NEW WEST MUSIC ACADEMY

As a supportive, faith-based organization, New West Music Academy (NWMA) is designed to prepare musicians of all ages for an appreciation of all genres of music, for personal enrichment and for service to their community.

Are you ready to be challenged and inspired?  New West Music Academy (NWMA) offers lessons in voice, piano, drums, guitar, ukulele, wind and string instruments by qualified and experienced teachers.   We offer lessons to those interested in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, pop and musical theatre. New West Music Academy welcomes all learners: whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer, young or “not-so-young”, our teaching team is excited to work alongside you to help you reach your goals in a FUN, personal environment.

It’s a New Year… the perfect time to start something new!

New West Music Academy has openings for new students, so whether it’s flute, voice, tuba or trumpet… reach out TODAY to get started!

musicacademy@newwestsociety.com

Why New West Music Academy?  There are SO MANY reasons…

“My violin lessons were so enjoyable!  My teacher was patient and helped me understand why different techniques worked!”

“New West Music Academy was such a welcoming environment!  My daughter’s voice teacher was so great at encouraging her to keep with it, and was direct in her advise so my daughter knew how to improve.  I highly recommend NWMA!”

“My son really connected with his drum teacher at NWMA.  Communication was professional, and it was obvious the teacher put a lot of planning into helping my son improve week after week.”

“My teenage son, out of the blue, decided to take up guitar… HE LOVES his lessons and has developed so much skill in such a short period of time.”

“My theory teacher has always pushed me to do my best, and has always answered my many questions with enthusiasm.”

“I can’t say enough about NWMA! In the years my daughter has taken piano lessons, her teacher has been fun, encouraging and connected with my daughter’s unique learning style.  Amazing!”

We’d love to hear from you!  Email us at musicacademy@newwestsociety.com.

For more information about New West Music Academy, or to register for lessons, please email musicacademy@newwestsociety.com or call 403-300-0931.

New West Music Academy places an emphasis on the values of faithfulness, discipline, diligence, and excellence.

The teachers of NWMA value living with Christ-like behavior, and strive to be fun and inspiring to their students.  They uphold honesty and respect, and hope that their students will thrive for years to come.

The NWMA is based on three foundations:

  1. To train musicians in the art of playing their chosen instrument and to enable them to use their skills in a solo or group setting.
  2. Through the process of learning to master a difficult instrument, every student ultimately comes to discover and stretch their own limits, not simply as musicians, but as human beings.
  3. Through the vehicle of a beautiful and challenging instrument, NWMA teachers endeavour to guide each student toward a profound sense of ability and empowerment.

New West Music Academy Teachers

  • Nicole Bergen – piano/theory
  • Daniel Chen – piano, violin
  • Jean Francois Cotnoir – tuba, low brass
  • Colin Fritzke – drums
  • Lisa Graham – flute
  • Carrie Lynn Johnstone – voice/voice, piano & guitar lessons for students with neurodiversities
  • Amy Lemke – voice
  • Rachel MacDonald – cello
  • Kathy Neuland – voice
  • Melissa Schroeder – violin
  • Stephane Swinton – guitar
  • Kim Szabo – voice, piano, piano/vocal accompaniment (jazz, pop, musical theatre)
  • Joel Warren – trumpet, guitars
  • Diego Wasiljew – euphonium, tuba, trombone, French horn
  • Naomi Wilson – violin, viola
  • Sarah Wolfe – drums

Meet our Music Academy Teachers

Nicole Bergen (piano) is a seasoned piano and theory teacher with over 20 years of experience working with all ages.  She began her teaching career while still in high school and today she holds an ARCT in Piano Performance as well as two certificates in Piano Pedagogy.

Nicole is passionate about building a solid foundation for life-long music enjoyment.  Her journey has included working for several years in a remote community in northern Alberta where access to qualified music instruction was extremely limited.  Transforming homes into centers of music-
making led to a community-wide recital one spring that showcased the power that music has to unite people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

She is thrilled to be part of New West’s community of teachers and musicians where she can continue to foster an enthusiasm for music and love of learning in her students.

