ccvn     One of our principles here at the school is to constantly adapt and develop teaching methods that focus on individual needs and desires. In an attempt to maintain a variety of learning opportunities for students we offer numerous traditional and progressive music courses here at the school. Besides the obvious advantages, this also allows students to meet, interact, and perform with students learning other instruments and other styles of music.   Below is a brief description for each course offered at Windward Music School: Please note that all courses are private classes except songwriting and some theory classes. Piano Guitar Voice Music Theory / Songwriting Rates         Modern Piano / Keyboarding   Ages 8 and up   This is our most popular and longest lasting course here at the school. Learn to play pop, jazz, rock, or blues through innovative and exciting teaching methods. From very early on students are taught to analyze and understand the music they play, not just play it. A highly motivational teaching style, access to thousands of progressive music books and sheet music, and occasional use of a recording studio, keeps students encouraged as they learn to read music, arrange music, perform from chord charts and even play completely by ear. To hear some of these and other students perform, please click here or go to our Student Corner section and press “Student Samples”.     Classical Piano   Ages 7 and up   Learn to play Beethoven, Brahms, Chopin, Mozart and others through the traditional and respected methods established by the Royal Conservatory of Music. Teachers for this course are registered RCM teachers. They have proven track records of achieving high results for their students through exceptional examination scores and by offering their students a deeper and more musical understanding of all classical music. Students taking this course have the option of taking formal RCM examinations or surveying each grade under the guidance of their teacher. To hear some of these and other students perform, please click here or go to our Student Corner section and press “Student Samples”. Please note that many students choose to combine these two teaching methods. Though your teacher may suggest this option to you, please feel free to discuss this unique and diverse learning opportunity with us in advance or at any time throughout your or your child’s lessons. An exciting option offered to all above piano students is the option to learn to play on our world class 7 foot concert grand piano. For more on this piano please visit the “Our Facilities” section of this website.     Piano for Young Beginners   Ages 5 to 8   This course is offered for those parents who would like to have their child experience music lessons at a young age. This course emphasizes fun, games, and basic piano playing while building a foundation for successful formal music lessons in the future. It is our absolute joy to instill a love of music and an appreciation of the piano in curious young minds. This affordable course is taught on a keyboard with hundreds of fun sounds to play with and with access to hand drums, CDs and games galore.   TOP           Modern Electric / Acoustic guitar   Ages 7 and up   One of our most popular classes, this course is perfect for students who want to learn to play along with their favourite songs or as part of a band. The guitar is a versatile and creative instrument and this course is designed with that in mind. Guitar students can learn to read music, read from Tab, or play by ear. Plenty of fun extras such as play along CDs and drum samples make for a more complete learning experience. Our guitar teachers are professionals who bring their own intense musical training, passion, and years of performing and studio experience to every lesson. To play like a pro, you need to learn from a pro – it’s as simple as that! To hear some of these and other students perform, please click here or go to our Student Corner section and press “Student Samples”.   Please note that one of our guitar teachers is also a certified and exceptional teacher of Classical Guitar. Please enquire if you feel this beautiful and demanding style of playing would best suit you or your child to ensure proper placement.   Bass Guitar Ages 8 and up   Arguably one of the most critical instruments in a band is the bass guitar – the foundation of modern music. Bass lessons include the teaching of difficult bass technique, finger picking styles, chord chart reading, analysis, and the development of tone. Lessons are progressive and combine the academic theory of bass with the most modern styles and influences. To hear some of these and other students perform, please click here or go to our Student Corner section and press “Student Samples”.   TOP           Voice     Ages 8 and up   One of the most important and commonly overlooked music lessons are voice lessons. Singers have the unique challenge of being both the performer and the instrument and as such have the added responsibility of taking proper care of their voices  Voice students can learn classical, pop, jazz,  music theatre, or a combination. Lessons emphasize vocal range, expression, proper breathing and warm ups, as well as microphone and performance techniques. All voice lessons are taught in a spacious and private environment with a professional grand piano, mirrors, and microphone when needed. To hear some of these and other students perform, please click here or go to our Student Corner section and press “Student Samples”.   TOP           Music Theory   Ages 7 and up   Offered as either a private or group class. Covering music theory from the basics to complex harmony. Our qualified teachers make music theory fun and help apply it to real life musical situations with all instruments. Preparation for Royal Conservatory exams offered.     Songwriting   Ages 8 and up   This course is offered 3 times a year in 8 week segments. It is a group class in which students taking all different classes come together and learn to write a song together. This highly popular class owes much of its success to its format. In just 8 weeks students learn the language of songwriting, write and record a full song, and leave the course with a professional CD recording of the song by the group. Students may take this course multiple times and progress from beginner, through intermediate 1 and 2, to advanced and finally master class. To hear a sample from our most recent Intermediate 1 songwriting class song “We Are Who We Are” please press here.    TOP     Coming soon: Popstars “Making a Band”       Rates Lesson rates vary depending on course and teacher. All rates include GST (if applicable). Below are prices ranges to help give an idea of cost: Keyboard for Young Beginners - $23 Other Private lessons - $24 to $29 per half hour (extra for grand piano lessons) Group lessons -  $12 to $20 per half hour Please feel free to call or email and receive an exact lesson rate quote.   TOP