Nanaimo Conservatory of Music

06/16/2026

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ISLAND NOTES CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL!

As the curtain closes on another wonderful Island Notes Chamber Music Festival, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year's festival such a success.
Thank you to our incredible audiences for your enthusiasm and support, our generous sponsors, and our valued community venue partners for helping us bring beautiful music to our community.
We are deeply grateful to our outstanding guest artists—the Graham Villette Quartet, Cellovista, and the Fernwood Trio—for sharing their artistry and inspiring audiences throughout the festival.
A special congratulations goes to our Nanaimo Conservatory of Music students, who brought the festival to a joyful close with Sunday's free Concert in the Park. You delivered amazing performances and represented the Conservatory with professionalism, confidence, and musical excellence. We are so proud of each and every one of you!
Thank you all for making the 2026 Island Notes Chamber Music Festival a memorable celebration of music, community, and creativity. We are already looking forward to next year!

06/12/2026

Join us for a FREE Concert in the Park featuring talented student performers from the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music!

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Bowen Park Amphitheatre by the duck pond, this relaxed outdoor concert is the perfect way to spend an afternoon enjoying live music and supporting local young musicians.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for an inspiring program of performances showcasing the hard work and achievements of NCM students.

TIME: 3 pm
LOCATION: Bowen Park Amphitheatre
TICKET: Free

Surrounded by nature and the sounds of music, this family-friendly event offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the arts in one of Nanaimo's most scenic outdoor venues.

Bring your friends and family, and enjoy an afternoon of music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Admission is free. All are welcome!

06/12/2026

Don't miss tomorrow's Island Notes Chamber Music Festival concert featuring the Fernwood Trio!

Join us on Saturday afternoon for an exceptional chamber music performance by the Fernwood Trio. Known for their musical artistry, expressive interpretations, and engaging performances, the trio brings together three accomplished musicians who share a passion for creating intimate and memorable musical experiences.

Drawing from a rich and diverse repertoire, the Fernwood Trio delights audiences with performances that showcase the beauty, elegance, and emotional depth of chamber music. Their seamless ensemble playing and artistic connection create a captivating concert experience for music lovers of all ages.

Whether you are a long-time chamber music enthusiast or discovering the genre for the first time, this promises to be an afternoon of inspiring and unforgettable music.

🎵 Fernwood Trio
📅 Saturday, June 13
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 St. Paul's Anglican Church
100 Chapel Street, Nanaimo

🎟️ Tickets: $25 (online sales have closed)

🎟️ Tickets are selling quickly! A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

📞 To guarantee your seat, call the office before 4:00 PM Friday, June 12, to purchase your tickets: 250-754-4611

Come experience an afternoon of outstanding chamber music as part of the 15th Annual Island Notes Chamber Music Festival. We look forward to seeing you there!

06/11/2026

The Island Notes Chamber Music Festival is here!

🎻 Don't Miss Tomorrow's Island Notes Chamber Music Festival Concert Featuring CELLOVISTA🎻

Join us tomorrow evening for an unforgettable performance by acclaimed cellists Alexandra Lee and Amy Laing.

These accomplished musicians have joined forces to create a dynamic partnership that showcases the beauty, versatility, and expressive power of the cello. Amy Laing is a versatile performer and educator at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. She has performed with the Victoria Symphony and in major productions, including Hamilton. Alexandra Lee is the cellist of the Silver Birch String Quartet, a member of the Vancouver Island Symphony, and a dedicated chamber musician and instructor at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music.

Together, Amy and Alexandra captivate audiences with performances that are both refined and deeply expressive.

🎵 Cellovista featuring Alexandra Lee & Amy Laing
📅 Tomorrow
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Black Rabbit Attic
321 Selby Street, Nanaimo

🎟️ Tickets: $25 (online ticket sales have closed)
* Tickets are almost sold out! A very limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
📞 To guarantee your seat, call the office before 4:00 PM tomorrow to purchase your tickets.

Experience an evening of beautiful music performed by two of Vancouver Island's outstanding cellists. We look forward to seeing you there!

06/11/2026

🎶 The Island Notes Chamber Music Festival begins TODAY! 🎶

Join us tonight as we kick off an exciting week of incredible live music with a very special first for the festival—our inaugural jazz performance!

Tonight's concert features the Graham Villette Quartet, led by Nanaimo drummer and educator Graham Villette, and featuring Kosma Busheikin, Ardeshir Pourkeramali, and Nick Peck. This dynamic Vancouver Island jazz ensemble brings together some of the region's finest musicians to perform a captivating mix of swing, hard bop, soulful ballads, and classic jazz standards.

