Meet our CAM Program Instructors

Curtis Ross, Program Manager since 2013.

Curtis plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and (attempted) vocals occasionally. You can hear his music here:  https://curtisross.bandcamp.com/

What motivated you to become a CAM Instructor?

I got my first guitar at age eight and haven't put it down since. I was already a guitar teacher when I stumbled upon the opportunity at CAM. I was really excited at the idea of working with groups of kids to help them discover a love for music, too. Making music with kids is so inspiring. They bring fresh ideas and are willing to experiment, try new things. Seeing them learn a new skill, and collaborate to create music is very rewarding for me as a mentor. 

Favourite local bands/musicians? Jom Comyn, Bud Frasier and The Electric Razors, Faith Healer, Buspass, Nerv/us 

Best rockstar/s of all time? George Clinton, David Bowie, Prince, Phil Lynott

Favourite memory of the CAM Program

It has to be at the very first RockFest that we had the CAM students perform, I was so excited to see them on the big stage! Up until that point we had only done small performances in school gyms and then to see it scale up with the huge production and big crowd, it was such a rewarding moment.

Photograph by Visualz

Kayla Enns, Program Coordinator since 2015

Kayla specializes in voice and piano but also plays bass and drums! She sings in The Bobby Tenderloin Universe and play keys in Bud Frasier and the Electric Razors.

What motivated you to get involved as a CAM Instructor?

Who wouldn’t want to teach Rock ‘n Roll to kids?! I knew Curtis Ross from teaching at Long & McQuade and he said there was a position opening up that would be perfect for me. 

Favourite local bands/musicians? Calgary duo Cartel Madras!!! Curtis Ross’ projects. And the bands I’m in! Lol 

Best rockstar/s of all time? Prince, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, ABBA, Tame Impala, Arctic Monkeys. 

Favourite memory of the CAM Program

Hard to pick one but I really enjoyed our outdoor park classes that we held because of Covid! It was so nice to be outside and do our classes acoustic. We did what we could in some tough times. 

Christan Maslyk, Program Instructor since 2019

Christan plays guitar, drums, keyboards, bass, saxophone and also sings. His band is called Bud Frazier and the Electric Razors (featuring Curtis, Kayla, Emma and members of a band he used to play in, The Wet Secrets)

What motivated you to get involved as a CAM Instructor?

I’ve always enjoyed teaching lessons but working with young bands is what drew me to CAM. I find the band setting offers more to the kids in both group and individual skills. I like to see the kids learn to work and be creative as a team. I also love the fact that it’s a non-profit and we can provide a service to schools who wouldn’t necessarily be able to afford it.

Favourite local bands/musicians? Kayla, Emma and Curtis!!

Best rockstar/s of all time? George Clinton and Dolly Parton

Favourite memory of the CAM Program

My favourite memory is playing with Bonescraper after Chiliwack at Rock Fest!

Jenni plays bass, drums, keys, guitar and also provides vocals. She plays for bands and songwriters including Faith Healer, TeeTahs, The Bobby Tenderloin Universe, Velvet Hooks, Sam The Living, Seeka Sings, Dylan Ella, Sammy Volkov and more.

What motivated you to get involved as a CAM Instructor?

I love learning from youth and sharing what I know to help them discover the music in them. Lessons and personal practice are important but there's nothing like playing music together. The joy, confidence, skills and sense of belonging that come from working things out in a group makes the best musicians!

Favourite local bands/musicians? Caity Fisher, Jessica Jalbert, Melafrique, Manny V. Y Su Esquina Latina, and everything featuring Christan, Curtis, Emma and Kayla!

Best rockstar/s of all time? This is too hard! Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Etta James, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, David Bowie, Chaka Khan, Neil Young...

How did you first learn to play music?

Before picking up instruments, I learned to make music by singing and dancing with my family. We'd get down to mom's reggae records, harmonize with dad's old country, and make up our own little tunes in everyday life. 

Lyle is a familiar face in the program as he was a “CAMster” (as he refers to himself) previously. He plays guitar, bass, vocals, piano, and (“sort of”) drums. Lyle has been in a ton of Edmonton bands, most notably with the synth juggernaut, Shout Out Out Out Out, and art disco weirdo's The Wet Secrets.

 What motivated you to get involved as a CAM Instructor?

As a grizzled vet, it is actually pretty fun to pass on some hard won knowledge, and see how music can truly make an impact.

 Favourite local bands/musicians: Momweed are killing it, currently.

 Best rockstar/s of all time? Bowie and/or Iggy Pop

Favourite memory of the CAM Program?

Recently, one of the current (CAM) bands couldn't remember my name as I'm the "new guy", but this has actually happened before when the St. Assissi class called me "Lucci" for a full year!