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.

Masterclasses

Intermediate Viola Masterclass

Instructor: Tawnya Popoff
Recommended for: students recommended by the Division Chair
Class Time: Mondays, 5:00-7:00 pm 1x month
Semester Fee:
  • $200
Class Description: 2024/2025 Class Date: Oct. 7 Nov. 4 Nov. 25 Jan. 6 Feb.3 March 3 April 21 May 5

June 2


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 January 8th, 2025 Fall: 7 classes Course syllabus available upon request.

Junior Cello Seminar

Instructor: Cello Faculty
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 along with the Aldo Parisot Cello Ensemble.

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).

Aldo Parisot Cello Ensemble and Masterclass

Instructor: Henry Shapard
Recommended for: Advanced students, as well as ambitious intermediate students keen on quickly developing their skills. Audition required.
Class Time: Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm
Annual Fee:
  • $1000
Class Description: Led by VAM’s Professor of Cello, Henry Shapard, each session will see cello students engaging in a technique class, masterclass, and cello ensemble playing as the Aldo Parisot Cello Ensemble. Click HERE to start the audition process. 24/25 Schedule: Fall Term: Sep 15, 22, 29 Oct 6, 13, 27 Nov 3, 10, 17, 24 Dec 1, 8 Concert: Dec 15, 6pm, Koerner Recital Hall Spring Term: Jan 12, 19, 26 Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 Mar 2, 9, 16, 30 Apr 6, 13, 27 May 4, 11, 18, 25 Concert: June 1, 6pm, Koerner Recital Hall June 8, 15   --  

Intermediate & Advanced Piano Masterclass

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