My Account-
Act Now: Climate Action through the Arts
Digital Workshop with Ryan Elliot DrewGrades 7-12 Ages 12-18
How can the arts respond to the climate emergency? This interactive workshop positions artists as agents of much needed environmental change. To begin the workshop, students will explore the work of various global … read more
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AMAZI'YA – Bringing characters to life!
Virtual workshop with...Grades 4-8 Ages 8+
This 60-minute workshop is completely dedicated to bringing out the laughter, the silly, the fun and the Amazing creation in developing characters for the stage, narrative or even film. We will dive into the art and … read more
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Body Beats
virtual workshop series presented in...Kindergarten–Grade 6 Ages 4-12
The entire body is a musical instrument! In the constant pleasure of moving, discover the rich universe of body percussion and the different musical styles that are related to it. Explore flamenco, beat box and learn … read more
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Camping au musée
Writing workshop led by Anne-Marie GuilmaineGrades 4 to 8 Ages 9-14
Imagine that you sneak into the museum at night, all alone, to look at works of art, each more mysterious, funny and intriguing than the last ... You discover … read more
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Career Exploration in Arts Administration
virtual workshopHigh school-Cégep/University
Are your high school students considering a career in Arts Administration? Participants will meet a group of arts administrators from the National Arts Centre’s Music, Theatre and/or Dance departments in a casual … read more
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Coffee with a Choreographer
digital conversationProfessional
Now in its fifth year, Coffee with a Choreographer will be reinvented this season as a digital offering until we can regroup again live. “C with a C” provides unique opportunities to exchange ideas with … read more
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Creating a Rap Song
virtual workshop with Zoey RoyGrades 4–6
Cree-Dene-Métis rapper and spoken-word poet Zoey Roy will explore beat-making and lyric-writing with your class, to create their own original rap song. Objectives: Music, Language Arts … read more
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Creating a Story Through Sound
with Emily SeguinGrade 1-6
Students are invited to create a story through the exploration of sound using instruments and household objects. Through teamwork, active listening and sound exploration, the artist, Emily Séguin, will guide … read more
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Creating a Theatrical Time Capsule
virtual workshop with Kristina WattGrade 4–10
In this interactive workshop, students will apply a blend of imagination and current life experience to write and perform one collective story: the story of youth, living now. Curriculum connections: language arts, … read more
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Creative Artist Residency: Songwriting
with YAO (in French)Grade 5-12 Ages 10-18
Available in French only Designed specifically for the Ontario Arts Council’s Artists in Residence (Education) program, this five-hour residency explores the links between writing (poetry), literature and various … read more
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Creative Economy 101
Digital Workshop with Ryan Elliot DrewGrades 10-12 Ages 14-18
How can artists and creatives change the world? This workshop is meant to elevate the student's understanding of the creative economy — the vast system of global networks that support creative people doing … read more
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Cross-Cultural Exploration: Music & Nature
with Samantha Whelan Kotkas & Walter...Grade 3–6
Explore how music is inspired by the natural world in both Classical and Indigenous musical traditions. Alberta-based teaching artists Samantha Whelan Kotkas (trumpet) and Walter MacDonald White Bear (drum, guitar, … read more
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Engaging Band Students through Technology
Digital Workshop for Teachers with Arlene...Post-secondary, Professional Ages 18+
How can we use digital tools to motivate learners in band programs? Join Saskatchewan-based French horn player and teaching artist Arlene Shiplett as she guides you through the latest applications, websites, and tools … read more
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Finding the Ojibwe Horse
with Ken MacDonald & Rhonda SnowAny grade
What does a classically-trained orchestral french horn player have in common with a Métis visual artist? In the case of Ken MacDonald and Rhonda Snow, both are caretakers of Ojibwe Horses, Canada’s only … read more
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First Nations Music & Culture (Cree)
with Walter MacDonald White BearGrade 3–6
Musician and teaching artist Walter MacDonald White Bear (based in Calgary) shares music and cultural teachings from his Cree heritage, including the Medicine Wheel, the drum, and the native flute. … read more
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From the Ground-Up
Digital Workshop with Kathryn Patricia...Grades 3-6 Ages 7-12
Come and map your community roots through music and visual art! From The Ground Up is a music inspired workshop that guides students through exploring and taking stock of their community roots. During this session … read more
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Giggle and Stomp!
virtual concert presented in association with...Kindergarten–Grade 1 Ages 4-6
Discover sounds that will make you laugh, and rhythms that will get you dancing! Have you ever explored the fascinating world of percussion instruments? Even our bodies are musical instruments, so anyone can play! … read more
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Hansel and Gretel at the Opera
virtual workshop series presented in...Kindergarten-Grade 6 Ages 4-12
Discover the rich world of opera through Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel! Immerse yourself in the world of the voice: make vocalisations, explore the registers and find your own. Even learn a tune and choreography … read more
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Hip Hop Theatre: Unlocking your creative mind through beats...
