My name is Lisa Graham and I make the music in your life a little more special.
Growing up, I didn’t have access to formal music education, especially for flute. Most of my early learning was self-taught. When I came to Calgary for university, I auditioned for an ensemble. I was devastated when I wasn’t accepted. However, I knew I needed to keep playing. An online search uncovered a local flute teacher. She responded to my inquiry, and I spent a few years studying with her. It completely changed my life.
Today, I am privileged to share music at weddings, concerts, charity events, and more. One of my most exciting musical adventures was a trip to Portugal in 2012. Along with three other musicians, I visited schools in Porto. In our presentation, we featured famous people who practiced both science and music. The program included scientific nuggets interspersed with musical excerpts. I also had the opportunity to perform in two public concerts and as a guest at a third. Since returning, I have guest lectured on science and music at the University of Calgary.
The arts and sciences are both extremely important parts of one’s education. Music integrates both so well and I love sharing both aspects with my students. Playing an instrument is a physical and mental exercise. I love helping students develop musicianship through student-centric learning activities. From day one, I encourage independent learning. Students self-evaluate while exploring their interests. I provide guidance to advance their skills. I also teach strategies to enable effective at-home practice. Music can also be a team sport and I encourage collaborations where possible.
In performance, I love sharing the unexpected. In my travels, I have come across many wonderful pieces some from obscure local composers. It’s my pleasure to curate and share these with listeners in a concert hall or more informal setting. The joy of discovery goes even further when preparing for a special event. I enjoy the challenge of coming up with the perfect musical program. With my 3 step system, it’s easy to integrate live music to weddings, charity events, and more.
Interested in what’s happening next?
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Past community theater productions:
- West Side Story [Bernstein, Sondheim, and Laurents] (University of Calgary Musical Theatre) January 2015
- The Music Man [Willson and Lacey] (UCalgary Operetta) January 2014
- The Gondoliers [Gilbert and Sullivan] (Morpheus Theatre) April/May 2013
- Children of Eden [Schwartz and Caird] (UCalgary Operetta) January 2013
- Guys and Dolls [Loesser, Swerling, and Burrows] (UCalgary Operetta) January 2012
- The Sorcerer [Gilbert and Sullivan] (Morpheus Theatre) March/April 2011
- Titanic: The Musical [Yeston and Stone] (UCalgary Operetta) January 2011
Ensembles:
- Flute Club of Calgary Jazz Flute Big Band – 2017/18
- Mount Royal Chamber Flutes – September 2012 to present
- Pacific Coast Flute Orchestra – August 2016 (2016 National Flute Association Convention)
- Parthenia Flutes – Spring 2013
Band:
- The Shillelaghs – January 2015 to present
Check out photos, videos, and audio clips here!
If you’re a traveller and interested in hearing a bit about my adventures in Portugal, check out this article on Pink Pangea! There’s also an article on my experiences at the 2016 National Flute Association convention.
