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WELCOME TO NEMA

North Eastern Music Association

Working for the Enrichment of the Community Through Music

ensemble training

WANT TO PLAY?

We Can Help

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.

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Want to learn more about our services? Contact us today.

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HISTORY

Over 30 years in the Community

The North Eastern Music Association is a volunteer-driven non-profit organization providing Violin, Guitar, Piano 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 4729 52 Ave, St. Paul, AB)

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INSTRUCTORS

Passionate, experienced, talented and friendly. What more could you ask for?

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JOHN CALVERLEY

Violin

John Calverley (BMus.) is an active freelance violinist, composer, improviser, session musician and instructor. With a rich tapestry of experiences, he brings a depth of expertise and passion to every musical endeavour.

 

Embracing both classical training and a relentless pursuit of musical diversity, John's repertoire spans across genres. As the Music Director for Vinok Worldance, John showcases a breadth of traditional music styles from diverse cultures. His experience with Canadian old-time fiddling has seen him compete at a national level, while his role as the founding member of the Gypsy-Jazz group, the Felt Hat String Band, allows him to delve into improvisational styles, infusing his performances with a unique creativity.

 

John's commitment to musical education boasts over 30 years of experience as a violin instructor. His teaching currently extends to his home studio in Edmonton, Alberta, and the North Eastern Music Association (NEMA) in St. Paul, Alberta, reflecting his dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

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John's musical collaborations span a wide spectrum, encompassing performances with renowned artists such as Alfie Zappacosta, Crystal Plamondon, the Strathcona String Quartet, Opera Nuova, Vinok Worldance, and an array of chamber music, pop, rock, and folk acts.

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BRANDON BAKER

Guitar

Brandon Baker is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, session musician, and bandleader. He performs his guitar-driven originals under the name Electric Religious, and his music has been described as "bursting with inspiration, insight, and hope."

He was recently honoured with a nomination for “Métis Artist of the Year” at the 2021 Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards and earned an Honourable Mention for “Best Music Video” in the June 2021 International Music Video Awards. Earlier in 2021, he released "Catherine," a single from his 2021 album, Tragic Lover. "Catherine" premiered on CBC Reclaimed and was added to 180 terrestrial/satellite stations across North America. The single quickly rose to #1 on SIRIUS XM Ch.165 IPR chart, and hit #7 on the Indigenous Music Countdown. The music video is also nominated for FAVA's Award of Excellence for Most Outstanding Music Video. The debut Electric Religious album, Yeah, Yeah, No (2018) featured the single “Revolution,” which spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and garnered him a coveted spot in the 2019 CBC Searchlight Top 100.
Baker has performed for audiences as large as 50,000 during the opening ceremonies for Red Bull Crashed Ice, broadcast to 1.7 million viewers. Other accolades include an “Artist to Watch” nomination at the  Edmonton Music Awards (2015), and a nomination for Aboriginal Artist of the Year at the Saskatchewan Country Music Awards (2009).

 

Baker attended MacEwan University to study jazz guitar under to tutilige of Jim Head, and has completed 2 years towards a Bachelor's degree. He is a life-long student of the guitar and still takes lessons whenever he can, including with players like Jon Herrington (Steely Dan), Joey Landreth (The Bros. Landreth), and Ariel Posen. Baker has been playing the guitar for 25 years, and has taught at various music camps across the prairies. He loves to share his knowledge of the guitar with both young and mature students alike. His philosophy is to have fun first, while using his student's inherent interests to develop more complex skill sets!

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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.

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GET IN TOUCH

Lesson Address

4729 52 Ave, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A2

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Mailing Address

Box 86, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A0

NEMA is made possible through the efforts of our members and the generous support of our sponsors.

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©2019 North Eastern Music Association. All rights reserved.

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