Desautels Faculty of Music Prep Studies

Prep Studies is back at School of Art! Join us this Spring 2026 for short-term, studio-based art classes for children, youth, and adults.

Taught by experienced artists and educators, classes take place in the School of Art’s professional studios and are kept intentionally small to support hands-on learning and individual guidance. No prior experience needed.

Mixed Media
(Ages 8–12)
Explore drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and printmaking through playful, hands-on projects that build creative confidence and visual storytelling skills.
Instructor: Liza Dmytriw
Dates: Tuesdays, May 19 – June 23
Time: 5:00–6:30 PM

Alternative Photo Processes
(Ages 15+ / Adults)
Explore camera-less photography through cyanotypes, photograms, and phytograms, experimenting with light, materials, and chemistry through hands-on image-making.
Instructor: Jasmin Reimer
Dates: Wednesdays, June 3 – June 24
Time: 6:00–8:30 PM

Introduction to Black & White Darkroom
(Ages 15+ / Adults)
Learn the fundamentals of shooting film, developing negatives, and producing black-and-white prints in a traditional darkroom environment.
Instructor: Jasmine Reimer
Dates: Thursdays, May 21 - June 25
Time: 6:00–8:30 PM

Spaces are limited—learn more and register using the link below . See you in class!

For further details and registration information, please go to https://umanitoba.ca/art/prep-studies

Beginner Fiddling Classes with Patti Kusturok

Saturdays February 28th - April 4th - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Tache Arts Centre 150 Dafoe Road
Ages 12+

Have you always wanted to learn how to fiddle? Now is your chance!! Join this group class and learn to play fiddle in a relaxed and social environment.

Prep Studies is thrilled to have North America Fiddlers Hall of Fame inductee Patti Kusturok lead a 4 class session of Beginner Fiddling classes. Patti is known for her effortless delivery of some of the best traditional Canadian fiddle music of all time and is in high demand for performances, teaching, recording, and judging fiddle contests across the continent.

The classes will be Saturday afternoons on the U of M campus in the beautiful Tache Arts Centre. There will be 4 classes of 1 hour in length.

Class Fee: $225

Recommendation that students have played violin for at least a year.

Click the link https://umanitoba.ca/music/community-and-partners/prep-studies/group-music-lessons-musical-theatre for more information and to register. We’ll see you there!

Guitar Ensemble Classes with Dr. Ian Hodges

Saturdays Feb 21st - March 28th - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Room 250 Tache Arts Centre 150 Dafoe Road
Ages 14+

Guitar is a versatile instrument capable of rhythm, harmony, and melody. Combining multiple guitar players into a group, all playing together, is quite an awesome experience. Guitar students very rarely get the ensemble experience that band, and orchestra instruments do.

Guitar ensembles are intended to give students the opportunity to enhance skills they develop in weekly lessons. Ensembles allow them to further improve sight-reading, listening skills, perform unique repertoire and more, in addition to the social advantages of camaraderie with others.

Class Fee: $250

Recommendation that students read notation & TAB. This is for acoustic guitar.

Click this link https://umanitoba.ca/music/community-and-partners/prep-studies/group-music-lessons-musical-theatre for more information and to register. We’ll see you there!

We hope you are having a nice summer and staying safe in this smoky weather! ☀️

Checking out our website and don’t see your instrument on the roster? Let us know and our prep studies coordinator can find a teacher for you at musprep@umanitoba

Registration for individual lessons starting in September begins on Tuesday July 15th

Students of all ages and levels are welcome to take classes offered by our Division of Prep Studies. Our teachers are highly qualified and have both performance and pedagogical experience.

We offer masterclasses to give students additional insights into their playing. Our Enrichment Program is designed to challenge gifted young students who want to expand their musical range and knowledge.

Lessons are available on the University of Manitoba Fort Garry campus and throughout the city!

To register, please contact [email protected]