Calgary’s National Music Centre offers new programming to draw in families, and seniors

Studio Bell at the National Music Centre (file photo)

Musically inclined visitors to Calgary’s Studio Bel have a fun new space to check out.

It’s called Play Lab, a free space on the main floor of the National Music Centre.

The three zones of Play Lab offer different experiences. The first section features strings, percussion, wind and electronic instruments.

The second is a ‘learn to play’ area with recorded lessons.

And the third is the sound stage, where people can conduct their own symphony.

The museum is hoping to attract broad interest.

Free Wednesdays for seniors

The National Music Centre is also reaching out to music-loving seniors

Every Wednesday from this week until Nov. 4, seniors receive free admission as part of the NMC’s Forever Young Senior’s Wednesday program.

That includes access to five floors of exhibitions, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and showcases of musical legends like Oscar Peterson and Nelly Furtado.

In addition to weekly free admission, there are a number of free weekly events scheduled throughout the summer and fall, starting May 13 with a Community Jam-Along.

The initiative is part of the NMC’s commitment to using music as a tool of wellbeing.

For more information, go here.