Group Classes Vancouver Academy of Music

Adult Strings Workshop

Instructor: Luci Barz
Recommended for: RCM Prep level or above (Adult Strings I, II & III members)
Class Time: Session 1 - Tuesdays, September 8, 15 & 22, 2026 | 6:30-8:45 pm (including a 15-minute break) Session 2 - Tuesdays, January 5, 12 & 19, 2027 | 6:30-8:45 PM (including a 15-minute break) Session 3 - Tuesdays, March 30; April 6 & 13, 2027 | 6:30-8:45 PM (including a 15-minute break)
Semester Fee:

$130

Class Description: The Adult Strings Workshop is designed to develop fundamental orchestral and ensemble skills that are useful to musicians at a variety of playing levels. Through a combination of practical exercises, ensemble playing, and selected repertoire, participants will explore the musical and technical skills involved in playing effectively as part of an orchestra. Areas of focus will include rhythm and pulse, intonation, sound production, articulation, bow control, ensemble listening, balance, phrasing, musical communication, and responding to the conductor. Participants will also explore how individual parts function within the larger ensemble and how to listen and adjust to other musicians while playing. Selected passages from upcoming Adult Strings Regular Cycles’ repertoire may be introduced throughout the workshops, allowing participants to apply these concepts in a musical context while also becoming familiar with repertoire from the upcoming cycle. Exercises, repertoire, and specific areas of focus will be adapted to accommodate different playing levels and the needs of each group. The overall goal is to develop practical orchestral skills that participants can carry into the regular Adult Strings cycles and apply to ensemble playing more broadly.

Session 1 - Tuesdays, September 8, 15 & 22, 2026 | 6:30-8:45 pm (including a 15-minute break)
Session 2 - Tuesdays, January 5, 12 & 19, 2027 | 6:30-8:45 PM (including a 15-minute break)
Session 3 - Tuesdays, March 30; April 6 & 13, 2027 | 6:30-8:45 PM (including a 15-minute break)

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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) Tuesdays, 8:30-9:30pm (September Intake)
Semester Fee:

$375

Class Description: This class is a continuation of the Adult Violin II class. This is a 13-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) Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm (September intake)
Semester Fee:

$375

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 13-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 intake) Thursdays, 7:00-8:00pm (September intake) Thursdays, 7:00-8:00pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$435
$375

Class Description: This class is a 12 or 13-week continuation of the Adult Group Guitar level I class available for both a September and January intake.

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Adult Group Guitar

Instructor: Alec Pearson
Recommended for: Those with little to no experience.
Class Time: Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm (September intake) Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake) Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm (extra spring classes) Thursdays, 6:00-7:0pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$375
$435
$110

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 class runs for 12 or 13 weeks, and there is both a September intake and January intake.

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Adult Group Violin II

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

$375
$435

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.

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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, 2:30-3:15pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$275

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 16 weeks. There is a September and January intake for this class.

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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) Tuesdays, 7:45-8:45pm (September intake, full year) Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm (January intake)
Semester Fee:

$375
$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 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.)

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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:

$375

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

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