An instrument petting zoo is one of the highlights of the annual open house at Nanaimo Conservatory of Music.
On Saturday (Sept. 15), the conservatory will open its doors at 375 Selby St. to performances by conservatory students, mini-lessons and the chance to win prizes.
It’s not only a chance to check out different instruments but also to listen to high-quality music from students and instructors.
Demonstrations happen throughout the day, beginning with voice at 11 a.m.; piano and organ at 11:30 a.m.; strings, including bass, cello, guitar, harp, violin and viola at noon; choir, winds and brass, including flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon at 1 p.m.; and the Suzuki program in flute, cello, violin and piano at 2 p.m.
The conservatory offers programs for students of all ages and all levels of development and is fully qualified to help students achieve excellence in Royal Conservatory exams leading to a career in music.
Studies have proven time and again that quality music instruction has a significant impact on children’s memory and literacy levels, assists in developing motor coordination, and helps troubled children deal with negative emotions in a positive way.
As early as the 19th century, the visionary Dr. Maria Montessori included music and arts into her worldwide school curriculum to greatly enhance and accelerate learning.
The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music offers music lessons in more than a dozen instruments as well as group classes like choir, musical theatre, various ensembles and early childhood classes all of which contribute to developing self-esteem, co-operation and creative thinking.
The open house runs until 3 p.m. Admission is free.
For more information, please visit the conservatory website at www.ncmusic.ca or call 250-754-4611.