11 Places that Offer the Best Music Lessons in Edmonton

(Source: Elijah M. Henderson | Unsplash)

By Emma Fraser

Some people are born with musical gifts, but not all of them are able to hone their talents to their full potential.

This is why music lessons are important. Most people need guidance from experts to sharpen their skills and become the best musicians they can be.

With that said, you’re probably wondering this now: where can one receive the best music lessons in Edmonton? Which music school is best for children? Or for adults?

We’ll answer those questions and more here in our guide to the schools with the best music lessons in Edmonton.

The Best Music Lessons in Edmonton

We’ve gathered a list of music schools that offer the best music lessons in Edmonton. These schools offer a wide range of music lessons, from vocals to instrumental and even theatrical music for students of all ages.

1.   Resonate Music School & Studio

Resonate Music School & Studio is the first in Edmonton to offer a comprehensive membership program that allows students to learn on a flexible schedule.

The Resonate Membership Plan includes free recording studio time, a secured time slot for lessons, unlimited make-up lessons, and a membership welcome package, among others.

While common music programs are structured from easy to more difficult lessons, this membership plan allows students to continue learning without needing to revisit lessons that they’ve already learned.

In other words, you are able to learn more efficiently even if you take lengthy breaks in between music lessons.

Resonate Music School & Studio also offers private and group music lessons for those who prefer not to avail of the membership program.

Pros

• Comprehensive membership program for serious learners
• Year-round availability, personalized lesson plans, and sound-treated classrooms for both members and regular students
• In-school professional recording studio

Cons

• High-end pricing lessons for both regular students and members
• Regular students need to rent the recording studio for additional fees
• Group music lessons offered to children only

Customer Reviews

Read this testimonial from the parent of a Resonate Music School & Studio student.

“Our daughter has been a Resonate music student since her preschool years. The early introduction to music expanded her mind and ears to many musical instruments and styles. The teachers have been fantastic and for the last 2 years Miss Stephanie hahs played a phenomenal role in expanding our daughter’s piano skills and giving her the confidence to play in recitals. This is a first class music school that puts the students first!” —Will Omar, Google Reviews

2.   Edmonton Academy of Music

The Edmonton Academy of Music offers different programs for different kinds of students.

Their first program is called “Explore” and it is meant for students who have not begun their journey in music. This allows students to find the right instrument to play and focus on.

Their second program is called “Discover” and it is an extensive 10-month program that aims to hone the students’ skills and prepare them for performance.

Lastly, the “Adventure” program aims to further sharpen the students’ skills so they can turn their hobby into their craft.

The Edmonton Academy of Music also has a “Drop In” music program that gives busy students more flexibility in their class schedules. In addition, the school offers specialty packages for those who are really serious about their musical journey.

Pros

• Classes available for children, adults, groups, and families
• Flat rate of $90 yearly registration fee for families of two members or more
• Three programs crafted for different levels of students

Cons

• Yearly registration fee required for all students
• Strict class schedules for most programs
• No in-school recording studio

Customer Reviews

Check out this review from the parents of Edmonton Academy of Music’s students.

“Our kids have been learning music from this school for the last 6 years. The teachers and staff are very helpful and professional. They take great efforts to make sure that our kids are progressing in the right direction. They are very friendly and the kids feel at home here. Highly recommend the place.” —Anoop Warriar, Google Reviews

3.   Edmonton Guitar Music School

As the name suggests, the Edmonton Guitar Music School focuses on teaching students how to play the guitar. If this is your instrument of choice, then this music school is the best option for you.

The Edmonton Guitar Music School has specialized programs for different types of guitar, so you can hone your skills based on your preferred instrument.

Moreover, they have a free introductory class for first-time students. Before you jump in, you can test the waters and decide if this is really the right music school for you.

You’ll get a chance to jam with other musicians too. This opportunity allows you to gain confidence in playing your instrument.

It’s not actually just about guitars, though. The Edmonton Guitar Music School also has piano lessons for both kids and adults.

Pros

• Free introductory class
• Specialized programs for different types of guitars for adults
• Offers flexible class schedules for busy people who work shift hours

Cons

• Only offers lessons for guitars and piano
• No specialized programs for different types of guitars for kids
• No professional recording studio on the premises

Customer Reviews

Edmonton Guitar Music School’s student left this review for them.