We are thrilled to welcome jazz to the Island Notes Chamber Music Festival for the very first time and can't wait to share this exciting performance with our audience.

🎵 Graham Villette Quartet
📅 Tonight
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 St. Andrew's United Church
315 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo

🎟️ Tickets $25.00
Tickets are now available at the door.
(Our online sales have closed)

Come celebrate the opening night of the festival and experience an evening of outstanding live music. We hope to see you there!

06/05/2026

🎻 Join Our Summer Cello Choir Workshops! 🎻

Calling all cellists! Come experience the joy of making music together in our Summer Cello Choir Workshops. These two sessions offer a unique opportunity to develop ensemble skills, improve rhythm and intonation, and gain confidence playing in a group setting.

Enjoy music arranged specifically for multiple cellos while exploring the rich, expressive sound of the instrument alongside fellow musicians. Whether you're looking to build your skills, make new friends, or simply enjoy playing with others, Cello Choir is a fun and inspiring way to grow musically beyond individual lessons.

Must be able to read music, have a minimum knowledge of first position and extensions, and be at least 17 yrs old.

📋 Registration is required. Please complete the registration form here:
https://form.jotform.com/253006033031235

You can pay the fees through our website at: 🎻 Join Our Summer Cello Choir Workshops! 🎻

Calling all cellists! Come experience the joy of making music together in our Summer Cello Choir Workshops. These two sessions offer a unique opportunity to develop ensemble skills, improve rhythm and intonation, and gain confidence playing in a group setting.

Enjoy music arranged specifically for multiple cellos while exploring the rich, expressive sound of the instrument alongside fellow musicians. Whether you're looking to build your skills, make new friends, or simply enjoy playing with others, Cello Choir is a fun and inspiring way to grow musically beyond individual lessons.

📋 Registration is required.
Please complete the registration form here:
https://form.jotform.com/253006033031235
Fees can be paid online through our website:
https://www.ncmusic.ca/event-details/cello-choir-workshops-2026-08-03-18-30
You can also call the office directly to complete your registration.
250-754-4611

We look forward to making music with you this summer!


We look forward to making music with you this summer!

05/07/2026

SUMMER FLUTE DAY

Join us for a fun and inspiring Flute Day, bringing together flute players of all ages and skill levels for a day of music, learning, and community. This special event is an opportunity for flutists to connect with fellow musicians, develop new skills, and share their love of music in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Throughout the day, participants will take part in ensemble playing led by experienced instructor Judith Pazder.
Explore new repertoire, strengthen your musicianship, and gain valuable tips on tone, technique, and performance practise while making new musical connections.

Whether you are a beginner flute player just starting your musical journey or an experienced performer looking to expand your skills, Flute Day offers something for everyone. Come learn, play, and celebrate the joy of flute music together!

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: 375 Selby Street (NCM ensemble room)
Registration fee: $20.00

Please click below to Register, or call 250-754-4611.
https://www.ncmusic.ca/event-details/flute-day

05/07/2026

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF SONG!

Join the Nanaimo Youth Choir for Under the Same Sky, an inspiring evening of music featuring performances by the Junior and Mezzo Choirs under the direction of Marian Smith. This special concert celebrates the culmination of a year of dedication, growth, and artistry from our talented young singers.

As the choir’s largest annual concert fundraiser, Under the Same Sky brings our community together through the power of music while supporting the continued growth of youth choral programming in Nanaimo. We look forward to sharing our year-end performances with family, friends, and music lovers for a memorable evening of harmony and celebration.

DATE: JUNE 6, 2027
TIME: 7:30 PM
LOCATION: ST. ANDREWS UNITED CHURCH
(315 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo)
TICKETS: $20.00
14 yrs and under free

For more information call 250-754-4611.

Click below to get your tickets today!

04/27/2026

🎶 WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE CONSERVATORY!🎶
We’re pleased to welcome community partners and guest organizations to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music!
Please note that the following event is hosted by an external organization.
For full event details, registration, and inquiries, we encourage you to connect directly with the event organizer.
We’re proud to share our space in support of arts, learning, and community engagement in Nanaimo. Enjoy the event!

