Meet Our Teachers
Aisha McCarnan
Voice + Songwriting
Aisha is a multidimensional artist who’s passionate about teaching voice, songwriting, and production. With a deep love for music, she’s committed to helping the next generation of artists build confidence, tap into their creativity, and find their own sound.
Aisha, a distinguished graduate of the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, is among the school’s proudest success stories. Her exceptional artistry is matched by a deep passion for teaching; while maintaining a full performance schedule across Canada, she also devotes her time to mentoring youth at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music – New West. Combining exceptional talent with a warm, encouraging teaching style, Aisha brings a special energy to the Heights School of Music. We’re truly fortunate to have her inspiring presence in our community!
Alan Ruiz
Guitar + Band + Music Production
Alan is highly sought after for his work as a musician and educator. His approach to music making, via guitar and bass, brings students together to explore skill development and the joy of musical discovery. Alan is very active in the local music community as a session musician, band leader and producer.
As a music educator with over 10 years of teaching experience, Alan has taught at prestigious institutions like the Conservatory of British Columbia and the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.
Alan’s teaching style is personalized to each student. He understands that every learner is unique, adapting his approach to suit visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles. By quickly assessing each student’s strengths and goals, he creates a tailored study plan that inspires confidence and helps them thrive in their musical journey.
Erin Sutton
Voice
Erin is a vocalist and educator who specializes in teaching solfège and healthy, expressive singing. She sings across genres—from opera to country—and helps students build strong musicianship through aural training, sight-singing, and vocal technique.
Her teaching philosophy centers on helping each student discover their unique singing voice by working toward healthy, free, and authentic vocal expression. Solfège is at the heart of her teaching as it gives a powerful internal map for understanding pitch, harmony, and musical structure while building confidence and deepening musical expression from the inside out.
A self-identified “solfège nerd”, Erin believes that developing a strong ear can be life-changing, and loves few things more than sharing the joy she finds in music with others. When she isn't dreaming up ear-training games, Erin likes to unwind with a good pilates class, or trip to the dog park. (The fact that Erin does not currently have a dog of her own is irrelevant.)
Nicole Dale
Piano + Band + Music Theory
Nicole Dale has been immersed in music as both a performer and educator for over 30 years. With a background that includes all levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music in piano and a BFA in Music Education, she has built innovative music programs across Vancouver and New York City.
From bringing music programs to shelters in the Bronx to leading a string ensemble at Carnegie Hall, Nicole spent over a decade in New York strengthening her belief in music’s transformative power.
As Program Director at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, she developed tiered programs for students from elementary to post-secondary, mentoring emerging educators and nurturing young talent.
Nicole has performed in rock, folk, funk, and Afro-fusion bands, and is passionate about sharing her love of music and inspiring the next generation.
Otis Mrazek
Drums
Otis is our youngest teaching addition, but his drum playing is anything but beginner! Having a professional drummer for a dad helped spark his musical journey at a very young age, and he’s been honing his skills ever since. He spent four years playing snare drum with the Robert Malcolm Memorial Pipe Band, under the guidance of world champion snare drummer Reid Maxwell.
At Moscrop Secondary School, Otis plays drum set for the Junior Jazz Band and percussion for the Senior Concert Band. His musicianship has been recognized with three Excellence Awards in Jazz Band and Concert Band over the past two years.
In addition to playing drums, Otis plays piano and has recently picked up the bass. He is skilled in a variety of percussion styles, from classical and jazz to contemporary music. With a growing passion for teaching, Otis’s warm, friendly style will make every student feel ready to make some joyful noise at Heights School of Music!