Meet Our Team
We are a dedicated group of teachers who are passionate about helping you pursue learning and exploring the piano. We want to journey with you as you discover the limitless world of musical expression.
Colette Hennebury Director, Piano Colette Hennebury
Colette has been teaching piano since 2009 and has worked with students ages 3.5 to adult. She has completed the Royal Conservatory of Music's (RCM) Elementary and Intermediate Piano Pedagogy certificates, as well as the Advanced Piano Specialist Training through the RCM. She enjoys working with students who wish to excel in RCM exams. Currently, Colette is practicing and preparing for both the ARCT diplomas in Piano Pedagogy and Piano Performance, and has completed theory courses (History, Counterpoint) at the ARCT level. She welcomes students of all skill levels, and loves seeing her students develop confidence as they master their favourite pieces and develop into well-rounded musicians! Her favourite composer to play is currently Nikolai Medtner. When she is not teaching piano, Colette enjoys practicing the piano, spending time with her husband and cat, learning to play the saxophone, and researching pedagogy topics. 
Cherry Lee Piano Cherry LEe
Cherry has been teaching piano and theory part-time since 2005. She has worked with students ranging from ages 4 to 60. She enjoys helping students recognize the benefits of engaging in music and believes music aids in brain development. This is especially true when using your eyes, ears, voice, hands and feet when playing piano! Cherry has completed her Grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) as well as music history, rudiments and harmony. She is passionate about teaching and hopes to help others love it too. On her own time, Cherry enjoys playing the piano, listening to songs of different eras, baking and reading non-fiction. 
Bethany Koepke Piano Bethany Koepke
Bethany has been teaching piano for 9 years. Her passion for teaching students of all ages stems from her early piano education. Beginning at the ripe age of 4, Bethany worked through the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) levels. Finishing with the practical exam of her Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT), she has her Grade 10 certificate as well as her Advanced Rudiments and Intermediate History and Theory Certificates. Not only does she enjoy the complexity of Beethoven and Brahms, Bethany has dabbled with learning the flute and is swiftly falling in love with the ukulele. Her favourite part of teaching is seeing how proud her students are when they perform at recitals, as well as watching them having fun during lessons. 
Ellen Ji Piano Ellen Ji
Ellen started playing piano when she was six. She loved the beautiful sound of music but not as much as her daily practice on the piano. She became fascinated with playing piano when she discovered that it could help her create any popular songs she wanted on the piano just by memorizing the melody. Through years of playing and practicing piano, Ellen became skillful in playing both classical and popular songs. She completed the Shanghai Musicians Associate Grade 10 Piano Certificate and the Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 7 Piano Certificate. She is enthusiastic and loves to see her students grow in joy and success while mastering great pieces of music written by famous composers like Chopin and Beethoven. She also loves helping her students learn their favourite popular songs as well. Playing piano isn't the only expression of her love for music, she also enjoys playing and learning flute and clarinet when she is not working. 
Gabriele Roccella Piano Gabriele Roccella
Gabriele’s passion for music originated just about when he was a toddler, requesting to watch Disney’s “Fantasia” on a daily basis. He fell in love with the piano and in 2011 he obtained the 10-year Diploma in Piano Performance from the Conservatory of Palermo (his hometown) in Italy, with all the required complementary subjects (Solfeggio, History of Music, Harmony & Analysis). He performed numerous recitals both as a soloist and in chamber music ensembles, and was awarded bursaries during master-classes with internationally renowned teachers. His enthusiasm for sharing learning experiences led him to complete a 2-year training as a Teaching Assistant in the same Music Conservatory, working with students of all levels. He is also extremely fond of progressive rock and various other genres, and thinks of music as a never-ending universe of opportunities for discovering one’s self and building relationships with other people. He is an all-round keyboard-instruments enthusiast and has dabbled with the harpsichord, while having fun with synthesizers as well. While he loves J. S. Bach, Beethoven, Skrjabin and Liszt, he enjoys far too many other composers to mention. He moved to Calgary in 2016 as a PhD student in Greek and Roman Studies at UofC, pursuing his interest for these ancient societies. 
Megan Maller Piano Megan Maller
Megan first began playing piano at the age of 7 and has had a continued passion for learning and developing her musical talents. Megan has completed her grade 8 RCM including her advanced rudiments. In addition to learning and playing the piano, Megan also enjoys playing the trumpet, guitar and the ukulele. Megan is continuing her study of music and passion for teaching through her educational pursuits at the University of Calgary, where she is enrolled in the bachelor of education and music program. Megan loves a wide variety of musical genres. However, she has a particular passion for jazz, classical piano and Broadway show tunes. 
