TUNES FOR TOTS  Our Tunes for Tots program is an important part of our school curriculum. It is a music appreciation class for pre-schoolers (aged 3-6) that can act as an introduction to future musical education. Tunes for Tots teaches children musical concepts such as rhythm, pitch, and how to perform in an ensemble setting. An atmosphere of enjoyment and creativity is set for these aspiring young musicians to explore the world of music. Students also have the opportunity to perform in front of various groups in the community.     PIANO LESSONS  Piano instruction can be engaged in by students ranging from four years of age through to adulthood. Our piano programs, and the materials that they are structured upon, are established by the needs and interests of the individual student. The intent is to ensure that all students feel a sense of encouragement and success based upon their abilities. At the completion of each grade level, students are prepared for piano exams. This offers parents and students a means of measuring progress. A significant aspect of the Hamilton School of Music program is the opportunity to perform at recitals, play-outs, and competitions. Students are urged to experiment with a variety musical styles from the piano repertoire including classical, romantic, contemporary, pop, rock, and jazz.   VIOLIN LESSONS  Students of violin can begin their instruction as early as four years of age and as late as adulthood. A variety of courses are offered depending of the students' ability level. They are encouraged to play in ensembles with other instrumentalists at the school. Examinations, recitals, and competitions are also available and each of the violinists are supported in participating in these. Master classes are held on a regular basis.   DRUM LESSONS  Students of all ages are taught to read music and are able to play in ensembles while reading from professional charts. Students are also encouraged to play at various recitals, competitions, and community events.

GUITAR & BASS GUITAR LESSONS  The Hamilton School of Music currently offers lessons in plectrum or pick-style guitar. From the onset of lessons, students are taught to read music. As with piano instruction, exposure to the many different styles of music available to the contemporary guitar player is promoted by instructors. At the completion of grade expectations, the opportunity to take examinations is provided to students and teachers will prepare their students for all phases of the examination requirements.                 VOCAL INSTRUCTION  Our voice program teaches students proper breathing techniques, pitch control, development of tone and range, and artistic expression. Voice students participate in our recital program and sing with various instrumental groups within the school and, on occasion, in the community. A number of our school students have auditioned and performed with the Hamilton Children's Choir. All students are encouraged to take part in voice competitions and teachers aid them in preparing for their vocal exams. We are proud to say that many of our students have received very high marks in their adjudications at The Greater Hamilton Music Festival.               BAND INSTRUMENTS Instruction in flute, trumpet, and saxophone is also available at the Hamilton School of Music. The focus with these lessons, as with all others, is always designing a program that meets the needs and interests of each individual student. The school always seeks to expose its students to an array of music stylings. Training for auditions is also available.

Private Lesson  (30 minutes): Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Violin, Voice, Flute, Brass, Woodwinds, or Theory $76.00/month Multiple Lessons (this applies to additional students per family or a student who takes lessons in more than one instrument). * Except Violin $72.00/month Junior Keyboard/Guitar (Pre-grade one) $68.00/month Private Theory (Rudiments): Offered only to students currently enrolled. $72.00/month Group Theory (Rudiments): Offered only to students currently enrolled. $48.00/month Tunes for Tots (45 minutes) $48.00/month Rentals (piano, guitar, violin) $10.00/month Rentals (drums and woodwinds) $15.00/month   * Fees are monthly (by a series of postdated cheques for the 1st of each month) and include 4 lessons per month. All fees are subject to change. * There is no registration fee.   EXAMINATION FEES PIANO & GUITAR HSM RCM Introductory $45 $63 Grade 1 $45 $79 Grade 2 $50 $81 Grade 3 $50 $84 Grade 4 $55 $86 Grade 5 $55 $89 Grade 6 $60 $99 Grade 7 $60 $106 Grade 8 $65 $121 Grade 9 $65 $150 Grade 10 $70 $256 ARCT - Performer's N/A $419 ARCT - Teacher's N/A $444 Grade 2 Rudiments (Adv.) N/A $91 Grade 3 Harmony N/A $95 Grade 3 History N/A $95 For additional RCM exam information go to www.rcmexaminations.org     " We have 2 children who have been receiving instruction in piano and guitar at the Hamilton School of Music for almost 3 years now. Their music education has always been responsive to their individual needs and interests (ie. materials were selected for my son that linked to his oral communications topic at school) in a manner that goes above and beyond any of our expectations. Their instructors have gotten to know the children, both as it relates to their instruction and on a personal level, in a way that has aided in making my children feel at ease, engaged, and most significantly, as though they are unique and important!! Our children are bright students and we have often struggled to find opportunities that are stimulating, challenging, and exciting to them...The Hamilton School of Music has consistently and adeptly done all three! "  - V & J Gravelle