ASSI 2025 Faculty
Godinez, Flory
Flory Godinez earned her Bachelor of Music and Master degrees in Violin Performance and completed PhD studies in Music Theory and Violin. She studied in Japan for two years with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, earning a Suzuki Violin Teacher’s Certificate. Flory is a registered Suzuki Violin Teacher Trainer and has trained violin teachers in Europe and North America. She has played solo, chamber music and orchestral concerts in eleven countries on three continents under such conductors as Leopold Stokowski, Walter Susskind, and Holywood film composer Carmen Dragon. Flory worked four years as a studio violinist in southern California playing back ups for radio and TV commercials and pop groups.
Sobieraj, Conrad
Edmonton born cellist and composer Conrad Sobieraj began playing cello at age 4 under the instruction of his mother Grazyna Sobieraj. In preparation for university he studied with Silvia Buttiglione of the Vaughan String Quartet, and went on to complete his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Alberta under the instruction of Rafael Hoekman. During the first two years of his degree, the Vertex String Quartet premiered both of his compositions in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Vesely, Sam – Jazz & Rhythm Class
Sam Vesely is an accomplished Music Educator, Composer, Arranger, Performer, and Musician currently living in the Edmonton area. He demonstrates his musical versatility as a pianist, singer, guitar/bass player, and trumpet, he has shared his talents as a soloist and with several choirs and bands over the past thirteen years. His musical interests and styles range from classical, country, pop, jazz, and contemporary. Sam brings together talent, passion, and technical knowledge to his work after completing his Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music, majoring in Composition, and his Royal Conservatory of Canada piano and theory training (Grade 8).
With over seven years as a music educator and mentor for youth and adults, Sam’s success showcases his understanding of how to effectively engage others in their musical journey by sharing his passion for music and music creation. As a professional freelance composer, Sam has created works for large symphonic bands, choir ensembles, jazz trios, string quintets, and reimagined covers. Sam’s familiarity and passion for a diverse range of genres, combined with his fresh approach to music, is what makes his work stand out above the rest.
Zalkovic, Julia – Violin
Julia Zalkovic was born in Edmonton Alberta, and began playing the violin when she was 7 years old. She began her studies at the Suzuki Charter School, learning the Suzuki Method. She later studied with Violaine Melançon at the Schulich School of Music (McGill University) in Montreal where she graduated with her Bachelor in Violin Performance degree in December of 2023. She has competed in numerous competitions, receiving scholarships as well as competing in Provincial competitions. Julia also began teaching both violin and piano (which she plays as a secondary instrument) when she was 14, and teaches both to this day. In 2016, she received the Iris Evans Scholarship ‘Most Likely To Become A Professional Artist Award’ from the Sherwood Park Music Festival. In 2017, she was a finalist in the ASA concerto competition, and won the Sherwood Park Music Festival’s Concerto competition in that same year. In 2018, she performed the complete Mozart Concerto No. 4 in D major alongside an orchestra, as a result of her winning the concerto competition the year prior. She has also performed in orchestras, being part of the EYO (Edmonton Youth Orchestra) at the age of 12, and later playing as part of the University of Alberta’s USO (University Symphony Orchestra) at the age of 18. While playing as a member of the USO, Julia majored in Psychology at the University of Alberta. Julia enjoys chamber work, as well as teaching one on one.