PRIVATE LESSON FAQs
What are private lessons? How are they structured?
Private lessons are 1 on 1 lessons with the instructor and the student, usually taking place once per week or once every two weeks. Lessons range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.
What is the cost? Are there any additional costs (taxes, etc)?
30-minute lessons start at $42.50, 45-minute lessons start at $63.75, and 60-minute lessons start at $85. Some instructors have a higher rate, but we will definitely let you know in advance if that is the case. There are no taxes and the only additional cost is the $55 registration fee that is paid once per school year (not applicable to a trial lesson).
How can I pay for my lessons? Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit cards, Visa debit, cash, and cheque payments. For credit card/Visa debit payments, please give our front desk attendant a call at 604-915-9300 ext 100 to provide them with your card details. Lessons are charged through automatic monthly payments two weeks prior to the start of the next month (on the 17th or 18th of the month).
For cash payments, we accept full term or full year payments only.
For cheque payments, please provide us with post-dated cheques in advance and we will process the payments each month accordingly.
What is your cancellation/withdrawal policy?
Please read our School Policies.
I want to register, can I see lesson/scheduling options?
If you are a new student, please start by filling out our private lessons inquiry form. We will get back to you in the next few business days with lesson and instructor options that best match your age and skill level. If you are already a student at the school, please contact the registration team at privatelessons@vsoschoolofmusic.ca.
Can I register and pay for private lessons online by myself?
Due to the nature of processing private lesson, registrations must go through us on our end 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.
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 to register for the full year to secure your time slot.
Where do lessons take place?
The majority of lessons take place at the VSO School of Music, located at 843 Seymour St. next to the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Vancouver. Some instructors also teach online or off-site at their home studio.
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.
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 reception?
No, all tickets for VSO Concerts can be purchased through the box office on the fifth floor of the School or by calling Customer Service at 604.876.3434.