Take note of these music lessons in Calgary

Whether you’re an amateur music-maker who wants to learn an instrument or a musician who hopes to become a professional, Calgary has a music school for you. The city features a variety of music institutions that offer lessons for all ages and skill levels. From classic one-on-one instrument instruction, to group drumming and workshops, you’re sure to find a class that suits your musical forte.

By Sarah Sussman

Bowtown Music Inc

1

1609C Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3R2

• Phone Number
  • 587-353-6800Primary
• Directions

Offering lessons for students of all ages and skill levels both at home and in its Kensington studio space, Bowtown Music instructors specialize in voice, guitar, piano, drums, violin, ukulele, banjo, saxophone and mandolin. Students looking to take their music to a professional level can use the school’s on-site recording studio, which is available to both students and the public at an hourly rate with a minimum two-hour booking.

Harmony Music School

2

2614 4 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3A1

• Phone Number
  • 403-619-8115Primary
• Directions

The Harmony Music School offers instruction on string instruments, as well as guitar, piano, clarinet and flute. Vocal lessons are also offered. Students can participate in the academic program, which is suited for those pursuing music as a career. They can also study in the school’s general program, which is aimed at musical hobbyists. Further courses include a weekend adult string ensemble.

Inglewood Community Hall

3

246 Inglewood Rd, Bridgetown, NS B0S 1C0

• Phone Number
  • 902-665-4948Primary
• Directions

Every Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm, Circles Of Rhythm hosts a drum circle at the Inglewood Community Hall. With its low-pressure learning environment, the event is less focused on the technical aspects of music, encouraging participants to express themselves through beat and rhythm. No experience is necessary, and drums are provided.

Chinook School of Music

4

203-3522 19 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2T 4X6

• Phone Number
  • 403-246-8446Primary
• Directions

Located in the Marda Loop neighbourhood, the Chinook School of Music offers private instrumental lessons including piano, guitar, violin, cello and flute. Guitar students who aren’t ready to purchase an instrument can rent the school’s guitars on a monthly basis. The school also features a cello choir for adult participants. Vocal and guitar boot camps, group music-theory lessons and music appreciation courses are also available.

One World Drum Co

• Phone Number
  • 403-217-6790Primary
  • 1-888-722-6790Tollfree

This specialty music store and school specializes in the djembe drum, a rope-wrapped, skin-covered goblet drum originating in West Africa. One World Drum Co. offers evening drumming and rhythm lessons for musicians of all skill levels. A weekly drum circle is held on Saturday nights at 7:30 pm with a modest participation fee. Didgeridoo workshop lessons are also offered.

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Mount Royal University

5

4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6

• Phone Number
  • 403-440-6821Primary
• Directions

Mount Royal University Conservatory offers an extensive variety of music lessons, workshops and programs available to the public daily. These include private instruction for instruments from the harp and violin to organ and piano. Courses are also available in songwriting, music history and music industry business. Group lessons offer an alternative to standard one-on-one learning, and are offered throughout the year as day-long workshops or weekly sessions. This year’s group-lesson lineup includes Campfire Guitar Bootcamp, group fiddling, Monday Night Jazz Guitar, Harp Ensemble and more.

Imagine Music Lessons

6

340-600 Crowfoot Cres NW, Calgary, AB T3G 0B4

• Phone Number
  • 403-971-7120Primary
• Directions

Featuring instructors with expertise in several musical genres, Imagine Music Inc. offers an impressive selection of classes. Instrumental instruction is offered for piano, organ, guitar, percussion, flute, accordion and more. Music theory, composition, improvisation and song-writing lessons are also offered. Also contact Imagine when you require the services of a professional musician for parties, private functions and receptions or accompaniment for music exams, recitals and competitions.

SAIT Polytechnic School of Information and Communications

7

1301 16 Avenue NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4

• Phone Number
  • 403-284-7248Primary
  • 1-877-284-7248Tollfree
• Directions

If you’re passionate about music-making technology and want to make it your career, SAIT’s School of Information and Communications offers its Digital Audio certificate program. The program prepares students for employment as music industry sound specialists. Students learn to operate music production software, as well as mastering the art of live sound engineering, and putting the final polish on recorded music with mixing and mastering technology.

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More from Sarah Sussman

As the associate editor-in-chief of HipHopCanada.com and A&R talent scout for the Universal Music Scouting Program, Sarah spends most of her time interviewing and photographing hip-hop artists, checking out new music and scouting live shows. She lives in Calgary.

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