Programs
Courses & Programs
2026-2027 Program Dates
Registration for Fall 2026 opens August 4, 2026.
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 and learning to use their singing voices in a healthy way. This choir also seeks to celebrate and learn from the diverse cultures and musical traditions that shape our community, including indigenous songs, stories, and perspectives shared respectfully through collaboration and learning. Their weekly rehearsals, led by conductor Nicole Garlock, are fun, organic and valuable. Performances throughout the year are the icing on the cake.
Conductor: Nicole Garlock
Fees: $305/year (EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $25 if registered before September 1, 2026 [discount automatically reflected in price during check-out])
Tuesday, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 22, 29, Oct 6, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec 1, 8
WINTER 2027: Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, April 6, 13, 27
NO CLASS DATES: Oct 13, Feb 16, March 30, April 20
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.
Conductor: Jaimee Jarvie
Fees: $415/year (EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $25 if registered before September 1, 2026 [discount automatically reflected in price during check-out])
Wednesday, 5:30-7:00pm
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 23, 30*, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9
WINTER 2027: Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 24, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, April 7, 14, 28
NO CLASS DATES: Nov 11, Feb 16, March 30, April 21
*On Truth and Reconciliation Day, we honour the Blackfoot people and the many ways their songs and languages have shaped this land. The optional rehearsal scheduled on Truth and Reconciliation Day is offered in the spirit of respect, gratitude, and connection.
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.
Artistic Director: Kathy Matkin-Clapton
Fees: $425 + GST (EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $25 if registered before September 1, 2026 [discount automatically reflected in price during check-out])
Wednesday, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
FALL 2026: Sep 23, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9
WINTER 2027: Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 24, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, April 7, 14, 28
NO CLASS DATES: Sep 30, Nov 11, Feb 16, March 30, April 21
Sing for Joy (ages 40+)
Sing for Joy: A choir for well-being
In 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
Artistic Director: Kathy Matkin-Clapton
Fees: $450 + GST/year (EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: Save $25 if registered before September 1, 2026 [discount automatically reflected in price during check-out])
Thursday, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
FALL 2026: Sep 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12,19, 26, Dec 3, 10
WINTER 2027: Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr 8, 15, 29
NO CLASS DATES: Feb 18, Apr 1, Apr 22
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 2026 season. Regan.brooks@uleth.ca.
Artistic Director: Regan Brooks
Fees: $250 + GST/semester
Monday, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Stephure Hall
Fall 2026: Sep 14, 21, 26 (Retreat, 12 - 6), 28, Oct 5, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec 7
Winter 2027: Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 22, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22, Apr 5, 7 - 10 (Choral Connection, Calgary), 26,
No Class Dates: Oct 12, Feb 15, Mar 29, Apr 12 & 19
Performances/Concerts: October 17 (w/ Vox Music and Friends), December 11 (7:00 p.m., Southminster United Church), March 22 (Arneson's Stabat Mater w/ LSO), April 30 (Spring Sip and Sing, Owl Acoustic Lounge)
Exploring Musical Theatre (ages 13+)
Step into the spotlight this semester with the U of L Conservatory of Music’s weekly Musical Theatre class. Whether you’re a seasoned stage-strider, or someone who is ready to add theatre to your vocal study, this class invites you to sing, dance and act your way through the best of Broadway. Each week, you’ll explore iconic show tunes, dynamic choreography, and character-building acting exercises, in a supportive, high-energy environment where creativity takes center stage. Expect warm-ups that spark your imagination, group numbers that bring the room to life, and plenty of opportunities to shine both individually and as part of an ensemble. Join us for a semester of fearless self-expression and musical memories you’ll be humming long after the curtain closes. Come find your voice and your confidence. Directed by Tan & Jam (Tanner Lapointe and Jaimee Jarvie).
Instructors: Jaimee Jarvie and Tanner Lapointe
Fees: $250 + GST/semester
Thursday, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom
Fall 2026: Sept 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 19, 26, Dec 3, 10
Concert: Friday, December 11, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Casa Community Room)
Registration Opens August 4
Digital Music Production Course for Beginners
In this course, students explore how to create and produce original music using Digital Audio Workstations on computers. This includes guided instructions on how to create and edit musical ideas, as well as exploring different ways of blending and layering sounds. Students will learn creative musical processes using sampling, mixing, audio effects, MIDI programming, drum machines, virtual instruments, and more. By the end of the course, each student will have created one original song/composition.
Instructor: Lloyd McArton
Fees: $190/semester
Section 1: Beginners
This course is open to anyone, regardless of prior musical experience.
Thursday, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Studio 202
FALL 2026: Sep 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26
WINTER 2027: Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25
No Class: Feb 18
Section 2: Intermediate/Advanced
This course is intended for those who have taken the beginner class or have prior experience with Digital Audio Workstations.
Thursday, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Studio 202
FALL 2026: Sep 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12, 19, 26
WINTER 2027: Jan 14, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 25, Mar 4, 11, 18, 25
No Class: Feb 18
I am interested in this course but there are no current offerings that work with my schedule.
Home School Band
Our Home-School Band is for children ages 10 and up who are eager to begin or continue their musical journey on a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. The program follows a multi-level approach, welcoming both beginners with no prior musical experience and students who already have playing experience. Instruction is designed to meet students at their individual skill levels, allowing each participant to learn, progress, and be appropriately challenged within a supportive ensemble setting.
This comprehensive homeschool band program fosters musical growth in a fun and social environment. Under the guidance of our experienced conductor, Cori Latta, students will explore a variety of musical styles while developing fundamental and ensemble skills. The program features two concerts per school year, providing students with valuable performance opportunities to showcase their progress and hard work. Students can join throughout the year!
