SOTA provides families with an opportunity for private or semi-private music and theory lessons during the school day. We believe in the God-given ability of each child to express themselves in music. Music education has been proven to increase a student’s ability in concentration, patterning, development of mathematical concepts and analysis, artistic expression, and to be an expression of joy!

The teachers involved at SOTA are committed to providing your child with excellence in teaching and encouragement as we explore and learn music together. Performance opportunities in chapels and at a year-end recital are part of the program and are used to build self confidence and encourage practicing.

Private music lessons during the school day allow for more family time, one less lesson to drive to, and the knowledge that your child is experiencing skilled teaching in a supportive, Christian environment. Our qualified teachers come from various studios in the Hamilton and Burlington area, and represent a wide range of choices for instrumental, theory, and vocal instruction. If your child has a desire to learn one or more instruments, get an introduction to music and rhythm, prepare for RCM examinations, or work toward the Ontario Secondary School open arts credit, we can accomplish that together! We will seek out the teachers each student needs to pursue their instrument of choice.

Most instruction takes place in our dedicated music room in the north wing of the school. Communication with parents is done weekly through the student’s communication book. Instrumental and vocal lessons are taught individually; some theory and junior music education/introduction classes are taught in small groups and are therefore offered at a reduced rate. For those students in ALPA, Curtain Call, or Venture programs, the scheduling of SOTA allows for them to participate fully in the activities these programs offer. Currently, we offer lessons in piano, theory (small group), voice (classical and musical theatre), guitar (bass, electric, classical, acoustic), drums, trumpet, baritone, primary music introduction (small group), vocal ensemble (small group, some previous vocal training required), sight singing (small group).

Our registration opens the first week of school and lessons will begin the third week. There are approximately 40 lesson spots available during the week; students will be officially registered and will start lessons once payments are received. If space remains, we do accept registrations during the Fall and Winter semesters.

Lesson Schedule and Cost:
For the 2016-2017 school year, our lesson run from September 19- early June.
 
The music lesson cost is $720.00 per student for thirty private music lessons (lasting 30 minutes each), usually done on a weekly basis. There are a variety of payment options that are outlined on the registration form, which is available at the front desk at BCA.
 
If more lessons are desired, they can be booked on an individual basis.  We do makeup lessons for school trips, school closure, or music teacher absence, but we cannot make up lessons for family vacations, sickness (unless it is an extended illness), etc.
 
The lesson fee includes teaching materials (music books, theory, notebooks), our recital at the end of the year (usually in early June), as well as opportunities to perform in chapels or other special times during the year, if the student so chooses. Lessons do not begin until payment has been received, and half year or every other week lesson packages can be arranged.
 
Our teaching offerings this year include:
  • Piano–RCM from beginner to Grade 9, Improvisation, Jazz, Popular
  • Voice–RCM,  Popular, Broadway
  • Violin–RCM, Suzuki
  • Guitar–electric, acoustic, bass
  • Drums
  • Flute–RCM, popular
  • Clarinet – RCM
  • Saxophone – RCM
  • Theory–from preparatory rudiments to composition and history
 
If there is an instrument that you wish to learn but is not listed, let us know and we will find a teacher for you!
 
We look forward to learning and growing with your child, or yourself!  Please contact Susan Kerr at sota@onlyatbccs.com, or call the school with any questions you have.
 
Sincerely,
 
Susan

“Sing to the Lord a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy” Psalm 33:3”