Fun, inclusive music and dance programs for all ages and abilities.
Registration is open for summer 2026! Call 902-423-6995 to register.
Children’s Dance Camps
For ages 5-12, with or without prior dance experience. Designed for children who wish to explore a variety of movement forms, dance classes will include ballet, jazz, modern and more! Camp days will also feature arts and crafts, outdoor play and workshops on everything from creative composition to music. Each week of camp will culminate in an exciting demonstration for family and friends!
Children’s Dance Camps run from 9:00am to 4:00pm, with extended supervision available.
Cost: $200 + registration fee
Faculty: School of Dance
5 Day Dance Camps | Mon-Fri
July 6-10, 2026 | July 13-17 (see Sing, Dance & Play) | July 20-24, 2026 | July 27-31, 2026 | Aug 10-14, 2026 | Aug 17-21, 2026 | Aug 24-18, 2026
4 Day Dance Camp | Tues-Fri
Aug 4-7, 2026
Cost: $250 + registration fee
Faculty: School of Dance
Game Music String Orchestra
Let’s play VGM? Join our Game Music String Orchestra and learn to play your favourite game music hits. There are two classes per week, which will culminate in a great performance by the end of August. All string players welcome – all ages! RCM Grade 2 minimum requirement.
Faculty: Andre Pretzel
Time: Tuesday + Thursday | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Dates:
Cost: Full Session – $240 + registration fee (no drop-in)
Sing, Dance & Play
For ages 5 to 12, no experience required! This camp provides a unique opportunity to explore rhythm and musicality through a range of different activities. Camp days will feature music and dance classes, arts and crafts, and outdoor play. The week of camp will culminate in an exciting demonstration for family and friends.
July 13-17, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:00pm | Mon – Fri
Cost: $270 + registration fee
Faculty: Schools of Dance & Music
Suzuki Group Class
Make sure to keep your Suzuki repertoire polished and don’t let the summer break get the best of your pieces! Meet new friends by joining our weekly Suzuki group lessons and enjoy making music with your peers.
Faculty: Andre Pretzel
Time: Wednesday
Book 1 – 9:00am
Book 2 – 9:30am
Book 3 – 10:00am
Book 4 – 10:30am
Dates:
July 3, 10, 17, 31
Aug 7, 14, 21, 28
Cost:
Full Session – $120 (8 Lessons) + registration fee
Drop in – $20/lesson
Strings Day Camp for Kids
Let’s play together!
For string players ages 7 through 14 of all levels. Playing music together is a wonderful opportunity for creativity, fun and friendship. Every day will include chamber music, technique and repertoire classes, rhythm and movement classes, opportunity for arts and crafts and outdoor recreation. Weekly highlights include: improvisation and creation and performance opportunities.
The camp will wrap up with a performance for family and friends!
July 20-24, 2026 | 9am – 4pm | Supervision 8:30am – 5:00pm
Cost: $350 + registration fee
Faculty: Susanne Brown, Hilary Brown, & Lauren Klein
Ages: 7 – 14
Brass Camp
A week-long introduction in brass instrumental performance for students with at least 1 year experience on their preferred instrument (trumpet/cornet, horn, baritone/euphonium, trombone, tuba/bass). The purpose of the camp is to foster and inspire the education of students through the brass instrumental medium. Providing both individual and group instruction (sectionals, master classes, and large ensemble), the camp culminates in several performances and a final concert at the end of the week. The camp serves as an opportunity for participants to prepare them for joining the youth brass programs at the conservatory.
August 17-21, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $350 + registration fee
Faculty: Rod MacGillivray & Matt Richard
Ages: 8 – 18
RCM Scales and Studies Bootcamp
Let’s start the year strong! Join this enthusiastic group of violinists and prepare your scales and studies ahead of your next exam! This summer course will boost your confidence for your upcoming technical level requirements of the RCM examinations and together with your peers you will learn the necessary skills in a fun environment.