Daniel Chen (piano and violin) believes that music is the sole thing that is capable of portraying feelings that words can only attempt to bring to life. He loves to teach the piano, as it was in learning this instrument where he first developed his deep love and respect for music, and wants to share this with others, regardless of where they are at on their music education journey.

As a New West Music Academy teacher, Daniel feels fortunate to be part of a teaching studio that champions his passion for teaching piano within an educational environment that has intentionally created an exciting and welcoming space for those looking to test the musical waters or hone their already-developing skills.

With nearly 15 years of piano background, 4 years of teaching piano to students of all ages, and having attained his RCM Piano Level 10 scoring Honours with Distinction in 2019, Daniel is well-equipped with the qualifications and expertise to provide a high-level learning experience to students at New West Music Academy.

Jean Francois Cotnoir (low brass) has been a low brass clinician for 35 years throughout Alberta.  He is an experienced and passionate musician with a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing students’ musical talents.  He earned his Bachelor of Music degree and his Masters of Arts in Tuba Performance from McGill University, and was awarded 1st Prize with Distinction for Solo Chamber Music and Orchestra at Conservatoire de Montréal.

Having played tuba professionally in orchestras, ensembles and brass quintets throughout Canada and beyond, JF is thrilled to be sharing his skills and passion for the tuba with New West Music Academy students.   Whether they are just starting out or have been playing for years, NWMA students of JF’s will no doubt be both inspired and challenged at every turn.

Jean Francois’ years-long career as a musician includes playing tuba with Calgary-based Foothills Brass and Alberta Winds and being a member of the Trois Riviere Symphony in Québec.  JF has also had the privilege of working with the Kwazulu Natal Philharmonic, a professional orchestra in South Africa.

In his own words, JF is “dedicated to sharing my knowledge and passion for music with students of all ages.”  He loves that at New West Music Academy, he can seamlessly incorporate his faith and his God-given talent into his individualized music lessons.  We are thrilled to have Jean Francois join our faith-based music community.

Colin Fritzke (drums) has been playing drums for over 35 years. As a teenager, he was an active participant in his school band program where he played in Symphony Orchestra, Marching Band, Big Band and Jazz Ensembles. His passion and desire to learn earned him a scholarship to attend summer band camp in his first year of high school.  While attending Providence College in Winnipeg, Colin took masterclasses with several artists, developing his craft in the context of worship and contemporary Christian music.

After moving to Saskatchewan to take technical training, Colin began his drum teaching career.  He taught several drum students in churches, and even ran clinics that included the unique challenges of being a drummer within a church setting.

Colin moved to Calgary in 2001 and became an active volunteer drummer in Centre Street Church’s Worship & Arts program where he continues to serve today. Colin has also worked professionally as drummer for many years, playing gigs all over Calgary and Southern Alberta. He devotes much of his spare time studying the best drummers in the world and considers himself to be a life-long student of his instrument.

Lisa Graham (flute) is a classically trained flutist and seasoned educator with over 20 years of musical expertise. For over a decade, she has orchestrated the musical growth of individuals in private and group lessons as well as igniting inspiration in band clinics.  Driven by exploration, she constantly curates fresh repertoire, unearthing forgotten gems and introducing emerging local composers. This dedication sparks curiosity and inspiration in students and audiences alike.

Lisa’s performances range from intimate street busking to commanding formal concert halls as a soloist and as part of various ensembles including Calgary Chamber Flutes (flutes), Duo Incantato (flute and guitar), and more. One pinnacle moment was delivering a Science and Music program in Portugal, unraveling the harmonies between two seemingly disparate worlds with three other musicians/engineers. Lisa has numerous recordings to her name including music she has written as well as performing and recording with local Celtic punk band The Shillelaghs. She also works with musicians from around the globe as a session musician.

As a teacher, Lisa aims to be a catalyst for creativity and passion. Empowering students to explore their musical potential independently, she fosters a life-long love for music and learning in an inclusive environment.

