WELCOME TO NEMA

Are you new to music? Have you played for a while and stuck playing the same old tunes? Have you always wanted to play but didn’t know where to start?
The time is NOW. Book your lessons with us and start your musical journey today! You’ll find the most competitive prices anywhere, and qualified instructors who are always willing to lend a hand. Need help finding an instrument? We can help with that too.

HISTORY

Over 30 years in the Community

The North Eastern Music Association is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization providing Violin, Guitar and Voice instruction. NEMA was founded in 1986 to provide quality, affordable music instruction to the St. Paul community and area. We currently offer lessons to students of all ages, styles, and levels. Our experienced instructors offer a fun and safe environment to explore your creativity through music. 

We are located at the Maggie Porozni Foundation for the Arts building

(4822-50ave, St. Paul, AB)

WINSTON QULECH

Guitar

Winston Quelch is a professional guitarist with years of experience on stage, the recording studio, and in the classroom. In addition to his Edmonton teaching studio, Winston has taught hundreds of NEMA guitar students over an amazing 22-year period…and enjoying every minute of it!

In the late 1970’s he founded the legendary Canadian country-rock band One Horse Blue. The group charted several singles on the RPM Top Country Tracks charts and recorded four albums before disbanding in 1981. This band paved the way for what has become a thriving Canadian country music scene. In the mid 1980’s Wintston signed a songwriting deal with Bruce Allen and Penta Music. Allen is most recognized for managing Bryan Adams and Martina McBride.

Over the years, Winston has shared the stage with artists such as: Vince Gill, The Charlie Daniels Band, Poco, Pure Prairie League, Loverboy, Toronto and the Downchild Blues Band and even actor Gary Bucey who portrayed Buddy Holly in the film the Buddy Holly Story.

Winston is an active and in demand live musician; busy both as a sideman and session player. He is presently recording his second CD with his band BLUE YONDER.

Photo courtesy of Tracy Kolenchuk

JOHN CALVERLEY

Violin

John Calverley (johncalverley.com) is an active freelance violinist, composer, improviser, session musician and instructor. As music director for Vinok Worldance he performs diverse styles of traditional music from various cultures. He studied violin at the University of Alberta under Norman Nelson where he received his Bachelor of Music. In addition to his classical training he has also competed nationally for Canadian old time fiddling and explores improvisational styles as the founding member of his gypsy-jazz group, the Felt Hat String Band.

John has been teaching violin for over 25 years. He teaches both in his home studio in Edmonton, Alberta and for the North Eastern Music Association.

Some performance highlights include: Recording for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies ‘Fiddle Nation’ medley composed by Calvin Vollrath, the Canada Day Millennium Celebration on Parliament Hill with Vinok Worldance, Alberta Spirit: Party of the Century Centennial Celebrations all of which were live televised performances.

John performs with Alfie Zappacosta, Crystal Plamondon, the Strathcona String Quartet, Opera Nuova, Vinok Worldance, and many other chamber music, pop, rock and folk acts.

Cathy Kowalski

Vocals/Guitar

NEMA's newest addition! Singer-songwriter and guitarist Cathy Kowalski has a passion for writing, singing and performing. Cathy completed her General Music Diploma at Grant McEwan and has further pursued her music education with well-respected vocal instructors in her home town, Edmonton, AB. She has continued to broaden her skills and knowledge in songwriting, guitar, and stage performance by entertaining at small venues and festivals; both as a solo performer and with her band. She's an experienced recording artist as well, producing and recording her own music. 

FEES

The lesson year is 36 weeks, divided into two terms. Lessons begin in September and end in April.

NEMA Membership Fee/Family $10.00

Term 1 & 2 $400/each*

Volunteer deposit cheque $100/term

Fees are collected at the beginning of each term. Students are welcome to register at any point in the season. Fees are due by your start date.

*Based on 30min lessons

VOLUNTEER

N.E.M.A has no compulsory volunteer requirement, though it is encouraged. For those who volunteer, the volunteer deposit cheques are returned. Information on volunteer opportunities is available at the Spring Concert as well as at Community Awareness night in September.

REGISTRATION

Registration forms are available for download. Once your lesson time is scheduled, please fill out the form and submit it by email or in person.