Lessons

I

Term 1 (13 weeks) ...begins Monday Sept 14

• theory exams; entries close Nov.3; exams Fri Dec. 11
• practical exam entries by Nov.3: exams late Jan tba
• mid-term break, mid Nov tba
• 1-hr early dismissals: Wed Oct 7, Oct 28, Nov 25

                       ..............ends Thursday Dec 17

II

Term 2 (10 weeks) ......begins Monday January 4

• registration for April piano-only exams in Victoria Jan.12;
• winter practical exams (Cowichan)  Jan
• Cowichan Music Festival, mid-February
• entries due Tues March 2 for June practical/May theory exams
• Early dismissal – Wed Jan 27

          .......ends Thursday March 12
     

III

  Term 3 (11 weeks) ....begins Mon April 5 

• Cowichan theory exams Fri May 14
• practical exams Victoria mid-April (piano);
• mid term break tba
• practical exams Cowichan mid-June
• year-end recital, June tba
• Early dismissals: Wed Apr 28, Wed May 19
        
•             .......ends Thursday June 11

 (then  'by-arrangement'  pre-exam lessons)

• 3-ring binder     (1/2" or 1 ")     
• music books
• carry-bag
  

I run a flexible year, so if I offer you extra lessons before a performance, or if I have to cancel, there's no extra cost or refund at that time. At year-end, I'll tally up the lessons you've had this year, and then adjust remaining lessons as needed to make sure you've had 34 lessons.

 Practice

Probably the single most important factor in a music student's success and enjoyment is the regularity and quality of practice. All the talent in the world won't help if you don't put in the time and repetitions to get your fingers used to the repeated muscle movements that musicians make. If you're involved in sports or dance, you'll already know that. When you're competent, it's fun - and when you're not - "it's boring!"  You can help by - 

• setting aside a regular time for practising, just like brushing teeth. After or before dinner, or school, might work, depending on your family's schedule and your child's temperament. Like any physical skill, it's all about regular repetition. 
• Listing music practice in the agenda will help school teachers be aware of this extra time commitment  and might help your child remember to get it done as part of their homework routine.  
• noticing successes at least as frequently as mistakes. You might want to start a keepsake video file of polished pieces so you can all admire progress - and so can Grandma in Ontario! 

6 hour-long group classes for younger students, generally on the Wednesday 1-hr early-dismissal afternoons;       1.45 - 2.45 or as arranged. 

All younger students are enrolled in group classes if possible. They are effective and popular - children learn confidence in performing in front of others, connect with other students, review reading, theory concepts, and practise ear/rhythm skills, mostly not practical in private lessons.

Wed Oct 7; Wed Oct.28; Wed Nov 25; Wed Jan 27; 

Wed Apr 28; Wed May 19

fee $75 total.

History 9, 10, ARCT: fee $750.

all materials included; exam fees extra. The exam will be the second Friday in May every year. Classes are 45 min to an hour, depending on the number of participants, and will require follow-up review and listening exercises at home. Keyboard Harmony 9, 10 or ARCT will be taught in a private lesson.        

      Other theory levels, using the RCM books which match grade levels 1-8, are studied along with the regular lesson for both piano and cello students.