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Did you know that we offer a free consultation with a member of our faculty before registering? It’s true! We believe so strongly in the importance of finding the right student/instructor combination, that we offer prospective students the chance to meet with an instructor at no cost to them. What are the benefits of a consultation? We believe a consultation with a faculty member is the best way to ensure the optimum learning experience. The student/instructor combination has an impact on a student’s learning, achieving and enjoyment of their musical experience, so it’s important to make the best match possible.
Each of our highly-qualified instructors have a degree in music or the equivalent in performance experience. A majority hold Bachelor degrees, many possess Masters degrees and some have earned Doctorate degrees. Our instructors consider themselves musician/teachers — professional musicians who teach. Let us help you find the perfect match with one of our highly-qualified music teachers!
What the consultation process looks like
First, you’ll need to request your free consultation, either through our online form, or by calling our office at 204-988-7650.
Next, a Student Services staff member will speak with you on the phone. You’ll have the chance to let us know what your availability is in terms of which days and times you would be available for music lessons. Many families have two or more children playing different instruments at different levels at different times at different locations. If this is you, contact us as we will do everything we can to schedule all your students for music lessons at the same time.
You’ll also chat about which genre of music you prefer to play. Do you enjoy playing classical music? How about jazz or pop music? Individual instruction is available for virtually every genre, and our Student Services staff can help to narrow down your options for which faculty member to book your consultation with based on your preferred genre of music.
You’ll also talk about how long you’d like your lessons to be. Students between the ages of four and six may wish to start out with 30-minute lessons in our Musical Foundations program. Our Musical Foundations program is aimed at students who are ready for private lessons, but they haven’t chosen an instrument yet. Your child will gain exposure to singing and percussion instruments while developing skills in an individual setting.
Beginning students seeking private instruction generally start with a half hour lesson once a week. The student will have chosen an instrument, and they will focus their individual study on technique and repertoire. The student will be introduced to recitals (we host recitals eight times per year).
Once a student’s skill level has moved up to an intermediate level, lesson times usually increase to 45 minutes once a week. Because their skill level has increased, these students require longer lessons. At this level, the student is encouraged to participate in recitals, music festivals, exams and performances.
Students with a high level of commitment who have progressed to advanced repertoire will need one hour lessons each week. Participation in community ensembles and regular performance opportunities is nurtured.
Lesson times will, of course, affect lesson costs. Music instructor rates vary depending on the academic credentials and teaching experience of each instructor. 30 minute music lessons range from $25–$35 per lesson, 45 minute music lessons from $37.50–$52.50 per lesson and 60 minute music lessons from $50–$70 per lesson.
Once we have a firm understanding of your needs and preferences, we’ll match you with a faculty member for your free consultation. Feel free to browse through our faculty bios before calling us to get a sense of which faculty member you might be interested in meeting with, then you can let us know your preference.
We offer individual instruction for virtually every instrument, including piano, voice, strings, guitar and ukulele, winds and brass, and drum kit and percussion. If we don’t have an accredited instructor for the instrument you wish to study, we will seek to find one for you!
Is the consultation available for group classes as well as individual lessons?
Our consultation process with a faculty member is only available for private lessons. However, we are happy to help find the best group music class for you or your child. Just give us a call at 204-988-7650!
How do I book a free consultation?
You can book a free consultation either through our online form, or by calling our office at 204-988-7650.
Do I need to prepare anything before the consultation?
You don’t need to prepare anything before the consultation-simply show up at our office at the agreed upon date and time. Our office is located at the University of Winnipeg in Bryce Hall (515 Portage Avenue). Bryce Hall is the building where the chapel is located–directly east of Wesley Hall (the “castle” building). The entrance to Bryce Hall is off the walkway between Wesley and Bryce Hall.
Please use the buzzer to access the building on weekends and after 6 pm on weekdays.
How long does the free consultation last?
Your consultation with a faculty member will typically last for 15 minutes.
What happens after the consultation?
After the consultation, please head back to our office to let a Student Services staff member know if you’d like to take lessons with the faculty member you met with. They’ll take your payment, and schedule you for lessons. Tuition may be paid in one lump sum or installment payments. All tuition must be paid in full or secured with payment method 24 hours in advance of the first scheduled lesson day. Registrations are not confirmed and lessons will not begin until payment has been received/confirmed.
A non-refundable annual registration fee of $50 per student (or $100 per family) is applied to the first registration during the academic year. Students who choose to register for less than the full academic year must register for a block of a minimum of ten lessons to reserve a specific lesson time in your teacher’s schedule. If you choose to register for additional blocks of lessons over the same academic year, each registration will include a 10% administration fee.
What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel my consultation?
If you need to reschedule or cancel your lesson, please call our office at 204-988-7650 as soon as possible to let us know.
Are free consultations available year-round?
Free consultations are available during the academic year (from September-June). Our office hours during the academic year are Mondays–Thursdays from 12 pm–8 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am–4 pm. Some free consultations may be available during the month of August, depending on faculty availability. Our office hours in August are Mondays–Thursdays from 12 pm–4 pm.
What age groups are eligible for free consultations?
The Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts offers private music lessons for children and teenagers to adults of all ages, so free consultations are available to all these age categories. Having said that, we generally recommend starting music lessons at the age of six or later. By this age, your child will have developed the fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination needed to begin playing an instrument.
If your child is between the ages of four and six, you may be interested in our Musical Foundations program. These 30-minute private lessons are aimed at children who are ready for private lessons, but they haven’t chosen an instrument. This option provides exposure to singing and percussion instruments while developing skills in an individual setting.