The year 2017 marks 130 years of operations for Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, a significant milestone in the history of arts education in Nova Scotia. Before Dalhousie University established its Music Department, the Conservatory was conferring Bachelor of Music degrees in affliliation with Dalhousie. The School’s Ballet Department was created under the direction of Juris and Irene Gotshalk who were later instrumental in the development of the National Ballet of Canada. The Halifax Conservatory Symphony is considered to be the predecessor of modern-day Symphony Nova Scotia. Today, the Conservatory sets the standard for quality education in Music and Dance and continues to work closely with community Arts organizations.

The Conservatory takes great pride in the work of its faculty of over 60 highly qualified teachers in the Schools of Music and Dance and the growing Kindermusik program. From newborns and parents in a Kindermusik class, through the Pre-Twinklers of the Suzuki violin group to the advanced dancers in the Professional Program, there are classes for everyone.