Warm, comfortable and inviting.
Our physical studios are unique. They are large and spacious. They are warm, comfortable and inviting. Our studios feel like home.
Creating an optimal environment for learning is essential for success. Our studio spaces have been designed to provide inspiration for your artistic journey. When you walk through the doors of the historic Maloney House, we want you to feel comfortable and at home – an ideal environment for learning and growing as an artist.
VOICE STUDIO
There is something special about the singing voice. Singing is a natural and innate human capacity shaped by physiology, experience and training. Singing is a multidimensional practice involving the entire body. The ability to sing with confidence, ease and self-awareness leads to effective communication skills, creativity and artistic expression. Skills that can transfer into every aspect of life.
The study of the voice or singing develops deep listening skills, body awareness and mindfulness. Through the exploration of a wide range of repertoire, students develop a solid foundation in vocal technique and the acoustics of singing: posture, breath, phonation, resonance and articulation. Students are challenged to access their singing voice in a healthy and intentional manner, learning to self-trust and “let go”. Singers gain freedom from trying to “control” or “coordinate” their vocal tone, leading to confidence and true enjoyment in performance environments.
As students progress through a carefully designed curriculum, combining technique and artistry, they develop a healthy approach to singing and a calm ease in performance. Musicianship, technical and performance skills are further intensified through regular participation in masterclasses, festivals, recitals, community events and RCM examinations.
PIANO STUDIO
The piano is considered to be one of the most versatile of all instruments. The piano is used in almost all Western genres of music and has the ability to provide melody, harmony and rhythm simultaneously. Playing the piano is a multi-dimensional practice involving the entire body, requiring sharpened fine motor skills and a strong coordination of both mind and body. The ability to play the piano with confidence, ease and self-awareness leads to effective communication skills, creativity and artistic expression. Skills that can transfer into every aspect of life.
The study of piano develops deep listening skills, body awareness and mindfulness. Studying the piano has been linked to improved cognitive and intellectual abilities, including: memory, spatial-temporal ability, focus, perseverance, diligence and creativity. The requirement for intentional full body coordination – ears, eyes, hands, arms, legs, and mind – improves multitasking skills and split concentration. Through the exploration of a wide range of repertoire, students develop a solid foundation in piano technique/gesture, music reading, rote learning, improvisation, and music theory. Pianists are encouraged to find freedom in their musical expression, leading to confidence and true enjoyment in performance environments.
As students progress through a carefully designed curriculum, combining technique and artistry, they develop a confident and healthy approach to piano technique and a calm ease in performance. Musicianship, technical and performance skills are further intensified through regular participation in masterclasses, festivals, recitals, community events and RCM examinations.
Donais Studios exclusively uses the Piano Safari method/series for beginner students.
GUITAR & UKULELE STUDIO
The guitar and ukulele are very popular instruments and it’s not surprising why. The guitar and ukulele are extremely versatile….and portable! The guitar is a flexible instrument with a timbre that suits many styles and genres of music. The guitar lends itself beautifully to classical music, popular music, rock, jazz, latin, funk and many more styles of music. The guitar is a polyphonic instrument, where multiple notes or pitches can be played simultaneously to create harmony within a range of almost 4 octaves. Playing the guitar is a multi-dimensional practice involving the entire body, requiring sharpened fine motor skills and a strong coordination of both mind and body. The ability to play the guitar with confidence, ease and self-awareness leads to effective communication skills, creativity and artistic expression. Skills that can transfer into every aspect of life.
The study of guitar develops deep listening skills, body awareness and mindfulness. Studying the guitar has been linked to improved cognitive and intellectual abilities, including: memory, spatial-temporal ability, focus, perseverance, diligence and creativity. The requirement for intentional full body coordination – ears, eyes, hands, arms, and mind – improves multitasking skills and split concentration. Through the exploration of a wide range of repertoire, students develop a solid foundation in guitar technique, music reading, rote learning, improvisation, and music theory. Guitarists are encouraged to find freedom in their musical expression, leading to confidence and true enjoyment in performance environments.
As students progress through a carefully designed curriculum, combining technique and artistry, they develop a confident and healthy approach to guitar technique and a calm ease in performance. Musicianship, technical and performance skills are further intensified through regular participation in masterclasses, festivals, recitals, community events and RCM examinations.
MUSIC THEORY AND HISTORY STUDIO
Music theory and history are fundamental to the understanding, interpretation and enjoyment of music. Music theory and history teach us what is practical and what is possible in music. Music theory and history explore the traditions, methods and concepts that composers use to compose or create music. The study of music theory and history enhances and enriches one’s musical experience and provides the foundation for musical literacy, aural awareness, analytical thinking, creativity and understanding.
Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, students will learn the basic elements of music, including: pitch and notation, rhythm and meter, intervals, scales, chords and harmony, melody and composition, form and analysis, musical terms and signs, guided listening, and music history and appreciation. Students are encouraged to include music theory and history at every level of their practical music instruction. It is a wonderful complement to any instrument of study.
We use a variety of instructional methods to help each student reach their desired goals. For students completing the RCM certificate program, we follow the RCM Celebrate Theory program.
VISUAL ARTS STUDIO
Each season our Artist-in-Residence, Catherine Farquhar, creates 6-week art projects for diverse ag groups to explore a variety of art techniques and mediums. Small group art classes are a fund and engaging way for developing artists to become more comfortable and confident with their artistic skills. Artists will be inspired to be courageous, take risks and stretch their limits; achieving more than they every believed they were capable of. Through the exploration of a variety of practical techniques and mediums, young artists will awaken their desire to explore, learn and create. Artists are encouraged to relinquish stale and comfortable habits or beliefs, soar into new and unknown realms, and expand their view and creative boundaries. Maximum class size is 5 artists. All materials are included with your registration.
SPEECH ARTS & DRAMA STUDIO
Everyone needs a voice. The ability to speak with power, clarity, and confidence is one of the best tools for success in today’s world. The study of speech arts and drama develops communication skills and nurtures creativity and artistic expression. Training provides enrichment in the arts and teaches skills that transfer to every aspect of life. Students learn to use their voices to speak clearly and with purpose. Instruction in speech arts and drama encompasses not only the art of speaking through the interpretation and performance of literature and drama, but also develops both public speaking and improvisational skills.
Speech arts and drama studies appeal to a broad spectrum of people. Many become involved because of a love of literature and a passion for acting, speaking, and performing. Many recognize the value of training the speaking voice and developing effective, confident communication skills.
As students progress through a carefully designed curriculum, they learn to communicate with confidence and artistic creativity. The appreciation of literature, words, and ideas that they develop is intensified by their concrete and physical involvement with language and literature through memorization, speaking, and performance.