Finding the right place to hone your musical talents can be incredibly exciting. Whether you want to master a new instrument or prepare for a conservatory audition, Montreal has plenty to offer. 

As someone who’s always been passionate about the arts, I completely understand the struggle of navigating through endless options to find the perfect fit. 

From classical piano instruction to interactive rock band programs, finding the best music school in Montreal will ultimately depend on your unique goals and learning style. 

To help you skip the guesswork, I’ve put together a handy guide featuring top-rated academies that cater to both beginners and aspiring professionals. Let’s dive right into the details!

1. Vidyasthanam

Website: vidyasthanam.com

Address: 6105 Rue de Louvois, Saint-Léonard

Contact: +91 90142 57637 (Customer Service in Tamil or English only from 9 AM-8 PM IST), +91 99621 94779 (WhatsApp only)

Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM

For those captivated by the intricate rhythms of South Indian classical traditions, finding a specialized program can be incredibly refreshing. 

Vidyasthanam offers a brilliant foundational understanding of Carnatic musical theory, covering essential concepts like ragas and melakartas.

After successful registration here, a detailed lesson plan is provided immediately to give you a clear roadmap of what to expect.

The interactive sessions and video presentations genuinely enhance the learning experience by making complex theories visually digestible. 

Plus, you get all the necessary course materials provided right from the start, so there’s absolutely no scrambling for extra textbooks. 

You’ll be learning directly from faculty experts Ms. Bhargavi Hariharan and Dr. R. Saraswati Sainath, ensuring you get top-notch instruction. 

However, keep in mind that the program is structured as a specific ten-class workshop, which limits the duration of the engagement if you’re hoping for years of continuous tutoring.

Truly enriching lessons

Learning veena from Dr. Saraswati Sainath has been such a meaningful and fulfilling experience for me. Beyond just teaching notes and songs, she inspires a deeper appreciation for veena and Carnatic music by always taking the time to explain techniques, gamakas, and the meaning and emotion behind each piece so thoughtfully. Her guidance has helped me not only improve my playing but also develop a more sensitive and expressive approach to the instrument, making every lesson truly enriching.

Meghana Jois | Google Review

Wonderful experience

My daughter is currently learning the veena with Madam Saraswathi Sainath, and it has been a wonderful experience. She is an exceptional teacher who not only builds a strong foundation in Carnatic music but also teaches vocal music. Her teaching approach is truly inspiring, patient, and motivating. We feel very fortunate to have her as a mentor.

Rajarajan Ramalingam | Google Review

2. Académie de musique Sam Gagnon

Website: samgagnonacademy.com/fr

Address: 815 Avenue Plymouth, Suite 542

Contact: 1 (800) 318-7168

Hours: 

Monday to Thursday: 4 PM –8 PM

Friday: 4 PM–6 PM

Saturday: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

Introducing young learners to the magic of playing an instrument should always feel like an exciting community adventure rather than a strict chore. 

Académie de musique Sam Gagnon focuses on an inclusive, community-driven approach using group learning environments and custom books tailored to students’ favourite modern and classical tracks.

They utilize a highly motivating level-up wristband system to keep students engaged while tracking their progress effortlessly. 

On top of that, their group instruction options cost significantly less than the average rate for standard private tuition. They even provide a dedicated scholarship fund (Fonds Musique Inclusion Fund) for low-income families to access proper education.

And I love that students also get to participate in entertaining concerts throughout the year to showcase their developing skills in a totally safe environment. 

But it’s worth noting that their home lessons are limited to specific regions like the greater metropolitan area and Quebec City.

Patient, caring teachers

We have been with the academy for almost two years. The teachers are patient, caring and very attentive to my child’s needs. They are able to help him curb his enthusiasm and focus on learning while having much fun.

Martine Guillaume | Google Review

Wonderful experience

A wonderful experience with the Music Academy. Since July, my three children have progressed very quickly. The team is truly skilled at motivating children, and their teaching methods are very well-suited to their needs. I am very satisfied and highly recommend this Academy.

Dandana Rihem | Google Review

3. Académie de musique Lauber

Website: coursdepianomontreal.com

Address: 4848A, Ave du Parc

Contact: (514) 272-0761

Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Finding a beautifully equipped space to practice can make all the difference for an aspiring pianist wanting to refine their touch. 

