Courses & Programs

2024-25 Programs
(Registration for Fall 2024 Opens August 7)

Mini-U Baby (0 - 18M)

Classes just for you and your new baby!  While baby giggles and bops to the music during these classes, you will learn new songs, rhymes, and dances to strengthen your connection with your baby in class and at home. These classes are based on the current early childhood research, so every activity is not only fun, but builds skills and fosters your child’s development. These classes have a capacity of 10 children, to give babies lots of room! Fees: $175/semester

Tuesday, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa)
Instructor: Tara Campbell

FALL 2024: September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19 
WINTER 2025: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25
NO CLASS DATES: February 18

Registration Opens August 7, 2024


Mini-U Toddler (18M - 3YR)

We have designed a class that moves just as quickly as your little one. This class includes dances, rhymes, instrument exploration and most importantly, ways for your toddler to lead the activities.  The capacity of our Mini U Classes is 10, giving your child lots of room to move, and of course a ton of well-deserved attention! Full parent participation is required in these classes. Fees: $175/semester

Option 1: Tuesday, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa)
Instructor: Tara Campbell

FALL 2024: September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19
WINTER 2025: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 
NO CLASS DATES: February 18

Option 2: Saturday, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa)

FALL 2024: Sep 14, 21, 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30 
WINTER 2025: January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 
NO CLASS DATES: October 12, November 16, February 22 

Instructor: Tara Campbell

Registration Opens August 7, 2024


Mini-U Pre-Schooler (3 - 5YR) 

Our preschooler music classes foster your growing child’s wild imagination, using music as the tool for fun, learning and exploration! Songs, dances, instrument play and stories will engage your child and foster language development, self-regulation, music skills and confidence. We invite parents to join us for the last ten minutes of class.  The class capacity of our Mini U classes is 10, to allow for lots of room to move! Fees: $175/semester

Option 1: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa)
Instructor: Tara Campbell

FALL 2024: Sep 14, 21, 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 23, 30 
WINTER 2025: January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22 
NO CLASS DATES: October 12, November 16, February 22 

Registration Opens August 7, 2024

Youth TAIKO Drumming Classes (ages 8 - 12) 

Japanese Kumi Daiko (ensemble taiko) centres around body and movement to explore “Ma”: the space between the notes. Working together to build energy, taiko drummers use body movement to create powerful rhythms. This combination of rhythm and choreography creates a challenging and exciting drumming style regardless of experience, and exercises both mind and body. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore our extensive collection of world percussion instruments over the course of the class.

Fees: $175/semester
Instructor: Marc Vantol

Thursday, 5:00 - 6:00pm 
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)

FALL 2024: September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 7, 14, 21, 28
WINTER 2025: January 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27 
NO CLASS DATES: October 31, February 20

Registration Opens August 7

Youth Taiko

Children’s Choir (Ages 6 – 10)

The U of L Children's Choir is for children aged 6-10 years who love to sing or would like to explore what singing with others is all about. No audition is required. The focus of this dynamic young choir is on giving children the chance to experience the fun and joy of singing while at the same time growing as musicians. They sing a wide variety of music, including singing games and activities that help them develop as musicians and learn to use their singing voices in a healthy way. Their weekly rehearsals, led by conductor Nicole Garlock, are fun, organic and valuable. Performances throughout the year are the icing on the cake.

Instructor: Nicole Garlock 
Fees: $305/year

Tuesday, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2024: September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 26, December 3 
WINTER 2025: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8
NO CLASS DATES: February 18 

Registration Opens August 7, 2024


Alegre Choir (Ages 11 - 16)

For singers aged 11-16, this choir offers singers a joyful and comprehensive experience in choral music. We sing music of all styles, with an emphasis is on choosing repertoire that is accessible, fun and challenging enough to allow each member to develop as vocal musicians through the experience of singing together. Weekly rehearsals, led this year by Jaimee Jarvie, are an energetic fusion of focus, hard work and joy as we grow together as a choir.  While this group performs throughout the year, the commitment is not heavy. Our primary aim is to create a dynamic and welcoming community where every singer feels valued and supported to develop confidence and musicianship through each rehearsal and performance. No audition or previous experience is required to participate in this choir.

