Conferences & festivals regularly include a wide array of interest sessions and performances. Yet, it can be challenging for delegates to network, ask questions of one another, and meet one-on-one with presenters and choral experts. 

MCA One-On-One sessions are based on the popular Buttonhole sessions offered at Chorus America conferences. They are intended to provide an organized but informal forum for networking and sharing of knowledge. One-on-one consultants will be available to speak with delegates on a range of topics covering artistic, pedagogical, and administrative topics.

One-on-One sessions will take place in 2 x 30 minute blocks between 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Sat, Oct 22 at Allard Hall.

Delegates can sign up for one-on-one sessions upon arrive at Music Conference Alberta.  The sign-up board will be located near the Registration Desk.

One on one consultants

Constant name
Consultation topics
Sylvia Shadick-Taylor
​Commissioning/Working with composers, Programming and repertoire, Pedagogy, Studio teaching – piano, Studio management, Contemporary Canadian Music, importance of technique, creativity, Contemporary Showcase Festivals
Dale Wheeler
​Pedagogy, Studio teaching – piano
Christine Bootland
Audience development, Pedagogy, Rehearsal technique, Studio teaching – strings, Studio management, Working with disadvantaged or at-risk kids, Community Orchestras, getting string programs at public schools, working with junior and youth orchestras, adjudicating
Gloria Chu
Marketing/Communications/Branding, Pedagogy, Social media, Studio teaching – piano, Studio teaching – strings, Studio teaching – voice, Vocal technique, Studio management, Creativity & Composition with Students, Deliberate Practicing, Teaching Principles in Piano Tone Production
Roger Admiral
Commissioning/Working with composers, Programming and repertoire, Studio teaching – piano, Contemporary music performance
Eila Peterson
Kodály in the elementary classroom/children's choir, Woodwind techniques
Heidi Wood
Adult community choirs, Audience development, Auditions/recruitment, Programming and repertoire, Vocal technique, Youth Choirs
Tim Shantz
Adult community choirs, Audience development, Board/Governance, Commissioning/Working with composers, Conducting technique and gesture, Fund development, Programming and repertoire, Rehearsal technique
Andrea Ciona
Adult community choirs, Conducting technique and gesture, Programming and repertoire, Pedagogy, Rehearsal technique, Working effectively with administration, Youth Choirs
Ardelle Ries
Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Adult community choirs, Children's Choir (general), Diversity and inclusion, Elementary music education, Kodály in the elementary classroom/children's choir, Pedagogy, Rehearsal technique
Carmen So
Children's Choir (general), Dalcroze in the elementary classroom/children's choir, Elementary music education, Kodály in the elementary classroom/children's choir, Orff in the elementary classroom/children's choir, Programming and repertoire, Pedagogy, Rehearsal technique
Catherine Glaser-Climie
Auditions/recruitment, Children's Choir (general), Kodály in the elementary classroom/children's choir, Programming and repertoire, Pedagogy, Rehearsal technique, Vocal technique, Youth Choirs, Developing a children's choir. Treble choir repertoire.
Karen Porkka
Vocal Improvisation and Circlesinging.
John Wiebe
​Adult community choirs, Audience development, Auditions/recruitment, Board/Governance, Children's Choir (general), Conducting technique and gesture, Finance and budgeting, Fund development, Marketing/Communications/Branding, Programming and repertoire, Rehearsal technique, Technology in and outside of rehearsal, Touring, Vocal technique, Youth Choirs
Joel Windsor
Brass techniques, Community bands, Diversity and inclusion, Marketing/Communications/Branding, Pedagogy, Percussion techniques, Rehearsal technique, Woodwind techniques, Working effectively with administration, Unique Ensembles