HCA's Dance program offers classes from ages 2-92, in styles ranging from Ballet to Modern to Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. Take classes recreationally, or train seriously, at HCA it's up to you.
HCA Music students can study a wide variety of instruments through either private lessons or group classes. There's something for every taste and skill level.
HCA's Theatre department explores all areas of the theatrical experience - improvisation, script building, character work, design and directing. Classes available for all age groups.
This is a great opportunity to sample and experience a little bit of Broadway.
The HCA Visual Arts program introduces young children to the arts, encourages budding artists and helps them develop their portfolios, and allows recreational artists a chance to experience their dream.
Providing access to arts programming for Hamilton youth and children.
Fun, educational, arts-based field trips which match the Ontario curriculum for the arts.
The artistic vision of the HCA Dance Theatre is to augment the artistic and cultural landscape of Hamilton and Golden Horseshoe region, complementing the reputable Opera, Orchestra, Theatre and Art Gallery in Hamilton with a professional dance company.
At the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts, music is made in 18 sound proof rooms, artists are coached in two spacious studios, dancers train in beautiful studios and our new Triple Threat program teaches students ages 6 to 18 to dance, sing and act.
At HCA, you have choices. We count on the experts - you - to know what’s best for your children. We give you the opportunity to choose the teachers - our staff includes a variety of of instructors in most of the disciplines; teacher fees vary to suit many budgets. We offer a wide selection within disciplines: dance - ballet, jazz, modern dance, flamenco; arts for all ages and our own gallery; music - piano, keyboard, voice, theory, with three major performance classes to reward and celebrate accomplishments.
You also have choices when it comes to payment plans: select from a variety of options that will make our programs fit your budget - come in and discuss, we’re friendly and ready to help!
And, to show you that we are truly passionate about your family’s involvement with the arts, HCA offers one free class for visual arts and dance or free 15-minute music lesson, where you meet our teachers, enjoy our elegant historic environment, and meet our founding, artistic director: Vitek Wincza.
HCArts – A Rich History
Hamilton’s oldest school of music opened its doors to the public in 1897. The Conservatory thrived beyond expectations and moved to new quarters and again outgrew its facilities and in 1904 moved to its present site at 126 James Street South where a small Unitarian Church was housed.
In order to make the Hamilton Conservatory of Music second to none in Dominion it was decided to erect and furnish a new building. (Hamilton Spectator, 1905)
Architecturally, the Conservatory is a specialized building type. Designed with the influence of Richardson Romanesque style, the architect was A.W. Peene. In its heyday, the Hamilton Conservatory of Music had a faculty of 60 and a student enrolment of more than 1,000.
“Through the years, thousands of children have banged the heavy doors of the tall building... In this building, solid foundations for musicianship have been laid and talent carefully guided for future professional careers.” (Hamilton Spectator, 1961)
The history of the Hamilton Conservatory of Music sadly came to a close in 1980 due to severe financial problems. With the closing of the school this landmark, although converted to other uses, lost its connection as a cultural center.
Former Conservatory of Music reopened as the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts in 1997.
“Vitek Wincza’s vision to revive the Royal Hamilton Conservatory of Music is about putting the arts community back in touch with a proud past – a cornerstone of an exciting future”. (Hamilton Spectator, February,1997)
