Preschool Courses
Adventures in Music
Ages 2-5Adventures in Music is a specially designed general music course for children 2 to 5 years of age with little or no previous music experience. Using a creative combination of Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze, this course is highly recommended as preparation for private studies on any instrument. Through songs, movement, dance, and educational games, your child will enjoy learning the building blocks of music; melody, pitch, and rhythm. Adventures courses run for 15 weeks each and are currently being offered on Fridays and Saturdays. Parent participation is required for the Adventures class for ages 2-3.
Adult Courses
Adult Beginner 10 week Courses
Classical GuitarIt’s never too late to learn to play an instrument! Amati String Studio has specially designed these unique courses for adults who have very little or no experience on a musical instrument. During each one hour group lesson adult students will learn the importance of good posture, tone production and intonation with an emphasis on learning to play by ear. Class time will also include some basic theory, music history, note reading, and discussions on playing with style and expression. For those who have always wanted to play the violin or guitar, these courses are an excellent way to get started. At the end of each course, students are welcome to enroll for private instruction.
Adult Intermediate Chamber Ensemble is intended for students with a minimum of 1-2 years of playing experience and note reading ability. Rehearsals are scheduled one evening a week. Twice a year, Amati hosts a special Adult Wine and Cheese Evening where adult students are given the opportunity to perform in an informal/casual setting.
Music Theory
Music Theory: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Rudiments, Harmony and History are offered as necessary co-requisites for RCM Examinations.
These courses are 12-24 weeks in length depending on level.
Recommended levels of study for theory preparation are as follows:
RCM practical grade 4-5-- Basic Rudiments
RCM practical grade 6 -- Intermediate Rudiments
RCM practical grade 7-8-- Advanced Rudiments
Other courses such as history, harmony, counterpoint and analysis are available for higher level practical exams.
Private Instruction
Amati provides private music lessons for all ages and levels using a variety of methods to meet each students goals and needs. For the beginner student on violin and viola, Suzuki and Traditional methodologies are used to provide an approach that focuses on good posture, aural learning, parent participation and a positive, fun learning environment. Note reading is introduced from an early age. A more traditional, conservatory approach is used for intermediate to advanced players.
Classical guitar lessons are available for beginner to advanced students and start as young as 5 years old. Amati guitar instructor Derek Sterling is one of B.C.'s only registered Suzuki guitar instructors. Guitar students are required to play on acoustic instruments with beginner to intermediate levels using nylon strings. Although the foundation is classical, an interest in other genres of music is also supported.
Piano lessons are offered for students of all ages and levels. Students may start as young as 4 years old. A variety of methods are used depending on the students ability and objective.
Preparation for RCM Examinations
Amati students have been continually successful in RCM Examinations; many have been recipients of top Provincial Medals. Practical examinations require diligent practicing, and when time allows for adequate preparation, students acquire excellent time management, study, technical and practical skills which can be used in other areas of their lives. Students at Amati are encouraged to participate in RCM Examinations when their private instructor feels they are ready. Students should discuss skill levels, goals and timing for exams with individual teachers or the Director.
Group Classes & Ensembles
Group lessons are an integral part of training young string players. They provide an opportunity to review basic skills and techniques, and reinforce material learned in the private lessons. Group classes encourage young players to gain increased mastery of their instrument as well as allowing them to listen to their peers demonstrate more advanced pieces.
Amati offers three levels of Chamber Orchestra Ensembles for violinists, violists, and cellists. Placement in the orchestra is based on recommendation of the teacher as well as playing level.
Amati’s student Guitar Ensemble is open to guitar students at two levels, junior and intermediate. In addition, small ensembles are arranged for intermediate and senior students.
Beginner Performance Classes are open to students in violin and viola studying Suzuki method. Suzuki Performance classes are also offered at Book 1, 2, and 3 levels. More advanced students can choose from many levels of technical classes based on the Royal Conservatory of Music syllabus.
Amati offers three levels of Fiddle Classes including a beginning fiddle preparation class for Suzuki students, Junior Sizzlers and Senior Sizzlers Performance Group. Senior Sizzlers Fiddle Group is by audition only. The Sizzlers are a young group of musicians who perform a wide variety of Celtic, Klezmer and traditional music. Involved in community outreach including many special performances, this group also participates in national and international tours.
