New Program! Registrations Closed
For Children 3 – 6 Years Old
The next step following our popular Music Box Babies classes, this full-year course offers pre-schoolers an introduction to the world of music learning! Through a 20-week curriculum based on the Kodály method, children will joyfully discover the elements of music through movement, rhymes, chants, games, folk songs and selected art music. They will learn the foundations of note-reading, rhythm, ear training, and performance using their voices, bodies, and a variety of instruments.
Fall Semester is in session. Please stay tuned for our Spring semester.
Music Box Buddies is a new program at the Winspear Centre which was previously held at the MacEwan Conservatory of Music under the name Music in Early Childhood.
Our Class Options
Classes run Saturday mornings for 45 minutes. Children should be the specified age at the start of the class.
Class Dates:
Saturday mornings from September 2025 – March 2026.
A shorter session will also be available from April – June 2026.
Maximum 12 children per class.
Classes are non-refundable.
Class options subject to availability.
For More Information:
For any questions or concerns please visit our FAQ below or contact edbookings@winspearcentre.com.
Meet Your Instructor
Michelle Milenkovic
Trained under the dynamic duo of Bonnie Anderson and Bonnie Popadopoulis, Michelle began her foray into Music in Early Childhood in 1998, while her daughters were enrolled in the program – teaching originally at Alberta College Conservatory and later, at the MacEwan Conservatory of Music. She brings the beloved program to the Winspear Centre under the new name of Music Box Buddies.
In addition to teaching, Michelle has had an extensive performing career working with New Music groups NOWAge Orchestra, Ensemble MujiRushi, as well as Edmonton Opera, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Edmonton New Music, Maggie Tree Theatre and Northern Light Theatre. Among her most adventurous work has been with Mile Zero Dance building sight specific works in theatres, art galleries and on river banks.
Cancellation / Alteration Policy
Cancellations made one month prior to the first class will receive a full refund.
FAQ
Are parents able to attend these classes?
Unlike Music Box Babies where an adult must participate in class, Music Box Buddies is not designed for adults to participate with the children. For first year students in the 3 yr old class, there will be a transition period for a parent to attend in the beginning with the child, and gradually throughout the course as the child feels more comfortable and confident in the routine, independent learning is introduced in the classroom without a parent present. This is step towards building children's abilities to attend private music lessons as they grow into that phase of their development.
Is there a waiting area for family members to wait during classes?
Yes! There will be designated space in our lobby area for family members to wait during their child’s class. Please do not enter the Concert Hall or other areas of the building. You are welcome to leave and come back through the main entrance where staff will be present to let you in.
Can I take my baby to Music Box Babies while my older child attends Music Box Buddies?
Absolutely! We hope families are able to take advantage of the aligned class times.
What happens if my child misses a class?
Make-up classes for Music Box Buddies are difficult to accommodate because this course only runs one day per week. Ms. Michelle will make sure your child is caught up on any material they missed when they return to class.
Do you offer a virtual option if we’re unable to attend in person?
Due to the hands-on, unparented nature of this class, we will not be able to offer a virtual option.
