Classes define student life. They structure our days, determine our cohorts, and funnel our inquiry. Academic courses may be the most influential classes in our lives, but they are not the only ones available to us. Montreal is full of beginner-friendly workshops that offer alternate outlets for our curiosity and creativity. The Tribune has put together six classes around the city to add to your weekly schedule—no midterm exams required.

Matcha preparation

Montreal’s thriving cafe culture has made it easy to find a good cup of coffee—but when it comes to matcha, the options can be disappointing. If you’re tired of paying $10 CAD for swampy-coloured lattes, it may be time to take matters into your hands. At Sakao Japanese Tea, you can enroll in a workshop led by Reina Sakao, a fourth-generation member of a Japanese tea house. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn proper matcha preparation techniques while exploring the history and production of this beloved tea. You’ll also get to taste four different grades of matcha and three types of Japanese sandwich-style desserts called Monaka.

Pottery wheel throwing

If you’ve ever dreamed of trying your hand at pottery, Les Faiseurs offers the perfect entry point. Their two-and-a-half-hour introductory class will teach you the basics of wheel throwing in a beautiful, welcoming studio. Designed specifically for complete beginners, the session walks you through each step—from centring the clay to shaping your first pieces. Whether you’re looking for a new creative outlet or just want to get your hands dirty, this class is a great way to dip into the world of ceramics. But keep your expectations tempered: You’ll quickly find that mastering the pottery wheel is much harder than it looks. Luckily, Les Faiseurs also offers six-week courses for those who catch the clay bug and want to build on the basics. 

Woodworking

Perhaps you’re ready to replace your screen time with sawdust. Les Affutes offers a variety of woodworking workshops with projects ranging from beginner to advanced. Experts can guide you through a range of courses from simple wood frames to intricate hanging mobiles. Under their supervision, you’ll learn how to safely use woodworking tools while simultaneously building your next handmade piece and confidence in a fresh skill set. 

Silkscreening

LESPACEMAKER is a community-based workshop that’s helping democratize technical know-how in Montreal. If ink is your medium of choice, their screen printing workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of silkscreening. Designed for first-timers, their four-hour classes walk you through both the theory and practice of screen printing on paper. You’ll learn how to prepare visuals, expose a screen, and work with water-based inks. 

Jazz dance

Cat’s Corner has been bringing the joy of dance to Montreal since 1998. From tap to Balboa, they offer a wide range of swing-era styles in a fun, inclusive environment. New to swing dancing? Drop by for a Friday night intro class—no partner or experience needed. For those ready to dive deeper, their eight-week beginner sessions are a great way to build rhythm on the dance floor.

Knitting

Fibre arts can be daunting. If your self-taught sessions have looked more like knotting than knitting, a class at Les Laines Biscotte might be just what you need. Their six-week sessions are designed to build both skills and confidence, with experienced instructors guiding you every step of the way. For something more flexible, à la carte classes offer drop-in style learning tailored to your schedule and goals. Located around Montreal, these classes are a great opportunity to untangle the basics.