Our Teachers

Fran Hampel

Violin Teacher

Fran Hampel

Violin Teacher

Fran started playing the violin at the age of 5 and began teaching at Studio nine in 2015. She enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels and preparing them for RCM exams and recitals. Fran has played with many orchestras in Edmonton and Calgary and is a current member of the Calgary Civic Symphony. Fran teaches at studio nine from Tuesday-Thursday and is currently accepting new students.

Connor Wilson

Guitar Teacher

Connor Wilson

Guitar Teacher

Connor began teaching in 2014 here at Studio Nine straight out of high school. He studied music at the University of Calgary with a focus on classical guitar. There, he gained experience in practicing and performing solo pieces of standard classical repertoire. Though his specialization is in classical guitar, he offers lessons in all contemporary styles of guitar as well as bass and ukulele. His lessons are structured, goal oriented and personalized - but most importantly are fun! His philosophy is that it’s hard to improve unless you love what you’re doing. If you’re looking to challenge an RCM exam, refine your skills or just want to pick up a new hobby, guitar lessons with Connor could be for you. Connor teaches at studio nine on Mondays and is currently accepting new students.

Ryan Milliken

Guitar Teacher

Ryan Milliken

Guitar Teacher

Ryan Milliken started playing drums and guitar at age 5. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Music from Humber College and has been teaching group and private lessons for over a decade. He believes in a balanced approach to all aspects of music literacy. Ryan Teaches at Studio Nine on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and he is currently accepting new students.

Demetrio Navarro

Piano Teacher

Demetrio Navarro

Piano Teacher

Demetrio Navarro is a Calgary-based producer, singer, keyboardist and songwriter. He has directed and arranged music for numerous music groups, including The Caribbees Singers, The Calgary Scandinavian Centre Choir, and the Canadian Martyrs Church senior choir. He currently plays keyboards for the well-known cover and swing group the Dino Martinis, plays in the jazz fusion group dzpc*, and leads contemporary worship teams and arranges at two churches including St. Michael Catholic Community. He regularly performs at weddings, funerals, and specialty events as a soloist or with other instrumentalists. He has written over 150 songs in a broad variety of genres, co-written songs with other artists, and produced dozens of albums and singles for local talent at his recording studio, NavarroLand Music. He began his musical life on flute, then found his true instrument in the piano. While still in high school playing in a wedding band and as vocal class accompanist, he discovered an affinity for supporting and arranging for vocalists.

Alex Olesen

Drum Teacher

Alex Olesen

Drum Teacher

Alex is a versatile and talented teacher, who has been with Studio Nine since 2019. He graduated from the Alberta Academy of Recording Arts with a degree in Sound Engineering. Alex is incredibly adaptable and loves to teach using all genres of music. He likes to incorporate theory work into popular repertoire, showing how the concepts create the songs we all know and love. Alex teaches at Studio nine from Wednesday- Friday and he is currently accepting new students.

Margo Macdonell

Piano Teacher

Margo Macdonell

Piano Teacher

Margo started teaching piano when she completed her Bachelor of Music in 1985. She has been teaching with Studio 9 School of Music for 38 years and in that time has also taught the Music for Young Children, Yamaha, and Safari preschool group music programs. She teaches all ages, all grades of piano and theory in the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum, and popular, jazz, and classical music outside the RCM program. She has maintained her passion for teaching and loves to challenge her students to achieve their musical goals. Working with students, young and old is what Margo enjoys, and she takes great joy in opening the musical door for her students. She believes that having music in one’s life adds fun and optimism.Margo is also the RCM Calgary SW Exam Centre Representative facilitating Piano, Voice, Woodwinds, Brass and Theory exams. Margo is currently accepting new students for private piano lessons.

Vernon Wills

Guitar Teacher

Vernon Wills

Guitar Teacher

Over the past 5 decades Vernon has enjoyed a career of music. Moving to New York City at the age of 17, he worked with the giants of recording and all the best musicians. He signed with the Don Seat Agency, toured the globe extensively and to this very day is signed to that management. Starting as a singing bassist, He began playing guitar after meeting Albert King, B-B-King, Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Clarence White and Chuck Berry. Vernon built his own studio which ran very well until he sold it and moved back to his home town of Calgary. He continues to write, record, produce music and share his expertise. "Talent is 99%work and 1% luck", Vernon Believes that anyone can learn to play an instrument or sing. Music is the magical soundtrack of your life and it will teach you everything, he says. Vernon teaches at Studio nine from Monday -Thursday and is currently taking new students.

