Edmonton offers a comprehensive selection of art and music courses for adults who want to develop their creative skills, discover new talents, or return to long-forgotten hobbies. From traditional arts such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to musical instruments including piano, guitar, and violin, the city provides numerous opportunities for people of all skill levels and interests. These courses are offered by private studios, community centers, universities, and non-profit organizations, making art and music education accessible to everyone regardless of their budget and schedule.
Art Classes and Studios
The Paint Spot is one of the most popular and highly rated art studios in Edmonton, located in a dedicated art space called Artelier Studios at 10045 81 Avenue. The studio offers courses in watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, drawing, collage, fabric painting, printmaking, and many other mediums. Classes include special topics such as portrait, landscape, still life, abstract, and figurative art. The Paint Spot designs classes for both beginners and intermediate artists, with a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The studio stocks most art supplies and offers a 20% discount on art supplies for all registered members. Classes usually start on Mondays and have a flexible schedule, allowing adults to join at a time that is convenient for them.
City Arts Centre is a municipal arts center located at 10942 83 Avenue, offering courses in painting, drawing, ceramics, dance, cooking, sewing, and photography for adults. The center has recently undergone renovations and is now reopened with new programs and an expanded schedule. Courses are designed for both beginners and experienced artists, and the cost is affordable. City Arts Centre also has numerous mobile locations throughout the city, including community centers and sports complexes, making programs accessible to adults in different areas. Program registration is done through move.learn.play, the city's municipal portal for registering for parking and recreation programs.
Urban Art Studio 101 is an independent art studio that offers classes in drawing, painting, and art creation for adults. The studio's instructors are highly qualified and experienced, and the studio creates a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for artists of all levels. Urban Art Studio organizes both group classes and private lessons for those who want personalized instruction.
The Adrian Zorzut School of Fine Art offers drawing and painting lessons for adults, teaching both traditional brush techniques and palette knife techniques. The school designs lessons for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists, with an emphasis on learning fundamental skills.
ARTRA Art School offers online painting and drawing courses, teaching watercolors and drawing. The school has experienced instructors such as Frank Geddock, who specializes in watercolors, and Suzanne Lamarre, who specializes in drawing. ARTRA also offers courses through the City Arts Centre.
Music Courses and Schools
Academy of Music is one of the oldest and most respected music schools in Edmonton, offering quality lessons for over 30 years. The school offers private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, drums, ukulele, flute, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, oboe, bassoon, euphonium, tuba, French horn, viola, cello, double bass, and electric bass for both in-home and studio lessons, as well as online via Zoom or FaceTime. The Academy of Music offers services in and around the city, including St. Albert and Sherwood Park.
Amadeus Music offers private lessons in piano, guitar, ukulele, accordion, and banjo for adults of all skill levels. The school has experienced instructors who tailor their teaching methods to each student's individual goals and learning style. Amadeus offers instruction in both classical and contemporary music, including jazz, rock, and pop music.
Music Makers Academy offers private music lessons for all ages in piano, violin, trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium, and baritone. The academy designs lessons for beginners and experienced musicians with an emphasis on a personalized approach to learning.
The Joy of Music School offers piano lessons, music theory, and ear training for adults. The school designs lessons for beginners and experienced pianists with an emphasis on skill development and achieving musical goals.
Visionary Centre for the Performing Arts offers private and group music lessons, acting and dance classes for adults. The centre has two locations in Greater Edmonton and offers services for all skill levels. The centre designs courses for both beginners and experienced artists with an emphasis on a personalized approach.
Long & McQuade Music Lesson Centre is located in south Edmonton and offers private lessons in guitar, piano, voice, violin, and other instruments for adults. The center has several experienced instructors, including Brady Lloyd (piano), Desiree (piano, voice, guitar, ukulele), Elizabeth Xihua (violin), Gary Myers (banjo, Dobro, guitar), Halina Stepanitskaya (violin, piano), and others. The center offers both in-person and online lessons with flexible scheduling.
