Welcome to The Muse
We are a charitable trust with a centre in Otautahi (Christchurch, New Zealand) based at The Music Centre of Christchurch
3rd Floor, 140 Barbadoes Street.
At The Muse you can:
- take singing, guitar or piano lessons
- join a choir
- perform in a beautiful supportive environment
- develop vocal and performance skills
- learn ukulele and marimba
- practise on good pianos
- use computers with music scoring and recording programs
- and much more.....
We believe music belongs to everyone and that we learn best when we are having fun and we feel safe.
Become a Friend of The Muse (or join mailing list)
By becoming a Friend, you support the work of The Muse. Friends also receive discounts to most events, discounted room hire and access to our library.
A question of talent?
We believe music belongs to everyone, and it is lack of opportunity that divides 'musicians' from 'non-musicians'. In some cultures there is no word or concept for 'song'. Singing is embedded in all daily activities and is seen as an integral part of each task.
Tone Deaf?
A person who is tone deaf is unable to hear differences in pitch. This person would speak in a monotone voice like a robot. People learn to vocally reproduce pitch at various ages. Adults who miss this opportunity as children can learn to 'pitch match' at any stage of life. Many people were told when they were younger that they are 'tone deaf'. This is nonsense! For help for people who think they can't sing see Reclaim Your Voice.
Holistic Learning Environments
"I can read music, but I can't improvise." "I can learn by ear, but I can't read music." These feelings of limitation are far too common. The Muse aims to help musicians fill the gaps in their musical development.
Excellence without competition
We believe music is an art-form, and promote alternatives to competition as ways for people to showcase their talent. We aim to help each individual to strive for their personal best, to be inspired rather than judged by the achievements of others.
Networking
The Muse networks with other music providers, and provides assistance for individuals to find each other. (guitarist seeks singer etc.)
Beautiful Spaces
The Muse has two rehearsal/concert spaces that can sometimes be hired by outside groups.