Lessons

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

• theory/practical exams: online any time.
• Nov 1 deadline for in-person January exams - offered in Victoria.
• early dismissals tba
• Theory exams not offered in Cowichan

                       ............ends Thursday Dec 15

II

Term 2 (10 weeks) ......begins Tuesday January 3

• entries close  Jan 10 for piano-only April exams, Victoria; online exams any time.
• practical exams tba - around Jan 20
• Cowichan Music Festival, mid-February tba
• entries close Tues March 7 for June in-person practical and May theory exams. Online exams any time.
• early dismissals tba

          .......ends Thursday March 9
     

III

  Term 3 (10 weeks) .....begins Tuesday March 28 

• theory exams online any time; some offered in person, Friday May 12
• practical exams, Cowichan/Sylvan early June, or online any time
• NO LESSONS April 18-27. These two weeks will be made up ahead, or in June.
• year-end recital, early June
• early dismissals tba

            .......ends Thursday June 8 

with 1 lesson make-up week to follow

• 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 or doing homework. 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 2-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.

History 9, 10, ARCT: fee $750.
I now recommend the online study course and exam. 

If you prefer in-person group lessons-

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.