Oakridge Music School students playing classical and jazz piano and singing live at Starbucks and special venues.

FAQ: Oakridge Music Studios / School

At what age should your toddler or child start piano or music lessons?

For the most part, we provide music lessons to children aged 3 and up. However it is advisable to contact us if your child is between 0-2 years old so that we can place you on our wait list and contact you once the appropriate time has arrived. Further, we are also continually developing new programs to reach different ages of musicians; thus, if you are on our wait list, we can contact you and enroll you in our new programs.

Will my child be playing in recitals and/or performances? Does Oakridge Music Studios organize school recitals, exams, and performances?

OMusic organizes many recitals/performances in which students can participate. This includes a Christmas recital, Junior O Concerts, a year end concert, and performances at various other venues, including Starbucks, local jazz venues, and senior homes. Students are encouraged to participate because this is a great opportunity to meet other musicians, hear other students of the same level and age play, and showcase their skills and talents. More importantly, it provides children a chance to have fun and perform in a safe and relaxing environment, allowing students to build their confidence and public interactions.

Further, to track each students' musical progression, students take OMusic exams before graduating to the next musical class level in their program. Each level has certain benchmark skills that students are required to master. This ensures students have a strong basic foundation to build from as they advance higher with their musical.

Is it required that my child enter into competitions, festivals or music examinations?

No, it is not required to compete in competitions and festivals or enroll in exams. Only if you wish to enter into these will you participate in them. There are other ways that we can gage learning including "in-house exams" or once a month parent-teacher meetings. Parent-teacher meetings provide the opportunity to discuss the development of your child, their musical achievements, and, most importantly, their long-term goals.

Do you require that a parent sit in on all lessons? To what extent do the parents need to be involved in their child's music lessons?

Although this is encouraged, parents are not required to sit in on all the lessons nor or they required to be involved in their child's music development.

Where is Oakridge Music Studios School located?

OMusic is located at Cambie Street and West 40th Avenue, about half a block away from Oakridge Centre Mall. We are situated immediately beside Vancity which is on the corner of 40th Avenue and Cambie Street.

How long should my child practice at home?

Practices vary from student to student and from grade level to grade level. Usually, higher grade levels demand longer practicing times because there is more in-depth coverage of the musical language. Furthermore as grade levels are higher, pieces become longer and more technically-challenged. As a rule of thumb, beginners require practice time of around 20-30 minutes; intermediate students require around 45 minutes – 60 minutes; advanced students require a around 60 minutes or more of practice time. Keep in mind, that practice sessions are very dependent on the student themselves, the type of music they are playing, as well as how well they are able to perform the piece.

In which disciplines and music instruments do you offer lessons?

Lessons are available to Preschool & Toddlers, Children & Youth, and Adults of all levels. Private and group Lessons are available in all of the following disciplines and instruments:

What type of preparatory examination programs do you offer?

We are an official examination centre for the Conservatory of Music Canada. Thus we offer preparatory examination programs for all levels related to the Conservatory of Music Canada. We also prepare students for the Royal Conservatory of Music and London College diplomas.

How is the payment of fees structured?

All students are required to pay a $25 Studio Fee to cover general administration and photocopying fees. Fees are payable either as-you-go or in advanced. Please make all cheques payable to: Oakridge Music Studios.

Group Lesson prices range from $20/$25/$20 an hour depending on the number of students in each class and teacher.

Private lesson prices range from $60-$75 an hour depending on the teacher.

OMusicStudios
(Oakridge Music Studios)
music lesson location:		 Vancouver
music school office
(mail letters to):
497 West 40th Avenue #415-5550 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada Canada
V5Y 2R5 V5Z 3A2
(604) 321-1551 - OMusicStudios phone number (604) 899-2235 - Vancouver office number
(604) 323-1555 - fax number
info@omusicstudios.com