Instructor: Kathy Matkin-Clapton
Fees: $415/year

Wednesday, 5:30-7:00pm
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2024: September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4 
WINTER 2025: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, April 9 
NO CLASS DATES: February 19 

Registration Opens August 7, 2024


Incanto Singers (Ages 17+)

The Incanto Singers are a welcoming and skilled mixed choir for younger adults who love to sing. No audition is required to participate in this group because our goal is to develop individual musicality as we work together as a choir. We sing a wide variety of challenging repertoire in SATB, working hard in our weekly rehearsals to create and refine a sound and joyful approach that is uniquely “Incanto”. This wonderful choir is open to singers ages 17 and up. Many members of our group are working professionals, university, college or high school students who are eager to belong to a choir that will both accept them where they are at and challenge them to grow in confidence and skill as choral singers. Online materials are available to support learning between practices. While this group is often asked to perform throughout the year, the commitment is not heavy, and many events are decided upon collectively. Weekly rehearsals are led by Kathy Matkin-Clapton.

Instructor: Kathy Matkin-Clapton
Fees: $425 + GST 

Wednesday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2024: September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4 
WINTER 2025: January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, April 9
NO CLASS DATES: February 19 

Registration Opens August 7, 2024


Sing for Joy (ages 40+)

Sing for Joy: A choir for well-being

IIn this choir, everyone is welcome, and everyone is good enough. Most of our singers are 40+, although we prefer to call it “plenty-nine”.  Our rehearsals are fun, dynamic “cup-filling” experiences for all. We sing a wide variety of music, from pop and the “oldies” to folk and traditional choir music in two, three and four parts. Reading music is a plus, but not a must. Online materials are available to support learning between practices. Although we’re based in Lethbridge, singers can join the fun via Zoom from anywhere. Our conductor Kathy Matkin-Clapton has been leading choirs in our community for the past three decades. Her approach is to empower singers to find their inner musicians, nurturing confidence and growth that expands ability and possibility simultaneously. Her primary goal is to nurture joy and connection through collective music-making. She is passionate about and deeply committed to her work and grateful for every member of this uniquely amazing group of people. We hope you will join us as we sing for joy!

Website: sing4joy.ca

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wesingforjoy

Instructor: Kathy Matkin-Clapton
Fees: $450 + GST/year

Thursday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
FALL 2024: September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 7, 14, 21, 28, December 5 
WINTER 2025: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 
NO CLASS DATES: October 31, February 20 

Registration Opens August 7, 2024


Ventus Women's Choir (Auditioned Choir)

Ventus Women’s Choir was founded in the summer of 2015 and is comprised of singers from Lethbridge and surrounding area. Under the direction of Regan Brooks, Ventus has collaborated with established choirs and placed first at local, provincial, and national festivals.

Please contact Artistic Director Regan Brooks for an audition for Fall 2024 season. Regan.brooks@uleth.ca.

Instructor: Regan Brooks
Fees: $250 + GST/semester

Monday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
FALL 2024: Sep 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 21, 28, Nov 4, 18, 25 
WINTER 2025: Jan 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 24, Mar 3, 10, 1, 24, 31, Apr 7, 14, 28
Concerts: November 30 & May 2

Registration opens August 7, 2024

 

Overture Band
The Overture Band is for children ages 10 and up who are eager to begin their musical journey on a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Previous musical experience is not required. This comprehensive homeschool band program is designed to meet students at their individual skill levels and foster musical growth in a supportive environment. Under the guidance of our conductor, Cori Latta, students will explore various musical styles and develop fundamental skills in a fun and social environment. The program features two concerts per year, providing students with valuable performance opportunities to showcase their progress and hard work. Note: Students are required to rent their own instrument. For more information, please visit Long & McQuade.