Carrie Lynn Johnstone (voice/beginner piano, voice, acoustic guitar for students with neuro-diversities) is joining the NWMA Team again, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!  In addition to having been a NWMA music teacher in previous years, Carrie Lynn is a long-time choir member with New West Symphony & Chorus.

With a BA in Music and a specialty in vocal performance, Carrie Lynn is an experienced voice teacher and vocal coach, and has worked with several local churches to develop their worship teams.  Her strong vocal talent has also given Carrie Lynn the opportunity to perform with SymphoNYChorus in New York, Johnny Summers and the Calgary Jazz Orchestra, and was recently asked to sing as a background vocalist with John Gray’s Ray Charles Tribute Band.

In addition to teaching voice students of all abilities and skill-levels, Carrie Lynn is passionate about making music lessons accessible and enjoyable for all of her students, but specializes in creating individualized lessons for students with neuro-cognitive challenges and disorders. She has vast training and years of experience in working with children and adults on the Autism spectrum and Down Syndrome, and she cherishes the opportunity to build relationships with each of her students, taking seriously the privilege it is to be able to reflect God’s love for them while they learn together.

Carrie Lynn lights up when she teaches music.  She is passionate about developing musicians and using music education to inspire creativity, grow confidence, and pursue excellence in performing arts.

Amy Lemke (voice) is a classically trained singer with a deep love for musical theatre, contemporary, and sacred music styles.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Music & Christian Studies from Ambrose University here in Calgary.  Amy also teaches with Calgary Classical Scholé where she directs the elementary choral program and teaches such subjects as literature, biblical studies, writing, and philosophy.

David Klob, Music Director of New West Student Ensemble, has known Amy for years, and has this to say about Amy’s creative talent and character: “Amy makes people feel seen, heard, and valued.  Her attention to detail, her appreciation for art and beauty, her professional training, her personal vocal talent, and her love for students make Amy a tremendous addition to the faculty at NWMA.”

This is Amy’s first year with New West and she is delighted to bring her love for learning and for singing to New West’s already thriving community.

Rachel MacDonald (cello) completed her Bachelor of Music degree in cello performance at Ambrose University. A former student of the Mount Royal University Music Academy, Rachel has had the opportunity to perform for and study under some of North America’s most renowned musicians. One of Rachel’s favourite passions is playing chamber music. She has played in many chamber groups and currently performs with two string quartets as well as a string trio, Priddis Strings with her siblings.

Rachel  has enjoyed teaching cello for the past 8 years to students of all ages and levels. She appreciates the opportunity to help students discover their potential and express themselves through music.  Rachel is dedicated to helping New West Music Academy students use their passion for music to grow and challenge themselves in other aspects of their lives.

Hailing from South Africa, Kathy Neuland (voice) is a classically trained performing artist with 20+ years of mentoring and nurturing aspiring singers of all ages. She studied voice at Stellenbosch University, was selected to train with Charles Kellis, Julliard School of Music and continued her quest to learn singing technique – receiving voice coaching in the studios of master opera artists in Austria and Germany. She competed internationally and performed professionally in Europe as a solo artist and in professional choruses on opera stages. In South Africa, performances of her work as soloist in oratorio and opera were broadcast nationally on radio and television.

Alongside her performing career, Kathy has a wealth of experience teaching singing and theater to learners of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. Besides teaching her own private voice students, she gained experience at the International German School of South Africa as founder and director of their choirs and was appointed drama teacher. At the International Helen O’Grady Drama Academy she directed student productions and instructed stage acting. In Canada, Kathy was director of KIDS&MUSIC at the Youth Singers of Calgary.

Kathy’s mission is to build in her “fearfully and wonderfully made” students confidence in the talents God has given them and to sparkle on stage, to kindle a deep love and appreciation for performing arts and to encourage giving all the glory to our Creator.

Melissa Schroeder (violin) completed her Bachelor of Arts degree on the violin at Ambrose University under the tutelage of Joan Barrett. Melissa grew up in the Mount Royal University Conservatory Performing Arts Program and completed many Royal Conservatory of Music exams.  One of Melissa’s greatest passions is playing in various community orchestras throughout Calgary, including the Centre Street Church Orchestra, New West Symphony & Chorus, and CORE Orchestra.  She has also enjoyed performing with her siblings in the Priddis Strings Trio and the Ambrose String Quartet.

