Music will fill the market with the opening of the latest addition at the River market in New Westminster.
Music Box Music and Theatre Academy is coming to the Market's second floor on Saturday, Jan. 5.
"We call our second floor the Curious Floor, a place to learn all sorts of creative arts and one that feeds the imagination," River Market director Mark Shieh said in a press release. "Music Box fits right in with the Vancouver Circus School, a training centre for amateur and professional performers, and with The Network Hub, a co-working facility for creative entrepreneurs."
Led by music director and performing pianist Vashti Fairbairn, Music Box will offer introductions to musical theatre and the performing arts in small group workshops and classes, as well as one-on-one private music instruction tailored to students' interests and abilities, the release says.
While most of the academy's students are children aged three to 12, Fairbairn teaches private lessons to adults and says there are also plans for adult classes. Music education is good for everyone, she said in the release.
"Music invites the mind to work in new, extraordinary ways. For children, music helps them learn to listen, to focus, and it teaches empathy," Fairbairn said.
Performing will be a regular part of the curriculum for Music Box students - and for River Market guests - as the school will soon implement a regular performance schedule in the market, according to the release.
Music Box Music and Theatre Academy will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday to celebrate its grand opening. Everyone is invited to meet the teachers, dance to music, make crafts and win prizes. For more information visit www.musicboxnw.ca.
