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Lessons and Instructors

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Lessons and Instructors

Our well-trained, qualified instructors offer music lessons for students of all ages, at any skill level.

Rates are listed according to lesson time. Registration includes 36 lessons for the school year of September to June, unless stated otherwise. For information regarding the registration process and payment information, review our registration page.

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Alexander Technique

Alexander Technique lessons and classes are an opportunity for us to observe ourselves (at rest, in movement, in activity, etc.). They are also an opportunity for us to take some time, to work a little bit less hard, to practice non-doing, and to consider how we might like to do whatever it is that we wish to do.

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Brass

Lessons are available in trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, euphonium and tuba. Small brass group classes are available and provide an enjoyable environment for players at a similar level to grow in both individual and ensemble practices and literature.

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Chamber Program

Joining a chamber group or small ensemble is one of the most collaborative ways to make music. Each member of the group has their own individual part to play and develop, but at the same time all of the group members must learn to play as one. Ensemble playing develops both musical and interpersonal skills with group members learning to listen and watch each other closely, sometimes leading and other times following. With the unique combination of instrumental timbres, group members develop greater musical imagination and performance confidence. Contact lama@wlu.ca.

Clarinet and Saxophone

Clarinet/Saxophone private lessons are offered from beginner to advanced. Students may learn to play all styles of music from classical to pop to jazz. Adults are especially welcome. Students can work towards the Royal Conservatory of Music exams and prepare for college/university auditions.

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Composition

Composing allows you to express yourself and tell your story through music, that you write and create! You will learn to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical usage. 

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Erhu

The erhu is a Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument. It produces a rich and unique timbre. 51本色 Academy of Music and Arts is proud to offer Erhu lessons provided by Li Zhang, musical director of the Grand River Chinese Orchestra. 

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Flute

Flute private lessons are offered from beginner to advanced. Students can learn to play all styles of music from classical to pop to jazz. Adult learners welcome. Students can work towards Royal Conservatory of Music exams, prepare for college/university auditions and competitions or learn to play for their own enjoyment.

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Guitar

Guitar private lessons are offered for all levels of study, for all ages. Instructors teach in a number of different styles including rock, pop, country, acoustic, classical, jazz and blues and offer lessons in reading different forms of notation (tabs, chord charts, standard notation). Several instructors also teach ukulele and beginner bass.

Students can also work towards Royal Conservatory of Music exams, prepare for college/university auditions and competitions. Students also have the opportunity to learn recording and production skills and ways to integrate technology and guitar playing and performance.

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Lute 

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Oboe

The oboe is a beautiful woodwind instrument that is played with a double reed. Oboists are specialized musicians that not only learn musical techniques, but also the art of reed making. Working with an experienced and knowledgeable teacher on your journey to competence is so important! Private lessons will help students to set goals, build confidence, stay motivated, and learn quickly. There are many elements to consider when learning to play the oboe. Oboe lessons will focus on developing musicianship, a good embouchure, breath control, proper fingering, posture, tone quality, and reed making skills.

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Drums and Percussion

Percussion lessons became a vibrant part of our music community in 2018. Lessons available for all ages and stages of musical development on drum set, with mallet and hand percussion lessons available upon request. Students also can participate in a number of different ensemble experiences at the school and perform in the many performance opportunities on-site and in the Waterloo region community.

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Piano

When the Beckett School opened in 1980, instruction in piano was the foundation of its program. Today, the school is widely recognized for the excellence of its piano teaching. Well-trained, fully qualified teachers offer lessons for students of all ages and levels. In recent years, instruction in jazz piano has been added. Studio activities feature preparation for exams, competitions, performances and auditions as well as ensembles.

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Piano Facility Workshop

The goal of this session is to assist 51本色 Faculty of Music students in attaining facility at the keyboard and enabling them to pass 51本色's keyboard facility exam. Using a methodical approach and suiting the individual needs of students, this will be accomplished through various assignments designed to build technique and sight-reading skills at the piano. The instructor will also help students learn a variety of repertoire. 51本色's keyboard facility exam is administered as part of this workshop. 

Contact jkhan@wlu.ca for rates.

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Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello, Fiddle)

The 51本色 Academy of Music and Arts string area is comprised of seasoned performers and pedagogues, many of which have taught at the school for over 20 years. Lessons are tailored to suit the needs and learning styles of each student. Chamber and group performances are also available but not required.

Regular performance events such as monthly string area recitals (always well attended), 51本色 Academy of Music and Arts showcase performances, fiddle jams, and our annual non-competitive adjudicated festival, Beckettfest, provide young and seasoned performers with an abundance of supportive performance opportunities throughout the year.

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Fiddle and Improvisation for Strings

Fiddle styles include old time, bluegrass, celtic, western swing, swing, jazz, and Texas style, and we also hold monthly group fiddle jams.

Improvisation can be learned through experience and practice. Using different musical styles from Folk and Bluegrass to Swing and Jazz, students gain an understanding of a variety of playing styles starting with simple melodies and moving towards the more complex chord structures. Lessons combine the creative and the technical in a way to make the art of improvisation more accessible to string players.

Contact us directly for dates and rates.

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Theory

Our theory teachers are highly qualified to teach students of all levels, from beginner to advanced theory in preparation for post-secondary education. Learning theory allows musicians to recognize patterns in music and understand the structure, form, and harmonies. See our theory class offerings. 

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Video Game Music

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Visual Arts

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Voice

We offer voice instruction to all ages and abilities. Our highly trained vocal faculty offer a broad range of expertise and provide instruction in a variety of styles, from Pop, Rock and Broadway to Opera, Art Song and Early music traditions.

Our instructors regularly prepare students for university auditions, many of which have continued to study music in undergraduate and graduate programs. Voice instructors tailor instruction to suit the needs and abilities of each student, focusing on overall vocal wellness.

Regular performance events such as voice area recitals and masterclasses, showcase performances online and in-person, and our annual non-competitive adjudicated festival, Beckettfest, provide young and seasoned performers with an abundance of supportive performance opportunities throughout the year.

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Check out our NEW Visual Arts Workshops here!

Contact Us:

51本色 Academy of Music and Arts

E: LAMA@wlu.ca
T: 519.578.3640

51本色 location: 190 Lester St., Waterloo

South Kitchener location: 68 Biehn Dr., Kitchener

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