Business Details
29 Years
experience
Expert Music Lessons in Waterloo & Elora, Ontario
Founded in 1997, Adrian Jones Music School has been dedicated to cultivating musical excellence through personalized instruction. Our approach emphasizes musicality over mere technical skill, helping students become intelligent, versatile musicians. With locations in Waterloo and Elora, Ontario, we offer private lessons and rock band classes taught by professional performers and recording artists. Our curriculum integrates music theory, improvisation, and songwriting from the first lesson, preparing students for real-world performance opportunities. Over 1,500 students have benefited from our unique methodology, which has produced professional performers, recording artists, and educators.We prioritize individualized learning while fostering a collaborative environment through annual band performances in theaters, restaurants, and festivals. Our instructors bring decades of industry experience, having performed with renowned acts like Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. We also provide financial assistance through partnerships with organizations like The Children's Foundation. Whether teaching guitar, voice, or drums, our mission remains to empower musicians at every stage of their journey.
Services
Private Guitar Lessons
Rock Band Classes
Voice Training
Piano Instruction
Drum Lessons
Violin Lessons
Ukulele Instruction
Music Theory
Songwriting Workshops
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 1:1 lessons with professional recording and performing musicians
- Our curriculum develops musicality, not just technical skill
- Students gain performance experience through annual live events
- Instructors have performed with artists like Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene
- Flexible lesson formats available in-person or via Skype
What people say
Patient and knowledgeable teachers
Exponential jump in ability
Real-world performance opportunities
Great mentor and friend
Lifelong musical foundation
Services
Private Guitar Lessons
Learn guitar mechanics, improvisation, and music theory from professional musicians. Our lessons develop versatile players through ear training, repertoire work, and performance techniques. Students gain skills applicable to all genres while building technical proficiency and creative expression.
Rock Band Classes
Collaborative music experience for ages 8+. Students form bands, rehearse with professional leaders, and perform live. Classes focus on ensemble playing, stage presence, and real-world performance preparation in a supportive environment for developing musicians.
Voice Training
Comprehensive voice instruction covering breath control, range expansion, and projection techniques. Lessons emphasize proper vocal technique to prevent strain while developing tone, confidence, and performance skills for singers across all musical styles.
Music Theory
Integrated music theory curriculum teaches improvisation, composition, and song structure. Students learn practical applications of scales, fingerpicking patterns, and harmonic concepts to enhance their instrumental and compositional abilities through hands-on application.
Performance Coaching
Performance-focused lessons prepare students for live shows through stage presence development, ensemble coordination, and confidence-building exercises. Our instructors provide professional guidance on audience engagement, technical execution, and performance psychology for musicians at all levels.
People
Adrian Jones
Owner/Guitar, Voice, Violin, Bass, Ukulele, Steel Guitar Instructor
Classically trained multi-instrumentalist with 25+ years teaching experience. Studied under Bruce French and Ed Johnson. Performed with Arcade Fire, Broken Social Scene, and Jeff Healey. Owner of Adrian Jones Music School since 1997.
Dave Jones
Drums, Guitar, Bass Instructor
Multi-instrumentalist with extensive performance experience across Canada. Member of six professional bands including The Bearskins and Broadway Draws. Hosts Elora's longest-running open mic night and works as studio engineer.
Jon Kraemer
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele Instructor
Graduate of Mohawk College and Wilfrid Laurier University with focus on composition and theory. Lead guitarist for The Bearskins. Combines academic training with practical performance experience to develop well-rounded musicians.
Keith Conway
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin Instructor
Classical guitarist with BA in Music from Algoma University. Jazz studies under Frank Deresti. Experienced session musician with progressive rock band Machines Dream. Teaches comprehensive fretboard mastery techniques.
Julia Toaspern
Violin, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele Instructor
German-born musician with classical training in violin and voice. Professional performer across three continents. Combines classical discipline with pop/rock versatility. Releases original music while maintaining active teaching practice.
Questions
What instruments can I learn at Adrian Jones Music School?
We offer instruction in guitar, piano, voice, violin, drums, ukulele, bass, mandolin, and more. Our teachers specialize in both classical and contemporary styles across all instruments.
Are lessons available for beginners?
Yes! Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels from complete beginners to advanced musicians. Instructors adapt teaching methods to match each student's experience and learning pace.
Do you offer performance opportunities for students?
We provide multiple annual performance venues including theater shows, festivals, and restaurant gigs. Rock band classes culminate in live performances for family and friends each term.
Can I take lessons online?
All lessons are available through Skype or in-person at our Waterloo and Elora locations. We maintain the same high-quality instruction regardless of format.
What are the qualifications of your instructors?
Our teachers are professional performing musicians with extensive industry experience. Many have university music degrees and have performed with nationally recognized artists across diverse genres.
Is financial assistance available for lessons?
Yes, eligible families can receive up to $400/year through The Children's Foundation Free to Play Program. We also offer flexible payment options for all students.
Reviews (6)
Ange Rea-Becker
Jan 05, 2020
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Adrian has been a big part of both of our boys lives especially Zach’s who has gone from playing one instrument to singing and playing 3 to being part of the tech crew. Adrian and all his staff are passionate about what they do and sharing their passion with their students, which now includes me.
Heather Elsley
Nov 06, 2018
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I recommend you let the professional and cool music teachers guide you to letting out your inner rock star. Not only teach but to play along side a professional musician while you learn and meet other likeminded people in the bands you form. Where else can you have this fabulous option.
Abbey French
Jun 17, 2018
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Everyone is so friendly and encouraging, and there's more music and artistic things other than lessons so you're always presented with the opportunity to challenge yourself :)
Jon Jared Scott
Dec 09, 2016
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Adrian is a stand up guy with some very talented and friendly folks working for him. Would recommend this studio to anyone, beginner or advanced students!
Steve Scott
Jun 28, 2016
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Adrian is inspiring kids to live out their dreams through music. I've witnessed the results on a regular basis in our town. It's part of what makes Elora special.
Curt Hammond
Jun 28, 2016
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Adrian opened up my world to the power of music. Lessons were fun and helped me build my confidence around singing. #SeeYouOnStage