At Académie de musique Lauber, all classes are conducted in a dedicated, specially equipped studio environment. The main teaching studio is professionally outfitted with a high-quality 6’3 Baldwin grand piano, offering a premium acoustic feel. 

The school was founded by Tristan Lauber and delivers highly customized piano lessons by experienced professionals. 

A close friend of mine actually took a trial lesson here recently and absolutely loved how the instructor adjusted the curriculum to match her specific musical tastes.

Also, Mr. Lauber can instruct in various languages, including English and French.

You can easily book a trial session with absolutely no pressure to continue if it simply isn’t a fit. 

The only downside is that the founder has limited personal teaching availability and often refers prospective students to his talented team.

Most incredible piano teacher

Tristan has been the most incredible piano teacher for my son.  After only one year of piano lessons, he earned first place at his first piano competition.  He is encouraging and firm. I have seen my son’s confidence and self discipline soar under the tutelage of Tristan.

Stephanie Keating | Google Review

Highly recommend

Tristan paired my son up with a brilliant musician who not only speaks his musical language but also offers the kind support my son needs! Totally thrilled with how far he’s come already in such a short amount of time. Talented musicians – highly recommend

Tammy Clark | Google Review

4. Harmony Academy of Music & Art

Website: mtlharmony.com

Address: 3675 Sources Blvd, #208, Dollard-des-Ormeaux

Contact: 4383457267

Hours: Monday to Friday: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Many creative individuals look for a versatile space that nurtures both their auditory and visual artistic passions under one roof. 

Harmony Academy of Music & Art is beautifully designed to help individuals improve their playing capabilities and reach personal performance objectives.

You can easily sign up for everything from electronic music production to guitar lessons guided by actual industry experts. The instruction is delivered by professional educators holding Bachelor’s or Doctorate degrees, ensuring a deeply knowledgeable foundation. 

They even offer specific curriculum paths for theory and composition alongside fun supplementary options like small-group painting courses. It truly feels like a comprehensive hub for creative expression. 

Just be aware that students under the age of 14 require a parent or tutor to remain silently present in the room for the entire duration of the lesson.

Highly recommend

It’s been about a year since my son started taking piano lessons at this academy. He had studied piano at another place for three years before, but the progress he’s made here in just a few months has been far greater than in the previous three years. We’ve had an excellent experience with Mr. Teymourian and Mr. Aydin, and we highly recommend them!

Mahban Hosseini | Google Review

Engaging and fun lessons

We are so grateful to have found this music school and the wonderful music classes our kids have attended. The lessons are engaging and fun, and Mr. Arash has a fantastic way of making learning music enjoyable. My kids have grown so much in their musical skills and confidence. I highly recommend this school to any child interested in music!

Pouria Ansary | Google Review

5. ReMi Academy

Website: remiacademy.com

Address: Suite 285, 3333 Cavendish Blvd.

Contact: (514)703-4020

Hours: 

Monday: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Thursday: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM 

Friday: 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Saturday: 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Preparing for formal stage recitals can be intimidating, so having a supportive environment makes a huge difference in building confidence. 

ReMi Academy provides a friendly, family-like atmosphere alongside standard-method instruction to prepare students for formal examinations and public performances. 

When I brought my niece here for their Music Initiation program, I immediately noticed how comfortable and engaged the younger kids felt.

The school thoughtfully provides free consultations with their experienced teachers to help new students get started without any pressure. 

Plus, their instructors are fully equipped to prepare students directly for recognized Royal Conservatory of Music examinations.

The academy also hosts annual concerts in major Montreal halls to give students valuable stage experience. 

However, their group lesson programs are specifically structured for children, which generally limits group-learning opportunities for adult hobbyists.

Definitely recommend

Enrolling my kid at ReMi has been one of the best decisions we’ve made. From day one, the experience has been organized, welcoming, and very professional.

Mr. Fakharian has a unique way of connecting with kids and keeping them motivated while still maintaining high teaching standards. You can clearly see progress, not just in skills, but in focus and confidence as well.

I would definitely recommend ReMi to any parent.

Axon construction Inc | Google Review

Truly happy

I’m truly happy that my son is taking his music lessons with this institute. The entire team is warm, respectful, and welcoming. Mr. Fakhariyan, in particular, is highly skilled, professional, wonderfully patient with children, and very flexible. We really appreciate the positive experience and the progress my son is making.

mohammadreza asadi | Google Review