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FAQ's

  • What instruments do you offer?

    • Violin/Fiddle & soon Piano!

 

  • What is the difference between a Violin & Fiddle?

    • All jokes aside, there are no practical differences. However some say that it’s the style of music you play on the instrument (violinist being considered more classical players, and fiddlers being seen as more folk music aficionados). At a high level, a fiddler of certain sub-genres might prefer a flatter bridge to accommodate more double stops (playing of multiple strings at the same time), or different sounding strings. There is, however an etymological difference…if you’re into the history of words you can find a quick summary here.

 

  • What levels do you teach?

    • All Levels & styles from complete beginners to pre-professional students who are preparing for university auditions and RCM examinations.

 

  • At what age do you accept students/How old do you start students?

    • Age 4 (possibly 3 1/2) parents should expect to be very involved in lessons and at-home practice.

 

  • Do you teach adults?

    • YES! We love working with our adult learners as they bring unique and diverse backgrounds as well as sophisticated and thoughtful questions that allow us to dig into the nitty gritty of certain techniques and repertoire.

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  • Do you supply violins?

    • No - we recommend renting, to begin with, especially for children on who require fractional size instruments. We suggest the following businesses to rent from:  

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  • Do you offer group classes?

    • In North Vancouver/Vancouver NO - please visit our friends at the North Shore Celtic Ensemble: celticensemble.ca.  Contact us for Sunshine Coast & qathet/Powell River options: info@serenaeades.com or check out our website by location.

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  •  I don’t live in any of your studio locations, but I want to learn from your teachers. Can I still take lessons?

    • Yes - online lessons are a great option!

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  • When can I register for lessons?

    • Registration for the fall is now open! However, we accept new students year-round.

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  • Do you offer trial lessons?

    • Yes. We offer trial lessons for a fee in order to ensure that the instructor is a good fit for you/your child. We do, however, encourage you take into consideration that it can take time to forge a relationship with the instructor and for the instructor to devise a learning plan that suits you/your child. 

 

  • Where are your studios located? 

    • 150 E. 3rd Ave, Vancouver

    • #230-445 Mountain Hwy. North Vancouver

    • 657 Highland Rd. Gibsons, BC

    • 211-5831 Ash Street, qathet/Powell River, BC

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  • Do lessons run all year round?

    • While we do offer lessons through July & August, our regular, full schedule runs from September to June.  Summer lessons are typically offered on a reduced schedule.

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  • 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. Lessons range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes.

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  • How long are private lessons?

    • We recommend weekly 30 min. lessons for students under the age of 9 and weekly 45 min. Lessons for students ages 9+

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  • How can I pay for my lessons? Which payment methods do you accept?

    • We accept credit cards for monthly payments and e-transfers for term payments.

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  • 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 couple of  business days with lesson and instructor options that best match your/your child’s age and interests. If you are already a student at the school, please contact the registration team at SEAOM Admin

 

  • What is your cancellation/withdrawal policy?

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  • I want to learn violin but don’t know anything about how to start.

    • Don’t worry! We are able to set you up with everything to start you off.  Get in touch to book a free consult: info@serenaeades.com We can help recommend places to buy/rent instruments, and our instructors will work with you/your child on the basics of how to set up and care for your violin and bow, hold them correctly, learn to read music and play by ear, and work with you to build a learning plan that suits your/your child’s interests and and learning style.

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  • "I can’t learn by ear" or "I can’t learn by sheet music"—sound familiar?

    • You’re not alone! It’s completely normal to have a preference for how you learn. Some students find it easier to learn by ear, phrase by phrase, while others are more comfortable reading sheet music. At SEAOM, we prioritize each student’s individual needs and tailor our lessons accordingly. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, we focus on what works best for you.

 

  • What performance opportunities are available for students?

    • Students have the opportunity to participate in 2 recitals per year, in addition to Festivals (including the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts, qathet Festival of Performing Arts, and Kiwanis Festival of Performing Arts).  The teacher will assess if the student is ready to participate in a given recital so that the student has a positive experience and feels inspired to perform.

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  • Are recitals mandatory?

    • No, but we strongly encourage them! Participating in a recital gives students a valuable goal to work toward, providing motivation to prepare and practice. It’s also a great way to develop performance skills and build confidence in a supportive environment.

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