The UNB Music Conservatory offers a comprehensive program, including private music lessons, performing ensembles for players of any level, music theory instruction and a library of instruments available to rent.
If this is your first time taking lessons with us, fill out our lesson interest form. We'll ensure to match you with the right instructor to help you succeed. Inquire about the availability of virtual lessons in your chosen instrument.
The UNB Conservatory's ensemble programs are designed to give people of all ages, levels, and interests the opportunity to ignite their passion for music. We offer concert band, chorale and strings programs, which are all geared toward enhancing the learning and enjoyment of your instrument.
Join a choir community based on peer mentorship. Open to all chorale singers, this non-auditioned chamber choir is a combination of UNB students and staff together with professionals from the Fredericton area. Though beneficial, the ability to sight read is not essential for chorale members.
The ensemble is free for UNB students and staff, and is $40 for community members. The ensemble meets weekly and performs a concert at the end of each semester.
Mondays, Jan. 6 - April 7. 2025
7 - 9 p.m.
$40 (for non-UNB/STU participants)
Instructor: Kathrin Welte
A full wind, brass and percussion ensemble open to anyone who plays a band instrument.
Improve your playing and make rich musical experiences with peers. No auditions are required to join, and instruments are available to rent.
The group rehearses weekly and performs a concert a the end of each semester.
Tuesdays, Jan. 7 - April 8, 2025
5:30 - 7:15 p.m.
$40 (for non-UNB/STU participants)
Memorial Hall, UNB Fredericton campus
Instructor: Hugh Kennedy
Be a part of a string orchestra dedicated to fostering technical, musical and personal growth throughout your string education. Tailored to students aged 13 or younger who have experience equivalent to RCM level 2 or higher on their instrument (no certificate necessary with teacher recommendation or request for audition).
In this course, you'll play beautiful repertoire unique to the string orchestra, and you'll have a chance to dabble in other styles, too. You'll learn how to be a good orchestra musician, and you'll receive excellent instruction from Ms. Aida Tisler, a highly experienced string educator.
Saturdays, Jan. 11 - April 12, 2025
10 - 11 a.m.
$159 (No HST)
Memorial Hall, UNB Fredericton campus
Instructor: Aida Tisler
Enjoy the chance to challenge yourself as a musician with a group of peers.
This ensemble is for ages 18 or younger who have the equivalent of RCM level five or higher on their instrument. You will take part in numerous opportunities for performances and community involvement. This group plays concerts for the community, schools and exciting events in the area.
This orchestra is open to violin, viola, cello and bass students.
Saturdays, Jan. 11 - April 12, 2025
9 - 10 a.m.
$159 (No HST)
Memorial Hall, UNB Fredericton campus
Instructor: Aida Tisler
For questions contact: conserv@unb.ca.
Ensembles and classes are offered in three terms: fall, winter, and summer. Before a student may begin lessons for each term, lessons must be paid in full, or the student must be enrolled in an automated payment plan (which requires a deposit). Payments for ensembles must be made before a student participates in the ensemble rehearsals.
Payments should be made through our online ACTIVE registration portal. Cash, cheque, and credit/debit are accepted in person, but online payment is preferred. If necessary, in person payments can be made at our office, located at Rm 22, Memorial Hall, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Payments over the phone may be made by calling 453-7259 or 456-4697. Cheques should be made payable to “University of New Brunswick” and may not be postdated. Payment plans are only available with online auto-debit.
Payments cannot be given to instructors. The UNB conservatory is not responsible for payments that are not made through our online ACTIVE registration portal or with Conservatory staff.
Withdrawal requests must be made by emailing conserv@unb.ca. Students must cancel three business days before their next lesson to receive a refund for that lesson and any further lessons.
Students will not be refunded for lessons already taken. An administrative fee of 10% of the remaining lesson tuition will be withheld. Non-attendance does not constitute official withdrawal.
Withdrawal requests must be made by emailing conserv@unb.ca. Students canceling prior to the beginning of the course will be given a refund (minus a 6% service fee).
Students canceling after a class has begun will be given a refund for the semester’s remaining sessions.
Lessons are scheduled by the instructor. Students must give 24 hours’ notice if not attending a lesson (except in the case of illness. Lessons missed by the student for reasons other than illness will be made up at the discretion of the instructor.
Please consult your instructor for their specific policy. Lessons missed due to instructor absence will be made up at a mutually convenient time.
Successful ensemble practice is dependent on full attendance. This benefits the group sound and makes sure you’re not falling behind. Students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled rehearsals and the end of term concerts in December and May. Other special performances and extra rehearsals may be scheduled.
Students are responsible for supplying their own instruments. The Conservatory has a limited selection of instruments for renting. Inquire for rental availability and costs.
Students are also responsible for purchasing their own method books and other equipment for home practice (music stands, shoulder rests, instrument maintenance supplies, etc.). For ensembles, music will be provided by the instructor.
For students who are required to discontinue their course/program for medical reasons, a pro-rated amount of the tuition fee will be refunded to the portion of the course/program not yet completed after the withdrawal request is received.
All medical requests must be made in writing and be fully supported and documented by a practicing medical physician with the Medical Association (See UNB Undergraduate Calendar for specific allowable medical reasons).
Students may be invited to participate in our end-of-semester Conservatory Showcase concerts. Participation is voluntary but is a great way to practice performing on stage and to show off all the hard work done in your lessons. Students of all ages and ability levels are welcome.
By taking lessons or being involved in an ensemble, you are considered a member of the UNB Conservatory and receive special perks! Conservatory students are allowed free entry to our MusicUNB Concert Series. All non-conservatory attendees must still purchase tickets.
Conservatory students may use the music rooms in Memorial Hall for practicing subject to availability. Bookings must be done through the Music Administrator (musicart@unb.ca or 458-4697). Priority of use is given to course and conservatory instructors first, then to conservatory students. Students must respect the space and treat the space and materials carefully.
Conservatory students have the opportunity to organize into small ensembles and receive ensemble coaching/lessons with our conservatory instructors. For more information, please contact the Conservatory Coordinator at conserv@unb.ca.
All Conservatory students are allowed free entry to our guest/artist masterclasses. Masterclasses are an excellent way to gain new teaching insights and see your peers perform in a relaxed environment.