“I just started lessons a little over a month ago and absolutely love it. I had never played guitar previously, and wasn’t sure which school [would] be the right fit. That changed quickly when I started reading the reviews and information on their website. My meet and greet session further cemented the idea that this school would be perfect. The staff are amazing, friendly, and extremely patient. I look forward to my lessons every week, and am very excited for the future of my guitar playing under the tutelage of Kamil. Keep up the great work!” —Darren Baggett, Google Reviews

4.   Dominelli School of Music

The Dominelli School of Music offers not only private and group music lessons but also specialized courses for students with disabilities. The school has a registered music therapist who can help parents choose the best program for their children.

Music has proven to be effective in aiding the development of children with autism. Through the Dominelli School of Music’s art therapy program, special techniques and instruments will be used to help improve your child’s quality of life.

This music school offers the best music lessons in Edmonton for children with disabilities. In addition, they also offer art classes and yoga to further help these students.

What’s more, the school also has a professional recording studio that musicians, sound engineers, and producers can rent at an hourly rate.

Pros

• Best music lessons for children with disabilities
• Yoga and art classes also available
• Professional recording studio available for musicians, sound engineers, and producers

Cons

• Online lessons are priced the same as in-person lessons
• Rescheduling options limited for same-day only
• No refunds for cancellations after the first day of the month

Customer Reviews

A parent of Dominelli School of Music’s students left this review about their music lessons in Edmonton.

“We love Dominelli Music North Edmonton. My daughter has been their piano student for 2 years. She tried a group piano session at the beginning, and found a learning partner from the group. Now she is having the private piano lesson, and practicing 5-6 times a week. BTW, we’ve also tried their preschool program for 1 year. Small class, nice teachers, lots of music and crafts, and many other fun activities! Highly recommend Dominelli Music school.”—Qiong Wang, Google Reviews

5.   Visionary Centre for the Performing Arts

The Visionary Centre for the Performing Arts offers the best music lessons in Edmonton for students who are interested in musical theatre.

Their Acting & Musical Theatre program is the one we’d recommend if you’re interested in performance arts: it’s a one-year intensive program that will hone your skills in dancing, acting, and music.

Aside from their theatre arts programs, the Visionary Center for the Performing Arts also offers private and group music lessons in Edmonton. You can enroll in their voice, piano, violin, cello, and guitar programs, among others.

Pros

• Best for students interested in the performing arts
• Free trial lesson available
• Music lessons available for different age groups

Cons

• Instructor availability isn’t always guaranteed
• Tuition fees exclude books and other materials
• Attendance to festivals and special events may require extra classes and additional fees

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from the parent of a Visionary Centre for the Performing Arts’ student.

“Our daughter has loved her summer 1-week classes and her performing arts class very much! They involve all of the children in the class very well and the plays are quite good considering the ages of the children!”—Susan Temme, Google Reviews

6.   Key Mobile Music

Key Mobile Music is the number one in-home and online learning school for their qualified, friendly teachers and satisfaction guaranteed lessons. They also understand you or your children’s busy schedule, so their lessons are highly flexible with options for in-home and online learning.

All of their teachers are well-experienced not just with music, but with teaching it as well. With their expertise and professional guidance, learning music will be a piece of cake to you.

Pros

• Flexible time schedules for in home music lessons 
• Straightforward monthly payment plan
• Variety of lessons from different instruments to voice

Cons

• No in-studio learning premises
• Yearly administration fee

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Key Mobile Music’s clients:

“We love the teacher that works with our teen for piano lessons. Classes are in our home and appropriately challenging. Our goal it to catch her theory up with what she can play and they have made huge progress this year! The approach is very much based on the student’s needs and goals. Cost is very reasonable. I highly recommend Key Mobile Music as a program.”

Here’s another one:

“Key Mobile Music has really worked out well for my son. I wanted him to learn piano and with our busy schedule, it’s hard sometimes to take him to his lessons. Key Mobile Music works around our schedule and we are able to have the instructor come over to our house to teach piano. It’s great that the lessons can be in our own home and I’m glad that my son is able to learn the piano. He’s learned so much so far and I can’t wait to see his progress in the future. Highly recommend Key Mobile Music and their services.”

7.   Night Vision Music Academy

Night Vision Music Academy is the perfect music school for new artists. As Edmonton’s only dedicated electronic music production and DJ school, they offer unique services that will hone you into being a skilled producer or DJ, guided by professionally trained instructors.

Their lessons include the equipment needed, songs, presets and etc, and most of all – an inclusive and accepting community to push your craft into local and international stages. Learn to make the music you love in Night Vision Music Academy.