🎻🥁 Busheikin/Villette Presents 🎻🥁

Busheikin/Villette bring an exciting show to Nanaimo featuring the amazing John Lee and his trio.
John Lee - Piano
Kosma Busheikin - Upright Bass
Graham Villette - Drums
Tickets: https://busheikin_villette_john_lee_trio.eventbrite.ca/

As an artist, John Lee is widely known for his immense proficiency as a multi-instrumentalist and for his ability to connect with audiences through a charming, positive charisma. Lee has released two records on Cellar Music, the latest, a piano trio record, Second Wind, features John on piano with the great Kenny Washington on drums and Peter Washington on bass. His first album, The Artist, featured Carl Allen on drums, Miles Black on piano and Cory Weeds on tenor saxophone. Both albums have received critical acclaim.
More about John Lee:
Raised in Nanaimo, BC, multi-instrumentalist John Lee has emerged as one of Canada’s most acclaimed jazz artists. Demonstrating a deep passion for music from an early age, Lee developed into a virtuoso by his late teens. In 2010, he moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, where he studied under the mentorship of Ralph Peterson Jr., Terri Lyne Carrington and Dave Santoro.
Lee's experience as a sideman reaches far beyond his years. Growing up on Vancouver Island, he cut his teeth performing with notable Canadian musicians including Phil Dwyer, Christine Jensen and Ingrid Jensen. At just 19, he made his U.S. debut with Cyrus Chestnut at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola (Jazz at Lincoln Center) in New York City. Throughout the early 2010s, Lee was a prominent figure in the Victoria jazz scene, performing alongside visiting artists such as Larry Fuller, George Colligan, and Misha Piatigorsky. In recent years, Lee has built a strong association with saxophonist and Jazz impresario Cory Weeds, which has opened the door to performing alongside many of today’s jazz luminaries. His appearances in Vancouver have included performances with Eric Alexander, Peter Bernstein, Joe Farnsworth, Mike LeDonne, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Jeremy Pelt, Ralph Moore, Seamus Blake, Joe Magnarelli, Grant Stewart, Michael Weiss, Jim Rotondi, Roy McCurdy, Jerry Weldon, John Webber, Benny Benack III, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, Nicole Glover, Sarah Hanahan, Brian Charette and Alexander Claffy.
With the support of the Cellar Music Group, Lee released his debut album, The Artist in 2021 on the Cellar Live label, featuring Carl Allen. His sophomore album, Second Wind—featuring Peter Washington and Kenny Washington—was released in July 2024. In addition to his own projects, Lee appeared as a guest artist on Carl Allen’s 2025 album Tippin’, featuring Christian McBride and Chris Potter, as well as Mike Clement's 2024 release Hittin’ It, featuring Herlin Riley. Lee can also be heard on several of Cory Weeds' albums, including Just Coolin’ and With Strings: What Is There to Say?.
Lee has been an educator and clinician for over a decade and remains a prominent mentor within the Canadian jazz scene. A rare talent, he continues to push boundaries as a multi-instrumentalist, regularly performing both as a bandleader and an in-demand sideman on five different instruments.
____________________________________________________
“Busheikin/Villette Presents” is a monthly jazz concert series that brings the best in live jazz straight to Nanaimo.
As longtime friends and musical collaborators, the curators of this series, drummer Graham Villette and bassist Kosma Busheikin, wanted to create an experience for the community of Nanaimo. As they join forces with local and visiting artists, their mission is to bring great music and unforgettable nights to the many jazz lovers of Nanaimo.

Busheikin/Villette bring an exciting show to Nanaimo featuring the amazing John Lee and his trio

04/27/2026

🎶 WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE CONSERVATORY!🎶
We’re pleased to welcome community partners and guest organizations to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music!
Please note that the following event is hosted by an external organization.
For full event details, registration, and inquiries, we encourage you to connect directly with the event organizer.
We’re proud to share our space in support of arts, learning, and community engagement in Nanaimo. Enjoy the event!

🎭 ASKFORIMPROV PRESENTS 🎭
Want to learn Improv? Then the Ask for Improv 1.0 Conservatory is for you!

For 2 hours a week, learn how to tell a fresh story, create memorable characters, and perform short-form scenes and games with live on-the-spot suggestions!

This 5-week course is for players of all levels, as even those with some experience can gain from polishing up old skills and working with new faces.

**Especially great for newcomers who are looking for a safe and encouraging environment to discover a new skill.

5 weeks, starting May 5th at 5pm
All 5 classes will be held at 375 Selby St., Nanaimo. Parking out back
Ages 18+
For a limited time use Coupon code BIRD1 for $50 off, offer ends April 30th, 2026
https://square.link/u/N1YYSRBF
Register today, spaces limited
This class is taught by Brendan Eams