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, whether they are in elementary school, secondary school, or enrolled in post-secondary education are welcome to attend camp.
2. What are the difference between packages A, B, C and D?
Each package contains a different amount of private lessons and master classes. You can choose which package you would like based on how many lessons and master classes you would like to participate in over the course of the week.
Package A: 4 Private Lessons, 3 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Package B: 3 Private Lessons, 2 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
Package C: 2 Private Lessons, 2 Master Class, 1 Performance Class
Package D: 1 Private Lesson, 2 Master Classes, 1 Performance Class
There 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. Lessons begin at 9:30am and continue throughout the day until 6:00pm.
Masterclasses and performance classes are from 1:00-3:00pm daily. Private lesson times vary for each student throughout the day.
You will not be required to attend each day of camp. You will only be required to attend on the days you are scheduled for your private lessons, master classes, performance class, or escape room. There may be some days you do not attend camp, but you are always welcome to come and audit the other master classes/workshops/performance classes.
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 who register with packages A, B, and C will have the opportunity to work with each of the teachers at least once. Students who register with package D will have the opportunity to work with 2 of the 4 faculty.
Students will not be able to choose which teachers to work with as the schedules are already completed.
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 I switch to package A or C at a later time (if there's still a spot 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?
There is no minimum or maximum amount of repertoire required for camp. 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 14, 2027 so we can inform our teachers what they will be working on with students.
Students are asked to work on only 1 piece per lesson or per master class as there is not enough time allotted to work on multiple pieces in one sitting.
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 use. To respect everyone’s experience and privacy, please do not record other students during master classes, and keep all recordings private. Campers are also required to ask each teacher if they are allowed to record their lesson or master class. Performance Class recording is strictly prohibited due to the nature of the class. Publicly sharing recordings that you have taken during camp 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 if it is all right with the teacher. Master classes are open to the public for auditing. If you feel like your child does require your attendance during a private lesson, please send us an email and we will speak with faculty member providing the lesson.
11. Will lunch and/or snacks be provided for my student?
If students will be at 10,000 Hours for an extended period of time, they are required to bring their own lunches. Water, tea and coffee are available and a light snack will be provided each day for students. If you or your student has any allergies, please inform us prior to camp. If your student carries an EpiPen auto injector, please inform us on their first day of camp and where the EpiPen will be kept at all times. 10,000 Hours staff are all instructed on EpiPen administration, and procedures following.
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.
If you are sick, please do not come to your lessons or masterclasses as to not spread the illness.
If there is an incident that impacts the students ability to attend camp, a doctors note is required and 10,000 Hours will discuss refund options (on a case by case basis.)
13. Is it required that the students bring the original score?
All music worked on at camp must be accompanied by sheet music. You are welcome to 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 pianos?
A schedule will be made available onsite daily and students can sign up for 30 minute increments on a piano 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 pianos.
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 or the teacher) speak with the teachers about my child/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 member of our faculty, 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.
FAQs
March Break Piano Artistry Camp
March 14 - 20, 2027