MUSIC LESSONS

Individual ½ hour lessons:
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, and Drums.

½ hour lessons one on one with an Axe instructor. Lessons are offered Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm and Sunday from 12:00 am to 4:30 pm. We offer lessons for beginner to advanced students.

We realize that people take lessons for different reasons and will endeavor to find the long term goals of the student and find a way to reach them in a manner that is acceptable to the student. We want our students to take as much control of the content of their lessons as they feel comfortable with and our teachers are not stuck in any pre-written curriculum.

Theory and practical application as well as songwriting, improvisation, gear and set-up for live playing can be discussed. Feel free to talk to your teacher about anything music related — we have tremendous resources available in our store and there is no reason that a guitar lesson, or any other for that matter, cannot delve into other areas.

Lesson fees are $17.00 per 1/2 HOUR LESSON [No gst]
Typically a student will have one (1/2 hour) lesson per week.

Call us for any information Toll Free! Edmonton 1-800-293-0983  or  Calgary 1-800-293-0982


For more information or to book lessons please contact:

Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel
 
Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email

DJ TECHNOLOGY



Now Booking for FEBRUARY 2008 - Space is Limited

A comprehensive 6 week course with the resident DJ specialist at Axe Music. These guys know there stuff! We want our students to have a lot of “hands on” experience so we will keep our class sizes to 4-6 people.

The course will cover CD usage, vinyl, beat mixing and scratching. Audio basics will also be discussed from setting up a P.A. system and interfacing the DJ rig to it. E.Q.ing the system, compression and effects devices.
Lighting systems will be covered as well as stage effects like foggers, intelligent lighting, strobes and lazers.

This is the definitive DJ course in the city and by the time you get done you will be well prepared to rock any venue here or anywhere.

The course consists of 6 weeks of 2 hr. sessions.

Course cost is $250.00 [no gst] and includes all the resources required.


For more information or for bookings please contact:

Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel
 
Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email

A day in the life of... CUBASE (1-DAY COURSE)

Now Booking for 2008 - Space is Limited
This course is currently only available at Axe Music Edmonton

With today's computers becoming more and more cost effective, the idea of a complete studio in a box is now a fiscal reality. Complete computer systems are easily within reach for everyone. Sometimes the biggest hurdle is the daunting task of learning the process of D.A.W. recording.

Using CUBASE as the platform, This course will cover everything from Studio Layout & Design, Audio/MIDI Interfaces, Software Installation & Computer Setup, Audio & MIDI recording to advanced topics like the V.S.T., Using Plug-ins, Mixing Techniques, and Mastering using this very powerful program.


We are keeping our class sized to 4-6 people to maintain an intimate setting. The course will be taught here @ AXE in our newly renovated Studio/Stage room.

Our goal is to have you leave with the necessary knowledge and expertise to make your own professional quality recording!

The course runs on the 2nd. Sunday of every Month from 10:00 am - 6:00pm

The Course cost is $99.00 per person [no GST]
Be sure to pack your own LUNCH
(minimum class size is 4 students or class will be rescheduled)

For more information or for bookings please contact:

Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel

FUTURE WARRIORS



COMING FALL 2008!!!
This program is currently available for Axe Music Edmonton only.

A music education program that brings young musicians with "some" experience together - forming a band that will play a "professional" gig that Axe sets up. You'll learn the basics of working with other musicians, soundmen, instrument tuning, keeping time, and stage volume.

This weekly program consists of 9 - 90 minute rehearsals and ends with a public performance at a live local venue - for a total of 10 sessions.

The Cost for the program is $149.99 which works out to $15 per session.

Rehearse at Axe Music... with Axe Gear!
Everything that is needed for Future Warriors is supplied by Axe Music. We use quality brand name guitars, amplifiers keyboards and drums.

The Future Warriors is not a music lesson program; we're here for the kids ready for the next step. But - if you have no experience and this looks like something you would enjoy, then check out Axe's AIT Music Lesson Program.


For more information or for bookings please contact:

Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel
 
Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email


To Old to play with the kids? No problem! Check out Weekend Warriors

WEEKEND WARRIORS



COMING FALL 2008!!!

Must be 18+ years of age to apply

Download the Axe Music Future Warriors Enrollment Form HERE

The perfect opportunity for those who have "hung up" their instruments, to have fun performing again. You will meet players with similar interests, be provided with the latest gear, a practice room, and a Coach to offer ideas and assistance. The program culminates with a killer live performance for family, friends and colleagues at a local venue.

This weekly program consists of 9 - 90 minute rehearsals and ends with a public performance at a live local venue - for a total of 10 sessions.

The Cost for the program is $149.99 which works out to $15 per session.

Axe Music, one of four Canadian retailers authorized by NAMM and MIAC for the Weekend Warriors program is in full swing!


For more information or for bookings please contact:

Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel
 
Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email

ROCK CAMP - 2008


A one week crash course to introduce you to the business of writing, recording, music business and performing.

The course will run for five consecutive days ~ Monday - Friday from 9:30am - 4:30pm with lunch provided by Axe.

First come, first served. Limited spots available. We will do our best to put groups together by musical style and level; however, as this is a general course, you may have rock, country, punk and metal mixed...cool !!!

Course will cover music theory, songwriting, recording, promotion, record companies and business, rehearsing, sound equipment and live performance... as well as featured music business guest speakers.