Instructor: Cori Latta 
Fees:  $265 per year ($15 off if you register before Aug 31)

Day/Time Friday, 10:00 – 11:00
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
FALL 2024: September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 22, 29, December 6, 12 
WINTER 2025: January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11
NO CLASS DATES: November 15, February 21 

Registration Opens August 7

 

Intermezzo Band
The Intermezzo Band is for children under 18 who have at least one year of instrumental band experience and are eager to further develop their skills. This dynamic band program offers a diverse repertoire and engaging musical experiences, tailored to the needs of intermediate-level musicians. It provides an excellent opportunity to incorporate music into your home education program. Led by conductor Cori Latta, students will continue to refine their musical abilities in a fun and social environment. The program features two concerts per year, providing students with valuable performance opportunities to showcase their progress and hard work. Note: Students are required to rent their own instrument. For more information, please visit Long & McQuade.

Instructor: Cori Latta 
Fees:  $265 per year ($15 off if you register before Aug 31)

Day/Time Friday, 11:15-12:15pm
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
FALL 2024: September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 22, 29, December 6, 12 
WINTER 2025: January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11
NO CLASS DATES: November 15, February 21 

Registration Opens August 7

For more information on instruments, view the video demonstrations here. If you have any questions, reach out to Cori directly at: conservatorybands@gmail.com

Option 1: Adult Music Social (Ages 13+)
This class explores group music activities specifically tailored to the needs and interests of the group! Each class is divided into 30 minutes of music and movement through drumming, singing, and playing instruments; 30 minutes of social and snack time; and 30 minutes of musical concept exploration with videos, worksheets, and hands-on activities. All abilities and levels of experience welcome! Instructor: Lorrie Wittke

Thursday, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
Fees: $225/semester
FALL 2024: September 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21
WINTER 2025: January 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27
NO CLASS DATES: Feb 20

Option 2: Music & Movement for Ages 5 - 8
A group session for students with exceptionalities to explore music concepts through fun interactive games while singing, moving and playing instruments. Instructor: Lorrie Wittke

Tuesday, 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
Fees:  $175/semester
FALL 2024: September 17, 24, October, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19 
WINTER 2025: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25
NO CLASS DATES: Feb 18 

Option 3: Music & Movement for Ages 9 - 12
A group session for students with exceptionalities to explore music concepts through fun interactive games while singing, moving and playing instruments. Instructor: Lorrie Wittke

Tuesday, 2:15-3:00 p.m..
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
Fees:  $175/per semester
FALL 2024: September 17, 24, October, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19
WINTER 2025: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25
NO CLASS DATES: Feb 18

Registration Opens August 7

All pianists, ages 8+ (RCM Prep A+) are invited to join this fun collaborative piano class.  Once the registration date has passed, students will be placed in duets, trios, or up to 8 hand ensembles, and coaching times will be assigned between 1-3:30pm or 5-6:30pm on the above noted Fridays.  Private instructors will also work with students on the repertoire in private lessons.  Practice studios will be available for each ensemble so rehearsal can be scheduled before assigned coaching sessions. Instructor: Cheryl Emery-Karapita.

Friday, 1:00-3:30; 5:00 – 6:30 (30-60 minutes scheduled during this timeframe)
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
Fees:  $130/semester
FALL 2024: September 27, October 25, November 22, December 6
WINTER 2025: January 24, February 7, March 7, April 11

Fees:  $130/semester

Registration Opens August 7

Theory (Asynchronous)

New online theory courses are now available, designed to fully prepare and assist students in learning the RCM Music Theory 5, 6, 7 or 8 materials.  Registering and taking the RCM exam is not necessary to take these courses.  Our theory 5 is the first level of music theory and includes some basics in case students need additional beginner-level support.

To register for our online theory courses, students just need to decide which fee option best suits their needs, from just video access, to video access plus live study labs and prep exam marking support!  This allows students to decide how much support they need to complete the theory material.  Theory courses follow the RCM curriculum, so students need to purchase the workbook to go along with the course. 

All of the options include access to the online course for 6 months, giving students as much time as is needed.  When students register and pay for this course, they will then receive a welcome email with online course access details.  If students register for the fee that includes live (online) lab times, those will be scheduled bi-weekly on Thursdays, starting at 6:30pm.  Students can pick and choose which labs they want to sign up for in advance (sign-up sheets will be located in the course learning platform).

