A B O U T  E S M A . . .

P U R P O S E

Ellerslie School of Music and the Arts (ESMA) exists to provide excellent instruction in music and the arts to children and adults in South Edmonton. As a ministry of Ellerslie Road Baptist Church, the school also serves as an outreach to the local community. While housed in Ellerslie Road Baptist Church, ESMA is open to all members of the community regardless of their spiritual or religious beliefs. Everyone is welcome!

H I S T O R Y

ESMA began in the fall of 2007 after the need for music lessons locally was identified as a result of repeated requests by church and community members.  During the 2007/08 academic year, plans, policies and procedures were laid out and finalized for approval by the Church board. An advisory committee met with the volunteer director and Pastor of Music and Worship to provide input during the process. 

In September 2008, the pilot year began with private lessons in piano, violin, voice, guitar, and drums; approximately 75 students were enrolled. Melody Makers, introduction to music classes for 4- and 5-year olds, were provided to 3 groups of students.

L O O K I N G   A H E A D

ESMA’s ongoing growth in numbers of music students and instructors could eventually lead to diversification into other fine arts: dance, art, and writing, and even to community-focused instruction such as English as a Second Language.