Melissa has loved teaching violin for the past five years and aims to inspire in her students a love for music and a desire for continued learning.  Melissa incorporates a holistic approach to teaching and believes that the things that we learn through music should be transferable to other areas of our lives.

Stephane Swinton (guitar and ukulele) has a specific goal as a NWMA music teacher: to encourage his students to have fun so they WANT to continue with music.

Stephane started playing guitar when he was 16 years old, just hanging out with his friends in youth group, finding joy as they played and sang their favorite songs together.  What started as a hobby has grown into a passion; he has been intentionally developing his skills as a guitarist since 2010.  He started with the bass guitar, then learned both acoustic and electric guitars.

He can be seen regularly on stage at Centre Street Church playing on a worship team, shares his talent as a member of New West Symphony & Chorus, and is a guitarist for the Calgary-based band Hope’s Creed.  To further develop his skills, Stephane has participated in numerous music workshops, most notably: Electric Guitar Tone and Gear, Band Leading, Band Presence and Worship Leading.  He is also grateful to have taken  lessons from fellow guitarists he respects and admires, including Cory Bitner, Ralf Buschmeyer, and Jonathan Lagore.

Not only does Stephane bring with him a tremendous amount of skill and passion to his role as an NWMA music teacher, he also brings an enthusiasm for building a strong community within our team.  When asked, “What draws you to music?” Stephane responded: “How it can explain (and manipulate!) your mood and your emotions.”

Kim Szabo (voice, piano, piano vocal accompaniment in jazz, pop, musical theatre: 11 years and up) is a seasoned professional musician with a teaching, performance and recording resume that spans over 35 years and the globe. Born and raised in Canada, she started by honing her skills through initial classical training, followed by studies at Grant MacEwan Music Program in Jazz and Popular music, specializing in composition, which plays to her love of music theory and harmony! Growing up in Edmonton, Kim’s “after school job” for 10 years was teaching the neighbourhood children piano and voice following the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum.

In 1989, Kim’s talent took her overseas for a number of years, including Japan and Europe.  Her resume as a musician is vast, and includes performing as a solo artist, establishing a jazz trios, as well as playing as a guest artist with various touring pop, jazz and funk groups.

By 2003, she was teaching at and eventually led the Jazz Vocal Program at Frankfurt Musikwerkstadt (State Academy for Jazz and Popular Music). She instructed students in vocal Jazz technique and improvisation, preparing them to challenge national exams for a Degree in Jazz Pedagogue. Included in her duties was chair member of the adjudication team for these exams. During this time in Germany, Kim continued to professionally tour and perform, appearing with her Jazz and Gospel projects. She continued her private vocal studies and analysis of the human voice with Coleman Freeman, professional operatic tenor, in Mannheim, and with Mike Schoenmehl, professional jazz pianist and published composer in Frankfurt.

Since returning to Canada, Kim has introduced herself to Calgary audiences. She performs regularly, as a solo, duo and with her own trio and quartet, in both jazz and contemporary music.  She is currently the vocalist for both Fox Big Band and Summit Big Band, and the Kim Szabo Trio has a monthly residency at Alvin’s Jazz Club in Calgary.

Kim is excited to share her her passion, experience and talent with New West Music Academy voice and/or piano students focusing on jazz, popular, and musical theatre genres.  Additionally, with her years of experience as a vocalist/pianist, Kim also teaches students who wish to develop skills in “piano vocal accompaniment”, specifically teaching people who want to learn to sing while accompanying themselves on the piano.

Joel Warren (trumpet and guitars) is one of Calgary’s up and coming musicians. Native to Calgary, he has been playing guitar since the age of 4, trumpet since the age of 12, and composing since the age of 16. Joel has had the opportunity to study with trumpet greats such as Jim Murray, Al Muirhead, and André Wickenheiser. He is currently working towards completing a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance at Ambrose University.