Pros

• Provided equipment in the studio
• One on one classes available
• Record label by the company

Cons

• Limited class sizes
• Rescheduling options limited due to fixed schedules

Customer Reviews

Here’s a review from one of Night Vision Music Academy’s clients:

“Its an awesome place, I took lv 1,2,3 and I’m glad I did. The amount of information and experience I got was so worth the cost. Before I came there, I was trying to produce at home so I kind of knew what I was doing in FL studio through videos online. I thought I didn’t need to take level one since I knew some stuff and I was wrong. In level one we learned how abelton works which is perfect starting point for new procedures and experienced ones aswell because if you don’t know the fundamentals the next two levels would be frustrating. Level two was a bit more intense we learned all the geeky things about fxs. And level three was the most fun level its worth sticking for! We learned how to finalize the mix and record vocals and how to create some signature sounds from scratch(to develop your own sound) the class we had was a super fun one and I got to meet a lot of producers. The instructor Jake is super nice. He would always come early before class in case someone needed help with the homework and usually after class I would show him my new songs and he would give me detailed feedback with some new ideas and techniques( getting feedback from professionals is not easy to find ) also they have a lot of events and workshops once a month they do feedback sessions which are awesome, everyone are brining new songs and you get to show your music to some people outside of your circle. So in conclusion its an awesome place, amazing people and like everywhere you got to put the effort in order to succeed.”

Here’s another one:

“I have been going to night vision for a couple years now and they are amazing.  I have been learning to DJ and working with Jake to produce my album as a vocalist.  The level of talent and skill they have in house in incredible.  I certainly would not be the musician I am today if not for their knowledge and support.”

8.   Backbeat Music School

Backbeat offers music lessons to kids as young as 3. They offer group classes for those who learn better in a group and private music lessons as well.

Plenty of parents get their kids to learn at this place because its education quality is pretty high, and the instructors make it fun to learn.

With an orderly curriculum and 30-minute/1-hour sessions, this is a place where kids develop a lifelong love of music. Their great services put them here as one of the music schools with the best piano lessons in Edmonton.

Pros

• By the hour lessons
• Group classes available
• Rock camp available

Cons

• Limited class sized due to the pandemic

9.   Caesar’s School Of Music

Caesar’s School Of Music is the music school for all ages. Teaching various instruments like Acoustic Guitar, Art, Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar, Drums, Electric Guitar, Piano, Violin, and Voice, their school serves as a professional and safe environment for those wanting to pick up new musical skills.

Their teachers are friendly and ensure respect regardless of your skill level, age, or background. Providing straightforward and high quality service, Caesar’s School Of Music is definitely a trustworthy musical school.

Pros

• Unique programs dependent on your preferences
• Variety of instruments to master
• Online lessons available
• Does single demo lessons

Cons

• Extra charges applied to late payments
• No 1 month trial  payment option upon first registration

10.   Italian Strings Academy

Lessons rate:

• 30 minutes: 40 dollars
• 40 minutes: 50 dollars
• 60 minutes: 60 dollars

The Italian Strings Academy is an online family-owned music school providing music lessons specifically for strings players.

Originally based in Edmonton, and now operating 100% online from Montréal, is characterized by a specially tailored approach that meets the need of each student, from children to adults.

Lessons are individual on Zoom or FaceTime and they are regularly supported by videos specifically recorded by the teachers for each student, proposing exercises to address specific technical or musical techniques that students are developing. 

Students are enrolled for lessons from Europe, US, and in Canada from Montréal to Vancouver Island.

Pros

• Classes available for children and adults
• No yearly registration fee required 
• No strict class schedules 
• Lessons in English, French, Italian
• Preparation for Royal Conservatory Exams

Cons

• No in-school recording studio

11.   Society For Talent Education

The Society for Talent Education is Edmonton’s Suzuki Method string program that has been teaching students since 1965. They are a non-profit society offering Suzuki Method instruction to around 200 students in violin, viola, cello and bass, STE boasts a highly qualified faculty.

They believe that through the teaching of music, using the method developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, all children can develop sensitivity and discipline, become good citizens and fulfill their potential as human beings.

About a third of their elementary school age students attend the Suzuki Charter School. SCS offers 3 half hour instrumental music classes per week.

These classes can be a very good supplement to STE private lessons, group lessons and the required home practice.

A number of their upper intermediate and senior students participate in the Edmonton Youth Orchestra. This can add another dimension to students who want an additional challenge outside the senior level programming they offer.

Pros

• Follows a tried and tested teaching method
• Their staff consists of professional musicians

Cons

• Limited class sizes
• Only offers classes for string instruments

FAQs about the Best Music Lessons in Edmonton

These are the top places to go to for the best music lessons in Edmonton. If you’re a beginner or if you want to hone your craft, one of these music schools will help you achieve your goal.

To know where you can buy your instrument for your music lessons, by the way, check out our list of the best music stores in Edmonton.