About The Conservatory of Performing Arts

Summer 2022 Update (June 1, 2022)

As of June 1, 2022 the University of Regina has fully returned to normal operations. Please see the Term Updates for any communication from the University of Regina about health and safety protocols.

 

About the Conservatory

The faculty and staff at the Conservatory believe the arts are an essential part of human life and can enrich the life of everyone who engages in the arts. To help students reach their goals, the Conservatory offers one-on-one music lessons and group classes in the arts for people of all ages. 

The Conservatory of Performing Arts:  a leader in Arts Education in Southern Saskatchewan.I heart the arts logo

For more than a century, the Conservatory of Performing Arts has been a beacon of arts education in southern Saskatchewan. Founded in 1912, the Conservatory continues to link people to their passions by providing accessible arts education to learners of all ages and abilities. The Conservatory strives to foster a supportive and respectful environment which offers opportunities for people to be actively engaged in the arts; this kind of activity is crucial in the creation of a strong community.

Today the Conservatory of Performing Arts is a part of the University of Regina’s Centre for Continuing Education and home to Darke Hall – the first performing arts venue in Regina. Many of the faculty at the Conservatory are members of the Regina Symphony Orchestra and are working musicians and artists who perform with their own groups and ensembles. Conservatory alumni have gone on to work as professional musicians, teachers, lawyers, administrators, and more. Come to the Conservatory to experience the best in:

Private Music Lessons | Group Classes | School Break Day Camps | Early Learning

 

Remote/Online Course Information

UR Community Online: your online classroom. This is where you will go to find Zoom links and other course information provided by your instructor. Please note: this is a different site from the credit UR Courses, even though it may look the same. Use the link above and the login credentials provided by Student & Instructor Services Non-Credit. Your credentials will be sent no later than 24 hours prior to your first meeting date. Classrooms will only be available to view 48 hours before your first meeting.

Zoom: go here to create an account if you want to customize any of your profile setting like your name, image or other preferences. Participants are NOT required to create an account in Zoom to participate in programs.

For all technical issues, please contact Student & Instructor Services Non-Credit.

What do I need to join remote/online courses?

  1. Web cam
  2. Microphone
  3. Computer or Smart Device
  4. Internet Access

If you have a smart device like a tablet or smartphone, you already have items 1-3 covered in one device! You can buy external microphones to improve audio quality but they are not a requirement. It is your responsibility to provide any equipment needed for remote/online programs. If you are unsure if you have the proper equipment, check your devices before your first class or please contact Student & Instructor Services Non-Credit Office. 

What should I expect from my courses?
  • Zoom Video Conferencing: Zoom is how you will meet with your teacher each week. If you are worried about audio, there is an advanced audio setting where you can enable Original Sound, so you don't have to worry about compressed audio. Zoom rooms are password protected and have the waiting room enabled by staff to keep calls safe. See our Zoom Call Ground Rules below for more information. 
  • Variable Call Quality: Audio and video quality may vary from instructor to instructor and from week to week. There is lag time and video/audio delays which means performing together in calls is difficult. The technology is not perfect but it works!
  • Your Online Classroom: To make up for the limitations in the technology, each private lesson studio and group classes will have an online classroom in UR Community where teachers will be able to share audio, video, assignments and communications to supplement weekly video conferences. For example, your teacher may ask you to record yourself and then give you written feedback on your performance or they may ask you to watch some videos and give your feedback. 

How should I set-up my space at home?
  • Optimize Your Connection: Get close to your Wi-Fi router, whenever possible, as this improves your connection. If possible, have a hardwire connection on a laptop or desktop computer. You can also ask your provider for a signal booster if you experience continued connection interruptions.
  • Limit Internet Usage: Encourage other family members in your home to limit their internet usage during your lessons/classes, especially on any kind of streaming service (example: Netflix).
  • Know Your Classroom Expectations: Find out what your teacher needs to see and what materials you need to prepare before class. As examples, they may need to see close-ups of your hand when you play piano or they may need to have scripts printed with a pencil and eraser ready for making notes. Instructors will be posting their expectations for calls in CCE Community Online.
  • Remove Distractions: Designate space in your home you or your child will use each week. Silence devices. Build routine by scheduling when to get this space set-up each week to help prepare for lessons or classes.

For advanced troubleshooting, please read this one page document: Setting Up for Online Lessons or watch the above kid friendly video produced by students at the U of R.

Zoom Call Basics

You don’t need to download Zoom onto your computer (web based service) but you will need to download the app if using a smart device. It is available for free in Google Play or the App Store. In all cases if you are experiencing technical issues with Zoom or experienced an emergency while on a Zoom call, please contact Student & Instructor Services Non-Credit.