Xinran Zhang Piano Xinran Zhang
Xinran has been in love with piano music since the age of 5 and has since been playing piano ever since. She earned her Grade 10 RCM certificate with the completion of Advanced Theory as well as Intermediate Harmony and History while she was in junior high school. Outside of piano performance, Xinran has volunteered as an accompanist for a choir group at the Sonata Music School. Xinran finds great joy in working with children of all ages regardless of whether they want to follow the RCM curriculum of their own direction - or both! Watching her students work hard and take pride in their achievements is the most fulfilling part of teaching for her! She secretly adores duets and music from the Romantic era and would be ecstatic to play alongside her students. 
Jennifer Merrill Piano Jennifer Merrill
Jennifer started playing piano at the age of 5, flute at age 12, and clarinet and saxophone in University. She completed her RCM 8 in piano and has her Bachelor of Music degree from Brock University. Jennifer has been teaching for 16 years and has played in various community groups and as a solo musician. Her other interests include travelling, hiking, and camping! 
Tarryn Raju Piano Drums Tarryn Raju
Tarryn grew up in South Africa, which is where her love for music began. She started playing piano when she was 7 years old, following the Trinity College (London) Syllabus. She has completed her Grade 8 Piano, Grade 7 Voice, Grade 5 Drum Kit and Grade 6 Theory examinations through Trinity College. She has been involved in various Jazz ensembles and has regularly played piano and lead worship since the age of 14. After graduating, she went on to study her Bachelors and Honors degrees in Education, specializing in Foundation Phase (K-3). After teaching for 5 years in a classroom (with a few private piano students in the afternoon), she decided to pursue her passion for music once more. She started working in a school teaching music (piano, class music, singing, and marimba) for the past 3 years. Her marimba ensemble went on to win various awards across East London, including the Ultimate Performer 2017 and Best Marimba band at the Port Rex Lions Eisteddfod. She has also conducted mass school music festivals involving over 15 schools. Tarryn enjoys playing board games and travelling in her spare time, and is excited to start this new adventure in Calgary! 
Adam Hennebury Admin Adam Hennebury
Adam Hennebury manages everything administrative! From hiring and writing hundreds of emails, to marketing and making sure there is an endless supply of snacks and coffee at recitals, he is an integral member of our team. |
Gabriella Hsu Piano Gabriella Hsu
Gabriella transitioned her career from accounting to teaching piano to better align with her values and passion for music. Her experience includes teaching piano to children from 2005 to 2007 and she started teaching again at the beginning of 2016. She finds it fulfilling to watch her students grow in their excitement and experience of music. Gabriella studied music in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and completed Grade 9 Piano, and Grade 9 Harmony and History. She wishes to further pursue the piano pedagogy certificate program with the RCM to strive for excellence in teaching. Gabriella enjoys improvising and re-creating songs on the piano, jamming on the guitar with friends, learning new instruments, and going to music festivals and concerts. 
Amanda Chen
Piano
Amanda Chen Piano Amanda Chen
Music has been a major part of Amanda’s life since she was five years old. She has completed her Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance, including all the theory corequisites (History 3, Counterpoint and Analysis), obtaining RCM Gold Medals in Grades 3, 6, 7, and 10 along the way. She has performed numerous times at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival, and was featured in the RCM Pop-Up recitals leading up to the 2016 Juno Awards. A fan of Fauré, she welcomes students of all ages and abilities, and is well-versed in the rigorous RCM curriculum. She is passionate about teaching as a means of sharing her love of music. Outside of teaching, Amanda is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Calgary, and also enjoys playing the saxophone, paintball, doing yoga, and travelling in her spare time. 
Davis Pham Piano Davis Pham
Davis began playing piano at the age of 8 and has now completed Grade 8 RCM Piano, Theory, and History. Through the years, Davis has participated in numerous competitions and performances, and has even received scholarships from esteemed adjudicators such as Chuck Cave. Other instruments Davis has played include the flute, violin, cello and vocals as a member of the University of Alberta Concert Choir. Davis has been teaching piano for 3 years, but has plenty of teaching experience to all ages from teaching Taekwondo. Davis has a great passion for teaching and hopes to someday continue this pursuit at the post-secondary level. In his spare time, Davis enjoys listening to music of various genres, and playing the sport of Airsoft. 