Registration Options: 

  • 6 Months of Access to Course Material for self-guided study, plus ability to submit 1 prep exam for marking: $150 (workbook is extra)
  • 6 Months of Access to Course Material, plus access to a live instructor for up to 3 study labs, plus ability to submit 1 prep exam for marking: $225 (workbook extra)
  • 6 Months of Access to Course Material, plus access to a live instructor for up to 6 study labs, plus ability to submit 2 prep exams for marking: $300 (workbook extra)

 

This course covers the material necessary to write the Royal Conservatory exam for Level 5 Theory.  The Level 5 course includes a thorough review of concepts covered in previous levels of RCM theory, which makes it possible for a student to use this course as a point of entry to their music theory studies, provided they have experience gained through vocal or instrumental lessons. Students will come to understand elements of pitch and notation, rhythm, scales and key signatures, melody and composition, intervals, music history, chords and harmony, form and analysis, and musical terms. 


Fees: $150 - $300
Instructor
: Colleen Klassen
Dates: From the date of payment/registration, you will have 6 months of access to this asynchronous course.

Register

*Please note this course fee does not include the actual Royal Conservatory exam.  That is a separate fee; the U of L Conservatory is not affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  We do not administer or mark the RCM exams.  This course is just designed to assist you in preparing for this exam.

This course covers the material necessary to write the Royal Conservatory exam for Level 6 Theory. If the student has not taken formal music theory prior to this course, it is recommended to begin with Level 5 and progress through the courses in sequence. A student with some training may request a placement test to help determine the appropriate course to register in. Students will come to understand elements of keys and scales, rhythm, intervals, chords and harmony, melody writing and composition, music history, and form and analysis.


Fees: $150 - $300
Instructor
: Colleen Klassen
Dates: From the date of payment/registration, you will have 6 months of access to this asynchronous course.

Register

*Please note this course fee does not include the actual Royal Conservatory exam.  That is a separate fee; the U of L Conservatory is not affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  We do not administer or mark the RCM exams.  This course is just designed to assist you in preparing for this exam.

This course covers the material necessary to write the Royal Conservatory exam for Level 7 Theory. If the student has not taken formal music theory prior to this course, it is recommended to begin with Level 5 and progress through the courses in sequence. A student with some training may request a placement test to help determine the appropriate course to register in. In Level 7 Theory, students will come to understand elements of keys and scales, rhythm, intervals, transposition, chords and harmony, melody writing and composition, music history, and form and analysis.


Fees: $150 - $300
Instructor
: Colleen Klassen
Dates: From the date of payment/registration, you will have 6 months of access to this asynchronous course.

Register

*Please note this course fee does not include the actual Royal Conservatory exam.  That is a separate fee; the U of L Conservatory is not affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  We do not administer or mark the RCM exams.  This course is just designed to assist you in preparing for this exam.

This course covers the material necessary to write the Royal Conservatory exam for Level 8 Theory. If the student has not taken formal music theory prior to this course, it is recommended to begin with Level 5 and progress through the courses in sequence. A student with some training may request a placement test to help determine the appropriate course to register in. In Level 8 Theory,  students will come to understand elements of keys and scales, rhythm, intervals, transposition, chords and harmony, melody writing and composition, music history, and form and analysis.


Fees: $150 - $300
Instructor
: Colleen Klassen
Dates: From the date of payment/registration, you will have 6 months of access to this asynchronous course.

Register

*Please note this course fee does not include the actual Royal Conservatory exam.  That is a separate fee; the U of L Conservatory is not affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  We do not administer or mark the RCM exams.  This course is just designed to assist you in preparing for this exam.

Studio 202: Podcast, Recording and Practice Studio

 

 

Studio 202 is a podcast/recording studio, available for affordable hourly rental ($20/hour) in the heart of downtown Lethbridge! Contact us to book your time today: music.conservatory@uleth.ca.

 

 

Did you know that we also offer Private Music Lessons?
Financial Assistance is available for those in need.
For more information regarding School Band Retreat opportunities, click here.