What We're Featuring This Month

FAQ - Registration & School Policy

Frequently Asked Questions:	Answer:
(A) If I pay the registration fee prior to the start of fall and my child decides they do not want to continue, will I get it refunded?	Registration and concert fee of $55.00 registration is refundable BEFORE September 1st/fall semester or January 30th/ winter semester. Registration fee is NOT refundable after September 1st (Fall semester) or January 30th (Winter semester).
(B) Can I only sign up for one semester of group lessons?	Group lessons are generally for a full Sept-June School year. (36 weeks) Only Music Wonderland is offered per semester option. The winter semester is from February to June. Please check with admin before registration for clarity.
(C) What is the withdrawal policy? Do we get a refund?	A 4-class’ notice is required for withdrawal of all Musica Academy Programs. Withdrawal forms must be filled out and submitted before December 1st for the Fall 36-week semester, or March 1st for the Winter semester. Past these dates, we cannot issue any refunds. Students will not be eligible for refunds for withdrawals of 10-lesson Short Term classes.
(D) Do you offer free interviews with potential teachers or do we have to pay?	Yes, we offer a free 15-20-minute interview for private lessons and free demo classes for our group courses. This is the way to find the correct fit for your needs.
(E) If we miss one of our group classes, can we do a free makeup lesson?	Due to the nature of group classes, there are no makeup lessons available. However, homework assignments or other arrangements can be given if there is enough notice period. If the teacher cancels classes, he/she will arrange for make-up dates.
(F) What can I do if my child misses several (group) lessons and is falling behind?	Our coaching programs provide practice sessions that will help the students catch up to the class. Our coaches are advanced students that can provide guidance but charge at a lower rate than regular teachers. Most students that took advantage of the coaching program have more confidence and assurance in class.
(G) Do you guys sell pianos and if not where can we buy them?	Yes, you can order certain models of keyboards and digital pianos through our school. Please ask the administration for details.
(H) What are the Yamaha grade exams and should my child be taking them?	Yamaha Grade Exams are internationally recognized examination systems. Please go to Yamaha Exams for more info. Student grades: YGE (13 – 11) YGE 10 YGE 9 YGE 8 YGE 7 YGE 6

FAQ - Course Payments

Frequently Asked Questions	Answer:
(A) How much are the lessons?	Lessons depend on the courses. Group lessons range from $22-$28 per class. Private lessons range from $33-$38/ 30 minutes, $50-$57/45 minutes, and $66-$80/ 60 minutes. Prices also differ if registered with Student, Standard, and Senior Instructors.
(B) When will I be charged?	You will be charged on the 1st of every month if you choose the monthly plan, or the 1st of September if you choose the one-time payment plan.
(C) What is the monthly payment plan (MPP) fee?	The monthly payment plan (MPP) fee is an annual $45.00, and it is required only if the payment is paid monthly through a credit card.
(D) Can I pay on a per-class basis?	No, we do not accept per-class payments. You will have to commit to either an annual or monthly payment method to see any results.
(E) How much is registration? Why is it charged every year?	The registration and concert fee of $55 is charged annually, and it includes all the administrative fees and many opportunities for concerts and events throughout the year.

Musica Fest 2022

Musica Fest is an annual event where Musica Academy students of all ages and abilities are able to perform for a chance to win scholarships and prizes. This event provides a great oppourtunity for students to receieve comprehensive feedback from seasoned professionals, as well as offering a chance for students to learn more about the art of performance. To participate, performers can submit up to two video recordings of their pieces to be assessed by adjudicators. 

Classes

Performers can be entered into one or more the following classes

Class	Category
A	8 and Under
B	9-11
C	12-14
D	15+
E	Popular Music/Ensemble

 

Registration Fee

Class	Age
A-D	$35
E	$45 (per Group)
More than one class	$30

 

Meet our 2022 Adjudicators

• Meet our Musica Fest Adjudicators

Prizes

• Scholarships of up to $100 will be awarded to the winner of each class
• 2 finalists per class will be invited to play at the Final Showcase Concert on March 13th, 2021

Video Submission Requirements

Video Submission Rules pg. 1 & Pg. 2 

• Video submissions are due on March 1st, 2022
• Late submissions will NOT be accepted
• The video must be made in a single, unedited recording
• The performance must be recorded horizontally
• PDF of the score must be provided along with the video submission

How to Register

• Click here to register for Musica Fest 2022
• Registrations close on February 12th, 2022
• Incomplete or late registrations will not be accepted 

Vote For Your Favourite Performance

• Don't forget to vote for your favourite Musica Fest 2022 Performance
• Support your favourite student so they can win for Popular Performance 
• How? Go to our YouTube Channel at Musica Academy Yamaha Calgary
• and click on the Thumps up to like the video

 

Registration Terms and Conditions

1. Registration and payment deadline is on February 12, 2022
2. Once a registration is submitted, NO change of repertoire is allowed.
3. Incomplete or late registrations will not be accepted.
4. The applicant grants the festival the right to use any and all submitted documents, videos for our social media promotion, free of any rights, fees, or charges for the use of promotion of Musica Fest. 