Cynthia Kwan Piano Cynthia Kwan
Since the age of 6 years, Cynthia has been following the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) curriculum and is currently working on her ARCT (Associate of The Royal Conservatory) Performer’s Diploma. She has completed and received all theory certificates from the RCM and achieved First Class Honors with Distinction for both Intermediate and Advanced History. She aims to convey the enjoyment of piano to her students while instilling in them strong techniques and musicality for this charming instrument. Beyond her life as a pianist and piano teacher she enjoys strumming a few chords on the guitar, increasing her knowledge in literature or just hanging around with her beloved canine. 
Michelle Mak Piano Michelle Mak
Michelle has been playing piano since she was 7 years old and has competed in many Kiwanis Festivals and performances. She has completed her Grade 8 RCM Piano and Grade 9 Theory. She is beginning her fourth year of teaching and has developed a passion in seeing her students fall in love with the music they play. Besides teaching piano, Michelle enjoys playing with dogs and travelling. 
Rachel Kreyner Piano Rachel Kreyner
Rachel Kreyner is a versatile performer, accompanist and piano teacher with nearly a decade of experience teaching privately and accompanying for children’s musical-theatre and ballet schools, as well as University of Calgary ensembles. An active collaborative artist, she played for the U of C women’s chamber choir and the U of C orchestra in 2015, as well as being part of the U of C Klezmer/Global Village band from 2015- 2017. She also regularly collaborates with CPO-tenured instrumentalists, most recently with cellist David Morrissey and violinist Theresa Lane. Rachel yearly assists students with juries, auditions, CMC, RCM exams and entries in the RBC concerto competition. In the summer, she is the Musical director at the Calgary Actor’s Studio, performing over seven musical theatre productions (in the space of five weeks) with students ages 10-18. She has performed in masterclasses held by the Honens and Pro Musica societies, as well as premiering new works for composers in the ‘Happening’ concert series. Various Canadian teachers shaped her piano technique, most notably: Professor Marilyn Engle, Ann Davidson and Irena Ginzburg. Rachel recently completed her Master’s in Performance at the University of Calgary with Professor Charles Foreman, studying jazz with Professor Sheldon Zandboer. She is also the holder of a Performer’s ARCT from the Royal Conservatory of Music and a combined Bachelor of Music (performance)/ English Honors degree from the University of Calgary. During her tenure at the University of Calgary, she received a variety of awards including a grant from Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Rachel’s teaching philosophy emphasizes balance between sight-based and sound-based methods of learning music, and tailoring lessons to the specific abilities and interests of her students. 
Sarah Clark Piano Sarah Clark
Sarah first began playing piano at 2 years old, and has a passion for learning new musical instruments. Sarah has completed her Grade 9 RCM, and is currently pursuing a degree in Vocal Performance and Piano Performance. Sarah has taught piano for 6 years and voice for 2. Sarah also enjoys playing guitar, bass, and the banjo. When not studying, Sarah enjoys composing her own songs. She would be happy to help her students with composition, and would be excited to see them excel and discover their own passion for making music. Sarah is currently on leave. 
Stephen Nguyen Piano Stephen Nguyen
Stephen Nguyen is establishing himself as one of Canada's most distinguished young musicians. Stephen began his studies at the Mount Royal Suzuki program at age 5, participated in the Advanced Performance Program at Mount Royal University (MRU), and has studied with numerous distinguished professors. Stephen has worked with students since 2012, and has also volunteered with the Best Buddies program and worked as an accompanist. Stephen's concert engagements included him performing at the Wyatt Recital Series in association with MRU, as well as the Feast of Sound and Song fundraiser. Stephen also performed in Montreal with the Appasionata Ochestra and was the winner of the Calgary Concerto Competition. There are many more! Stephen has been the winner of grants and scholarships for his musical achievements, and is passionate about being the best teacher he can be! 