Katrina Jordan

Piano Teacher

Katrina Jordan

Piano Teacher

Born and raised in Calgary, AB, Katrina has been teaching piano and music theory for over 12 years. Katrina has prepared many students for Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams and student recitals. Growing up in a musical family she has always had a deep love and appreciation of music, particularily the piano. She began her musical journey at the age of 4 and has been playing piano for over 20 years. Katrina has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Ambrose University and has studied under Edwin Gnandt and Charles Foreman. She has completed her Grade 9 RCM piano examination, History, and Harmony, and holds certificates in music theory including basic, intermediate, and advanced theory. Katrina enjoys teaching students of all ages and levels, tailoring a curriculum to each student. She is a caring and nurturing teacher who uses inquiry-based instruction to engage and guide her students on their musical journeys. For younger students Katrina uses games as educational tools for learning music and music theory, creating a fun learning environment. She loves teaching classical and popular musical styles, and also enjoys composing music with students to encourage them to explore their own musical creativity.

Mario Sota

Guita/Ukulele Teacher

Mario Sota

Guita/Ukulele Teacher

Mario is a multi-talented instrumentalist who can play and teach guitar, ukulele, and bass. While flamenco is his specialty, he’s well versed in all styles including pop and rock. Mario grew up in a very musical household. He started playing piano when he was 4, and moved to guitar shortly after. At 17 he began performing, and continues to this day. In 2010 Mario traveled to Spain where he studied under some of the best guitarists flamenco has to offer. After honing his skills for a few years, he decided to start his own band, called Toque Flamenco, in 2013. As a teacher, Mario is positive and engaging with students of all ages and skill levels. He believes that everyone is a superhero in their own right, with their own unique skill set/ His cheerful personality and over 20 years teaching experience make Mario an excellent choice for students looking to learn classical guitar, flamenco, or more modern finger style. Mario is currently accepting private guitar and ukulele students.

Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
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Yelena Yermolayeva

Piano Teacher

Yelena Yermolayeva

Piano Teacher

Yelena started doing Royal Conservatory when she was 6 years old. After high school she was accepted to the University of Calgary for a Bachelor of music, focusing on piano. She has performed at multiple concerts and examinations. Yelena loves working with children of all ages, and is a bright and engaging teacher. She has been with Studio Nine since 2019, and has quickly become very sought after. She is bilingual in Russian and English.

Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
Email:info@example.com

Ken Murdoch

Drums/Guitar

Ken Murdoch

Drums/Guitar

Ken has over 23 years of performance experience in a variety of genres. He was a band member of ‘Trio Romanza’ and has performed as a drummer/guitarist/singer with rock bands such as ‘Left Sun’ and ‘Electric Kool-Aid’ as well as occasionally moonlighting with popular Calgary cover bands such as ‘Groove Demons’ and ‘The Raynmen’. As a player Ken is most known for being a founding member of Calgary based indie metal/progressive rock band ‘Outlaws of Ravenhurst,’ as well as being a former member of popular Calgary indie rock group ‘Crystal Eyes’. He has appeared on multiple records and has played hundreds of live shows showcasing his talents as an all round musician. Ken also works as an experienced freelance recording engineer, producer, and session musician, mainly working with solo artists and bands as well as doing commercial work. As an experienced music teacher with almost 20 years teaching experience, Ken enjoys the interaction with students that allows both student and teacher to learn, grow, and develop as musicians. Ken tries to instill his love of music in his students to help them to reach their full potential. In lessons, he uses popular music as educational tools. Classic and modern Rock repertoire are a favorite of his as they teach students current and classic rock and pop songs, encouraging them to practice their skills at home. Not just limited to rock/pop music, he is also an experienced jazz drummer and classical percussionist, and often will incorporate these styles into his teaching. Ken also likes to accompany students at recitals and concerts. This helps them feel less nervous and allows them to learn to play with another instrument, which assists their rhythm and listening skills. Ken is currently accepting private students for drum or guitar lessons.

Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
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Kurtis Downs

Guitar Teacher

Kurtis Downs

Guitar Teacher

Kurtis holds a Diploma in music, with a specialty in jazz from Mount Royal University and has been with Studio Nine for over 9 years. He is a performance and recording artist who plays with his band “The Firm Handshake,” as well as a variety of other groups. Kurtis enjoys teaching students of all skill levels and hopes that sharing his knowledge will aid not only in student’s progress, but also in developing a love of all styles of music. Kurtis is very popular with his students; he discovers the type of music they like, then finds songs appropriate to their level to maintain interest and encourage practice. Kurtis’s experience and love of music has made him an integral part of the Studio Nine team. His musical repertoire spans blues, rock, jazz, easy listening and classical. Kurtis is currently accepting private students for guitar lessons.

Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
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Roland Griffith

Piano Teacher

Roland Griffith

Piano Teacher

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Phone:+1 (859) 254-6589
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