Teach Me, Montreal!

September 24, 2009 6:44 AM

What can I learn? (On a semi-flexible schedule). I'm in Montreal & would like to take a class in something. My problem is this: I feel like learning something new, but whenever I see a local/ community class that interests me, the date/time is usually inconvenient. I would love to have a list of instuctors (teaching either small groups or one-on-one would be ideal) of a wide range of topics who I could just call & set up a series of lessons.

I would love to find a small class or even one-on-one where I could be a little more flexible (i.e. if I had to miss a class, I could reschedule with enough notice & not lose any lessons). For example, my boyfriend recently started taking guitar lessons & several time both he & the instuctor have rescheduled, but he will still have 14 lessons.

I also, like most people, have varied interests. I would like to take a class now, & when it finishes in a few months, maybe take a class in something else (not wait 6 months for the new community guide with a limited range & pre-selected dates).

I've thought about taking classes in: stained glass, French, photography, lampwork, pottery, vegetarian cooking, jewelry making... but please, I'd love recommendations for everything I can learn in Montreal; a website would be ideal, but a name & phone number would be good too (preferably with a price range).

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I live on the island & do not have a car, so unless it's a workshop, nothing off-lsland, thanks.

posted by Laura in Canada to education (6 comments total)

Craigslist
posted by rhizome at 7:11 AM on September 24

I was hoping for personal recommendations... I don't know how to gauge the quality of someone listing on Craigslist.
posted by Laura in Canada at 7:17 AM on September 24

For stained glass, I would contact the people at Studio du verre; though they run courses of their own, they also (used to -- not sure if they still do, but probably) rent studio time, and they'd know which people there are able and willing to teach one on one. As a general rule, I'd probably try to contact people who offer such courses at scheduled times, and ask if they do private classes (or semi-private), or can recommend someone who does.
posted by jeather at 7:35 AM on September 24

Most yarn shops will offer private knitting and crochet classes, and some teach spinning as well. You can also take private sewing classes at Effiloché. I know a great knitting and crochet teacher; if you're interested, message me and I'll send you her phone number.

The universities have lots and lots and lots of workshops that you can join even if you aren't a student. I have taken a few at UdM. The English universities have something like that as well, but I can't seem to find it (I find the Concordia website utterly confusing). I've learned photography that way, and I've also taken a few music lessons.
posted by OLechat at 8:02 AM on September 24

How to work on your bike. Looks like there are several bicycle co-op options in Montreal.
posted by aniola at 11:06 AM on September 24

I don't know if you've found a class or not, but the Creative Boost school and studios right downtown Montreal offer a bunch of arts, language and photo courses that operate on a open registration process, (no start or end dates). They also rent studio time to persue your own creative interest.
- Cheers
posted by martyp at 12:10 PM on December 9