Elaine Quilichini began studying music in Biggar, Saskatchewan under the tutelage of the Sisters of the Assumption. She traveled 58.39miles (94km) once a week to take voice and piano lessons in the neighbouring city of Saskatoon where she eventually also earned her Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Saskatchewan. She followed this education with a Masters of Music from Holy Names College in Oakland California where she specialised in the Kodály method. In 195 Quilichini as Artistic Director founded the Calgary Girls Choir and its program which is notable at the international level. This choir earned first place three times in the CBC National Radio Competition for Canadian amateur choirs. She hosts a private music studio and also finds time to help with the University of Calgary's Women's Choir. Quilichini conducts choral choirs internationally as well as locally. Besides conducting at worldwide festivals, Quilichini has also adjudicated at festivals. She is Artistic Director at the Nebraska Weleyan University Summer Youth Choral Program as well as Wichita State University Kodály Programs. Quilichini is in demand across North America, and continues to teach at the Kodály Music Institute at Boston's New England Conservatory She was presented with the 'con spirito' award for her work in the choral conducting and music pedagogy.

"I wanted to develop a comprehensive choral program for girls that stressed music education and performance at the highest artistic level while developing the girl's pride and confidence in themselves." - Elaine Quilichini

Bibliography:

"ACDA EDiv Children's Honor Choir". 2010 Conference - Children's Honor Choir. American Choral Directors Association. http://www.acdaeast.org/2010_phila/hc_children.html. Retrieved 2009-11-05.

"Alliance Music Publications Inc. - Elaine Quilichini". Alliance Music Publication Inc. 2004. http://www.alliancemusic.com/peopledetails.cfm?iPeopleID=27. Retrieved 2009-11-05.

"Calgary Girls Choir". United Singers International. 2006. http://www.singers.com/choral/calgarygirlschoir.html. Retrieved 2009-11-05.
"Elaine Quilichini - Founder and Artistic Director". Calgary Girls Choir Society. http://www.calgarygirlschoir.com/director.php. Retrieved 2009-11-05.