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 4733 52 Ave, St. Paul, AB)

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.

BOB PALINKA

Guitar

Bob was born and raised on a family farm in the Elk Point-St. Paul area and has lived locally all his life, working as the Math and Music teacher at the St. Paul Regional High School for the last 30 plus years. He is happily married to his sweetheart, Lisa, for 37 years and they have two adult children who are both very musically talented in piano, guitar and bass. Their son Benjamin actually was a student of guitar at NEMA in the early 2000’s.
Bob is a passionate guitarist of 35 years who has played in several gospel bands in the past and currently on church worship teams every week for the last 20 years. Bob performs frequently with students, his wife and other musicians, at concerts, studio
recordings, weddings and seniors homes. Six years ago at the high school, Bob founded a 3 year, 15 credit stage-band music program offering alternate music instruction options to high school students and providing venues to perform as bands and small groups. This program is still in operation at the school under the name:
“Rock and Pop”.
Bob’s philosophy, like the music educator Suzuki, is that each child has the ability to gain mastery of musical skills just like they can learn to speak and understand their own complex native language. He is eager to share this ability to play confidently, in a variety of genres, alone or with others. Every community needs music for its worship and social functions; this skill is important to cultivate and pass on. Bob himself plans to be a life-long learner and teacher of guitar and is determined on growing and performing for the rest of his life.

FEES

The lesson year runs 32 weeks, divided into two terms. Lessons begin in September and end in May.

NEMA Membership Fee/Family $25

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.