Our Team
Nikita Labdon: Owner
“Hi! I am the owner of Labdon Studios. I have been teaching private music lessons for over 10 years and have my Bachelor of Music Vocal Performance degree from the University of Manitoba. Music has always been a big part of my life. As a child, I was involved in piano and voice lessons, band, choir and Musical Theatre productions. I am currently an active member of our performing arts community and have had the pleasure of performing Opera, Jazz and Musical Theatre in Winnipeg and abroad. Being able to have music as a part of my life from such a young age allowed me to not only develop my passion for performing, but helped me discover my love for teaching and fostering a love for music in others.”
Cecilia Cormier: Piano, Flute, Piccolo Guitar and Theory Teacher
Hello! I’m Cecilia Cormier, and I’m currently a third-year Bachelor of Music student at the University of Manitoba, where I specialize in teaching flute, piano, guitar, and music theory.
I am truly passionate about fostering a positive, inspiring environment where my students can grow their skills and deepen their love for music. My own musical journey started back in school bands and solo competitions, which gave me a strong foundation in both ensemble and individual performance.
Outside of the studio, you can usually find me training as a member of the University of Manitoba track and field team—I really enjoy staying active and spending time in nature!
Arielle MacKinnon: Voice Teacher
Hello! I’m Arielle, and I’m so excited to work with you. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music and am currently pursuing a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Performance to continue growing as both a performer and an educator.
My passion for teaching is rooted in my own experience on stage, where I’ve had the joy of performing principal roles in productions like The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, and Anne of Green Gables. Having grown up leading children in skits and musicals, and spending years in various childcare and activity-coordinating roles, I love helping young learners find their confidence.
My teaching philosophy is simple: every student is unique. I believe in meeting you exactly where you are in your musical journey, helping you discover your own voice and reach your full potential in a way that is encouraging and meaningful. Whether you’re just starting out or working on advanced technique, I tailor my approach to your specific goals.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll likely find me singing Disney songs or hunting for new music to add to my playlist. I can’t wait to meet you and help you develop your love for music!
Sarah Schellenberg: Voice & Piano Teacher
Hello! My name is Sarah Schellenberg. I have been teaching at Labdon Studios for four years, and I am proud to be a graduate of the Bachelor of Music program. I am currently continuing my education at the University of Manitoba, where I am pursuing my Bachelor of Education.
Music has always been a central part of my life, and I love having the opportunity to share that passion with my students. I look forward to continuing to make beautiful and fun music with you!
Ariel Recksiedler: Voice & Piano Teacher
i! I’m Ariel Recksiedler, and I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I started playing piano at the young age of three and later began taking voice lessons. I’ve had the pleasure of gaining experience through band, choir, and many musicals along the way.
I am currently in my fourth year studying voice at the University of Manitoba. I have always looked up to the music teachers who shaped my life, and I am so excited to step into that role and teach students of my own!
Emily NG:
Piano, Clarinet and Saxophone Teacher
Offers lessons in Cantonese and Mandarin
Hello! I am Emily Ng, a graduate of the University of Manitoba, where I majored in Clarinet. Music has always been a huge part in my life and I have always loved how expressive and joyful it can be. I started with the piano when I was young and later picked up the clarinet and saxophone. I am really looking forward to working with students of all levels and sharing my love of music in a fun and supportive way!
Vina Dimayuga: Voice & Piano & Ukulele Teacher
Vina Dimayuga is a voice major at the Canadian Mennonite University, pursuing a Bachelor of Music Therapy degree. With 18 years of voice lessons and experience in guitar, ukulele, and piano, Vina has learned various genres including musical theatre, classical, pop, R&B, and jazz. She has participated in music competitions and festivals across Manitoba, Vancouver, Hollywood, and Chile. Outside of school, Vina is active within Winnipeg’s performing arts community through music, storytelling, and dance. Passionate about making new connections through music, Vina is thrilled to be joining Labdon Studios and looks forward to fostering her students’ creativity and self-expression on their musical journeys.”
Herbert Pauls: Piano Teacher
Hi! I’m Herb Pauls, and I’ve been teaching at Labdon Studios for the past 3 years.
I was born in Saskatchewan, where I completed my Bachelor of Music under the guidance of pianist Robin Harrison. In my late teens and early 20s, I was deeply involved in the music scene, competing nationally, participating in regional CBC broadcasts, and performing concerts with some of Saskatoon’s top musicians.
Later, physical challenges with my right hand required me to step back from performing, which led me to earn advanced degrees in music theory and history. During this time, I also lived in Germany for three years, from 2005 to 2008. While there, I became fluent in the language and served as the principal translator for Spektral Records, translating over 100 of their CD booklets.
I’m incredibly grateful that, over the last decade, extensive care and treatment have gradually restored my hand to health, and I am now able to perform again. Today, my focus is on building my studio and sharing my love for music with students of all ages and levels—I look forward to meeting you!
Jessica : Voice, Guitar, Ukulele and Piano Teacher
My name is Jessica I am a fourth year music therapy student at CMU! I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, and have been playing guitar for just over 10 years now. Since coming to CMU, I have expanded my music knowledge to become well-versed in a variety of instruments and styles.
I became a music teacher to fuel my passion for music! I wanted to spread my love of music to others in hopes that my students feel the same love for it one day too.
Mina Dinic: Violin
Hi, my name is Mina I was born in Belgrade, Serbia, I began my violin journey at the age of six. My early education took place at the Mokranjac Primary and Secondary Music School, which laid the foundation for my further studies at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad under the guidance of Professor Miroslav Pavlović. Currently, I am based in Winnipeg, Canada, where I am attending the Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba. I am currently in the final year of my Master’s Degree in Performance, studying in the class of Professor Oleg Pokhanovski.
During my time in Serbia, I was an active competitor, earning several national and international prizes. Some of my most notable first-place awards include the Stringfest International Competition, the Republic Competition for Students of Music and Ballet Schools of Serbia, the International Stringed Instruments Competition in Niš, the Young Virtuoso Competition, and the Premio Clivis International Competition in Rome.
My performance career has allowed me to collaborate with various orchestral ensembles, including the Šlezinger City Chamber Orchestra, the Kragujevac Symphony Orchestra, and the Camerata Academica Novi Sad.
Beyond the stage, I have a deep-rooted passion for music education. I love teaching and connecting with students, whether I’m helping them master a difficult concerto or introducing them to their very first notes. My background includes serving as a violin, chamber music, and music theory teacher at the Musical Studio Do Re Mi, as well as teaching music culture at the Majka Jugovića Primary School. I believe that every student has a unique musical voice, and I am dedicated to helping them discover it with confidence and joy.
Adam Kupiak: Piano Teacher
Pianist Adam Kupiak has been working at Labdon Studios for the past 2 years and has been sharing his passion for music with others for upwards of 10 years. Adam has fully engaged in a broad assortment of musical techniques and appreciation. He has enjoyed learning a variety of instruments, including clarinet and saxophone, and especially piano.. He has shown an immense appreciation and recognition of piano practices and techniques from all eras of composition, and skills pertaining to piano performance, as well as rhythm, technique, and sight reading. In addition to the classical repertoire featured prominently in the RCM curriculum, he has experience in a large variety of genres, including jazz and contemporary movie/musical soundtrack components. He loves to engage with each individual and help them with their unique learning methods. Adam is looking forward to continuing to do so and applying his experience in this area, as well as sharing his music knowledge and piano expertise with others throughout the future years!