Faculty: Andre Pretzel
Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Grade 1 – 9:00am
Grade 2 – 9:30am
Grade 3 – 10:00am
Grade 4 – 10:30am
Dates:
July 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 30, (1 Aug)
Aug 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
Cost: Full Session – $240 + registration fee (no drop-in)
Junior Dance Intensive
For ages 10-14, or dancers entering RAD grades 3-5 or equivalent (a minimum of two years dance experience recommended). A unique opportunity for young dancers wishing to further their individual strengths and abilities in a supportive environment. Dancers will develop their artistic skills by participating in ballet, jazz, modern, character dance and composition classes tailored to elevate technique and inspire creativity. The second week will culminate in an exciting demonstration for family and friends!
August 10-21, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost | One Week: $425 Early Bird | $475 + registration fee
Cost | Two Weeks: $850 Early Bird | $900 + registration fee
Faculty: School of Dance + Guest Faculty
Summer Dance Intensive
Intensive study for serious dance students aged 13+ with a minimum of two years dance experience. Daily focused technique classes in a variety of dance styles including ballet, pointe (if appropriate), repertoire/variations, modern, jazz, composition, and conditioning. Study with our own renowned faculty and guest artists to boost technique and confidence in a supportive environment. A great preparation for the fall season. Billeting available for out of town students.
August 10-21, 2026 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Cost: $850 Early Bird (before May 31st) | $900 + registration fee
Faculty: School of Dance + Guest Faculty
Summer Tap Intensives
Join Conservatory Faculty members MacKenzie Greenwell and Michele King for our first Summer Tap Intensives! Improve technique, learn repertoire, focus on music and develop improvisation skills.
June 30- July 3, 2025
Junior – Ages 8-12
9:00am -12:00pm | Mon – Thurs
Teen -Ages 13-17
1:00pm – 4:00pm | Mon – Thurs
Cost: $220 + registration fee
Faculty: MacKenzie Greenwell and Michele King
Summer Musical Theatre Intensive
Step into the spotlight this summer!
This is a high‑energy, immersive training experience designed for young performers with experience who are eager to elevate their craft and grow as confident, dynamic artists. Over the course of one transformative week, students dive deeply into the core elements of musical theatre performance: vocal technique, acting through song, choreography, and audition readiness.
This intensive is built for students who want to challenge themselves, expand their artistic skill set, and discover what makes them stand out in the world of musical theatre. Participants will strengthen their vocal foundation, explore character development through music, learn practical strategies that take the stress out of auditions, and develop a professional mindset that will serve them both on and off the stage.
Led by New York City–trained musical theatre professionals Katie Cochrane and Patrick Maubert, the program pairs expert instruction with a supportive, encouraging atmosphere. Participants will rotate through a full schedule of specialized sessions, including:
Vocal Technique & Healthy Singing Habits
Develop a strong, reliable vocal foundation through breath work, resonance, placement, and stylistic versatility.
Acting Through Song
Learn how to bring authenticity and emotional clarity to your musical storytelling, building compelling characters through text and music.
Musical Theatre Choreography
Explore movement fundamentals and build confidence in learning, retaining, and performing choreography.
Audition Coaching & Repertoire Building
Discover how to choose songs that highlight your strengths, present yourself professionally, and make a lasting impression.
Industry Etiquette & Expectations
Gain practical knowledge about the audition room, rehearsal processes, professional communication, and the realities of the musical theatre business.
In addition to formal training, students benefit from a collaborative, fun, and creative environment where friendships flourish and artistic confidence grows. The intensive nurtures both personal and professional development, creating a supportive community of performers who uplift and inspire one another.
The week concludes with a public showcase performance, giving students the opportunity to present their work onstage in front of family, friends, and invited guests. This final performance celebrates each participant’s growth and provides a real‑world performance experience that builds pride and accomplishment.
