Masterclasses

Apply the techniques and interpretive ideas discussed in your lesson to the masterclass stage, where you will receive constructive feedback from expert faculty and supportive colleagues. The masterclass format includes an assigned piano accompanist and provides an excellent avenue for students to enhance their performance skills and stage deportment.

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Masterclasses

Guitar Appreciation and Listening Class

Instructor: Alec Pearson
Recommended for: Mature guitar students of all levels
Class Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-8:15pm
Semester Fee:

$260

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 September 18th, 2024 Fall: 7 classes Course syllabus available upon request.

Junior Cello Seminar

Instructor: Henry Shapard
Recommended for: For Cellists RCM 4-7 (no audition required)
Class Time: Sundays, 3:00-4:30pm
Annual Fee:

$746

Class Description:

JCS is a collaborative effort initiated by VAM's Cello Division. A pool of VAM cello faculty will rotate instructional duties, providing a diverse and comprehensive learning experience for aspiring young cellists. Each 90-minute JCS class will consist of a technique class, performance class, and cello ensemble. JCS will perform at the end of each semester in collaboration with the Aldo Parisot Cello Ensemble, led by Prof. Henry Shapard.

Piano Drills

Instructor: Teresa Bowes
Recommended for: Piano students wanting to supplement and reinforce their private lesson curriculum and to prepare for RCM exam sessions
Class Time: Beginner Drills: Sundays, 10:00-11:00am Intermediate Drills: Sundays, 11:00am-12:00pm Advanced Drills: Sundays, 12:00-1:00pm
Semester Fee:

$105
$100

Class Description: In this class, students will build their ear training, note reading, and technical skills through fun activities and drills in the motivating peer environment of VAM’s digital piano lab. This class runs the first Sunday of every month from October - May and has a maximum of 13 students per level due to the number of digital pianos available. Beginners (RCM 1-3) Intermediate (RCM 4-7) Advanced (RCM 8-10)

Viola Studio Class 3A

Instructor: Sarah Kwok

Viola Studio Class 1

Instructor: Sarah Kwok

Viola Studio Class 2

Instructor: Isabelle Roland, Department Head

Viola Studio Class 3B

Instructor: Tawnya Popoff

Advanced Viola Ensemble

Instructor: Isabelle Roland (Viola Department Head)
Recommended for: Students recommended by VAM viola faculty
Class Description: This class runs on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 4:30-6:30pm (Sept - Dec & Jan - Apr).

Intermediate & Advanced Piano Masterclass

Instructor: Noel McRobbie
Recommended for: RCM 9+; Ages 14+

Intermediate & Advanced Violin Technique

Instructor: Lawrie Hill (Violin Department Head)
Recommended for: RCM 9+; Ages 12-16
Class Description: This is a fast-paced advanced technique class for 12- to 16-year-old violinists that will incorporate fun repetition of technical building blocks such as scales, arpeggios, and double-stops, incorporating sight reading, brain games, bowing patterns and techniques, and in-class performances.