Grace Notes Music Academy

Sporadic lessons and playing in the Jr. High and High School bands as well as the High School stage band and choir were the start of a life long obsession with music. When he turned 18 he moved to Edmonton to study music. Taking four years in music at Vanguard College and two in music at Grant MacEwan University, Shane had the opportunity to study with some amazing instructors such as; Gerry Paulson (orchestration), Duane Emch (conducting), Wes Caswell (bass), Charlie Austin (keyboards), Gordon Nicholson (arranging), Jamie Philip (electronic music), as well as direct musical direction from jazz legends Bob Stroup and Bobby Cairns. Shane graduated on the Dean’s List from the Grant MacEwan music program with an emphasis in electronic music. Since 1994 Shane has supported himself as both a live and studio session player and instructor in upright and electric bass, guitar, mandolin and ukulele.

Daniel has had a love for music for his whole life. He started piano at the age of 4, but eventually went on to learn and love guitar and bass at the age of 12. He graduated with a Diploma in Music and Leadership Studies at Hillsong International Leadership College in Australia. He has a passion to see others grow and excel in the area of music. He is experienced playing on stage at many different venues with a variety of genres, and also recording in studios.

Meg's formal musical training began at the age of 6 under the instruction of Miyuki Fujimaki and Yoshitoku Natsume in Japan.  Her desire to study further brought her to Canada in 1995 where she earned a BA in Sacred Music while receiving private instruction by Dr. Dale Wheeler.  Highlights during the years include winning at performance scholarship competition for 4 years in a row.  In 2014, she became the first certified instructor for Harmony Road Music Course in Canada. Her unconventional yet engaging style of comprehensive teaching has brought many students to her home studio since she moved back to Calgary in 2012.  Soon after becoming the first certified instructor for Harmony Road Music Course in Canada in 2014, Meg founded Grace Notes Music Academy so that more students can be empowered and supported by a community of instructors and peers.   An active member of Alberta Piano Teachers Association.

A passionate musician, Shannon started playing piano at the age of four, and now holds an ARCT diploma in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia. Over the years, she has received numerous awards, scholarships, and medals from the Calgary Performing Arts Festival and ARMTA, as well as a provincial medal for her achievements in RCM exams. As an instructor, she believes in the importance of encouraging a well-rounded, enjoyable musical education. For her, one of the great joys in life lies in creating music with others, and she hopes to instil in her students a deep appreciation for, and knowledge of, a wide range of music.

When Renata first heard the violin, it was like love at first sight. Her undeniable passion, enthusiasm and love for violin has earned her title of “musical nutter” amongst her friends. Upon receiving Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Bela Bartok Music Institute in 2004, she began her performing career as a chamber musician. She played in the Zoltan Kodaly Chamber Orchestra for 4 years, Faith Church Symphony Orchestra for 2 years and is currently playing in the Calgary Civic Symphony Orchestra. She believes the violin outshines all other musical instruments as it is perhaps the most aesthetically beautiful and versatile instrument. Renata currently teaches violin, piano, and early childhood classes at Grace Notes Music Academy to both young children and adults. She believes learning music is something that everyone should do and finds joy in passing on her love for music.

A dedicated professional, Jessica studied music and piano from a young age and completed her RCM Grade 10 Piano Exam before high school, and completed her ARCT Performers Exam in 2010. Over the years of learning and teaching, she has competed and collected many achievements in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival, formerly known as the Kiwanis Festival, from 1999 to 2010. Today, she continues to teach with 13 years of teaching experience with students ranging from ages 2 to adult She is also open to recreational teachings as well as preparation for RCM examinations. Always learning and practicing, she aspires to explore and broaden her musical repertoire.

Ms. Kim believes in a holistic approach to teaching piano.  Using her 10+ years of school teacher experience (grades 1-3 & junior high), she will respond to your child’s individual needs and interests, creating an interactive and engaging environment, and using a variety of teaching approaches. She participated in many music festivals and competitions growing up. Upon completion of Grade 9 Royal Conservatory and Grade 3 History/Harmony, she started teaching while she was in high school. She holds a M. Ed in Language and Literacy from the University of Alberta.