Sarah-Lynn Bergen began playing the violin here in the Pembina Valley at the age of 7. She performed with the Winnipeg Youth Orchestra for 4 years while taking lessons with Simon MacDonald and Karl Stobbe. She continued her studies at the University of Ottawa where she completed a Bachelor of Music under the instruction of Yehonatan Berick, Jean-Hee Lee and Micheal van der Sloot. While in university, Sarah had the pleasure of performing with the University of Ottawa Orchestra, the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, the Ottawa Pops Orchestra, and the Manitoba Underground Opera. Sarah discovered an interest for music education through volunteering with Ottawa’s El Sistema program, Orkidstra, and teaching violin and beginner piano at a local music school. Since returning to Manitoba in 2021, Sarah has maintained a violin studio of approximately 25 students based out of Winkler. She has enjoyed learning and expanding her knowledge of pedagogy, implementing Music Learning Theory in her teaching approach. She also loves to incorporate folk songs, hymns, and fiddle tunes.

Rochelle Drudge has 30+ years of experience teaching violin and piano, leading choirs and orchestras, and directing music programming. She has a strong interest in pedagogy, always searching for more effective ways to help students of all ages grow in their musical skills and learn their instrument with enthusiasm and joy. Rochelle loves teaching. After decades of music teaching and 24 years of homeschooling her three children, she has become familiar with a variety of teaching resources and methods. Central to her teaching philosophy is that musical instruments are best learned through developing a strong inner understanding of musical elements such as pitch, rhythm and harmony. Students in her studio learn to understand the musical context of the pieces they play, and lessons emphasize creativity and improvisation as a part of the learning process. Rochelle believes we learn music most enjoyably and grow in confidence as musicians when we engage the learning process with understanding and imagination while having as much fun as possible. Rochelle has taught music in various places throughout Canada, the US and for one year in Loma Plata, Paraguay. Most of her childhood was spent in Winnipeg and she completed a Bachelor of Theology from Canadian Mennonite Bible College in 1992. Some highlights from her musical education include: completing a Grade 10 piano exam under the direction of Jean Broadfoot; studying violin with Emmanual Horch and David Vistentin; Orff Level 1 certification; studying conducting with George Wiebe; body mapping workshops with Jennifer Johnson; Music Learning Theory training with Gregory Chase, Janna Olson and Chris Azzara; and self- directed study of the Suzuki and Paul Rolland methods. One of Rochelle’s current projects - a collaborative venture with other violin teachers – is to develop a new curriculum for teaching violin, drawing on pedagogical philosophies that build students’ musical skills and understanding in creative, engaging ways. A strong interest in creating quality musical programming led Rochelle to co-found Douglas Kuhl School of Music in 2014. She was involved in leadership of the organisation and several programs (string ensembles, choirs, music camp) from 2013 – 2023. A highlight of these years in program administration was the creation of Cadenza Summer Music Week, a music camp which became a significant part of the year for many students and teachers across Manitoba and beyond. Cadenza was a formative experience for Rochelle and other local teachers. It provided a context to learn from many different musicians from across Canada. It helped shape her vision of the importance of collaboration and non-competitive musical experiences and allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of how to motivate students in the learning process.

A Florida native, Mr. Filsaime began playing the violin at age 6 before switching to cello at age 8. He performed in Orchestra Hall at the Chicago Symphony Center as principal cellist during his final year of high school. Bery holds degrees from the University of North Florida with Dr. Nick Curry, University of Manitoba with Dr. Minna Rose Chung, and a Master of Music Degree at the University of Tennessee where he served as Wesley Baldwin’s teaching assistant. He also received teacher training for Suzuki Books 1-4 with Dr. Melissa Kraut. In 2017, Bery was a member of the National Repertory Orchestra at Breckenridge, Colorado. In 2018, he was a winner of the University of Manitoba concerto competition. Currently, Bery performs regularly with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and Rainbow Stage. He is actively teaching privately in Winnipeg, Morden, and Steinbach. Several of his students have been recognized as Gold Medalist in RCM examinations and received provincial festival honours.

Andrew Goodlett joined the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal in 2022, previously in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra since 2013. He taught through DKSM from 2018 until his move to Montréal. Andrew plays a wide variety of musical styles, and welcomes students of all musical interests and abilities.

Natalie Dawe teaches private cello lessons at her home studio in Brossard, Quebec. From 2015 to 2022, Natalie taught for Douglas Kuhl School of Music providing private lessons, leading DaCapo Strings, and was on faculty at Cadenza. Natalie looks forward to reconnecting with the DKSM community by offering online lessons.

Ainsley Kroeker is a violin teacher, performer, and program director for the Douglas Kuhl School of Music. She holds a Bachelors of Music and Bachelors of Education from the University of Manitoba as well as her ARCT Diploma for Violin Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has over 15 years experience as a violin teacher, enjoys being involved in music leadership at her church, and loves to perform with local musicians whenever she has a chance. Ainsley lives in Winkler with her husband and three boys.

Violinist Jason Vanwynsberghe holds a Bachelors of Violin Performance from the Brandon University School of Music, as well as a Minor in Music Composition. Since then he has enjoyed several years of teaching, performing, and composing in Southern Manitoba. Some of Jason’s current musical endeavours include: conducting and directing Post Road Strings (DKSM’s advanced string orchestra), playing electric violin with his band, The Razberry Jam, and teaching a full studio of private violin students.

Alyssa Hildebrand teaches voice to students across Manitoba at many different levels. While her background is in operatic performance - she enjoys working in a variety of styles with her students, including classical, folk, and musical theater. Alyssa is passionate about helping anyone who wants to learn more about their voice - and instilling confidence in their own ability to perform! https://www.alyssahildebrand.com/