Below is a generalized description of the group classes offered by Arbutus Music Academy – for group class times and individual Syllabi, please visit the Group Class Schedule Page.

 

Suzuki classes

Suzuki group classes are an opportunity for students to work on performing together with others and developing their listening and concentration skills. The focus of these classes will be games and exercises to learn posture, technical fundamentals of position and to supplement regular review of repertoire. Beginner classes are for students who are starting Twinkle, twinkle little star up to those that are finishing learning Go Tell Aunt Rhody. Book One is for students working from O Come Little Children to those polishing Gavotte by Gossec. Students will also learn the fundamentals of note reading.

Suzuki/RCM Fusion

Suzuki/RCM Fusion classes are geared to supplementing the traditional repertoire work in Suzuki classes with scales, studies and sight-reading skills. Regular review of performance repertoire will be included, as well as work on Joanne Martin’s I Can Read Music series and additional reading materials. Students will learn the scales that are common to both the repertoire studied in Suzuki Violin (and viola) School volumes 1 to 3 and the RCM Technical Requirements Intro-Level 4.

RCM Technique

RCM technique classes are meant to provide a thorough grounding in the scales, studies and sight reading that are fundamental as each student progresses, with an emphasis on preparing students for the graded Royal Conservatory of Music practical examinations held three times each year. One third of these exams’ grades are based on scales, technique, sight reading and ear tests alone. Students will use the RCM Technical Requirements books, supplemented with studies, ear training and sight reading materials as required by the syllabus provided for each grade level.

Progressive Guitar Group Classes

Guitar group classes are a great opportunity for students to practice both common technique and performance skills in a group setting. As this is a progressive class, students can enter at beginner or intermediate levels. A description of the class is available from Derek Sterling upon registration

Orchestra

Arbutus Music Academy offers an orchestra class at 4:30 pm on Fridays, led by Jennifer Gray and Alla Shmaenok. This class is intended for students at minimum Book Two Suzuki/Grade 3 RCM level through  RCM/ Suzuki Book 6 or 7 and is geared toward learning ensemble skills and improving reading. Friday rehearsal is for 90 minutes, and includes some sectional rehearsal, and full chamber orchestra rehearsal with a short break.  Students will be placed according to their experience and reading ability, and will be given simplified parts at first, then progress to more advanced parts as they gain confidence with their skills.

Children’s Choir

Students will learn the basic fundamentals of choral singing and performance skills in a fast paced, fun atmosphere. Classical, folk, contemporary and musical theatre are just some of the styles that will be covered in this class. There will be performance opportunities during the year.

Adventures in Music

Join our experienced instructors for this parent participation class which combines singing, rhythm and movement plus an introduction to the instruments taught at Arbutus Academy.  Our teachers have combined elements of the Suzuki Method, Music Together© and other early childhood music programs to create a class that prepares young children for further formal music instruction, Ideal for students ages 2-4 years old.

Music Theory

Arbutus Music Academy offers classes in Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Rudiments, Basic Harmony (September), Intermediate Harmony (January), and History 1 (Sept.-May) [Grade 5 is offered by request]. Knowledge of music theory is necessary as a student progresses from the early to intermediate levels of playing, and required as a co-requisite to RCM examinations grade 5 and above. Theory lessons include 15 hours of classes and mock exams. A materials list is provided on registration. RCM Theory Examinations registration deadlines are November 1st, March 1st, and June 1st.

Trial Classes & Lessons

Trial Lessons and classes for new students for private lessons on violin, viola, piano, guitar and/or Adventures in Music are free of charge and may be booked by appointment with the office or individual teachers. A fee of $30 ($15 for Adventures in Music) will be charged for additional trials with other teachers.