Adult Learning Program Vancouver Academy of Music

Opera Sparks

Instructor: Robyn Driedger Klassen: Voice Division Chair; Tina Chang
Class Time: Mondays, 6:30-9:30pm
Annual Fee:

$4400

Class Description: A transformative 10-month journey for classically trained singers and pianists Led by acclaimed soprano Robyn Driedger-Klassen and opera répétiteur Tina Chang, this intensive program is designed to sharpen your audition toolkit, refine your artistry, and elevate your performance confidence — all within a supportive, professional setting. Got questions? Email us [email protected]

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Adult Group Violin III

Instructor: Jonathan Na
Recommended for: Students who have completed Adult Group Violin II
Class Time: Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30pm (January Intake)
Semester Fee:

$435

Class Description: This class is a continuation of the Adult Violin II class. This is a 16-week in-person class with a September and January intake.

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Adult Group Viola

Instructor: Luci Barz
Recommended for: Beginner adult viola students (little to no experience)
Class Time: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$435

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 viola, 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 16-week in-person class, with a Fall and January intake. Students will be required to rent or purchase a viola to participate in the program.

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Guitar Appreciation and Listening Class

Instructor: Alec Pearson
Recommended for: Mature guitar students of all levels
Class Description: This course is meant to be a fun group class and will appeal to amateur players or serious students who want to refine their knowledge further. We will look at the players, the composers, and the history associated with each lesson topic. The course will roughly follow “A Concise History of the Classical Guitar” by Graham Wade, with optional reading of about 20-30 pages each session. Participants will find the writing easy to follow and not overly “academic” or dense. The longer lesson time (approximately 75 minutes) will allow for more in-class listening and discussion. Music playlists will be given to the students for further self-study on each topic. Classes will run the 1st and 3rd Wednesday every month, starting January 8th, 2025 Fall: 7 classes Course syllabus available upon request.

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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 29th intake)
Semester Fee:

$435

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

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Adult Group Guitar

Instructor: Alec Pearson
Recommended for: Those with little to no experience.
Class Time: Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January 29th intake)
Semester Fee:

$435

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. Fall 2025 class starts October 16th and will run for 12 weeks, into the new year. A new January intake will be offered at the end of the month.

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Adult Strings I

Instructor: Luci Barz
Recommended for: RCM prep to level 1
Class Time: Session 2: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (7 weeks) Session 3: Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (7 weeks) Spring Orchestra Workshop (8 weeks)
Semester Fee:

$145
$170

Class Description: Join our ensemble tailored for adults who have begun learning a string instrument and wish to enjoy playing in a supportive setting. Adult Strings Level I is a non-performing group that focuses on fostering confidence in reading music, acquiring fundamental ensemble skills, and enhancing technique. Whether you are starting out or refining your skills, our group provides a welcoming space to grow musically together without the pressure of public performances. Requirements: ability to read notes & rhythms, knowledge of setting up instruments 25/26 Rehearsal and Concert Schedule (subject to change) The Adult Strings Orchestra Workshop is designed to enhance and enrich your orchestral playing experience through focused, hands-on sessions that combine learning, discovery, and ensemble collaboration. Each class dives into the building blocks of confident orchestral performance - rhythmic precision, tone production, balance, and phrasing - through interactive group exercises such as rhythmic layering, sectional blend work, listening drills, and phrasing challenges. Participants will also gain insight into the conductor’s role: how gestures translate into sound, how cues shape timing and colour, and how players respond as a unified ensemble. These workshops offer a rare opportunity to slow down, observe, and truly understand how an orchestra works - from the inside out. Players will strengthen their ensemble intuition, refine their listening, and gain tools that lead to more expressive, confident orchestral playing. Welcoming adult string players of all levels, the workshops are offered in three different class levels, creating a relaxed and engaging environment for anyone looking to deepen their musicianship and rediscover the joy of playing together. 25/26 Orchestra Workshop Schedule (subject to change)

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Adult Strings II

Instructor: Luci Barz
Recommended for: RCM level 2-4
Class Time: Session 2: Tuesdays, 7:45-8:45pm (7 weeks) Session 3: Tuesdays, 7:45-8:45pm (7 weeks) Spring Orchestra Workshop (8 weeks)
Semester Fee:

$145
$170

Class Description:

Adult Strings Level II is tailored for adults with some experience playing their instrument, reading music, and participating in an ensemble. This string ensemble focuses on advancing sight-reading skills, technique, and ensemble cohesion through reduced versions of beloved classical pieces.

25/26 Rehearsal and Concert Schedule (subject to change) The Adult Strings Orchestra Workshop is designed to enhance and enrich your orchestral playing experience through focused, hands-on sessions that combine learning, discovery, and ensemble collaboration. Each class dives into the building blocks of confident orchestral performance - rhythmic precision, tone production, balance, and phrasing - through interactive group exercises such as rhythmic layering, sectional blend work, listening drills, and phrasing challenges. Participants will also gain insight into the conductor’s role: how gestures translate into sound, how cues shape timing and colour, and how players respond as a unified ensemble. These workshops offer a rare opportunity to slow down, observe, and truly understand how an orchestra works - from the inside out. Players will strengthen their ensemble intuition, refine their listening, and gain tools that lead to more expressive, confident orchestral playing. Welcoming adult string players of all levels, the workshops are offered in three different class levels, creating a relaxed and engaging environment for anyone looking to deepen their musicianship and rediscover the joy of playing together. 25/26 Orchestra Workshop Schedule (subject to change)

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Adult Strings III

Instructor: Luci Barz
Recommended for: RCM level 4-6
Class Time: Session 2: Mondays, 6:15-7:15pm (7 weeks) Session 3: Mondays, 6:15-7:15pm (7 weeks) Spring Orchestra Workshop (8 weeks)
Semester Fee:

$145
$170

Class Description: Adult Strings III is an intermediate string ensemble designed for adults with previous experience playing in an ensemble. This ensemble explores advanced reduced arrangements of masterpieces, focusing on enhancing musical depth and ensemble proficiency. 25/26 Rehearsal and Concert Schedule (subject to change) The Adult Strings Orchestra Workshop is designed to enhance and enrich your orchestral playing experience through focused, hands-on sessions that combine learning, discovery, and ensemble collaboration. Each class dives into the building blocks of confident orchestral performance - rhythmic precision, tone production, balance, and phrasing - through interactive group exercises such as rhythmic layering, sectional blend work, listening drills, and phrasing challenges. Participants will also gain insight into the conductor’s role: how gestures translate into sound, how cues shape timing and colour, and how players respond as a unified ensemble. These workshops offer a rare opportunity to slow down, observe, and truly understand how an orchestra works - from the inside out. Players will strengthen their ensemble intuition, refine their listening, and gain tools that lead to more expressive, confident orchestral playing. Welcoming adult string players of all levels, the workshops are offered in three different class levels, creating a relaxed and engaging environment for anyone looking to deepen their musicianship and rediscover the joy of playing together. 25/26 Orchestra Workshop Schedule (subject to change)

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Adult Cello Ensemble

Instructor: Alex Cheung
Recommended for: students hand-picked by the instructor
Class Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm (8 consecutive weeks) Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm (8 extra classes April-May)
Semester Fee:

$205

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. This class consists of 2 x 8 week terms, with an option for extra classes to top up the academic year.

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