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Adult Learning

VAM is a place of inspiration and exhilaration for adult learners. Whether you are rediscovering the trumpet ‘under the bed’ or are taking on a new challenge, VAM’s diverse faculty has the expertise to support your musical journey.

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Private Lessons All Adult Learning Program Group Classes Ensembles Theory & Songwriting

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Adult Cello Ensemble

Instructor: Alex Cheung
Class Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm (bi-weekly)
Semester Fee:

$180

Class Description: Join in with other beginner adult cellists in an ensemble setting and learn to listen outside of one's own playing while developing foundational ensemble skills.

Adult Debut Strings

Instructor: Tawnya Popoff
Class Time: Session 1: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15pm Session 2: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15pm Session 3: Tuesdays, 6:15-7:15pm
Semester Fee:

$125

Class Description: An ensemble for adults who have begun learning a string instrument and would like to play with others in a welcoming environment. Emphasis will be on gaining confidence with reading music, learning basic ensemble skills and building technique.

Adult Group Guitar

Instructor: Alec Pearson
Recommended for: Those with little to no experience.
Class Time: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm (September intake) Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$335

Class Description: In this introduction to classical guitar, you will receive instruction on developing proper fundamentals and technique. The class starts with elements such as “learning how to create a beautiful tone”. From there we will learn the basics of note reading and use that knowledge to explore some ensemble playing in a variety of genres; Classical, Latin American, Folk and Popular music. This class is great for those experiencing guitar for the first time. It will also be a refreshing motivator for anyone who may be a bit rusty and looking to revisit guitar after a long hiatus. This is a 13 week class with a September and January intake.

Adult Group Guitar II

Instructor: Alec Pearson
Recommended for: Continuing students of the Adult Group Guitar Program
Class Time: Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$335

Class Description: This class is a 13-week continuation of the Adult Group Guitar level I class.

Adult Group Violin II

Instructor: Jonathan Na
Recommended for: Continuing students of the Adult Group Violin Program
Class Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm (September intake) Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$335

Class Description: This class is a continuation of the Adult Violin class for Beginners or those with previous experience. This is a 13-week in-person class with a September and January intake.

Adult Theory and Ear Training II

Instructor: Taka Shimojima
Recommended for: Adults who have completed Adult Theory & Ear Training, or those with basic knowledge
Class Time: Saturdays, 1:15-2:00pm (January intake) Saturdays, 1:15-2:00pm (September intake) Saturdays, 1:15-2:00pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$235
$250

Class Description: Designed for adults with continued interested in developing a strong foundation of musicianship, Adult Theory & Ear Training further introducing students to the fundamental skills of music theory, ear training, and appreciation. This class runs for 13 weeks. There is a September and January intake for this class.

Adult Group Cello

Instructor: Alex Cheung
Recommended for: Beginner adult cello students (little to no experience)
Class Time: Tuesdays, 7:45-8:45pm (September intake, full year) Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$335

Class Description: If you are curious and interested in learning how to play an instrument, come join VAM’s adult group classes! In this introduction to the cello, you will be introduced to the instrument and receive support in developing proper technique and ensemble playing skills in a small group setting. Beginners welcome! This is a 26-week in-person class (13 classes per term, starting in September. There is a 13-week option starting in January.)

VAM Adult Harp Ensemble

Instructor: Rosanna Chiu
Recommended for: Harp students of all levels
Class Time: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30pm, 4 classes per term
Semester Fee:

$155

Class Description: Join VAM’s Harp Ensemble for adults and explore classical and popular arrangements. Focusing on harp techniques and ensemble playing skills, it is a small supportive group setting for harpists to exchange ideas and build friendships. Beginners are welcomed! The ensemble participates in events such as the VAM Harp Fest, and the Adult Learning Program Soirée Concert.

Director/Instructor: Rosanna Chiu

Co-Director: Joy Yeh

2023/2024 Class Dates:

September 28th

October 12th

October 26th

November 16th

Adult Beginner Strings

Instructor: Tawnya Popoff
Recommended for: Adult beginners with some experience
Class Time: Session 1: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00pm (Sept-Nov, 7 weeks) Session 2: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00pm (Jan-Mar, 7 weeks) Session 3: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:00pm (April-May, 7 weeks)
Semester Fee:

$150

Class Description: A string orchestra for adults with some experience playing in an ensemble. The focus is on continued development of sight-reading skills, technique, and ensemble skills through playing reduced versions of beloved classics.