Joel is known for his unique blend of range, tonality, and soloing ability in his playing. His achievements of being the lead trumpet in the JazzYYC lab band, the solo trumpet in the Ambrose Jazz Band, and playing in theatre pit orchestras attest to his skill and talent as a musician. Joel has also had the opportunity to play with performers such as Jens Lindemann, Pat Belliveau, Jeff Antoniuk, Tyler Hornby, and Keith O’Rourke.

Joel is passionate about sharing the joy of music with others. He believes that music is something that all people should have access to. He is excited to teach students at New West Music Academy and share his love of music with them.

Diego Wasiljew (euphonium, tuba, trombone, French horn) began studying music at the age of seven.  By the age of nine, he was already playing the euphonium in the symphony orchestra of the Christian Congregation in Brazil.  He has made significant contributions both theoretically and practically to the development of brass musicians, offering engaging practices for teaching Euphonium, Tuba, Trombone, and French Horn.

With extensive experience in sacred instrumental music, his teaching is based on the solfège or solfeggio method—a widely used technique that helps musicians develop sight-reading skills, tuning, auditory perception, and theoretical understanding of music.  Diego has over 22 years of experience in music, and employs both didactic and practical methods to teach students of all ages, from children to the elderly.

His teaching method includes:
a) Gradual Approach: Designed to introduce students to their chosen instrument progressively, starting with simple exercises that increase in complexity over time. This approach allows students to develop technical and musical skills in a solid and structured manner.
b) Diverse Repertoire: In addition to technical exercises, this method features a diverse musical repertoire, including both classical and popular pieces. This helps maintain students’ interest and applies technical skills in various musical contexts.
c) Structured Progression: The method is organized to guide students from basic concepts to intermediate and advanced levels, with each new lesson building on the knowledge acquired in previous ones.

With captivating lessons that blend theory and practice, Diego deeply believes in the transformative power of music, echoing the words of maestro Zubin Mehta: “There is no limit to the number of ways that music can touch our hearts.”

Naomi Wilson (violin/viola) is a dedicated violin teacher with over 30 years experience!  Rooted in the Suzuki Method and trained through the Royal Conservatory of Music, she received her Performing Arts Diploma at Mount Royal College in 1997.

At 6 years old, Naomi was inspired by her Grandpa’s fiddling and started learning the violin.  She remembers playing in hospitals, supportive living communities, parades, worship teams, master classes, weddings, funerals and for many a holiday and birthday celebration!  Playing in the Okanagan Youth Symphony Orchestra during her formative years sparked her love of group performances.  After moving to Alberta, Naomi played with the Calgary Youth Symphony Orchestra.
After graduation Naomi started teaching full time when she headed up the Mini School of Strings program at Centre Street Church, where she also played  in the orchestra – and loved every minute!  Having raised 5 children, Naomi now plays viola as a member of New West Symphony & Chorus.  Naomi has shared her knowledge and passion to music students of all ages, and is now looking forward to passing on her Grandpa’s love of the “fiddle” at New West Music Academy!

Sarah Wolfe (drums) has had a love for music since she was a child. She began taking piano lessons as a kid and later added drum lessons.  She is thankful that her teachers taught theory and rudiments but also incorporated music that she was interested in and wanted to play.

She participated in her high school music programs: band, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, jazz band, and choir.  A love for music then led Sarah to teach herself to play guitar and dabble in a few other instruments.

As a teenager Sarah began serving on worship teams as a drummer, then Sarah started leading worship with guitar and singing as a young adult.  Sarah has many years of experience playing drums and guitar on worship teams, leading practices, and leading worship for church and youth ministries.  Some of her favourite bands include Kings Kaleidoscope, Citizens, and Chris Renzema, and also enjoys listening to many Motown artists from the 60s and 70s.

Sarah has taught a variety of students over the years and enjoys incorporating friendship, laughter, music and theory into her lessons.  It excites Sarah that as a music educator, she is able to help her students develop their own individual musical talents, pass on her deep love for music, and use her vast performance experience on a variety of worship teams within a classroom setting.

QUESTIONS?