"Develop your inner musician with a growth mindset"

Cultivate a lifelong passion for music with our enjoyable and engaging ARIA program at AGMS in NW Calgary.


Discover the joy of playing piano, guitar, voice, or ukulele in a nurturing environment that promotes creativity and musical development.

Why choose ARIA

  • 60-Minute dynamic classes:
    • Solo Time: Personalized instruction tailored to your goals
    • Ensemble Time: Collaborative projects and performances

  • Comprehensive Skill Development:
    • Master your chosen instrument
    • Compose original music
    • Improvise with confidence
    • Learn to control your learning process
    • Develop awareness of your thought process (metacognition)

  • Growth Mindset Approach:
    • See “boo-boos” (failures) as springboards for growth
    • Turn challenges into opportunities for growth
    • Build resilience
Enrol now

What our ARIA program offers

  • Weekly 60-minute classes (September to June)
  • Winter and Spring Recitals (in-person and virtual)
  • Year-round Studio events (Halloween Music Week, Note Noodle Fest)
  • Comprehensive home practice toolkit
  • Access to Practice Space application
  • Ensemble time materials and badge collector’s booklet
  • Solo time Assignment Notebook
  • VIP perks for Summer session

Long lasting benefits of music education

Evidence from empirical studies in music and our observations from over 25 years teaching music in Calgary shows that studying music offers:

  • Improved coordination and spatial awareness. Music education contributes to the development of fine motor skills and spatial-temporal reasoning. Learning to play an instrument requires precise hand movements and timing, which translates to improved overall coordination. Studies show that musicians often excel in tasks requiring spatial visualization. These are useful skills for writing, drawing, and delicate craft work.
  • Enhanced language and reading skills. Music training sharpens auditory processing, benefiting language development and reading comprehension. Children who study music demonstrate improved phonological awareness, vocabulary, and reading fluency. Research indicates that musical training can lead to structural changes in the brain areas responsible for language processing.
  • Strengthened character-building and organizational skills. Learning music fosters discipline, perseverance, and time management. Regular practice routines help develop self-discipline and goal-setting abilities. Ensemble participation nurtures teamwork and social skills. Studies reveal that music students often exhibit higher levels of self-esteem and better organizational habits.

Words from current and former students

“Avant-Garde Music Studio has played a huge role in my love for music, specifically the piano.
 
While spending over six years playing at the studio, I’ve learned and refined my skills enough so that I can learn a piece on my own. I’m forever grateful that Alicia spent the time developing not only my skills as a pianist but my life long love of music.
 
Avant-Garde is a wonderful place to learn to play an instrument, it’s a very supportive and encouraging environment whether you are just playing for fun or have other serious aspirations.” – Ella C., former student

How to start your musical journey

  1. Choose Your Instrument: Piano, guitar, voice, or ukulele
  2. Visit Our Secure Registration Page: Select your preferred class time
  3. Review Policies: Read our Studio Policies and provide your information
  4. Complete Registration: Submit payment securely online
  5. Await Confirmation: We’ll send a welcome email before your first class

ARIA Program Tuition

Join the ARIA Program for a Joyful Musical Journey! Experience the perfect blend of learning and creativity, all with transparent pricing that ensures you receive exceptional value for a rich and fulfilling musical journey

Monthly tuition is $159.70 (September to June).

A non-refundable registration fee of $54.00 is necessary to secure your space at the time of registration and is required annually for subsequent renewals

Our Happiness Guarantee

We’re confident in our ARIA program. If you’re not satisfied after taking four classes, we’ll refund your tuition. 

Enrol today!

Frequently asked questions about the ARIA program

Do I need to help my child practice at home, and do I need to know music to assist them?

While parental involvement can greatly benefit your child’s musical journey, it primarily focuses on helping them develop a consistent practice habit. You can assist by guiding your child through practice instructions and utilizing the provided props and resources from our comprehensive home practice toolkit. This support can enhance the learning experience without requiring any prior music knowledge.

What age group is the ARIA program suitable for?

ARIA warmly welcomes elementary and junior high students.

This inclusive approach is made possible through our unique program design, which features dedicated Solo time to enhance each student’s performance skills and engaging Ensemble time for collaborative projects and group performances. This approach not only fosters individual growth but also encourages teamwork and peer learning, creating a vibrant musical community. Our experienced instructors adapt their teaching methods to suit every student’s age and skill level, ensuring that all participants thrive in a supportive environment.

How are the ARIA classes structured?

ARIA classes are 60 minutes long and consist of Solo time, focusing on individual performance skills, and Ensemble time, which includes collaborative projects and group music-making. This structure ensures a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

Still have questions?

Our friendly team is here to help you find the right class!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at agms@shaw.ca