IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE:

March 1-6, 2026:

• WEEK 1 - to coincide with the Quebec March Break

March 15-21, 2026:

• WEEK 2 - to coincide with the Ottawa/Ontario March Break

FAQs - please read carefully

1. Do I have to be on March break to come to this camp?

No! All advanced piano students, between the ages of 12-21, in pre-, current or post-secondary are welcome to join. We have 2 camps this year, so please choose whichever works best with your schedule.

2. What are the difference between packages A, B, C and D? Each week also has slightly different packages due to the schedule of the week.

Each package contains a different amount of private lessons and master classes. You can choose which package you would like based on how much activity you would like. Please note that due to the schedule of each camp, there are different packages available for each camp.

WEEK 1:
Package A: 4 Private Lessons, 3 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Package B: 4 Private Lessons, 2 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Package C: 3 Private Lessons, 2 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class

WEEK 2:
Package A: 4 Private Lessons, 3 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Package B: 4 Private Lessons, 2 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Package C: 3 Private Lessons, 1 Master Class, 1 Performance Class
Package D: 1 Private Lesson, 2 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class

There are also may be 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 your request.

3. 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 for each 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, but you are always welcome to come to hear the other master classes/workshops/performance classes and to practice.

4. Will the private lessons be with the same teacher or all 4 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’ availabilities and cannot guarantee any requests.

5. Will the master classes be with different teachers?

We always try to ensure that each student gets to work with each teacher in the camp at least once. We try to ensure that each master class is with a different teacher, but please note that you may have a private lesson AND master class with the same teacher. You may work on the same piece, or a different piece.

6. If I register for one package e.g. package B, may we switch to package 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.

7. What is the average age of the participants?

The camp is built for young pianists ages 12-21, who are studying at an advanced level (RCM 9 and above).

8. How many pieces of music can I work on?

Students are encouraged to bring a minimum of 3 pieces of music. Please speak with your teacher about which piece(s) you will work on with which teachers. You can work on the same piece with the same teacher in both private lessons and masterclasses. We ask that repertoire be registered by February 1st for Week 1 and February 15th for Week 2 so we can inform our teachers what they will be working on with students.

9. Can I record the lessons/master classes?

We deeply value the privacy and comfort of our campers and teachers. Students and parents are welcome to record their own (or their child’s) activities for personal enjoyment. To respect everyone’s experience, please avoid recording other students during master classes, and keep all recordings private. Publicly sharing recordings, including private lessons, is not allowed, and doing so may result in the camper being removed from camp. Thank you for helping us create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for everyone to learn and grow.

10. 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.

11. Will lunch and/or snacks be provided for my student?

Students are required to bring their lunches. Water, tea and coffee are available for and a light snack will be provided each day for students.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. How do we reserve the practice rooms?

A schedule will be made available onsite daily and students can sign up for 30 minute increments in a practice room each day that they are here. They can book consecutive sessions, but because of the alternating scheduling, the sessions are offered in 30 minute blocks. Please be aware that while will be multiple pianos available for practice, students will need to be mindful to share the studios.

Sign up will be on a first-come, first-served basis and will renew each day. After 1 hour, you can come and reserve additional time based on availability.

15. Can I (the parent) speak with the teachers about my student?

Please refrain from speaking with our faculty before or after lessons, as our teachers follow a very tight schedule and must remain on time for all students. If you wish to speak with a teacher, please make a request at the office. We will reach out to the teacher to check for availability; however, we cannot guarantee additional meeting times.

16. What is the Gala concert?

The end-of-week student Gala Concerts are a showcase of what the students have been working on all week. Students may choose up to three of the pieces they have been working on, up to 20 minutes in length (there are several Gala concerts to allow students to perform longer).

Admission will be by donation at the door (suggested donation of $10 per person or $20 for a family of 4), 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 include the donations.

FAQs

March Break Piano Artistry Camp

March 1-6, 2026 and March 15-21, 2026