virtual workshop with Omari NewtonGrade 5 to adult Ages 10+
Artist and educator Omari Newton will teach students how to find their authentic voice and tell stories through an exploration of Hip Hop theatre. Combining elements of spoken word poetry, contemporary theatre, and … read more
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Honouring First Nations in the Music Classroom
Digital Workshop for Teachers with Sherryl...Post-secondary, Professional Ages 18+
Appropriation, Resources, and Approaching Community Join the cross-cultural teaching artist duo Samantha Whelan Kotkas and Sherryl Sewepagaham (Cree-Dene) as they guide through an introduction to honouring First Nations … read more
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In Orbit in the Philosphere
with Stéphanie BoyerGrade 4–6
Duration: about 1 hour Maximum number of participants: 25-30 students Offered to students in class only (Teacher must be present) Offered in French only Take the leap into philosophical discussion. With … read more
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Institute for Orchestral Studies
with the NAC OrchestraUniversity, undergraduate/graduate Ages 19+
Apprentice as a string musician with the world-class National Arts Centre Orchestra in the Institute for Orchestral Studies (IOS); find out what’s involved and apply! … read more
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Introduction to Acting and Performance
virtual workshop with Kate SmithGrades 7–12 Ages 12+
This workshop introduces participants to the most important tools an actor has at their disposal: their voice, their body – and their creativity. Learn the basics of how to make simple physical and vocal … read more
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Invoking the Imagination: Connection, Inspiration and...
Virtual Workshop with Samantha Whelan KotkasGrades 4-6 Ages 9-12
How do we create sounds to make a piece of music? What can we learn from composers who have come before us? What inspired them to compose music and what inspires you? This experiential … read more
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Le Grand bal de Noël
virtual concert presented in association with...Kindergarten–Grade 3 Ages 4-8
Travelling from a distant frozen bank, three musician penguins are waddling along towards the North Pole for the holiday festivities. In order to join the party, they will need to compose an original Christmas … read more
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Listening and Creating: The Sound World of...
a virtual workshop with Marie-Noelle...Grades 4-6
Available only in French Teaching artist and flutist Marie-Noelle Berthelet uses the work of Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer to explore new ways of hearing and creating music. Objectives: Music, Language … read more
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Listening and Music Creation
virtual artist residency with Samantha Whelan...Grade 3–4
A creative project through classical music, with teaching artist Samantha Whelan Kotkas. The project can be tailored to the school’s particular needs and interests. Teacher Guide will be assigned based on … read more
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L’école à l’œuvre
with Marie-Ève FontaineGrade 3–6
Duration: Six (6) virtual workshops to be scheduled between March and May (1 hour per workshop) Maximum number of participants: 25-30 students Offered to students in class only (teacher must be present) Offered in … read more
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L’École à l’œuvre : La boîte-paysage
Artist residency with Marie-Eve Fontaine4e à la 8e année Ages 10-14
Receive an artist in residence in your classroom! The imagination knows no bounds. With it, we explore, we invent, we fly away, we solve, we dream. Imagination allows us to escape the boundaries of … read more
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Métis Music & Culture
with Brianna LizotteGrade 4-6 Ages 8-12
Alberta fiddler Brianna Lizotte leads the class through performances and interactive activities that showcase the richness of her Métis heritage. Curriculum objectives: Music, Social Studies, Indigenous … read more
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Moving Stories
collaborative dance creation workshop seriesGrade 7–12
Keep your students engaged by creatively connecting the dots between movement and storytelling. The project was spearheaded by OCDSB Dance Educator Allison Carrier and NAC Dance Education Associate and Teaching Artist … read more
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Music Circle: virtual workshop series
for students with exceptionalitiesKindergarten–Grade 12
The Music Circle is a unique opportunity for students with exceptionalities to explore orchestral instruments and their sounds, while also developing their auditory, motor, social and motivation skills through … read more
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MusicFest Canada: The Nationals
May 24-29, 2021Grade 6-12 Ages 12-19
The National Arts Centre collaborates with artists and arts organizations across Canada to help create a national stage for the performing arts, and acts as a catalyst for performance, creation and learning across the … read more
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NAC Orchestra Bursary Competition
Secondary, Post-secondary Ages 16+
The prime objective of the competition is to encourage the pursuit of excellence on the part of young instrumentalists aspiring to orchestral careers. Each year, a jury identifies deserving recipients through audition … read more
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Opera Candy : The Gourmet Adventure of Hansel and Gretel
virtual concert presented in association with...Kindergarten–Grade 6 Ages 4-12
This delectable introduction to opera and lyrical singing is a treat for the eyes and ears! Once upon a time – so ti do mi fa! – there were two cheerful singers who wanted to tell the tale of Hansel and … read more
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Petite Sorcière
Podcast & philosophy workshopGrade 1 to 6 Ages 6-12
PHILOSOPHY WORKSHOP After listening to the podcast, students participate in a virtual workshop on the main philosophical concepts in the story of Petite Sorcière. Actor … read more
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Presentation Workshop: Auditioning, Public Speaking and...
