PRIVATE LESSON FAQs
What are private lessons? How are they structured?
Private lessons are regular one-on-one lessons between the instructor and the student, usually taking place once per week. They range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.
What is the cost? Are there any additional costs (taxes, etc)?
There is a non-refundable $60 registration fee before private lessons can be registered at VSO SoM. That is paid upon initial registration and once per year before the start of the first lesson of the school year. The instructor rate differs; it is $85 per hour and higher. Music instruction services are not subject to tax.
Can I see lesson/scheduling options?
If you are a new student or would like to sign up for a new instrument that you are not currently enrolled in, please start by filling out our private lessons inquiry form, which will include your preferences. Our registration team will get back to the inquiry within 7 business days, and our registration team will recommend suitable instructor options based on proficiency level, age and preferences.
To change an instructor or to return to a previous instructor, please contact the registration team directly at privatelessons@vsoschoolofmusic.ca.
Can I register and pay for private lessons online by myself?
Due to the nature of processing personalized private lessons, registrations must be made through the registration team and cannot be done online.
Can I register for a trial lesson to see if the instructor is a good fit for me?
Absolutely. We will work with you to find the instructor that best suits your needs. Trial lessons are charged at the instructor’s usual rate. Please note that the $60 annual registration fee applies before any lesson can be booked, including trial lesson(s).
Do I have to register for the full year?
No, you can register term by term. Please see our term dates. However, it is highly recommended you register for the full year to secure your time slot and have access to practice rooms.
Where do lessons take place?
Most lessons occur at the VSO School of Music, 843 Seymour Street, next to the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Vancouver. We also offer offsite lessons (online or at-home studios of VSO SoM instructors). All lessons (onsite or offsite) are charged at the same rate, based on the rate of the paired instructor. If you would like to explore such flexible options, please reach out to our registration team at privatelessons@vsoschoolofmusic.ca
Do you offer bursaries or financial aid?
The VSO School of Music is proud to provide access to music lessons and programs to families needing financial assistance. The application is open all year round with three termly application deadlines. For more information, please click here.
RENTAL FAQs
How do I rent a practice room?
Please create an account with us. Afterwards, call 604-915-9300 ext 100 or email info@vsoschoolofmusic.ca to make a reservation. Please specify the preferred date, time, and type of room (practice room, grand piano studio, ensemble room) you would like to reserve.
Do you accept rental drop-ins?
Yes. Our upright piano practice rooms are available for drop-ins. We do advise calling in to book a preferred time slot, especially during peak hours (2pm – 6pm.)
How far in advance can I make a rental reservation?
Our grand piano studios, ensemble rooms, and classrooms require a minimum of 48 hours advanced notice to make a reservation. Please be advised that our scheduling is term-based (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer) and any classroom reservations made for the next coming term are not guaranteed. Major rentals can be made more than 1 year in advance.
How do I pay for my rental booking?
The easiest, most convenient method of payment is by credit card through your school account via the online checkout counter. For drop–ins, our front desk can assist in processing payment by card or cash. For larger rentals, (ie. Pyatt Hall, Willms Salon, and classrooms), we also accept cash/cheque/EFT submissions.
What are your rental rates? Are there any discounts?
Please click here for more information. Currently enrolled students and faculty of the VSO School of Music have the privilege of using our practice rooms free of charge. We also offer non-profit rates for larger rentals of Pyatt Hall and the Salon. Additionally, depending on room availability, recurring rental bookings of 10+ sessions can qualify for a 10% discount.
Do you require a deposit for Pyatt Hall rentals?
Yes. In order to finalize the rental booking, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining 50% is to be paid 2 weeks before the event date. Any corrections and additions to the rental charges based on services/equipment provided are also accepted prior to the 2-week deadline.
What is your rental cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations are accepted until 2 weeks before the event date. The 50% deposit will be refunded as credit for future use.
GENERAL FAQs
Where is the school located?
The VSO School of Music is located at 843 Seymour Street, directly next to the Orpheum Theatre.
Is there parking at the VSO School of Music?
Pay parking is available in the parkade under the building.
Do you have a lost and found?
Yes, there is a lost and found at the front desk.
How do I register for classes?
Please visit our online registration system FAQ page.
Do you ever cancel classes due to extreme weather such as snow or heat?
Yes, the School of Music follows the Vancouver School board for direction in case of extreme weather conditions. Should we need to close the school for any reason, all students will be notified via email of the closure.
Can I buy tickets to the VSO at the School of Music?
Yes, all tickets for VSO Concerts can be purchased on the first floor lobby of 843 Seymour Street. Please check hours here.