EDUCATION

To grow local musicians for the future, the Studio offers some unique opportunities:

• The Early Music Schools Initiative (click to download pdf flyer) is a series of musical presentations offered to local area schools
• The Early Music Studio Mentorship Program is offered a to advanced-level young performers living and attending school in the Greater Saint John area who wish to develop their skills in Early Music performance. Upon the recommendation of their music teacher, these students are invited to attend the Early Music Studio workshops, where they work with the professional participants in the Early Music Studio to prepare repertoire leading to performance in one of the Studio’s concerts. The mentorship program also includes a partnership with the New Brunswick Competitive Festival of Music whereby young performers competing in the intermediate and senior festivals who live and attend school in the Greater Saint John area receive a prize for the best performance of a work by a composer born between 1500 and 1760 in vocal, instrumental and keyboard categories. In addition, they are invited to attend Studio workshops and to perform in a special Studio concert of young musicians. Winners also receive free studio time that has been donated by Lancaster Recording Studios to record a 20-minute demo CD for use when applying to further their studies.

2009 Early Music Prize winners:

• Sarah Robertson – Soprano
• Sarah van der Laan – Piano
• Instrumental Prize not awarded.

Some Comments from Students

“I really liked how you played on every instrument. I hope when I get older I will be a musician. I liked the alto and I like how it sounds. I loved how the little flute sounded. I hope you come back to Island View School.”
- Nicholas

“I think the performance was excellent. It was interesting to learn the history of music and actually hear an instrument that noblemen would listen to. I thought Tim Blackmore was an amazing harpsichordist. It truly amazed me how well he played the instrument. I thought the instrument itself was beautiful. The keys, and the colour and all the detail. It also sounded beautiful.”
- Jonathan

“We love the music you played and we hope you will come back soon. I enjoyed the recorder performance because I never heard someone play one like that. That was really good. Come back soon.”
- Sarah

“Thank you for coming to play your wonderful flutes. The gigantic flute was
so low, very low. The second big flute was still low but I liked it. The little one was the best even though it’s loud but it was awesome. I really liked your music. Will you come again?”
- Mallory

High school student Jillian Sauerteig in practice with the Early Music Studio.

Click here for a message from the Director.

Download the Early Music Schools Initiative flyer (pdf)

Click the picture for a better view: