Program Description

Strings, Piano, Woodwinds/Brass

Violin closeup

Strings, Piano, Woodwinds/Brass Academy is divided into distinct levels: 

Those students not placed into one of these levels may be considered for Academy Participant status.

New students are placed in the program based on the results of their audition, while those already in the Academy are required to re-audition yearly to maintain or improve their standing.

Junior Academy

Students benefit from the extensive technical enrichment provided at this level, with emphasis being on developing technical proficiency and musical skills. In addition to weekly masterclasses/technique classes, students are instructed in basic musical concepts and work regularly with a collaborative pianist. Monthly recitals help students develop their performance skills and gain confidence.

Junior Academy consists of the following components:
  • weekly 60-minute technique or performance classes with designated Academy faculty, accompanied by a collaborative pianist
  • bi-weekly 30-minute rehearsals with assigned collaborative pianist (8 hours per year)
  • 60-minute ensemble classes (varies depending on instrument)
  • weekly orchestra rehearsals for string players and choir rehearsals for other instrumentalists
  • weekly 45-minute Music Literacy group classes
Junior Academy does NOT include:
  • private instrument lessons

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Intermediate Academy

For students who are playing advanced repertoire, but still developing their performance skills. Weekly sessions include masterclasses and chamber music, as well as regular rehearsals with an assigned collaborative pianist. Monthly recitals help students further develop their performance skills and stage presence.

Intermediate Academy consists of the following components:
  • weekly 60-minute masterclasses with designated Academy faculty, accompanied by a collaborative pianist
  • bi-weekly 30-minute rehearsals with assigned collaborative pianist (8 hours per year)
  • weekly 60-80 minute ensemble classes or chamber music coachings
  • weekly orchestra rehearsals for string players and choir rehearsals for other instrumentalists
  • weekly 45-60 minute Music Literacy group classes
Intermediate Academy does NOT include:
  • private instrument lessons

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Associate Academy

An "entry level" to Senior Academy, Associate Academy is for younger students who are playing advanced repertoire. Students receive weekly masterclasses/technique classes and chamber music coachings, as well as regular sessions with an assigned collaborative pianist.

Associate Academy consists of the following components:
  • weekly 80-minute masterclasses with designated Academy faculty, accompanied by a collaborative pianist
  • weekly 30-minute rehearsals with assigned collaborative pianist (16 hours per year)
  • weekly 80-minute chamber music coachings with assigned Academy faculty
  • weekly orchestra rehearsals for string players and choir rehearsals for other instrumentalists
  • weekly 60-minute Music Literacy group classes
Associate Academy does NOT include:
  • private instrument lessons

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Senior Academy

For musically mature students who are playing very advanced repertoire. Students receive weekly masterclasses, chamber music coachings and rehearsals with an assigned collaborative pianist.

Senior Academy consists of the following components:
  • weekly 80-minute masterclasses with designated Academy faculty, accompanied by a collaborative pianist
  • weekly 30-minute rehearsals with assigned collaborative pianist (16 hours per year)
  • weekly 80-minute chamber music coachings with assigned Academy faculty
  • weekly orchestra rehearsals for string players and choir rehearsals for other instrumentalists
  • weekly 60-minute Music Literacy group classes
Senior Academy does NOT include:
  • private instrument lessons

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Honours Academy

For a select group of extraordinary young talents accelerating at a pace beyond their age, who are capable of performing full-length solo and chamber music recitals. In addition to being a part of the Monday Senior Academy classes, these students will have monthly multi-disciplinary performance masterclasses as well as access to guest artists and other performance opportunities. Entrance is by special audition. Students must demonstrate the ability to learn two full-length solo recitals in a given academic year.  
 

Honours Academy consists of the following components:
  • weekly 80-minute masterclasses with designated Academy faculty, accompanied by a collaborative pianist
  • six 2-hour (Honours students only) Sunday masterclasses with rotating faculty, accompanied by a collaborative pianist
  • 20 rehearsal hours per year with assigned collaborative pianist
  • weekly 80-minute chamber music coachings with assigned Academy faculty
  • weekly orchestra rehearsals for string players and choir rehearsals for other instrumentalists
  • weekly 60-minute Music Literacy group classes
  • priority access to many distinguished visiting guest artists
Honours Academy does NOT include:
  • private instrument lessons

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Academy Participant

Academy Participant consists of the following components:
  • weekly masterclasses with designated Academy faculty, accompanied by a collaborative pianist
  • bi-weekly 30-minute rehearsals with assigned collaborative pianist (8 hours per year)
Academy Participant does NOT include:
  • private instrument lessons
  • chamber music
  • orchestra or choir participation
  • Music Literacy classes

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