Back to school is well under away, and we’re so happy to see smiling faces throughout the school again! Our students really do love music, but you don’t have to take our word for it … one of our students, who has been studying with us for over a decade, has this to say:
“DoReMi is one of the best music schools for kids and teens to find a love for music, learn how to play instruments and improve their skills in an incredibly positive learning environment. DoReMi creates a friendly family environment that we all enjoy taking lessons in.
Continuing lessons was one of the best decisions I’ve made because piano and music is a great source of joy and stress relief for me. As a grade 12 student, piano has helped me with diligence and dexterity, as well as given me an outlet to connect with other people in middle school and high school.”
~ Sara I.
Our parents love the programs too:
“As a music teacher in the public school system, I have a particular appreciation for the unique curriculum used at DoReMi. The school instils a love of music in its students, one that has led both of my children to a Regional Arts Program for high school. We have been part of the DoReMi family since 2011, and my children think of the school as a second home. The teachers are willing and able to support the musical interests of my children, keeping them engaged as their tastes evolve. I am truly grateful for all that DoReMi has done for my children; music will remain a significant aspect of both of their lives.”
~ Kathleen P.
WE’VE EVEN WON AWARDS!
In 2022, we are extremely proud to have received two awards, one for creating an exceptional learning environment, and the other for innovation in music education. These awards highlight some of the things that are most important to us:
- that students feel comfortable and confident learning with us, and can safely just be themselves
- that music is taught in such a way that it becomes a joyful part of life for their entire lives, not just something they do for a while and quit
BEST MUSIC EDUCATION ENVIRONMENT
What is it about our teaching environment that makes us stand out?
First of all, our teaching rooms are BIG. The classrooms have enough room for movement and drumming activities. The private teaching rooms are large enough to accommodate acoustic instruments. This extra space allows both our teachers and students to be more comfortable, but also affords the opportunity for parents to participate in the lessons.
Over the past few months, when we have once again been able to provide in-person lessons, these larger rooms enabled us to maintain social distancing during all of our classes and private lessons. Larger spaces also allows us to maintain better air quality, especially after installing HEPA filter air purifiers in every room.
The other thing that you will notice about our classrooms is the lack of clutter. Only the essentials for teaching the class are on display. Even the walls are completely free of posters or decorations. Why? With fewer distractions, are students are more able to focus on the teacher and on their studies.
Equally important to this physical environment, however, is the emotional one. In order to be ready to learn, students need a safe and encouraging environment where they can be themselves.
We have created a positive learning environment where teachers are patient and kind, encouraging the students rather than criticizing them. We challenge the students to do their best, no matter their strengths or limitations, and help them celebrate their achievements.
Also important is providing our students with a complete music education, giving them the knowledge they need to become independent learners. This includes teaching them how to recognize their own mistakes and the ability figure out how to fix them. Part of that education includes the ability to play in front of others. We provide safe opportunities for them to learn how to perform, but also give them the tools to deal with making mistakes in public.
DoReMi is a place where students of all ages feel safe to be themselves, have a sense of belonging, experience success, can take ownership of their own learning, and most of all, just have fun.
A PLACE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Perhaps the main difference at our school, however, is our focus on family. Music is more fun if you are making it together! Our classes provide an opportunity for quality time where parents can relax and “play” with their kids. Our curriculum provides engaging activities for the whole family, not just the student taking lessons, helping to create life-long memories and instil the joy of learning together.
Our parents take part in the learning during all of classes and are always welcome to sit in on private lessons. This support network at home is one of the main reasons that our students are so successful.
INNOVATION IN MUSIC EDUCATION
The learning environment is not the only thing that is unique at DoReMi. So too, is our curriculum.
Our goal is to provide a well-rounded education in music, not just instruction on an instrument. This great foundation in knowledge allows our students to successfully transfer their skills to multiple instruments, and also helps them excel in music at school.
We also want our students to be independent learners, both with the repertoire we choose together and with the things they discover on their own. Music instruction during a lesson should only be a starting point. We want them to be able to play whatever they want, whenever they want, without having to depend on the teacher to tell them how to do it!
We understand that every student’s journey will be unique. It is our role to guide them on that journey and to provide them with lots of choices. Although the foundation of our curriculum is the vast array of resources provided by the RCM, we also give our students a much wider range of opportunities. We are excited to be an examination centre for the Rockschool conservatory, which provides leveled learning similar to the RCM, but based on playing popular music. We have also incorporated into our curriculum the amazing resources of MusicPlay on line. We teach the traditional skills of reading music, but also incorporate playing by ear, improvisation and composition. Our teachers have the amazing ability to work with a student’s strengths while building on their weaknesses.
Perhaps the most innovative thing about our curriculum, however, is our holistic and integrated approach to teaching music. Music is a language, and we want our students to be able to do more than just “read” it. The process of learning music is the same as studying any new language … you start by understanding what you hear, you learn to read it, then the most important step is to learn to create it and to write it down on your own.
One of the most important skills a musician can have is the ability to keep a steady beat. Beginning at a very early age in our parent & tot classes, and continuing through our instrument-based classes, we incorporate fun activities designed to get that beat in their bodies. All the different aspects of music need to be addressed as well. A child’s aptitude for rhythm and melody are separate, so we work on them separately. Our classes include games and activities that help our students understand rhythm, melody and harmony.
In order for our students to truly understand the language of music, and be able to read it and create it on their own, they need a solid foundation in theory. At DoReMi though, theory isn’t just something you do once a week in your workbook, it is integrated into our curriculum at every step. From individual notes, to technical requirements, all the way to melodies and harmonies our process is hear it, sing it, see it, do it.
CHECK IT OUT
Studying music can make you smarter, healthier, less stressed and anxious. It can improve your memory, reading ability, language skills, concentration and coordination. But above all else, music can make you happier!
Come in and share the joy of making music with us. We have music programs for all ages and interests. Classes are underway and we have the perfect spot for you!