Curtis Lo Piano Curtis Lo
Curtis started playing piano when he was 6. The art of music wasn’t really known or appreciated at first but he has since grown to love every aspect of it. He’s achieved his Grade 9 RCM Piano, with Harmony 3. He’s been teaching piano since 2013 and enjoys helping his students value music in both traditional and non-traditional ways. In addition to piano, he played the oboe in junior high and high school. He is a firm believer that hard work trumps talent. His love of music has brought him to the art of DJing and producing hip-hop and electronic dance music, which were mostly self-taught. Accordingly, these genres of music are his favourite, but he also enjoys listening to a wide variety of genres, including metal! He also enjoys jamming with people and playing with a local band. Outside of music, Curtis enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with friends, and learning new topics. |
Jaclyn Ruddy Piano Jaclyn Ruddy
Jaclyn's love for music spans a lifetime! She began playing piano when she was 5, and has achieved her Grade 9 RCM certificate with History 1 and Harmony 3, and Elementary Piano Specialist Designation. She is currently studying for her Grade 10 piano and enjoys helping her students succeed in RCM exams as well.. She has participated in Kiwanis Music Festivals and has traveled as far as Berlin, Germany as part of a choir. Jaclyn says, "As a child I was very high energy and always running around, the only time that I would sit still was in front of the piano. I loved practicing and performing for family and friends, and I’ve always had a passion for music and working through the Royal Conservatory Program. It provided me with structure and discipline through lessons, practicing and examinations. I had an amazing piano teacher growing up, she was definitely someone that helped mentor me, someone that helped shape me into the strong woman I am today. I want to share that with your children." Her favourite musical era is the romantic era, and Chopin is her favourite composer right now. In the summer, Jaclyn loves hiking and camping! 
Amanda Chen
Piano
Anna Ngo Piano Anna Ngo
Anna started playing piano at the age of 5 years old. She developed a lifelong passion for music. She is an continuous contributor to the music community by participating in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival annually since 2010 and has earned many certificates throughout the years. For her achievements she was a performer at the Calgary outstanding performers recital. Anna is has been following the Royal conservatory of music curriculum and is currently preparing for her level 10 practical exam. She has been teaching piano since 2015, and her approach to teaching is to have engaging lessons in a way that develops a lasting musical connection for her students. When she is not playing piano, she enjoys time with family and friends, baking and attempting to cook, and learning new instruments. 
Heather Tran Piano Heather Tran
Heather has had a passion for the piano and for music in general ever since she was born. She started playing the piano at the age of 4, and has since gone on to obtain her Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Music from the University of Guelph, along with achieving her Grade 9 piano and Grade 4 theory through Conservatory Canada. Throughout her life, Heather has also been involved in bands as a flautist from grade 7 well into her university studies. After university, she explored Audio Post Production at the Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology (OIART) and has worked in a studio creating sound effects for films and television shows. With her teaching career, Heather hopes to spread her love for music in all forms to her students. She has her Elementary Piano Specialist Teaching Designation from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and is in her second year teaching full-time as part of our team. While away from the piano, Heather enjoys camping, photography, anything Disney, travelling, and developing her skills as a voice over artist. 
Lauren Ully Piano Lauren Ully
Lauren is a native of Calgary and has been playing the piano since the age of five and has been teaching actively for over six years. She has completed her Level 10 RCM examination, and in 2006 moved to Lethbridge, Alberta to pursue her Bachelor of Music at the University of Lethbridge of whom she studied under the direction of Dr. Seung-Hye Lee and Dr. Deanna Oye. Lauren has worked with individuals of all ages and has performed in a variety of styles including classical, musical theatre and modern, and has extensive knowledge in theory and piano technique. Lauren has also accompanied vocalists in various styles including arias, musical theatre, choirs and various church celebrations. She has composed a few of her own pieces for piano and would like to continue to do so. Regardless of age and skill level, Lauren is excellent at determining the needs of her students and receives lots of positive feedback. She strongly believes in the relationship between music and health having recently completed schooling for holistic nutrition, and is hoping to continue in that field in the future. 
Millie Abam Piano Millie Abam
Millie was born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. She was always involved in the arts world thanks to her parents - her mom is a pianist and her dad a Mariachi. She had her first formal interaction with arts at the age of four when she took ballet and Mexican folk dance lessons. At the age of seven, she started her musical studies playing the piano and later on the flute. Among her degrees she has a Graduate Diploma in Performance from the McGill University and a Masters Degree in Music Performance from the University of Houston. Millie has taught piano for more than 6 years including toddlers to older students. During the music lessons she creates a safe and fun environment where students feel free to learn and to express themselves. Millie also plays the flute, ukulele, and the saxophone. She enjoys dancing salsa and riding her bike. |