The Alberta government will commit up to $20 million to help move the construction of the new Mount Royal Conservatory forward.  The Government of Canada will also consider funding up to $20 million, or one-third of the eligible project costs, through its Building Canada Fund subject to program guidelines being met.  Plans for the expansion include construction of a new 650-seat performance hall, approximately 82 studios, 16 practice rooms, two large studios, various classrooms and large rehearsal areas.

Enrolment at the current Mount Royal Conservatory is approximately 5,000 students under 18 years of age, representing 11,800 course registrations. The Conservatory’s long-term plan is to increase enrolment by 50 per cent over the next 15-20 years and be a leading national arts organization.

The Mount Royal Conservatory offers various arts programs and courses for artists of all ages, with a focus on arts education for youth.  Programs include early childhood music, jazz/contemporary performance, music composition, music technology and theory, speech arts, Suzuki piano instruction, private instruction and theatre and vocal studies.

“This is a welcome announcement for music education across Canada,” said Dave Marshall, President of Mount Royal. “The new Mount Royal Conservatory will continue to expand its leadership role in providing musical opportunities for young people, as well as provide Albertans with a new performance venue to experience top-notch performances.”