About AML’s Piano Classes:

1. What Can Piano Students Expect? – The AML Piano Program is a “Holistic” method, combining elements of traditional piano pedagogy (reading music, scales, keyboard geography, technique etc.) with modern piano skills (playing by ear, chording, contemporary popular music).
   The AML approach to teaching piano differs from how piano was taught in previous generations and how many instructors still teach today. The program makes the learning process practical, enjoyable, fast, and relevant – so students can carry the ability to play piano as a practical skill throughout their lives.

    

    

2. How Long Is Each Lesson? – Classes are 1-hour each week and provide twice the instruction time for the same price as traditional ½ hr. lessons.

    

    

3. How Much Do Lessons Cost? – Our students enrol by academic year (Sept – June). Annual tuition is
   $1405 and is paid in full or via 10 payments of $137 per month. This works out to $35 for each 1-hour class over
   the course of the year. AML offers a convenient pre-authorized digital payment system.

    

    

4. Can I Enrol Mid-School Year? – Yes. While most of our students enrol by academic year to secure their spot in the program, we do admit students during the year. We also keep a waiting list and, once there are enough students to form a new class, we will do so.

    

    

5. Do You ONLY Offer Group Lessons? – No! AML also offers private lessons BUT experience has shown that most of our students learn faster and enjoy the process more in small group lessons.
   We’ve found this learning format is especially beneficial for students who experience shyness or anxiety as it helps them develop confidence, courage, healthy friendships, and a positive sense of identity.

    

    

6. Should I Do Group Or Private Lessons? – If a student has learning or behavioral challenges, if the student requires a specially customized approach, or if the student is already highly experienced, then we will often place them in private lessons.
   Most of our students, however, become better musicians faster by enrolling in a small group class and it’s a better bang for your buck.

    

    

7. How Many Teachers Are There Per Class? – Classes are small (5 – 10 students) and generally have two teachers so that students can benefit from both the group dynamic and one-on-one attention as needed.
   Our teachers are highly experienced & knowledgeable and carry a library of mental and technical tips & tricks to help students tackle the learning process faster.
   We currently have three expert lead teachers and ten trained assistant teachers. In addition, AML employs a support staff to allow teachers to focus on curriculum, students, and their families.

    

    

8. Do AML Students Learn Faster Than In Other Lessons? – Yes. In a nutshell… The AML program is based on many years of research and in class experience. It draws from the best of music instruction, psychology, and neuroscience to help students learn more efficiently than in traditional lessons.
   In addition, our double length class format means that our students develop skills/knowledge faster. They also tend to practice more because they are accountable to their classmates and practice = progress. Students report that they have more fun because they are with like minded team mates and, when they are among friends and enjoy the process, they learn more effectively.

    

    

9. Do AML Lessons Help Students Develop Non-Musical Strengths? – Yes, music is the vehicle we use to help students of all ages develop confidence, courage, focus, patience, tenacity, social skills, friendships, listening skills, team work, and more.
   Connecting with others who share an interest in music has helped many of our students grow in ways we could not have imagined. For our younger students, having positive role models and a tribe of like-minded friends is key to their development and the AML method is designed to strengthen both the musician and the person.

    

    

10. What’s The “Game Room” All About? – At our downtown location we have dedicated a room to fun and friendship. The Game Room is open during class hours and we encourage students to come early or stay late to play air hockey, foosball, board games, X-Box, etc. with their fellow musicians.
    The Game Room is also an important part of staging events including teen movie nights, Professional Development school day programs, summer camps, and staff team building functions.
    We’ve seen the development wonderful friendships that extend beyond music lessons as a result of the Game Room. Plus, parents love knowing that their kids are having fun with friends while they’re finishing up their errands.

     

     

11. Do Students Get To Perform? – Yes, our Grand Student Concerts are held in January and June at The Bert Church Theatre. These special events are for the whole family with door prizes, refreshments, etc.
    Concerts are key to students’ development as musicians and as people, giving them concrete goals and the experience of performing in front of a real audience, which builds confidence and self esteem.
    Our students also perform throughout the year in mini recitals and around town in community gigs (coffee houses, charity gigs, etc.)

     

     

12. Do You Provide Learning Materials? – Yes, we supply students with a 3-ring binder, sheet music, goal sheets, practice charts, and weekly practice videos (students receive a private YouTube link so they can review the videos as often as they want).
    Students do need to have a piano for practicing at home. Modern digital pianos are compact, affordable and play much like acoustic pianos.

     

     

13. Where Are The Lessons Held? – All classes and lessons are held at our downtown location, at 204 1st Ave NE Airdrie, right next to the United Church. 

     

     

14. Are There Opportunities To Grow At AML? – Yes! Once they’ve learned the piano fundamentals, some students take up additional instruments, others take higher levels of piano, some audition for Rock Band Class and, some use their knowledge to write and record songs at professional recording studios, and some even become interns and assistants here at AML.

    Airdrie Music Lessons also offers Guitar, Singing, Drum, Ukulele, Fine Art and Rock Band classes from beginner to advanced. It’s quite common for a student to begin with one type of class and then, after gaining proficiency in that area, shift to another (or take on an additional) area of interest.
    
    AML offers volunteer opportunities for students to learn more about everything from teaching to concert production to recording studio technology. We also have a teacher training program that has seen a number of our students become highly respected Assistant Music Teachers.