The Conservatory

The Academy Program for Young Artists offers participants a comprehensive music education featuring a balanced, performance-based course of study, with inspiring opportunities to creatively work and perform with professional musicians and world-renowned instructors.

The Academy Program runs from September to May with classes and activities taking place on Mondays, as well as either Fridays or Saturdays, and may include the following components: 

• weekly masterclasses with designated Academy faculty, accompanied by an assigned collaborative pianist
• regular sessions with world-renowned guest artists
• weekly chamber music coachings or group classes (depending on level)
• weekly or bi-weekly rehearsals (depending on level and instrument) with an assigned collaborative pianist
• weekly participation in our Orchestral Program (orchestral instruments) or in our Choral Program (non-orchestral instruments)
• optional weekly Music Literacy classes offered for different levels and ages
• frequent recitals aimed at developing confidence and stage presence
• emphasis is placed on peer support and a creative, inspiring and positive learning environment for all

The Academy Program offers young artists the opportunity to progress at an accelerated pace. Participants gain essential artistic experience in a variety of settings, including regular performances for audiences that may consist of peers, faculty members, guest artists, and the public.

The Academy Program is divided into distinct levels: Junior, Intermediate, Associate and Senior. In addition, we offer a special Honours class which is suitable for extraordinary young talents accelerating at a pace beyond their age. Class sizes for all levels (normally 5-10 students) warrant a great degree of interaction between teacher and students and allow for more one-on-one time than the average group class. For university-level students, please see our Advanced Performance Program.

The Academy Program's reputation is known and respected throughout the world, with many of its graduates being sought-after and continuing their musical studies in leading post-secondary music schools in Canada, the United States, and Europe. 

Immerse yourself in Mount Royal University's Advanced Performance Program (APP) in the world-class Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts. This engaging performance-based program advances your performance technique, musicianship, and collaboration skills with a focus on your future professional goals.

You'll expand your performance possibilities in a supportive, safe environment that's rich with creativity, encouragement, and collaboration. Cultivating leadership and communication skills are an important component of our program and are not only vital for a career in music but for any future endeavours. At the Mount Royal University Conservatory, our faculty are outstanding, internationally recognized musicians, who are invested in your musical, technical and personal growth.

Who is APP for? 

High School Students

Are you taking a gap year? Come explore and augment your performance skills before entering a Bachelors's program. We will help you advance your musicianship and work on your audition preparation. The Advanced Performance Program will give you the confidence to succeed in your artistic endeavors. 

Baccalaureate or Post-Baccalaureate Students

If you're in university or have completed your degree, but want focused performance enhancement, APP will help you take your art to the next level. Our collaborative agreements with other musical institutions mean you can receive an Extension Certificate for your work in APP while you're pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's Degree.