About

Mission Statement

Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts enhances Manitoba communities by providing accessibility and excellence in music education.

President’s Message

As the Manitoba community continues to respond and adapt to the challenges associated with COVID-19, the Conservatory remains focused on the safe delivery of our students’ lessons. The difficulties of the past year impacted different members of our community in different ways, and we have endeavoured to respond to these challenges as they have arisen.

Thanks to the support of our community, the Conservatory’s Music Equals outreach program continues to enrich the lives of individuals who experience access barriers to music programming. Thank you to the companies, individuals, and grant programs that so generously donate to, and support, the Music Equals program.

I would like to offer a commitment to reconciliation on behalf of the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts. Progress towards reconciliation is ongoing within our organization, located on Treaty One land. The Conservatory seeks to help indigenous communities honour their culture, and to promote opportunities to bring understanding of that culture to those who are not indigenous.

I want to sincerely thank our Board of Directors, staff, and instructors, who have all shown adaptability and creativity over the course of the pandemic. The incredible work you do for the Conservatory has allowed the organization to continue our educational and cultural offerings to Manitobans, throughout a difficult year. Thank you to our students and their families. Your continued understanding of the changes associated with program delivery in a pandemic is very much appreciated. To the members of our local music and arts communities who have supported, and continue to support, the mission of the Conservatory through your donations, time, and enthusiasm, thank you.

Mark Walker— President, Board of Directors

**We are music!**

The Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts embraces and nurtures the musical spirit of toddlers, beginners, dabblers, amateurs, aspiring and working professionals and those who just love to listen. We welcome all music lovers to our inspirational community.

More than a music school, we stand as Manitoba’s premier independent institution; one that is dedicated to a higher level of musical learning.

Come play with us!

Beginnings

It has been proven that students flourish in environments where shared values and common interest gives them a sense of community.

This concept works at Juilliard, MIT, and the London School of Economics. And since 1984, when the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts (MCMA) was founded by a group of musicians, it has worked in Winnipeg.

A community of musicians

Not only was the MCMA founded by musicians, it remains a community of musicians, for musicians, by musicians. That’s what sets us apart; the passion, discipline, joy and camaraderie that come from our instructors, students and staff–all of whom are all infused with the sheer love of music.

Our instructors are musicians, too!

We know that passion alone is not enough. That’s why every one of our 70+ instructors is highly qualified to teach music. A majority holds Bachelor Degrees; many possess Masters Degrees and some have earned Doctorate Degrees.

Our instructors consider themselves musician/teachers — professional musicians who teach. Their passion is undeniable and they bring that enthusiasm to every lesson and ensemble.

So what does that make the MCMA? Is it a place for academics? Or is it a community of passionate, like-minded individuals who love music? The fact is, it’s both! While history and theory are the bones of the musical discipline and part of every course taught at the MCMA, we truly believe that learning is easier when the heart leads and the passion is deep.

Engaging modern students

Today’s students have a lot of options. The MCMA’s high achievement rate is the result of a professional faculty that engages students in a facility designed to build musical focus and community.

As part of our musical community, students are encouraged to drop in anytime to practice or jam in any open room. Just try to call ahead, because even though we have 12 of those rooms they may all be in use.

Drop by!

The Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts is located at the University of Winnipeg in Bryce Hall, 515 Portage Avenue. It’s accessible from all over the city by transit and car and has lots of public parking nearby. With more than 20 pianos and keyboards, 12 studios plus performance halls, it’s the musical hub that 1,200 registrations and over 70 faculty members call home.