BASIC INFORMATION
All students are enrolled in private lessons, generally having one lesson per week. For young beginners, 30-minute lessons often suffice; other students have lessons for 45 or 60 minutes. Topics in music theory can be included as an extension of the private lesson, or students can opt to enroll in a small class on Monday evenings. The syllabus of the Royal Conservatory Of Music is used as a guideline for lesson content, and many students do participate in the RCM examination process. Jazz and contemporary idioms are optional components of RCM study, so lessons need not be solely “classical” in nature.
Enrichment programs are offered to enhance musicianship. At present, students are learning to play tone-chimes (similar to handbells) to reinforce awareness of ensemble playing and to strengthen their ability to read rhythm. They are also learning to play recorders to develop a connection between phrasing and the breath, and to experience how individual notes can have their own shape — a concept that we can only mimic on the piano. For registered piano students, there is no charge for participation in these programs other than to cover the cost of needed supplies. A recorder, for example, can be purchased for under $10 in many music stores.
For detailed information on studio policies, please refer to Guidelines.
SCHEDULE OF LESSONS & CLASSES
FEES
Fees for private lessons are based on $60 per hour and are pro-rated accordingly — for example, half-hour lessons are $30 each. Students who commit to regular weekly lessons over a 2-month period are granted a discount of 5%.
Fees for theory classes are based on the rate of $200 for a ten-week term.
Payments can be made in cash, by cheque, by credit card, or PayPal. Parents are reminded to check with an income-tax consultant regarding the possibility of getting a tax credit for children registered in a music program.
STUDIO LOCATION
Tom McPherson Piano Studio is on the lower floor of St. James Community Square, 3214 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC. Free parking is available along the rear of the building as well as on neighbouring streets. The location is merely steps away from public transit along West Broadway.
