Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below is a list of the questions we are asked most often. If you don’t see an answer to your question here, or if you require any clarification, feel free to contact us directly.

How do I sign up for lessons?

It’s easy! Simply fill out our Lesson Signup Form and we will take it from there. If you have questions regarding our lesson programs that aren’t answered here, you can also submit a quick Lesson Enquiry via the form. Or, you can simply Contact Us and we’d be happy to get you or your child enrolled and/or answer any questions that you may have.

What is the cost of each lesson?

Lesson prices are determined by each instructor individually, and are subject to change. Prices vary according to the length of the lesson, and the level of the student. Please contact us for current lesson rates.

Is there a registration fee?

No. We view registration fees as little more than a “cash grab” with no inherent value attached. As such, we charge no hidden fees beyond the cost of the lessons themselves.

What about HST?

Fortunately, all music lessons and classes (likewise KW Glee and KW YCB tuition) remain HST exempt.

Where are you located?

Renaissance School of the Arts is located on Lexington Court in Waterloo. Click here for the address and a map.

How does your fee schedule work? (i.e. when do I pay, and how often?)

For music lesson, payment is collected on a monthly basis, on the first lesson of each month, covering the number of lessons within that month. Other classes (KW Glee, KW YCB, etc.) are payable in advance per term. We prefer payment by cheque, made payable to Renaissance School of the Arts. Please note that cheques should not be made payable to the instructor. Post-dated cheques are acceptable. We also offer an e-transfer payment option in case you’re unable to pay by cheque.

Do I have to commit to a lengthy term?

For music lessons – no. Because of the fact that our fees are collected monthly, you are free to start lessons – or stop lessons – at any time. However due to the group nature of KW Glee, KW YCB, and other classes, a term commitment is required.

What if I need to cancel a lesson (i.e., if my daughter has the flu, or we have another commitment)?

We do not charge for cancellations of private music lessons, provided notice of cancellation is received 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson; otherwise, the instructor is obligated to charge for the missed lesson. However, if the cancellation is due to illness, bad weather, or another unforeseeable reason – or if 24 hours notice has been given – we will credit the fee paid toward the following month’s lessons.

PLEASE NOTE: The intent of our flexible cancellation policy is to provide students and parents with a penalty-free way to cancel a scheduled lesson for primarily unusual circumstances. Instructors do have the right to charge for missed lessons if a student appears to be abusing this policy, or is repeatedly cancelling lessons for unacceptable reasons (“I am not prepared” is not an acceptible reason for a cancellation). At the instructor’s discretion, lessons may be terminated entirely. Please keep in mind that by repeatedly canceling a lesson, you are occupying a time slot that could be filled by a more reliable student, and taking income away from the instructor.

How often are the lessons?

Typically, music lessons take place once a week. Depending on your own goals and schedule availability – and at the discretion of your instructor – this can be adjusted. Some students prefer a single full-hour lesson bi-weekly, rather than a half hour each week, while others who are preparing for a competition or an audition may want lessons more frequently.

How long is each lesson?

Music lessons begin at 30 minutes in length and are adjusted upwards as the student’s skill and playing ability (and dedication) develops, at the discretion of the instructor.

Do you offer group music lessons?

Not generally, no. All of our music lessons are private, one-on-one with the instructor. This allows us to give greater attention to the individual student, and custom-tailor the learning experience. Students are then free to learn as quickly or as slowly as they feel comfortable, and can better reach their own learning potential.

Do I need to have my own piano (or flute, or guitar, or…)?

Yes, you must have your own instrument, in order to practice between lessons. With the exception of piano, the student is expected to bring their instrument to lessons as well. Whether you choose to buy an instrument or rent one is up to you.

I need to buy a piano (or a flute, or guitar, or…) – where is the best place to get one?

Renaissance School of the Arts does not sell or rent instruments in-house. However, we are able to offer advice as to where to go locally. Just give us a call (or drop us an email) – we’re happy to help.

Do you offer lessons throughout the summer?

Yes, at the discretion and availability of the instructor. Generally, students are encouraged to continue lessons throughout the summer, since it usually amounts to only 8 missed lessons (July and August). Often when a student stops studying for the summer, they stop practicing as well, and it takes another 8 lessons in the fall just to get back the playing ability they had at the end of the previous June.

Can I schedule lessons during the day (when my child is in school)?

Absolutely. According to Canada’s School Administration Act, a child is allowed to miss school, if doing so to attend a private music lesson.

The exact text, from Section 6, subsection 2 of the School Administration Act reads as follows:
“A child is excused from attendance at school if he [or she] is absent for the purpose of receiving instruction in music and the period of absence does not exceed one-half day in any week.”

Is there a minimum age for my child to begin lessons?

We generally expect a child to be at least 7 years old before commencing private lessons, although this is flexible, depending on the individual child and the discretion of the instructor. A student must be able to maintain focused attention for at least 30 minutes, and understand that a daily practice routine is expected. This minimum age does vary for different instruments, of course. A certain amount of upper body strength is required to play many of the brass and woodwind instruments (and it’s recommended that the student have all of their permanent teeth); a certain hand size is required to play the electric bass.

Is there a maximum age restriction?

Absolutely not. You are never too old to learn an instrument – that old adage about “old dogs and new tricks” is simply wrong! We have a great many successful adult students, many of whom didn’t begin lessons until after their retirement.

How much practicing am I expected to do?