Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts

About the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts

The Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, a Canadian registered Charitable Organization, is 135 years old this year! Since 1887 the Conservatory has been at the centre of music and dance education in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Over the years thousands of students have developed a life-long love of the performing arts, many of whom have gone on to professional careers around the world based on the solid foundation acquired at the Conservatory.

Today students of all ages and abilities continue to join our arts family to pursue their goals and follow their dreams in music and dance. From the youngest baby in our 'Kindermusik' program to our 'Silver Swans' of ballet to those who benefit from our Music Therapy department, and to those in our outreach program we continue to nurture Nova Scotians in the performing arts in all ages and stages of life.

Beyond the vital opportunities for learning music and dance our Music Therapy department serves those with physical and developmental disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, brain injury, neurological disorders, mental health challenges, dementia and more. Individuals can be at any level of physical and cognitive functioning to participate in music therapy.

In addition, by partnering with Saint George's Youthnet we are able to reach underprivileged children. We offer enrolled students of YouthNet's After School Program a comprehensive outreach program: a unique introduction to highly professional and talented faculty teachers and an otherwise inaccessible world of classical music, and dance instruction

Our music and dance faculties of a combined 83 experienced professionals each stand for excellence in their field (for example, some of them are orchestral performers with Symphony Nova Scotia). They are dedicated educators who love to instill the perspective and language of music and dance, enriching lives and creating expressive career opportunities. Together with our 13 (and growing) music therapists we are able to meet the needs of students and participants like no-where else in the Maritimes.

Our students have many performance opportunities throughout the year either as soloists or ensemble members in class and departmental or school-wide recitals, which are held at the Lilian Piercey Concert Hall, featuring all age ranges of our intergenerational student community. Satellite performances are also hosted in venues such as the Halifax Central Library and Northwood Care Facility, adding more live performance experience.

We are the only organization of our kind east of Montreal. We help people live a creative musical life - or explore professional opportunities - that enriches them and their community, right in the heart of Halifax.