FAQ - Course Information

Frequently Asked Questions:	Answer:
(A) What are group lessons?	Yamaha Music Education specializes in group lessons for beginners ages 3-8. Group lessons teach basic music knowledge in the most positive learning environment through the Listen, Sing, Play, Read, and Create method. Yamaha group lessons encourage improvisation and creativity. Most importantly, group lessons are lots of fun as they experience peer encouragement and motivation. This is the best way for young beginners to start their musical journey.
(B) How long are group lessons?	Group lessons are generally 45 minutes - 60 minutes.
(C) Will we need to have an instrument at home?	Yes, all private lessons as well as group courses require having an instrument at home for ages 4 and up. A minimum keyboard, a full-size digital piano, or an acoustic piano are great options at home. You do not need to bring your keyboard to class. Guitar, Ukulele, and Violin lessons require students to bring their instruments to every class.
(D) Do parents have to attend group lessons?	Yes, the first 2 years of group lessons are parented. One parent has to attend the class with the student, so the parent can provide support at home during practice.
(E) Why are (many of the) group lessons parented?	As the students at younger pre-school age, they might not remember all the information they learned in class, parents will be able to help their children practice at home if they attend the class as they will be aware of all the information that was provided in the class. Parental support is important at home. This could also be a bonding time for parents and children.
(F) Why should I choose group lessons instead of private lessons?	Group lessons are best for beginners ages 3-8 for ear development. The benefit of capitalizing on that key timeframe is to build musical skills, especially regarding listening, with a group of friends. Group lessons provide a fun and positive environment as the pressure is not constantly on one individual, which makes a very relaxed and friendly environment. As well, students learn to collaborate and perform with others in various ensembles as well as peer motivation will encourage students to improve their skills. Besides the partner duets and ensemble possibilities to learn as a group.
(G) What makes the Yamaha Education System different from other curricula? (Example. RCM, ABRSM, Suzuki)	Yamaha Education System provides lessons and teaches through the Listen, Sing, Play, Read, Create method as well as the certificate is recognized in 40 different countries. Yamaha teaches the improvisation and composing aspects right from the early stages of group lessons. The Yamaha EXAM will evaluate those skills taught in classes. Student grades start from Level 13 - 6.  Other examination systems start from Grade 1 - 8 or 10, and most exam grade is only an examination system, but not a complete education system, with teacher training and standardized teaching methods.
(H) Do you offer lessons for instruments other than piano?	We offer lessons for Guitar, Ukulele, Voice, and Violin. We also offer classes in Music Theory and Music History. Summer camps and Jamming sessions are also popular. Contact us for more information about our free interview or demo class.
(I) Do you offer adult lessons?	We do offer adult private lessons in guitar, piano, ukulele, voice, and violin.
(J) What's the earliest age my child can start music lessons?	Our Music Wonderland classes are for students aged 3 years old-4 years old. This is a good age to start music, as their ears are ready to absorb pictches and sounds. Book a free demo class to try it out.
(K) At what age should my child start private lessons?	We suggest students be around age 7 and up to start private lessons. If younger than that, they could start in the group lessons to learn the basics, before transferring to private lessons. In private lessons, students should be able to read and play well and have full concentration during lessons.
(L) What if my child is more advanced than the beginner group lessons you offer?	If the student has previous experience, an interview can be set up so the instructor can evaluate his/ her music skills and move to the next level, or can proceed to private lessons.
(M) If I have 2 children taking group lessons at the same time, can I attend with only one of them (if the other parent is not available)?	It is best that you attend with the younger child, but be sure to communicate the homework requirement for the older child’s class.
(N) What is the benefit of private lessons?	Private lessons are specialized and tailored toward the student’s progress. It can be tailored to the songs they want to learn as well.

Yamaha Exams

What are Yamaha Grade Exams?

The Yamaha Grade Examination System was started in 1967 for the purpose of enabling everyone who is learning music to improve their musical skills in a well-planned manner while verifying their overall ability.

Yamaha Grade Examinations help teachers and music learners to confirm their musical abilities and encourage them to acquire all-around musical abilities so that they can enjoy creating and performing music.

Giving everyone learning music standards and motivation for achieving goals

The Grade Examination System broadly targets two groups: students and teachers. Student Grades are used as an objective assessment of the progress being made in learning music, while the teacher Grades certify the performance ability as well as overall musical knowledge needed to provide music instruction.

The Yamaha Grade Examination System offers Performance Grades for Piano, Electone, Classical Guitar, Violin, Drums, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Bass, Flute, Saxophone, Pop Piano/Keyboard, Vocal and Fundamentals Grade.

They are classified into 3 categories: Student Grades (13 - 6), Teacher Grades (5 - 3) and Performer Grades (2, 1)

We also provide Fundamental Skills Survey for Junior Music Course students. The system is designed to examine performance abilities and general music knowledge, both of which are necessary for enjoying music, teaching music fundamentals and playing professionally.

Expanding in more than 30 countries

More than 10 million people have taken these proficiency examinations over the past 50 years, and this system is widely accepted as the standard for assessing musical abilities.

The Yamaha Grade Examination System is also used in more than 30 countries/regions at present.

For more information about Yamaha Grade Exams, visit https://www.yamaha-mf.or.jp/english/grade/

How to register

Be sure to check in with your child's teacher to discuss whether Yamaha Grade Exams are right for them and what music is needed to be prepared from the syllabus. After confirming what level they should strive for, contact our studio at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up or for more information. 

 

1. 2020 Our Community
2. 2020 Virtual Lessons
3. School Policy
4. 2020 Summer Camps