This course is open to bands and individuals. bands must be minimum 5 people. Bands under 5 people will have other students added to their class.

At the end of the course students will have written, recorded and performed one song. Friends and parents are welcome at the final performance.

Course cost for the Summer 2007 Session is $320.00 [no gst]

Students will receive a CD of their song, 30 hours of instruction and lunch every day.

For more information or for bookings please contact:

Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel
 
Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email

REASON (6-WEEK COURSE)

 

 

Making music should be as easy as powering up a computer, loading up a powerful piece of music software, and getting down to business. And it is. Reason is a virtual studio rack with all the tools and instruments you need to turn your ideas into music. And it's more than just a set of excellent synths and effects. It's a complete music system. Step into the age of Reason.

 

All classes run CONSECUTIVE MONDAYS 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Umesh Sahajpal has worked at some of Canada’s top studios, such as the CBC Studio and Sony Studio using both analog and digital systems, he has operated numerous high end equipment including the famous half a million dollar Neve Capricorn console. Holding a diploma from the Trebas Institute in Audio Engineering, Umesh has both the education and practical experience to bring real world education into the classroom.

All classes run 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Week 1 - Introduction to Reason  
- Setting up reason to work with a sound card, MIDI keyboard and MIDI control surface.
- The Reason mixer.
- Setting up send effects with the mixer.
- Showing the back of the Reason rack, and connecting different Reason elements together.

Week 2 - The Reason synthesizers
Description of the different synthesis methods used; analog modeling, (Subtractor) sample and synthesis, and granular synthesis (Malström). Selecting sounds. The synthesizer signal path. Using envelopes, LFOs and filters to create your own sounds.

Week 3 - Reason Sampling
- Using .rex files in Reason in the Dr. Rex player. A look at creating .rex files in Recycle!
- Using the advanced sampler (NN-XT, NN19). Importing samples into reason. Using the drum machine, creating custom drum kits.

Week 4 - The Reason sequencer
Programming notes, inputting real time data from a MIDI keyboard an MIDI control surface. Selecting resolution and snap values. Programming controller data.

Week 5 - Effects and Processors
Description and exploration of the different effects in Reason. Using reverb as a creative effect, using reverb to give a sense of the instruments playing together in a room. Tempo synchronizing time-based effects such as delay, flanger, phaser and chorus. Using compressors, EQ, and limiters creatively and correctively. 

Week 6 - Advanced Reason
Combinator, the Mastering suite, using Rewire to synchronize Reason to Cubase, Live, Pro Tools and Logic.


Course cost is $250.00 [no gst]

For more information or for bookings please contact:
 
Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel

Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email

SYNTHESIS (6-WEEK COURSE)



This course is currently only available at Axe Music Calgary

Week 1 - Overview  (TBA)

Definition and history of synthesis:
Basics of analogue synthesis; audio theory (decibels and frequency), ADSR envelopes, Oscillators, LFOs and multimode filters. Analogue synthesis; theory and practical applications. Creating drum sounds, bass sounds and pad/string sounds. Issues with analogue synthesis; oscillator drift/tuning problems, memories, heat, weight, unrealistic instrument emulation, cost.

Week 2 - Introduction to digital synthesis  (TBA)  

Overview of the range of digital synthesis methods.
Frequency Modulation (FM). Theory, history and programming. How the Yamaha DX7 changed the world of synthesis.

Week 3 - Sample and Synthesis  (TBA)  

Multisampling, velocity crossfades, distinction between phrase sampling and instrument sampling. Fairlight, Emulator and Akai sampling systems, low cost sound modules.

Week 4 - Physical Modeling (TBA)  

History, theory, successful commercial application in analogue modeling. Yamaha's VL  system, Korg's Kyma, Prophecy, Z1 and the Electribe range.

Week 5 - Granular Synthesis (TBA)    

VST and other software instruments (Powercore, DX etc.). Modern applications mixing forms of synthesis, such as Roland's V Synth/V Synth XT, Native Instrument's Reaktor, Yamaha's Motif with synthesis plug in boards (acoustic modeling, analogue modeling, FM), and Propellerhead's Reason.

Week 6 - Summary (TBA)

Different synthesis methods available. Picking the best synthesis method for various different applications.

Course cost is $250.00 [no gst]


For more information or for bookings please contact:

Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email

RECORDING TECHNOLOGY (6-WEEK COURSE)

 

 

 

 

Now Booking for 2008 Edmonton Classes - Space is Limited

With today's computers becoming more and more cost effective, the idea of a complete studio in one box is now a reality. Tape based recording is becoming obsolete and, if you are sick and tired of waiting for your master to rewind or cue, you're going to love the random and instant access of hard disc recording.

 

All classes run CONSECUTIVE TUESDAYS from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

This course will cover everything from installation of the software, configuring the computer and getting audio and midi in and out of the machine to advanced topics like the v.s.t. mixer, using plug-ins and all the other features of this very powerful program.

You'll get lots of “hands on” time as we are keeping our class sized to 4-6 people and the Axe instructor is very patient and personable.


The course consists of 6 weeks of 2 hr. sessions.

Course cost is $250.00 [no gst]


For more information or for bookings please contact:

Edmonton - (780) 471-2001
Heather Pinches - Administrator - email
Erin Nickel
 
Calgary - (403) 243-5200
Karen Cymbaluk - Coordinator - email

LIVE SOUND

2008 DATES - TBA