What ages do you teach?
We teach students of all ages. Some teachers prefer certain ages or levels, so tell us about your student and we’ll match them with the right teacher.
What lessons do you offer?
Piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, voice, drums, brass and woodwinds, plus music theory and RCM exam preparation.
How does the One-Month Paid Trial work?
The trial is 4 weekly 30-minute lessons for $172, paid upfront by credit card. If it isn’t a fit, email us within one week after the last trial lesson to withdraw. Otherwise regular lessons simply continue.
How do I register?
Fill out the online registration form on our Registration page. It goes straight to the studio, so you don’t need to email or bring it in.
What if my child misses a lesson?
Lessons are prepaid and absences should be reported in advance. We can’t guarantee make-up lessons, but we often try to offer extra time when another student’s cancellation opens a spot in the teacher’s schedule.
Do you offer in-home lessons?
Yes, in select areas of SW and NW Calgary. See our In-Home Lessons page for details.
Do you hold recitals?
Yes, we hold recitals in February and June. Performing is optional and costs $5.
When are you closed for holidays?
We’re closed on all statutory holidays and for Christmas break, December 23 to January 4.
Can I rent a guitar?
Yes. Acoustic guitars are $40 a month and electric guitar packages are $50 a month. If you decide to buy, half of the rental fees you’ve paid go toward the purchase price.
How do I stop lessons?
Please give 6 weeks of written notice, for both studio and in-home lessons.
Is a half hour lesson long enough for a beginner student?
A half hour is perfect for a beginner student of any instrument. As the student advances, they can consider a 45 minutes (Limited availability) or 1 hour lesson. Longer sessions are beneficial to those preparing for Royal Conservatory Examinations, adult students, or students working on more advanced material.
How long should a student practice each day?
For beginner students practice should be approximately 15 minutes every day. As students advance they should add time each day. You can download our Practice Card which has suggested practice schedules according to playing level and age.
Do I have to attend the lesson with my child or can I drop them off?
Parents are more than welcome to attend any lesson with your child but it is not required. It is suggested however that parents stop in from time to time for updates from the teachers as well as updates regarding studio procedures, promotions, extra programs and holiday notices.
Is it necessary to have an instrument at home?
Having your own instrument to practice on at home is vital to the learning process. However, a piano student may suffice with a keyboard at a very beginner level but must obtain a weighted 88 key digital or acoustic piano as they progress. A drum student may suffice with a drum pad for approximately 3 months but will need to acquire a drum set after this period.
Do I need to bring my instrument to the lesson?
All students must bring their instruments to their lesson with the exception of drums and piano.
What are the benefits of studying Royal Conservatory and completing the examinations?
Choosing to go the route of Royal Conservatory depends on the student’s goals and personality. Royal Conservatory provides a clear progression of levels working toward the goal of passing the examinations and receiving the reward of the designated certificate for that grade. For those who respond well to clear progressive steps, set goals and a reward based system; this is the suggested path. However, for those who are not as easily motivated by such methods a flexible student- tailored approach is recommended.
Can 2 or more students take lessons together?
We only offer private music lessons on a one-on-one basis. In the past, the studio offered multiple students private music lessons, but found that the results were less than satisfactory. We found that the 30 minute lesson is enough time to teach one student only. We also found that one student would progress faster than the other causing insecurity, hurt feelings and a slow learning curve. Bonding of a student with their teacher is an important part of the learning process and more than one student can hinder that bonding. Last, focus is much lower with the added distraction of friends.
What should I do if my child is not practicing?
Lack of practicing can be due to a number of things: too busy of a schedule, life phase, trouble connecting with teacher or confusion as to what they should be practicing. As a parent, even if you are not musically inclined in order to help your children to practice there are a few practical steps that you can take. Try designating a specific time every day for music practice, download a copy of our Practice Card to track time spent, communicate with your child’s teacher about expectations, goals, preferred learning styles, and progress reports or speak to reception about finding a more appropriate teacher/student fit.
How do I reach you?
Call 403-246-3234 or use our Contact page. The studio is on 85th Street SW in West Springs, open Monday to Thursday 2 to 9 PM and Friday 1 to 8 PM.