About Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna
A Local Music School Built Around Students
Welcome to Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna, a family-run music school in Glenmore, Kelowna, founded by musicians and educators Noel and Lora Wentworth.
We believe learning music should be more than simply learning notes, chords, scales, or songs. It should be an experience that builds confidence, creativity, musicianship, and a lifelong connection with music.
Our goal is simple: help each student become the musician they want to be.
Whether you’re a child picking up an instrument for the first time, a teenager preparing for a high school band or music exam, or an adult finally making time for a musical goal you’ve had for years, we tailor lessons to your experience, interests, and goals.
Meet Noel & Lora
Noel Wentworth
Noel has been teaching music for more than 25 years and has been a musician for more than 40 years. He teaches guitar, bass, and ukulele and enjoys working with beginners through advanced students.
His musical education includes a Diploma in Music Performance from Selkirk College and a Licentiate in Music Education through RSL Awards. Noel has also completed Rockschool Grade 7 Bass and continues to develop his skills as a musician and educator.
Over the years, Noel has taught students with many different goals. Some want to learn their favourite songs. Others want to develop their technique, prepare for an exam, improve their playing for a school band, write music, or simply enjoy playing an instrument.
His approach is personal and practical. Rather than teaching every student exactly the same way, Noel works with each student to find music and learning strategies that keep them interested and progressing.
Lora Wentworth
Lora has also been teaching music for more than 25 years. She teaches piano, saxophone, music theory, composition, and songwriting.
She holds a Diploma in Music Performance and Composition from Selkirk College, a Licentiate in Music Education through RSL Awards, and has completed RCM Grade 8 piano.
Lora enjoys helping students develop both their technical skills and their musical understanding. Her lessons can include everything from reading music and developing technique to playing popular music, classical repertoire, theory, composition, improvisation, and performance.
She also works with students preparing for music exams and helps students build the skills and confidence they need to become independent musicians.
Why We Started Upbeat Music Academy
Upbeat Music Academy was established on July 1, 2022, but our involvement in music education began many years before that.
After decades of teaching and performing, Noel and Lora wanted to create a music school where students could receive high-quality instruction in a comfortable, personal environment.
That’s why Upbeat Music Academy is based in our home in Glenmore, Kelowna. We’ve converted a large portion of our home into a professional music studio with dedicated teaching spaces, creating an environment that feels welcoming while still providing the equipment and setting students need to learn.
We aren’t trying to be the biggest music school in Kelowna.
We want to be a place where students are known by name, their individual goals matter, and their progress is genuinely important to us.
Music Lessons for Kids, Teens & Adults
Our students come from many different backgrounds and have very different reasons for learning music.
We teach:
- Piano
- Guitar
- Bass
- Ukulele
- Saxophone
- Music Theory
- Songwriting
- Music Composition
Lessons are available for beginners, experienced musicians, children, teenagers, and adults.
Some students want to learn for fun. Others are working toward exams, school music programs, performances, or more advanced musical goals.
There is no single “right” reason to learn an instrument.
Your goals are what matter.
Why Families Choose Upbeat Music Academy
Experienced Teachers
Noel and Lora bring more than 25 years of teaching experience each, along with extensive education, performance experience, and a genuine passion for helping students learn.
Personalized Lessons
Every student is different. We adapt lessons to the student’s age, experience, musical interests, pace, and goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
A Welcoming Studio
Our Glenmore studio provides a comfortable and personal place to learn music away from the distractions of a large commercial music store.
Real Performance Opportunities
Students have opportunities to perform at our twice-yearly showcases and experience the satisfaction that comes from sharing their music with others.
Lessons for Real Life
Music lessons don’t have to be about becoming a professional musician. They can be about learning your favourite songs, joining a school band, writing music, preparing for an exam, developing a creative outlet, or simply doing something you’ve always wanted to do.
Serving Kelowna & Surrounding Communities
Our studio is conveniently located in Glenmore, Kelowna, making lessons accessible for students from across Kelowna and nearby communities, including:
• Glenmore
• Wilden
• Dilworth Mountain
• North Glenmore
• Rutland
• Knox Mountain Park
• Mission / Lower Mission
• Black Mountain
• Spring Valley
• UBCO
• Lake Country
• KLO
If you’re looking for music lessons in Kelowna, we’d love to welcome you to our studio.
A Music School Where You Can Be Yourself
We don’t believe there is one way to learn music.
Some students learn quickly. Others need more time. Some want to work through structured exams, while others want to play songs with friends. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want to learn, while others are still figuring it out.
That’s all part of learning music.
At Upbeat Music Academy, we meet students where they are and help them move forward from there.
If you’re looking for music lessons in Kelowna, we’d love to help you get started.
Visit Upbeat Music Academy
Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna
455 Glen Pine Ct
Kelowna, BC V1V 1R3
Phone: 250-317-3685
Email: admin@upbeatmusicacademy.ca
Our studio is located in Glenmore and serves students from Kelowna and surrounding communities.
Ready to Start?
Whether you’re looking for your child’s first music lessons, returning to an instrument after years away, or finally making time for music yourself, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Upbeat Music Academy today to find out about available lesson times.
5 star Reviews
Social Proof
Here’s what students and parents are saying about Upbeat Music Academy Kelowna:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I really enjoy my guitar lessons with Noel.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Lora is a wonderful piano teacher! I love taking lessons with her. She makes adult learning fun!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ukulele Lessons: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RNTGusJPDNWcWZyb6
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Saxophone Lessons: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sig2H2oGTYUm2upKA
More Than Weekly Lessons
We believe that performing can be an important part of learning music.
Each school year, we host two Upbeat Music Academy Student Showcases, giving students an opportunity to perform for family and friends.
Our December and June showcases allow students to experience what it’s like to prepare a piece, walk onto a stage, and share something they’ve worked hard to learn.
Not every student wants to perform, and that’s perfectly okay. But for students who do, these opportunities can be an exciting way to build confidence and celebrate their progress.
Our Connection to the Kelowna Community
Being part of the Kelowna community has always been important to us.
Through our community involvement, we have helped raise more than $276,000 for the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, supporting sick children and families in need.
Noel was also recognized as one of the Top 50 Canadians to Help Children in 2017 and was a Top 40 Under 40 recipient for Kelowna.
We believe that being a local business means being part of the community around us—not simply operating in it.
