Studio Programs

Our Four-Track Program Model

Every child learns differently, so we’ve created four distinct program tracks to meet kids where they are and help them thrive. Whether your child loves structure, craves creativity, or is completely new to music, there’s an option that fits perfectly. We run on a term schedule (Fall, Spring, and Summer) to provide a consistent rhythm throughout the year. Fall and Spring terms are 18 weeks each, and we also offer a shorter 8-week Summer term for continued learning. Below, you’ll find our four tracks—RCM, Creative, Hybrid, and Piano Explorers—each with its own approach, pricing, and benefits.

RCM Track (Classical Foundations & Exam Prep)

This traditional track follows the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) curriculum, focusing on classical repertoire, music reading, and solid technique. If your child thrives on clear goals and structured progress, the RCM Track provides a path of leveled achievement. Students can work through RCM grades at their own pace and even opt to take formal RCM exams to earn certificates as they reach milestones. Throughout the journey, I ensure the learning stays positive and encouraging, so your child builds both skill and confidence with each new piece.

Lesson Format	Weekly one-on-one private lessons, following the RCM curriculum and milestones.
Term Length	18 weeks per term (Fall and Spring; an optional 8-week Summer term is also available for continued study).
Tuition	$35 per 30-minute lesson (billed as $630 per 18-week term for beginners). Longer lesson options (45 or 60 minutes) are available for intermediate and advanced students at adjusted rates.
Ideal For	Kids who enjoy structure, love classical music, or want to pursue formal achievements. This track gives them a rigorous, well-established pathway to develop high-level musicianship with recognized credentials along the way.

Learn more about the RCM Track ›

Creative Track (Musical Exploration & Self-Expression)

For children who learn best through hands-on creativity, our Creative Track Buddy Lessons offer a fun, collaborative twist on piano learning. In this program, two students are paired in overlapping lessons each week. Each child enjoys personal one-on-one coaching time and also gets to make music side-by-side with a buddy.

Rather than following an exam-focused routine, this track uses a structured yet creative curriculum: students work toward personal musical projects and “portfolio pieces” (like composing their own song) instead of formal tests. The experience still feels like a musical adventure, but with clear goals and guidance to keep them progressing steadily.

Students in the Creative Track are encouraged to improvise on the keys, compose their own tunes, and explore a variety of musical styles from day one – whether it’s inventing a melody over a blues groove or figuring out a favourite pop song by ear. They’ll still build all the important fundamentals (reading notes, rhythm, proper technique), but these will be woven into activities that keep their excitement high. Often, these creative explorations lead to a finished piece by the end of the term – something your child can proudly perform or add to their growing musical portfolio.

The peer interaction adds extra motivation: many kids practice more eagerly when they can swap musical ideas or enjoy a friendly “look what I can do!” moment with a partner. 

Lesson Format	Weekly 45-minute buddy lesson (each student receives roughly 30 minutes of individual instruction and 15 minutes of partnered lesson time).
Term Length	Runs in 18-week terms during Fall and Spring (matching the school semester schedule). An optional 8-week Summer term is available to keep the music going year-round.
Tuition	$45 per 45-minute lesson (billed as $810 per term for beginners). As your child progresses, longer lesson options (e.g. 60 minutes) can be arranged with tuition adjusted accordingly. All lesson materials and creative resources are included in the fee.
Ideal For	Children who learn best by doing and creating. It’s especially great for kids who flourish with a mix of personal attention and a playful, social learning environment.

Learn more about the Creative Track ›

Hybrid Track (Blending Classical & Creative Learning)

Can’t choose between classical training and creative exploration? The Hybrid Track offers the best of both worlds in a balanced program. Your child will have a weekly 45-minute private lesson to develop their technique, learn repertoire (including classical pieces), and build music-reading skills. On top of that, they’ll attend monthly creative group classes (4 per term) where students come together to do fun activities like composing music, playing by ear, ensemble games, or songwriting. This combination of one-on-one coaching and group creativity keeps lessons fresh and exciting. The discipline of classical practice is complemented by the inspiration of peer collaboration.

Lesson Format	18 private lessons (45 minutes each) plus 4 group classes (1 hour each) per term, blending individual focus with group fun.
Term Length	18 weeks per term (aligned with Fall/Spring terms; Summer options may be offered in a modified format).
Tuition	Bundled rate of $1115 per term (18 weeks), which includes all private lessons and the 4 creative group sessions. (This comprehensive package offers a special value compared to scheduling these components separately.)
Ideal For	Students who want a well-rounded musical experience – combining the structured progress and achievement of the RCM approach with the spontaneity and camaraderie of creative group learning. It’s a great choice for keeping highly motivated students engaged on multiple levels, and for parents who want to see their child enjoy music while still making structured progress.

