IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE:
March 9th, 2025:
First day of camp
March 15th, 2025:
Week-end student recital & end of camp.
The week-end recital is open to the public, by donation at the door. More information will be released on this closer to the camp.
FAQs - please read carefully
1. What are the difference between groups A, B and C?
Each group contains a different amount of private lessons and master classes. You can choose which group you would like to register in based on the amount you would like to participate.
Group A: 4 Private Lessons, 3 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Group B: 4 Private Lessons, 2 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Group C: 3 Private Lessons, 1 Master Class, 1 Performance Class
There are also additional private lessons and master class spots that can be purchased as an add-on to your group choice. These are on a first come first served basis, and there are a limited number available. When you register, you can request add-ons and we will contact you after registration if we are able to accommodate.
2. What is the daily schedule? Can I pick and choose which days I can attend?
The daily schedules have already been created for each camper and cannot be altered in any way.
Masterclasses and performance classes are from 1:00-3:00pm. Private lessons vary per student throughout the day.
You will not be required to attend each day of camp, only the days you are scheduled for your private lessons, master classes, or performance class. There may be some days you do not attend camp.
3. Will the private lessons be with the same teacher or all 3 of them? If they're with one teacher, will the student be able to choose which one?
All students will have the opportunity to work with each of the teachers at least once. If they have an additional private lesson or class, you may request a specific teacher, however we will be booking based on the teachers’ availability and cannot guarantee any requests.
4. Will the master classes be with all 3 teachers? If we choose 2 master class option (group B or C), what we will miss?
Students in Group A will have the opportunity to participate with each teacher at least once. If you select to add on a master class, you will be assigned a masterclass randomly. If you register in group B or C, you will have a different teacher for each or the only master class, respectively. You cannot choose the teachers for master classes, they will be assigned.
5. If I register for one option e.g. option B, may we switch to option A or C at a later time (if there's still slot available) by paying the difference?
The packages are built based on a specifically structured schedule to allow each student access to each teacher. You can upgrade your package by purchasing an extra master class or lesson (based on availability). If there is the option to upgrade your package, we will make every effort to accommodate, but this is not guaranteed.
6. What is the average age of the participants?
The camp is built for young pianists ages 12-19, who are studying at an advanced level (RCM 9 and above).
7. How many pieces of music can I work on?
Students are encouraged to bring a minimum of 3 pieces of music and to work on a different piece with each teacher in order to avoid confusion in instruction. You can work on the same piece with the same teacher in both private lessons and masterclasses. There is no maximum to pieces that students can bring, we just ask that repertoire be registered by February 15th so we can inform our teachers what they will be working on with students this week.
8. Can I record the lessons/master classes?
Students and parents are permitted to record their own/their child’s activities, however the recording of other students during master classes is not permitted. These recordings are also not permitted to be shared publicly and are for personal use only.
9. Can I sit in on my child’s private lessons?
Teachers have requested that the private lessons remain closed. The main reason for privacy is so that the student gets the full attention of the teacher and vice versa, since often students react differently when a parent is in attendance. All of the rooms have windows and you may record the lesson. Master classes are open to the public and can be attended by purchasing an auditor ticket.
9. What if I can’t make it to a lesson or if I am sick? Can I reschedule?
The program is scheduled very tightly based on the teachers’ availability since some of them are from outside of Ottawa, and scheduling is now complete. Because of this, no changes or refunds due to scheduling issues or illness will be made.
10. Is it required that the students bring the original score?
You can bring copies of the music so that the score can be marked up by the teacher without disturbing the original working copy.
11. How do we reserve the practice rooms?
A schedule will be made available onsite daily and students can sign up for a minimum of one hour in a practice room each day that they are here. There will be 4 pianos available for rehearsals, 1 Grand with a silent system, one upright with a silent system, and 2 digital pianos with headphones.
Sign up will be first come first serve. After 1 hour, you can come and reserve additional time based on availability.
12. What is the week-end student concert?
The week-end student concert is where the students will showcase what they have been working on all week. Students may choose one of the pieces they have been working on, up to 8 minutes in length (pieces cannot be longer than 8 minutes due to time constraints).
Admission will be by donation at the door (any monetary amount), but tickets will have to be reserved prior to the concert on Eventbrite.
As a fun, competitive twist on a classic recital, we will be inviting an outside adjudicator (TBA) to adjudicate the students’ performances. The top 3 students will receive prizes that includes the donations made upon admission.
FAQs
March Break Piano Camp
March 9-15, 2025