Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music School in Kelowna, BC
Founded in 1976, we are a non-profit music school dedicated to inspiring musicians of all ages through accessible, high-quality education. Our 24 accomplished instructors provide private lessons, group classes, and ensemble opportunities across diverse instruments and styles. We foster a vibrant community through performance events, recitals, and partnerships with local organizations. Our faculty combines professional artistry with pedagogical expertise, having performed with regional ensembles like the Okanagan Youth Symphony. As a registered charitable society and member of the BC Association of Community Music Schools, we maintain rigorous standards while prioritizing inclusivity.We offer financial support programs to ensure music education remains accessible to all socioeconomic backgrounds. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in arts administration, education, and community development. We host annual concert series celebrating musical achievement, including our 50th-anniversary celebrations at Central Okanagan United Church. Our board members include professionals from international development, cultural anthropology, and financial sectors who volunteer their expertise. We provide instructional hours seven days a week, with flexible scheduling for students of all ages.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Group Programs
Bursaries
Performance Opportunities
Faculty Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of proven excellence in music education
- Our 24-member faculty includes professional performers and pedagogues
- We provide financial assistance through bursary programs
- We host annual performance opportunities including concert series
- Our board includes professionals with international arts experience
Associations and certifications
- registered non-profit charitable society
Services
Private Music Lessons
Individualized music instruction tailored to each student's needs. Our faculty offers lessons in piano, strings, voice, guitar, brass, woodwinds, and music theory. Lessons accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced musicians, with flexible scheduling available during daytime and evening hours.
Group Programs
Collaborative music education experiences for students of similar skill levels. Programs include ensemble playing opportunities, group theory classes, and specialized workshops. These programs foster musical growth through peer interaction while maintaining professional instructional standards.
Performance Opportunities
Annual showcase events featuring student and faculty performances. Includes recitals, themed concerts like the 50th-anniversary series, and community outreach performances. These events build performance confidence and provide professional stage experience for developing musicians.
Bursary Programs
Need-based financial support ensuring music education accessibility. The program helps cover lesson costs for students facing economic barriers. Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated financial need while maintaining educational quality standards.
Faculty Instruction
Instruction from 24 professional musicians with diverse specializations. Faculty members combine performance experience with pedagogical expertise, including members of regional orchestras and award-winning educators. Teachers maintain active professional careers while providing personalized instruction.
People
Lori Bourgeois
Executive Director
Executive Director with 20+ years in arts administration and nonprofit leadership. Holds MA in Theatre and dual BAs in Sociology/Social Work. Founded ACTS 29 Theatre and co-owns Bourgeois International. Specializes in arts education and community development.
Christine Moore
Artistic Director
Artistic Director with 35 years teaching experience and 20 years as professional performer. Oversees faculty development and artistic programming. Focuses on creating meaningful learning experiences that connect students with community performance opportunities.
Amy Habicht
Grant Writer
Grant Writer with background in arts administration and nonprofit operations. Former business owner with decade of client service experience. Volunteer with Opera Kelowna and InspireHealth. Brings organizational skills to support music education initiatives.
Rhiannon Jones
Bookkeeper
Bookkeeper with Bachelor of Music and accounting certification. Former principal flute with Okanagan Youth Symphony. Combines financial expertise with musical background to support organizational operations while teaching flute lessons locally.
Maria Correia
Board President
Board President with 22 years at World Bank managing global programs. Holds PhD in cross-cultural collaboration. Focuses on community connections and musical excellence. Provides strategic leadership for organizational growth and development.
Questions
What instruments are taught at KCMS?
We offer instruction in piano, strings, voice, guitar, brass, woodwinds, and music theory. Faculty specialize in various genres from classical to contemporary styles.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes! We host annual recitals, concert series, and community events featuring student and faculty performances throughout the year.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide bursary programs to support students with demonstrated financial need. Applications are evaluated based on individual circumstances.
What are your faculty qualifications?
Our 24 instructors are professional musicians with performance experience in regional ensembles. They maintain active teaching and performance careers.
How are lesson schedules determined?
Lessons are available daytime and evenings, Monday through Sunday. Scheduling depends on teacher availability and student preferences.
Reviews (1)
Ross Derrick
Apr 21, 2021
Report
Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality
My daughter has been going to KCMS for 3 years and loves it. So many great teachers and programs. Highly Recommend!
My daughter has been going to KCMS for 3 years and loves it. So many great teachers and programs. Highly Recommend!