Learn more about the Hybrid Track ›

Compare the Tracks at a Glance

To help you see the key differences at a glance, here’s a quick comparison of our four tracks. Each track is geared toward different interests and learning styles, but every path builds musical skills and confidence in a supportive environment:

(All tracks share our core teaching approach: patient guidance, engaging activities, and quality instruction.)

Piano Explorers (Group Introduction for Young Beginners)

Piano Explorers is a 10-week group program that gives beginners a fun, no-pressure introduction to piano. In weekly one-hour classes, a small group of children (around 6–8 students, typically in Grades 1–6) will explore the basics of music together. They’ll learn the musical alphabet, find their way around the keyboard, and play simple tunes right from the start. We incorporate movement, rhythm games, and creative activities so kids stay engaged and enjoy the process. Each child even gets to compose their own short piece to share at the end of the session – a wonderful way for them to feel proud of what they’ve learned!

Session Length	10 weeks (one hour class per week).
Tuition	$250 per 10-week session (includes all lesson materials and resources during the program).
Class Size	Small group (approximately 6–8 students) to ensure each child gets personal attention while benefiting from a social, team-like learning environment.
Ideal For	Young beginners who want to try piano in a playful group setting. It’s perfect if you’re not ready to commit to ongoing lessons – your child gets to “dip their toes” into music and see what it’s all about. By the end, they’ll have learned a few songs, gained confidence, and discovered that music is a blast! Many Piano Explorer graduates are excited to continue into one of our other tracks after experiencing how fun piano can be.

Learn more about the Piano Explorers Program ›

Why Choose Our Programs? – Ensuring Growth, Engagement, and Value

Choosing a music program is a big decision for families. We understand you might be wondering if this is worth the investment, whether your child will stay interested, and how you’ll see real growth. Here’s how The Modern Piano Room makes sure you and your child get the most out of every lesson:

Is it worth it?

Absolutely. When you enroll in our studio, you’re investing in much more than weekly piano time. Each lesson is part of a bigger plan for your child’s musical journey. Tuition covers not only the face-to-face lesson, but also the teacher’s behind-the-scenes planning, personalized curriculum design, and the creation of materials tailored to your child. You’ll see your child developing not just piano skills, but also concentration, confidence, and creativity that carry over into school and other activities. Music education is proven to boost cognitive development and self-esteem – benefits that last a lifetime. We truly believe (and parents often tell us) that the smiles during recitals and the pride in new accomplishments make it worth every penny.

What if they lose interest?

We’ve built our programs to keep lessons engaging and adaptable. Because we offer different tracks, we can pivot to what excites your child. If a student seems restless with classical pieces, we might introduce a cool jazz riff or let them pick a favorite pop song to learn. If they’re in the Creative Track and craving more challenge, we can incorporate some structured goals or a new project. The Hybrid Track by design mixes things up to prevent boredom. Plus, our teaching style makes lessons fun – incorporating games, storytelling, and lots of encouragement to motivate kids. We also communicate with you regularly about your child’s progress and enthusiasm; if interest wanes, we’ll work together on a solution. Our goal is for every child to look forward to lesson day!

How will I know they’re growing?

You will be able to see and hear your child’s progress. In the RCM Track, there are formal milestones like grade levels and exam results that clearly mark their advancement. In the Creative and Hybrid Tracks, you’ll notice growth through the songs your child can play, the music they create, and their increasing confidence at the piano. We hold informal performance opportunities (like mini recitals or group showcases) where you can watch your child shine and celebrate their improvement. Additionally, I provide periodic progress updates and am always happy to chat about your child’s development. You’ll be amazed at how far they come in just one term – and the growth isn’t only musical, it’s personal too.

What Your Tuition Includes

When you join The Modern Piano Room, tuition covers far more than the lesson time itself. We take a holistic approach to ensure your child has everything they need to succeed:

• Individualized lesson planning and curriculum design for your child’s needs and goals.

• Access to quality materials and resources (printables, sheet music, and learning aids provided in the studio).

• Ongoing support and communication: weekly lesson notes, progress check-ins, and tips for practice at home so you’re always in the loop.

• Participation in low-pressure performance events or sharing opportunities to help your child build confidence.

• A clean, fully-equipped, and inspiring learning environment where your child can feel comfortable and creative.

Ready to Get Started?

I’m here to support your child every step of the way on their musical journey. Book a Discovery Lesson to chat about your goals and let your child try out a lesson. This introductory session is the perfect way to find out which track fits your family best. I can’t wait to meet you and welcome you into The Modern Piano Room family!