Business Details
Your Premier Music School in Victoria, BC
At South Island Studio, we believe music is a transformative force that nurtures well-being through connection, creativity, and self-expression. Our mission is to create a welcoming space where students of all ages and skill levels can explore their musical potential. With a focus on personalized learning, we offer private and group lessons in voice, drums, piano, guitar, bass, violin, and more, tailored to individual learning styles. Our experienced instructors combine traditional techniques with modern approaches, including the Royal Conservatory of Music methods and our proprietary Heart Mind Body curriculum, which integrates cognitive, kinesthetic, and emotional awareness. We foster a supportive community through programs like RockShop Band Camp, Studio Strings, and adult group learning, ensuring every student finds joy in their musical journey.Located in Victoria, BC, we serve families, children, and adults through flexible scheduling, including weekend and weekday classes. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in student success stories, from beginners gaining confidence to advanced musicians pursuing professional opportunities. We prioritize creating a respectful, inclusive environment where every musical goal is celebrated. With decades of combined teaching experience, our team remains dedicated to evolving with the needs of our students while staying rooted in foundational musical principles.
Services
Drum Lessons
Voice Lessons
Keyboard/Piano
Guitar/Bass/Violin
Group Programs
Private Lessons
RockShop Band Camp
Studio Strings
Adult RockShop Band
Songwriting Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized lessons tailored to individual learning styles and goals
- Our instructors combine Royal Conservatory methods with modern techniques
- We provide a supportive community through band programs and group classes
- Our Heart Mind Body curriculum integrates emotional and physical awareness
- We serve students from toddler music classes to adult professional development
What people say
Amazing job
Supportive place
Transform voice
Heart of gold
Creative teaching
Services
Drum Lessons
Our drum lessons use the Groove Essentials system to build foundational skills while exploring diverse musical styles. Students progress from basic rhythms to advanced techniques through structured practice and creative application. Instructors focus on developing timing, coordination, and musicality while maintaining student engagement through preferred genres.
Voice Lessons
Designed for all ages, our voice lessons emphasize healthy technique and authentic expression. Students learn proper breath support, vocal placement, and repertoire interpretation while developing confidence in their unique sound across musical styles from classical to contemporary.
Keyboard/Piano
Using Royal Conservatory methods combined with modern repertoire, piano lessons develop reading skills, technique, and musicality. Students explore classical pieces alongside popular songs while building improvisation skills and understanding music theory fundamentals in an engaging format.
Guitar/Ukulele/Bass/Violin
Our string instrument instruction covers chords, melodies, and accompaniment techniques through contemporary music. Students learn proper posture, fingerboard navigation, and stylistic approaches while building repertoire that matches their musical interests across multiple genres.
Group Programs
From toddler music classes to RockShop Band Camp, our group programs foster collaboration and performance skills. Students engage in peer learning, develop ensemble playing abilities, and participate in structured performances while building social connections through shared musical experiences.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for babies (6 months+) through adults, including toddler classes, youth band camps, and adult group learning sessions.
What instruments are available for lessons?
We teach voice, drums, piano, guitar, bass, violin, viola, cello, flute, and ukulele through both private and group instruction formats.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Yes! Our RockShop Band Camp, Studio Strings ensembles, and Fireside Jam sessions provide regular performance platforms for students.
What makes your teaching approach unique?
Our Heart Mind Body curriculum combines technical skill development with emotional awareness and physical engagement for holistic musical growth.
Are there flexible scheduling options?
We offer weekend classes, weekday lessons, and summer band camps to accommodate various schedules for both children and adults.
Reviews (7)
Sarah McLaren
Jul 31, 2021
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My daughter and I have been so incredibly happy with South Island Studio! Their fun, kind and talented staff have made our experience so fun and positive and we feel so lucky to have found them! Highly recommended! Thank you SIS for being such a wonderful part of our lives and the community!!
Stacy Dwyer
Dec 26, 2020
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South Island Studio is amazing! Our family has enjoyed the sound of music and feeling of joy in our house, as I learn the ukulele and my daughter learns and plays the piano. I am so grateful to have something good come out of this pandemic. Renn and Lonny go above and beyond expectation.
David Marcovitz
Jan 18, 2019
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My sons and I have been taking lessons from South Island Studio for about 6 years. Two of us on guitar and one on piano. We've had exposure to a number of teachers and all of them have been excellent. They work with our individual learning styles and cater lessons according to our musical intrests. I would recommend South Island Studio to young, old, novice and expert musicians who want a fun disceplined experience learning to play an instrument.
Jay Davis
Sep 11, 2018
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I took guitar lessons at South Island for a few months. I had to leave to attend university, unfourtunately, but in that short time I gained a lot from my lessons and have new skills to continue growing with. Lonny was patient with me and happy to answer any questions I had. Id recommend South Island Studio to anyone no matter what their skill level. Overall, an awesome team with a positive atmosphere.
Eric Lott
Dec 27, 2017
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Our son spent the last 5 years learning and playing guitar at South Island studio. He has worked with three different teachers, participated in band camps, completed workshops, recorded in a studio and performed at end of year sessions, cafes and special events. Lonny and his team have been wonderful and have helped shape him into a talented, confident young performer. We will miss our time there and confidently recommend the school. What a great, supportive atmosphere for music, Thanks Lonny, Gabe and Paul!
Christabel Padmore
Nov 08, 2017
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My 6 year old daughter has been a piano student for nearly two years now. She has learnt a lot and LOVES her teachers. They're always very patient, fun and not too intense about allowing her to work at her own pace. In addition to a love of music, lessons are helping her develop focus and concentration, that make a big difference at school.
Ruby Thomsen
Jul 27, 2017
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I started at South Island studio in early 2017 with guitar lessons, and have now added voice lessons as well. I was initially very shy about performing and still am somewhat but I do open mics and participate regularly in South Island studios open mic at imagine cafe monthly. The teachers are encouraging and positive and teach with enthusiasm and professionalism which makes it super fun and rewarding. Thanks you guys!!