Ceramics and Sculpture Classes
Viva Clayworks offers adult ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building. The studio is located at 10125 81 Avenue and offers classes throughout the week with various time slots, including Monday 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 00–9:00 p.m., Thursday 1:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–9:00 p.m., Friday 1:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–9:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30–3:30 p.m. The studio also offers one-day weekend workshops for adults and teens over 16. Classes cost $280 for 6 weeks plus the cost of materials.
The Edmonton Potters' Guild offers beginner and intermediate pottery classes with an emphasis on hand-building and wheel-throwing skills. The guild is located in the city and provides a friendly and supportive atmosphere for all students.
City Arts Centre also offers ceramic art and sculpture courses through move.learn.play, the city's municipal portal.
Bedrock Studios is located at 9435 63 Avenue and offers classes in jewelry making, silver smithing, chain mail, beadwork, and hot glass. The studio offers classes for both beginners and experienced artists.
Canvastone Art Studio is located at 4408 211 Street and offers soapstone carving classes on Fridays from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Photography
Learn Photography Canada offers one-day photography workshops for adults in Edmonton, including Digital I for beginners and Digital II for intermediate users. Workshops are held at the Muttart Conservatory and outdoors in the Elk Island area. The company also offers private three-hour sessions for individual coaching throughout the year.
Burwell School of Photography offers courses and workshops for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The school designs courses with a focus on practical skills and creative development.
The Photo Academy offers photography courses for complete beginners, who should start with Beginner Level classes or introductory courses, which include four workshops.
Dance Classes
Edmonton School of Ballet offers adult ballet, jazz, modern, and tap classes for adults interested in dance. The school designs courses for both beginners and experienced dancers with an emphasis on skill development and physical fitness.
J'Adore Dance is a non-competitive dance and fitness studio for all ages and abilities, offering classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, musical theater, and creative movement for adults. The studio designs programs with a high level of instruction and a friendly atmosphere.
Marr-Mac Dance offers special classes for adults with an emphasis on recreational and physical skills.
Theater and Drama
Foote Theatre School (FTS) at Citadel Theatre offers theater courses for adults, including acting, musical theater, playwriting, improvisation, and more. FTS is one of the largest theater education programs in Edmonton with a faculty of 25 local theater professionals. The school accepts students of all skill levels and offers scholarships for those with financial needs.
Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre offers educational programs for adults interested in playwriting and developing their creative skills.
Jewelry
Jewel Envy offers eight-week evening jewelry courses at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, held Monday through Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The school also offers individual daytime, one-day, and two-day weekend workshops. The courses teach metalworking techniques, including punching, filing, shaping, soldering, and other skills.
Bedrock Studios and Silver Anvil Rock and Gem also offer jewelry courses for beginners at various skill levels.
Stained Glass and Glass
Winter Art Glass Studio offers stained glass and glass courses for adults, teaching construction, design, and drafting techniques.
Suspended Studio is Edmonton's smallest hot glass studio, offering hot glass courses for ages 7 to 107. The studio is located at 6041 107A Street NW, with a gallery open Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Blow in the Dark Glassworks is a hot glass studio in Edmonton that offers hot glass classes for beginners and experienced artists.
Engraving and Printing
The Paint Spot offers printmaking courses, including an introduction to linocut and other technical methods.
SNAP is an artist-run art studio that offers courses in traditional and experimental printing in a fully equipped print shop. All courses are taught by professional artists.
Music Programs at MacEwan University and Extension Programs
MacEwan University has a music program that develops courses for adults, including courses in jazz, rock music, pop music, and classical music. The program offers both formal training and continuing education programs for those interested in developing their musical skills.
Conclusion
Edmonton offers an extremely diverse selection of art and music courses for adults of all skill levels and interests. From traditional arts such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to musical instruments, theater, dance, and specialized skills such as jewelry making and stained glass, the city provides opportunities for anyone wishing to develop their creative skills. Courses are offered by private studios, community centers, universities, and non-profit organizations, making arts and music education accessible and flexible depending on an adult's schedule and budget. Whether new to the city or a local looking to develop new talents, Edmonton is a place with ample opportunities for creative development and self-expression.