Adult Group Cello Level II

Instructor: Alex Cheung
Recommended for: Continuing students of the Adult Group Cello Program or cellists with previous experience
Class Time: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (September Intake)
Semester Fee:

$335

Class Description: This class is a continuation of the Adult Group Cello class for Beginners. This is a 13-week in-person class with a Fall intake.

Adult Group Violin

Instructor: Jonathan Na
Recommended for: Beginner adult violin students (little to no experience)
Class Time: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (September intake) Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$335

Class Description: If you are curious and interested in learning how to play an instrument, come join VAM’s adult group classes! In this introduction to the violin, you will be introduced to the instrument and receive support in developing proper technique and ensemble playing skills in a small group setting. Beginners welcome! This is a 13-week in-person class, with a Fall and January intake.

Adult Group Piano

Instructor: Teresa Bowes
Recommended for: Beginner adult piano students (little to no experience)
Class Time: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake) Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (September intake) Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake) Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm (September intake) Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$315
$335

Class Description: If you are curious and interested in learning how to play an instrument, come join VAM’s adult group classes! In this introduction to the piano, you will be introduced to the instrument and receive support in developing proper technique and ensemble playing skills in a small group setting. Beginners welcome! This is a 13-week in-person class, with a September and January start date.

Adult Theory and Ear Training

Instructor: Taka Shimojima
Recommended for: Adults with little to no experience reading music
Class Time: Saturdays, 12:30-1:15pm (September intake) Saturdays, 12:30-1:15pm (January Intake)
Semester Fee:

$250

Class Description: Designed for adults who are interested in developing a strong foundation of musicianship, Adult Theory & Ear Training introduces students to the fundamental skills of music theory, ear training, and appreciation. This class runs for 13 weeks. There is a September and January intake for this class.

Vanier Park Symphony

Instructor: Ian Parker
Recommended for: Intermediate to advanced adult string and wind players (no audition required)
Class Time: Session 1: Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm (Sept-Nov, 7 weeks) Session 2: Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm (Jan-Mar, 7 weeks) Session 3: Mondays, 7:00-9:00pm (Apr-May, 7 weeks)
Semester Fee:

$280

Class Description: Strike up new friendships with a vibrant ensemble that will help you brush up on your technical skills in a supportive group environment! VAM's adult orchestra explores performance practice of seminal masterpieces while acquiring a deeper understanding of their musical significance and historical context.

Adult Chamber Music: Play with the Pros

Recommended for: Adult learners
Class Description: A unique ensemble experience, each chamber group in Play with the Pros will consist of one member of VAM's faculty, where you can enjoy the benefits of mentorship and collegiality that come from performing with a professional musician. Class time to be scheduled at the mutual convenience of students and teacher. Students wishing to register for fewer than 16 classes per semester must have permission from the teacher. Click below to begin the registration process.

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Vanier Park Voices

Instructor: Cassie Luftspring (Director of Choral Studies)
Recommended for: Ages 18+
Class Time: Wednesdays, 6:30-7:45pm
Annual Fee:

$250

Class Description: VAM's adult choir is for those who wish to pursue their love of choral music with an open mind and a desire for challenge. The choir will perform diverse repertoire while developing vocal technique and musicianship in an encouraging and convivial setting. While some music experience is an asset, we welcome singers with varying degrees of music-reading ability.

Book a Free Placement Audition *

* required before registration

VAM Schola Cantorum

Instructor: Cassie Luftspring (Director of Choral Studies)
Recommended for: Ages 18+
Class Time: Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm
Annual Fee:

$500

Class Description: This elite chamber ensemble performs challenging repertoire from the Renaissance and Baroque periods in addition to 20th- and 21st-century compositions. With fast-paced, challenging rehearsals, Schola Cantorum is perfect for the experienced chorister who seeks the highest standard of excellence. This class is full year, two semesters of 16 weeks.

Book a Free Placement Audition *

* required before registration