Note: Students are required to rent their own instrument. For more information, please visit Long & McQuade. Students must also bring a pencil and a 1/2" binder to each rehearsal.
Conductor: Cori Latta
Fees: $265 per year
2026-27 Program Details Coming Soon!
For more information on instruments, view the video demonstrations here. If you have any questions, reach out to Cori directly at: cori.latta@gmail.com.
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!
Instructor: Tara Campbell
Fees: $175/semester
Tuesday, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
WINTER 2027: Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23
NO CLASS DATES: Feb 16
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.
Instructor: Tara Campbell
Fees: $175/semester
Option 1: Tuesday, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17
WINTER 2027: Jan 12, 19, 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, Mar 2, 9, 16, 23
NO CLASS DATES: Feb 16
Option 2: Saturday, 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21
WINTER 2027: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20
NO CLASS DATES: Oct 10, Feb 13
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!
Instructor: Tara Campbell
Fees: $175/semester
Saturday, 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa - Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 17, 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, 21
WINTER 2027: Jan 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 6, 20, 27, Mar 6, 13, 20
NO CLASS DATES: Oct 10, Feb 13
Music & Movement for Neurodivergent Students
Now accepting applications for Fall 2026. Our group music classes are a place for students of all ages and exceptionalities to explore music concepts through fun interactive games while singing, moving and playing instruments. We will create customized group classes specifically tailored to the needs and availability of the participants. Applicants will be contacted with specific class details once we have reached the minimum required number of participants to run the class.
Instructor: Lorrie Wittke
Approximate Fee Range: $75 -$100
Youth Percussion Ensemble (Ages 12+)
Our percussion ensemble is for enthusiastic teenaged percussionists dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. The goal of this group is to create a community of percussionists who are drawn together to develop and share their passion for music. We strive to enhance the talents of students who have discovered an interest in all types of percussion, and offer new opportunities including Steel Pans, Brazilian Samba, Classical Percussion, Japanese Taiko, and Polynesian drumming. Auditions are not required, but before you register, please send a quick email to our instructor to discuss your percussion experience and ensure this ensemble is a good fit: Marcvantolpercussion@gmail.com.
Fees: $265/semester
Instructors: Layton Hiebert and Marc Vantol
Friday,6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
FALL 2026: Sep 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4, 11 (Concert: Dec 12, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Casa Community Room)
WINTER 2027: Jan 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 26, March 5, 12, 19, April 2, 9, 16 (Concert: Apr 17, 2027, 6:00 p.m., Casa Community Room)
NO CLASS DATES: Feb 19, March 26
Junior String Orchestra
Let your musical journey take center stage! We are excited to welcome new members to our Junior String Orchestra. This dynamic and supportive ensemble is open to string students of all ages with at least one year of experience on their instrument. Whether you play violin, viola, cello, or double bass, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop your ensemble skills, explore a wide range of fun and engaging repertoire, and make music with new friends under the guidance of our experienced conductors and coaches. No audition is required — just a love of music and a readiness to grow!
Conductor: Mark Rodgers
Fees: $305/year
Wednesday, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: Stephure Hall (Casa - Room 144)
FALL 2026: Sep 16, 23, 30, Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 18, 25, Dec 2, 9
WINTER 2027: Jan 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10, 24, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, Apr 7, 14
NO CLASS DATES: Nov 11, Feb 17, Mar 31
Concert Dates:
- Christmas 2026: December 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m. (Casa Community Room)
- Spring 2027: April 17, 2027, 1:00 p.m. (Casa Community Room)
Canadian Old-Time Fiddling
This new group class is focused on learning traditional Canadian fiddle tunes in a fun, supportive, all-ages setting. The class emphasizes learning tunes the traditional way by listening, playing together, and learning by ear. Participants should already be comfortable on their instrument (able to tune their instrument and play D and G major scales) and be ready to jump into the music. Participants will learn a variety of tune types commonly played at jam sessions and for dances on the Canadian Prairies, including waltzes, jigs, two-steps, fox trots, reels, and specialty tunes, including tunes by Métis fiddler Andy Dejarlis. The class will build participant's confidence playing by ear, playing with others, and carrying tunes on their own. This class is open to fiddlers (violinists) as well as flute, tin whistle, accordion, guitar, and ukulele players who want to learn and play traditional tunes together. If you have questions about whether this class is right for you, please feel free to reach out to the instructor, Monique Giroux, at monique.giroux@uleth.ca.
2026-2027 Program Dates Coming Soon!
Beginner Group Ukulele for Adults
Now offering group ukulele lessons for adults! Come and explore the joyful sounds of the Ukulele in a fun and supportive small group environment. No Ukulele? No problem – add one on when you register, and we will have it ready for you at the first class. We can’t wait to make music with you!
Instructor: Lloyd McArton
Fees: $175 plus GST per semester
Monday, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 21, 28, Oct 5, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
WINTER 2027: Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 22, Mar 1, 8, 15, 22
No Class: Oct 12, Feb 15
Beginner Group Ukulele (Ages 8 – 12)
Come and explore the joyful sounds of the Ukulele in a fun and supportive small group environment. No Ukulele? No problem – add one on when you register, and we will have it ready for you at the first class. We can’t wait to make music with you
Instructor: Lloyd McArton
Fees: $175 per semester
Friday, 2:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Location: Penner Classroom (Casa Room 206)
FALL 2026: Sep 25, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27
WINTER 2027: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5, 12, 26, Mar 5, 12, 19
No Class: Feb 19
We offer band and choir retreats, and drumming workshops! To learn more about the available options, click here.
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.
*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.
*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.
*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.
*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.