choral education. She studies piano with Shirley Elias, and her previous piano teachers include Joe Belanger and Loren Hiebert. Anna has also studied voice with David Klassen and has participated in multiple choirs and ensembles, including the CMU Festival Chorus and the Southern Manitoba Choral Society. She has completed examinations through the Royal Conservatory of Music for ARCT Keyboard Harmony, Grade X Voice, and ARCT Piano Performance, earning a provincial Gold Medal for her voice exam mark. Anna has taught piano for four years, and her students have earned top marks in local music festivals, as well as completed exams through the Royal Conservatory of Music with honourable results. Her teaching philosophy looks to view music education as a method of growth and discovery. As a hopeful future medical student, she believes that the skills acquired in music lessons are applicable to any area of life, from learning self-discipline as a student to developing multi-tasking skills for a future career. Anna has worked in children’s programming, particularly through her summer positions at the Fort Frances Public Library which involved facilitating music and science programs to help children explore the world around them. Anna has also accompanied voice and instrumental students at both the local and provincial level, and she greatly enjoys the process of working with students to further their knowledge and love of music. |
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Kurt Tittlemier Kurt Tittlemier is an award winning guitarist and native of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kurt's career has encompassed performance, teaching and arts administration. As a performer he has appeared as both a soloist and chamber musician. Past collaborations include performances with west coast virtuoso Dr. Alexander Dunn, members of the Winnipeg Symphony, and multi-media artist Freya Olafson. Kurt is a passionate teacher who believes each student has potential for self expression through music. Many of Kurt's students have been recognized in competitions including the Winnipeg Classical Guitar Scholarship (2010), and the Canwest Jazz scholarship (2010). Kurt holds a Masters of Music degree from the University of Victoria (2004), and has served as a clinician/adjudicator for the Brandon Festival of Arts and the University of Manitoba Preparatory Division enrichment program. |
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Rebekah Wiebe Rebekah Wiebe is a dedicated student and piano teacher currently in her third year of pursuing a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree at Canadian Mennonite University. With over a decade of piano experience, she has actively worked with children in diverse educational environments, including assisting teachers with classroom management, providing one-on-one support, and teaching small groups. Her passion for music therapy is deeply rooted in growing up with a sister with special needs, inspiring her to create inclusive and therapeutic musical experiences. Rebekah's commitment to personal growth and excellence is evident as she works towards completing her Grade 10 piano with the Royal Conservatory of Music. She approaches her teaching with an open mindset, always willing to learn, adapt, and grow. She understands that every individual possesses different musical goals, learning styles, and preferences, and she is dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters their growth. Beyond her teaching endeavours, Rebekah has also served as an accompanist for school concerts, demonstrating her ability to support young performers and create engaging musical experiences. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing students' development and her expertise as a pianist make her a valuable asset in their musical journey. Recognized for her notable musical performances, Rebekah has received awards in fine arts competitions in both elementary and high school. Rebekah's ultimate goal is to equip students with comprehensive musicianship, nurturing their development into well-rounded performers. With her enthusiasm, adaptability, and commitment to individualized teaching, she strives to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that fosters growth and musical expression in her students. |
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