virtual workshop with Kate SmithGrade 9-12 Ages 13+
Do you have an audition coming up? A public speaking engagement? A job interview? Want to learn the skills needed to hold their attention? Stand out by learning the tricks of the trade from a professional actor and … read more
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Professional Development Workshops in Music for Teachers
Professional
Get hands-on performance and coaching tips from some of the finest musicians in the NAC Orchestra, who are equally renowned for their performance skills and expertise as teachers! Possible virtual workshops include: … read more
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Scene Workshop
virtual workshop with Kate SmithGrade 9-12 Ages 13+
In this workshop, participants will be cast in scenes from plays and learn the steps necessary to break them down. Participants will gain an understanding of Beats, Relationships, Objectives, Stakes, Tactics, and more! … read more
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Songwriting Tips and Tricks
with YAOGrade 5-12 Ages 10-18
Designed specifically for the Ontario Arts Council’s Artists in Residence (Education) program, this workshop explores the links between writing (poetry), literature and various styles of urban music, especially … read more
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Songwriting with Ila Barker
virtual artist residencyGrade 6–12
Students will learn the fundamentals of songwriting and write their own song(s) with Winnipeg musician and teaching artist Ila Barker. Timeline: Five hours over a 2 to 5 week period Grades: Elementary Grades 6-8 … read more
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Teacher Training Workshop in Dance
with Siôned WatkinsProfessional
This workshop will help you help your students to get moving creatively, whether it be in the classroom, outside, or online at home. Part I: Brain and Body warm up Teachers will learn a variety of new … read more
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The Beginnings of Bing Bang!
virtual concert presented in association with...Grade 2–6 Ages 7-12
Go on a mission to retrace the development of rhythm, looking at several musical traditions from around the world! Today’s a big, big day for percussionists and good friends Marton and Bruno! Marton is … read more
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The Medicine of Hoop Dance
virtual workshops with Alex WellsAlex Wells is an internationally award-winning Hoop Dance Champion from Mount Currie, British Columbia. Alex is a member of the St'át'imc Lil’Wat tribe, and was brought up through cultural … read more
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Tips and Tricks for Band Instrument Repair
Digital Workshop for Teachers with Kevin Junk...Post-secondary, Professional Ages 18+
"Miss, my saxophone doesn't work!" Join Kevin Junk, a specialist in instrument repair, as he demonstrates and walks you through step-by-step basic and more complex repairs for woodwind and brass instruments. Kevin … read more
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Virtual Instrumental Workshops
with NAC Orchestra musiciansSecondary
With a focus on enhancing secondary school music programs, the Virtual Workshop sessions provide music students with learning opportunities with the help of Canada’s NAC Orchestra musicians. Tailored for your … read more
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Vivaldi in 3D
Digital Workshop with Marie-Noelle BertheletGrades 2-6 Ages 7-12
Offered in French Only Come and experience a whole new dimension of classical music! Together, the students will explore and create early music, take a virtual trip to Venice, Italy, and uncover the hidden contribution … read more
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When Women Play: Celebrating Women in Classical Music,...
Virtual Workshop for Teachers with Samantha...Professional Learning for Teachers
This experiential virtual workshop for teachers will feature music traditionally performed by women and composed by female composers. We will look at their creative processes and create our own music inspired by … read more
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Your Wintertime Song
virtual workshop series presented in...Kindergarten–Grade 3 Ages 4-8
Create a song on the theme of winter! Using an original melody you’ve invented, knit your song to give as a gift. From the melody to the words that tell us a story, from snowy nursery rhymes that rhyme with … read more
Upcoming Events
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Support Performing Arts Learning and Engagement!
Your donations through the NAC's National Youth and Education Trust help the NAC provide learning and engagement opportunities for all — from young children in the classroom, to pre-professional artists, to the lifelong learner.
Learning and engagement at Canada’s National Arts Centre is made possible through the support of many generous individuals and organizations from across the country. The Music Alive Program is made possible thanks to the leadership support of National Partner, The Azrieli Foundation, and Major Supporters, The Slaight Family Foundation and TD Bank Group. Thank you also to Grant and Alice Burton, Canada Life, A Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Ottawa, Friends of the NAC Orchestra, Donors to the NAC Foundation's Future Fund, The Janice and Earle O’Born Fund for Artistic Excellence, and the donors and sponsors of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, the primary resource for youth and education funding at the National Arts Centre.