Join us this summer and discover your unique spark. Whether you’re preparing for upcoming auditions, dreaming of performing professionally, or simply passionate about musical theatre, the MCPA Summer Musical Theatre Intensive is your chance to learn, grow, and shine like never before. If you are unsure if the level of this intensive is appropriate for you, please contact us.
Schedule: July 21 – July 25th | Tues – Sat (full days, times vary)
Cost: Early bird (by May 16): $600 + registration fee
Regular fee (after May 16): $625 + registration fee
Faculty: Katie Cochrane & Patrick Maubert (+ collaborative pianists, guest practioners)
Ages: 15-25
History 9 Camp
*Additional theory camps may be provided subject to demand. This camp will be held at Dr. Wanzel’s studio within walking distance of the Conservatory.
July 6-17, 2026 | 9:30am – 12:30pm | Mon – Fri
All other course dates and times are negotiable with Dr. Wanzel
Cost: $1125 + registration fee
Faculty: Dr. Lorna Wanzel
Location: Dr. Wanzel’s Studio
Adult Amateur Cellist Summer Session
Cellists of all levels, welcome!
Centered around cello ensemble, this program offers many opportunities for adult cellists to play with one another. This program offers individual lessons, chamber music, lecture/workshops and large ensemble time. A great opportunity to improve your cello skills in a friendly environment with social time and a final concert!
*half-day registrations are subject to instructor approval. Please contact Rachel Desoer directly to request this arrangement.
July 13-18, 2026 | M-F 9:30am – 3:30pm, Sat 10:00-2:00
Cost: $485 + registration fee
Faculty: Rachel Desoer, Hilary Brown, and special guests
Adult Dance Intensive
A dance intensive experience designed for the adult learner. Daily classes in ballet, conditioning, modern, with workshops to explore dance theory, anatomy and technique. Study with our renowned faculty and have time to explore Halifax in the evenings!
July 10-12, 2025 | 9:00am – 3:00pm | Fri – Sun
Cost: $300 + registration fee
Faculty: School of Dance
Heather Cornell’s Tap Labs
Heather Cornell’s Tap Labs are back in Nova Scotia this year for two weeks, July 28th – August 8th. These Labs offer a space for focused, independent learning within a supportive community environment. Classes are kept small to encourage one on one communication between musicians and dancers, while nurturing a deeper understanding of the collaborative nature of music and dance.
Heather strongly believes that artists grow through the process of creativity rather than imitation. She supports students in developing their own unique voices through discovery, listening, and shared exploration.
Music Expressions Camp
Music Expressions Camp is an inclusive, music therapy–informed summer day camp designed for youth and young adults of all abilities to explore music in a supportive, creative, and accessible environment.
Offered through the Conservatory’s Centre for Music Therapy, this camp invites participants to discover a variety of ways to experience and engage with music — whether through singing, instrument exploration, musical theatre activities, group music-making, or creative musical games. The focus is on participation, connection, and self-expression rather than performance or prior skill level.
Participants will have opportunities to try instruments, play music together in a band-style setting, explore movement and storytelling through musical theatre activities, and engage in collaborative music experiences that emphasize creativity, confidence, and fun.
Music Expressions Camp is intentionally designed for individuals who may find traditional camps overwhelming or inaccessible. Flexible participation options and supportive facilitation allow every participant to engage in ways that feel comfortable and successful.
No musical experience is required — only curiosity and a willingness to explore.
Ages: 12+
Dates: August 17–21
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
Fee: $350 + registration fee
Tap Dance Bootcamp
An opportunity for students from various studios to come together and prepare for their upcoming dance season with a focus on technique development with Conservatory
August 27 -29, 2025
Intermediate Level
Wednesday and Thursday 9:00am -12:00pm
Friday 10:00am – 11:30am
Advanced Level
Wednesday and Thursday 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Friday 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Cost: $220 + registration fee
Faculty: MacKenzie Greenwell and Michele King