Faculty

Rachael holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado. Majoring in violin and viola performance during her Bachelor of Music, Rachael is experienced with both instruments. Rachael’s work as a performer has included being a member of several orchestras, including holding the position of principal violist in The National Youth Orchestra of Canada; she is also a fiddle performer, having played in folk ensembles.

Sheila holds an ARCT in Vocal Performance, and has over 30 years of experience teaching voice. Sheila is trained as a choral conductor and as a festival adjudicator, and finds her extensive experience has given her the ability to understand different strengths and weaknesses in singing, as well as how to work with many different voices and vocal styles.

Alexandra is a classically trained vocalist, holding a Bachelor of Music in Opera Performance from UBC. Alexandra has lots of experience working with youth in leadership roles through UBC music camps, children's ministry at church, and many teaching roles; Alexandra is an experienced and qualified instructor who is passionate about healthy vocal techniques.

Sarah is a skilled flute teacher with a Bachelor of Music degree from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She has fulfilled the Royal Conservatory of Music requirements for both grade 8 flute performance and grade 8 theory rudiments. Sarah is familiar with several different genres of music, as she plays in a Celtic band, and has played in wind ensembles and orchestras; she also plays in a duo with cellist and fellow CAM instructor Ruthanne Clements.

Ruthanne is experienced in performing and teaching cello. Ruthanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and has received training from several well-known cellists; she has performed in many orchestras, and has a strong passion for music. As a teacher, Ruthanne has experience with the Suzuki method, and has also taught for many years using the Venezuelan-based El Sistema program.

Colleen is an accomplished piano teacher with many years of experience. As a teenager, Colleen completed her Associate Diploma of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) in piano performance, and studied under Edward Parker. Colleen began teaching full-time directly after high school, instructing students of all levels. Colleen’s students are encouraged to reach their full potential, and pushed to achieve high levels of Royal Conservatory standards. She is also a teacher at the Vancouver Academy of Music, and has experience as an adjudicator.

Karin is a classically trained violinist, having received a Licentiate Diploma (LTCL) in Violin Performance from Trinity College London. She also holds a Licentiate Diploma in Piano Performance. Karin regularly performs around the Fraser Valley, including at churches, weddings, and other events. As a teacher, Karin is mostly experienced with classical repertoire, using the Suzuki and the Royal Conservatory of Music methods in her lessons, though she also has knowledge of contemporary music as well. Karin loves passing music on to others through teaching, and helping students learn to love music. 

Matthew Hodgins is a Canadian percussionist, a fluent multi-instrumentalist, and a music producer with qualified & extensive teaching experience. Matthew has developed truly thrilling workshops which will blend music, voices, numeracy, physical skills, and groove-techniques; and which culminate with inimitable performances. Matthew unifies the hearts and minds of children with his inspiring teaching. He brings rapid results to the Chilliwack Academy of Music from his past associations with ArtStarts, the VSB Artist in Residence program, the Vancouver Biennale Big Idea program, and UCL's legendary Institute of Education.

Rhiannon is a classically trained soprano with a degree in Cognitive Science from SFU, where she enjoyed studying child development and first language acquisition. Rhiannon has three kids, and she knows firsthand how much music makes a difference in a child’s development. Rhiannon believes people learn and work together best through group activities.

Emily holds an ARCT in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has performed with the Fraser Valley Symphony Orchestra, and played as a soloist with the Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra and the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra. Equally skilled as a collaborative pianist, Emily acts as accompanist for the Philomusica Chorus, the Re: Action Choir, Leary Elementary School Choir, and the award-winning Unsworth Elementary School Choir and Promontory Elementary School Choir. She has also held solo recitals at Elim Village and Elder college. Emily strives to help students of all levels reach their potential in music. 

Jessica is an accomplished concert pianist, and has experience performing as a soloist with orchestras. Jessica has completed an Associate Diploma of the Royal Conservatory of Music (ARCT) in piano performance, and she is a registered music teacher with the British Columbia Registered Music Teachers’ Association (BCRMTA). Jessica’s achievements in performance include winning prizes at the Chilliwack Music Festival, BCCM Music Festival, and the BC performing Arts Festival where she was chosen as a provincial representative for four consecutive years from 2022-2025.

Carson has experience working with many different musicians, bands, and recording artists, specializing in a variety of genres including jazz, musical theatre, folk, and country. Carson is in the process of completing a Bachelor of Music degree in upright bass, but teaches several instruments. Carson was inspired by past teachers to pursue teaching music, where he enjoys encouraging students to find what they love about music, and helping them achieve their personal goals.

Teng is a classically trained pianist, holding a Licentiate Diploma (LTCL) in Piano Performance from Trinity College London. Originally from Singapore, Teng’s musical experience includes playing as a soloist at ceremonies and other public events, as well as knowledge of a wide range of repertoire. Teng has perfect pitch, and uses this skill to help with arranging music. Teng enjoys playing and teaching many different musical genres and styles.

Carmen is a highly skilled flautist, holding both an Associate Diploma and a Licentiate Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in flute performance. Carmen has also completed a Master of Music degree in flute and piano performance from the University of British Columbia. As a trained performer, Carmen performs regularly as a soloist and in groups, having been featured on television and on the radio across North America.

Lisa is a qualified and skilled vocalist and teacher, holding an Associate of Conservatory Canada in Music (ACCM) in Vocal Performance, as well as taken courses on vocal science and completing three levels of Somatic Voicework™. Lisa is also a classically trained pianist, and has experience performing, as well as accompanying choir on piano. Commercial Contemporary Music (CCM) is Lisa’s specialty, and she enjoys teaching musical theatre, pop, and other genres of non-classical music.

Rod is an experienced musician, having grown up studying both guitar and organ. He has taught music for decades across the Fraser Valley, Winnipeg, and Ottawa. Rod’s wide range of repertoire includes genres such as rock, folk, country, jazz, and classical, allowing him to succeed in many professional settings as a musician. Rod enjoys helping others, and therefore has had many jobs providing music for churches, weddings, ceremonies, and business events.

Ryan is a qualified music therapist, holding a Music Therapy Postgraduate Degree from Concordia University after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Ottawa. Ryan practiced as a music therapist and performer in the Greater Toronto Area before moving to the West coast; he is currently the owner and music therapist at Sound Path Creative Care, where he values community oriented music opportunities. Ryan believes in personal growth through listening and learning to others, and that everyone has something to share and can do so through music.

Julianna is a passionate violinist offering comprehensive lessons from beginner levels up to RCM Level 8. With a decade of personal study, her training includes mentorship under Mikhail Pokhanovski in Winnipeg. She has played successfully in numerous local and provincial music competitions. Central to Julianna's teaching method is the importance of consistent, quality practice. She looks forward to guide her students through this journey, ensuring that the learning process is both structured and enjoyable. Julianna aims to help every student unlock their potential and cultivate a love for music. Julianna offers bilingual instruction and welcomes students in both English and German.