Meet Our Teachers
Our dedicated team of teachers brings passion and expertise to help students achieve their musical goals.
Laurie Perez
Founder & Lead Teacher
Laurie Perez, founder and lead teacher of Musika Studios, brings
more than 16 years of experience working with students of all ages
and skill levels.
She is committed to meeting each
student at their individual starting point, creating a welcoming and
supportive space that highlights their strengths while fostering
growth, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. She holds
a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Calgary and has
completed a Graduate Certificate in Music Therapy from Concordia
University. Laurie is a certified Music Therapist. Through her
training and experience, Laurie is deeply committed to using music
as a tool for connection, wellness, and healing.
Outside of the studio, Laurie enjoys spending time
with her husband and their two children, especially traveling and
exploring the outdoors together through hiking adventures.
Leah Callao
Voice/Piano Teacher
Leah is a dedicated music teacher with over 13 years of experience
working with students of all ages. With a background in music
therapy and counselling, she creates personalized, supportive
lessons that help students build confidence, especially when
navigating performance anxiety, something she understands from her
own experience. Leah encourages students to explore music they enjoy
while developing strong foundations in theory and technique,
enhancing skills to grow independently. Her structured and
collaborative approach creates consistency, helping students
recognize their strengths, push beyond their limits, and develop a
deeper sense of purpose in their learning. Leah values creating a
gentle space rooted in comfort, care and sharing a love of music.
When not teaching, you can find Leah with her dog, Zoe,
engaging in something active or enjoying local and travel
adventures.
Heather Resendes
Piano Teacher
Heather started playing piano at the age of eight and completed her Royal Conservatory of Music studies up to Level 8, studying with both Laurie and Leah. Over the years, she developed a strong musical foundation and a genuine love for playing. Heather began teaching piano while in university and has now been working with students for over four years. Heather is passionate about helping students build confidence at the piano while also developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of music. Outside of teaching, Heather works as an accountant and recently completed her CPA designation. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing with her dog, and trying cafes and restaurants around the city.
Janine Cheyne
Voice/Piano Teacher
Janine has been teaching piano and voice since 2012. She is classically trained through the Royal Conservatory of Music (Grade 9) and is a former member of the Cantare Children's Choir. She enjoys helping students build strong fundamentals while exploring music they love. Her goal is to create a supportive, engaging environment where students can grow in confidence and develop a lifelong love of music.
Michelle Francisco
Voice/Piano Teacher
Michelle Francisco brings about two years of teaching experience in voice and piano. She is a post-secondary student at the University of Calgary in the Bachelor of Arts in Music program with a minor in Psychology. She plans to pursue a career in music education to contribute to student learning in schools. With a strong background in the RCM program in both voice and piano, she brings a structured and goal-oriented teaching approach. She also has extensive performance experience both as a soloist and in ensemble settings. Her vocal background includes a diverse range of musical genres, including pop, R&B, classical, traditional and jazz. Michelle is deeply passionate about teaching and thoughtfully tailors her teaching style to meet the needs of each student, helping them grow in confidence and express their love for music.