The Alternate Take

About Us

The Alternate Take exists to prove that music is best learned with other people. Every program we run is built around playing, creating, and performing together. These are the environments where real musicianship has an opportunity to develop.

Depending on where a student is in their journey, we also build in focused individual time: private instruction for developing ensemble players and one-on-one songwriting sessions for young writers and producers.

Within all the creative environments we provide, the group, the rehearsal, the ensemble, and the studio are always at the center of what we do.

“You can make music on your own, but it will be more meaningful and you will have more fun if you make music with other people”.

Mick Fleetwood, Fleetwood Mac

I am a BC Certified Music Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the classroom and on stage. I hold a BA in Education and a Master's in Educational Technology from UBC, plus a Contemporary Guitar certificate from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. I’ve taught general music, concert band, jazz band, and contemporary guitar from kindergarten through grade 12. I’ve worked in the West Vancouver School District as a music specialist and as a teacher-in-charge that shaped district music curriculum for West Vancouver Schools, I currently teach music at Learning Alternatives in the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District. I have performed professionally as a guitarist/vocalist across BC and internationally during my time as a working musician. I have sharpened my working knowledge of modern recording workflows and Digital Audio workstation (DAW).

Credentials at a glance:

• BC Certified Music Specialist, 20+ years

• BA Education & MEd Educational Technology — UBC

• Contemporary Guitar Certificate — Musicians Institute, Hollywood

• K–12 music & ensemble teaching; district curriculum lead, West Vancouver Schools

• Currently teaching at Learning Alternatives, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools

• Professional performer (guitar/vocals), BC and international stages

Steve Holmberg (Owner, Director, Instructor)

The Alternate Take Music Inc.