FAQ for Lessons

Below is a list of our most commonly asked questions at Vancouver Conservatory of Music. If you have a question we haven’t answered, ask us through the email box below. Click the questions below to reveal the answer.

What is your semester system?
 
Our academic year is divided into three semesters:
•Fall Semester: September 1 – January 31
•Spring Semester: February 1 – June 30
•Summer Semester: July 1 – August 22
 
Official school breaks are already included in the yearly calendar.
 
Do lessons run during school breaks?
 
No. Regular lessons do not run during official breaks such as Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Closure.
 
How do schedule changes work?
 
Permanent lesson time changes are usually processed from the beginning of the following month, depending on teacher availability.
 
What is the best way to communicate with the school?
 
For all official matters including scheduling, make-up requests, invoices, and student progress, email is our primary communication method.

What is your make-up lesson policy?

Each student is eligible for up to 2 make-up lessons per semester.

How much notice is required?

A minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required in order to qualify for a make-up lesson.

How long is a make-up time held?

When a make-up time is offered, it is reserved for 12 hours only. If not confirmed, it may be offered to another student.

Can missed lessons be refunded?

Missed lessons are not refundable. Approved absences are handled through the make-up lesson policy.

What happens if the teacher cancels?

If the instructor must cancel, the lesson will always be rescheduled at no extra cost.

What instruments do you teach?
 
We offer lessons in:
•Piano
•Violin
•Voice
•Guitar
•Cello
•Flute
•Music Theory
•Composition
•Songwriting
•Music Technology
 
Do you teach adults?
 
Yes. We welcome children, teenagers, and adult students at all levels.
 
Are lessons available online?
 
Yes. We offer both:
•In-person lessons
•Online lessons
•Hybrid flexible options
 
How long are lessons?
 
Lessons are available in:
•30 minutes
•45 minutes
•60 minutes
 
depending on the student’s level and goals.
How does tuition work?
 
Tuition is billed as a fixed monthly amount, so the fee remains the same every month regardless of whether a month has 4 or 5 lessons.
 
Is there an annual school fee?
 
Yes. There is a $60 annual school fee per student, which covers:
•personalized materials
•printing supplies
•recital preparation resources
•sheet music access
•school administration support
 
Are books included?
 
No. Books and original materials are purchased separately when needed.
 
What payment methods do you accept?
 
We accept:
•E-transfer
Do you offer trial lessons?
 
Yes. Trial lessons may be arranged depending on teacher availability.
 
Do students perform in concerts?
 
Absolutely. We organize annual concerts, recitals, and festivals, giving students performance opportunities throughout the year.
 
Can students prepare for auditions and competitions?
 
Yes. We specialize in:
•auditions
•competitions
•university entrance preparation
•festival performances
•scholarship preparation
Do you prepare students for RCM exams?
 
Yes. Vancouver Conservatory of Music specializes in Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) preparation for both practical and theory exams.  
 
Can you assess my child’s RCM level?
 
Yes. If a student does not have a previous report card, our instructors can evaluate their level and place them appropriately.
 
Do you teach RCM theory online?
 
Yes. Our RCM Theory classes are available online and in-person.
 
What levels do you teach?
 
We teach all levels from:
•Preparatory
•Level 1–10
•ARCT & LRCM preparation

Get in touch with our team

Do you have other questions we can answer for you? Get in touch via our contact page and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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