Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Education Partner in Ottawa
Alcorn Music Studios was founded in 2006 by professional musicians Marilee Townsend-Alcorn and Mark Alcorn, who bring decades of combined experience in music performance and education. Our studio offers comprehensive instruction for voice, piano, guitar, drums, strings, woodwinds, and more, serving students of all ages from beginner to advanced levels. We emphasize both technical mastery and creative expression through private lessons, group classes, and performance opportunities. Our faculty consists exclusively of degreed musicians, many holding advanced degrees, ensuring expert instruction across all genres. We maintain a vibrant community through weekly group programs like rock bands, jazz combos, and vocal ensembles.Summer programming includes specialized camps and flexible lesson scheduling to accommodate vacations. Our GigSpace Performance Studio hosts regular concerts and workshops, fostering artistic growth and community engagement. We prioritize teacher satisfaction and retention, believing happy instructors directly benefit student outcomes. All instructor bios are publicly available to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and expertise. Located in Ottawa since our founding, we remain dedicated to nurturing local musical talent while maintaining national industry standards.
Services
Voice Lessons
Piano Lessons
Guitar Instruction
Group Music Classes
Summer Music Camps
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have a vibrant, creative space filled with music. There are private lessons, group classes, workshops and jam bands.
- We care deeply about music, our students' progress and the responsibility that comes with teaching.
- All of the teachers (and the owners) have a degree in music and some have their Masters or PHD in music.
- Our teachers bios are online so you can see their experience and education.
- We have a high teacher retention rate. Happy teachers equals happy students!
Services
Voice Lessons
Private voice instruction for all skill levels focuses on breath control, pitch accuracy, and stylistic interpretation. Our certified instructors develop personalized curricula covering classical, pop, jazz, and musical theater genres. Students gain performance confidence through regular recitals and studio showcases while building foundational vocal technique.
Piano Lessons
Comprehensive piano education covers classical repertoire, sight-reading, and improvisation techniques. Beginners start with fundamental scales and chord progressions while advanced students explore complex compositions. Our upright and grand pianos provide authentic learning experiences for classical, jazz, and contemporary music styles.
Group Music Classes
Collaborative learning experiences include rock bands, jazz combos, and vocal ensembles. Participants develop timing, listening skills, and stage presence through weekly rehearsals. Programs like La La Ladies and Tunesday Pop Choir cater to specific demographics while fostering musical camaraderie and community connections.
Summer Music Camps
Intensive summer workshops combine private instruction with ensemble practice and performance preparation. Campers receive personalized attention while participating in group jam sessions and final showcase events. Flexible scheduling accommodates family vacations while maintaining structured musical development throughout the summer months.
Jazz Workshops
Specialized jazz instruction focuses on improvisation techniques, swing rhythms, and standard repertoire. Small group sessions with experienced jazz musicians develop ear training and ensemble coordination. Participants explore bebop, fusion, and contemporary jazz styles while building confidence in live performance settings.
People
Marilee Townsend-Alcorn
Co-Owner
Co-founder with decades of professional music experience, Marilee combines performance expertise with educational leadership to shape the studio's artistic vision and community engagement initiatives.
Mark Alcorn
Co-Owner
Co-founder and professional musician bringing industry insights to curriculum development and instructor mentorship while maintaining active performance commitments that inform teaching practices.
Ann Downey
Music Instructor
Specializing in clawhammer banjo instruction, Ann brings traditional folk expertise to her teaching while maintaining an active performance schedule that enriches her pedagogical approach.
Tim Bedner
Jazz Educator
Jazz combo instructor with extensive performance experience, Tim teaches improvisation techniques and standard repertoire while fostering students' creative expression within traditional jazz frameworks.
Sarah Ramsay
Woodwind Specialist
Flute and woodwind instructor who combines classical training with contemporary teaching methods, creating engaging lesson plans that develop technical proficiency and musical interpretation skills.
Questions
What music lessons do you offer?
We provide instruction for voice, piano, guitar, drums, strings, woodwinds, and jazz improvisation with both private and group class options available.
Are there programs for adult learners?
Yes, we offer adult singing groups like Tunesday Pop Choir and flexible lesson scheduling for working professionals seeking to develop musical skills.
Do you have summer programming?
Our summer camps combine private lessons with ensemble practice and performance opportunities, operating with flexible scheduling from 3-9 PM Tuesday-Thursday.
Are instructors qualified?
All teachers hold music degrees with many possessing advanced qualifications, and their detailed bios including performance experience and teaching philosophy are publicly available online.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in recitals, GigSpace concerts, and ensemble showcases throughout the year, with special events including summer workshops and seasonal music festivals.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Ian Schwartz
Jul 19, 2015
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Cozy performance space. Great teachers and a friendly environment. It's everything an aspiring jazz musician could ask for.
Kathryn Hodgson
Jul 14, 2014
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I have been very impressed with Alcorn Music Studios. Everyone is professional, helpful and friendly. I believe my son is receiving excellent instruction on his chosen instrument.
