Lessons and Classes
Heather Beaty is Suzuki Flute Department Head at the Vancouver Academy of Music and is also music theory faculty. At VAM, Ms. Heather teaches Suzuki Flute group classes, private flute lessons, and RCM Theory courses. Ms. Heather's students range from ages 5 to adult.
For class registration information, please contact the Vancouver Academy of Music's registrar at regis.vam.bc.ca, call 604-734-2301 or you are welcome to be in touch with Ms. Heather directly.
“Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue.”
Teaching Philosophy
Heather is passionate about music education and has a simple teaching philosophy that she practices. She believes in fostering individuality and creativity in a student's approach to learning music. Strength in music theory and ear training are essentials to building a strong foundation of musical skills, so Heather's lessons combine both traditional score reading and Suzuki ear training methods. She enjoys working with each of her students to gain an understanding of their personalities and interests before coming up with a student's long term performance goals. Heather is a dedicated and patient music teacher who loves watching her students grow from curious to confident performing artists!
Studio Policy
Weekly lessons are scheduled in adherence with the VAM academic calendar. If a student is away during the VAM academic term then the missed lesson will only be made up under special circumstances at the discretion of the teacher. If the teacher is absent for a performance or professional endeavour, every effort will be made by the teacher to make up the lesson, or the instructor will mark the missed lesson as a credited lesson and schedule it for a future date. If a student is ill on the day of the lesson, the lesson will be credited to a future date.
The Suzuki Method
The founder of the Suzuki Method Dr. Shinichi Suzuki developed a program of music instruction based on the idea that children can learn to play music as naturally and effectively as they learn to speak. Dr. Suzuki encouraged parents to attend their children's lessons and classes in order to ensure a strong musical development both at home and in the classroom. The Suzuki Method promotes the belief that every child is capable of a high level of musical achievement.
VAM is proud to currently support five Suzuki music departments. Ms. Heather is thrilled to be the Acting Department Head for the school's Suzuki Flute students.
“I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart.”
RCM Music Theory
Heather is on faculty with the Music Theory department of VAM and teaches Musicianship, Basic Rudiments and Intermediate Rudiments courses. All theory courses are Royal Conservatory of Music certified and use Glory St. Germain's Ultimate Music Theory textbooks.
Musicianship: This course is for students new to music theory who need a basic music reading course. Musicianship features large print workbooks that cover sharps, flats, the grand staff, basic major scales, intervals, simple time signatures and basic terminology. This course is recommended for students in practical grades 2-3 on their instruments. Course is offered as a 14 week or 32 week course. More info.
Basic Rudiments: This course teaches basic elements of music notation including pitch, rhythm, scales, intervals, triads, transposition, analysis and terminology. It is recommended for students who are in grade 4-5 on their instruments. Students are encouraged to take the RCM Basic Rudiments exam once completing the course. The course is a 14 or 32 weeks. More info.
Intermediate Rudiments: This course is a continuation of Basic Rudiments and covers material in more depth and breadth. Students are recommended to be grade 5-7 on their practical instruments with a solid music reading proficiency. Intermediate Rudiments is a 14 or 32 week course. More info.
Private Theory Tutor: One-on-one 30 minute theory lessons covering RCM theory course content in preparation for exams or as supplemental course support. 12 or 32 weeks. Book tutoring.
Music Theory Exam Resources:
Vancouver Academy of Music Fees
Registration fee: $75 per academic year for each student
In addition to covering administrative costs, the registration fee includes free admission to all VAM events for students and their families as well as membership in the Vancouver Academy of Music Society with eligibility to vote in the Annual General Meeting.
Private lessons:
VAM’s lesson packages include 18 lessons each semester (36 per academic year). Flexible options are available at the teacher’s discretion, and must be sanctioned by the instructor prior to registration.
Trial Lessons are charged at the per-lesson rate.
Fees:Lesson Fees: $82 per hour; $61.50 per 45 min; $41 per 30 min
Adult Lesson Fees: $72 per hour; $54 per 45 min; $36 per 30 min
Department Head Lesson Fees: $90 per hour; $67.50 per 45 min; $45 per 30 min
Private, Semi-Private, and Small Group Classes: (select subjects only)
VAM’s private, semi-private, and small group class packages include 16 lessons each semester (32 per academic year). Flexible options are available at the teacher’s discretion.
Semi-Private Rates:
Semi-private class of two students: $45 per hour
Small group class or chamber ensemble of three or more students: $30 per hour
Chamber ensemble of four or more students: $22.50 per hour
Group classes:
Group class fees vary; view our registration page for full details.
Fee deadlines:
Fall semester lessons and classes: September 1 (unless otherwise mentioned by the Registrar)
Spring semester lessons and classes: January 15 (unless otherwise mentioned by the Registrar)
Summer semester lessons and classes: one week before the start of instruction
Payment plan options via post-dated cheques are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact registrar@vam.ca for more information.
Payment Options
You may choose either of the following payment options:
1. Credit Card – online only
If you would like to pay from the comfort of your home, you may use the PayPal option.
TIP: credit card companies (not VAM) charge a 3% service fee for online transactions. This fee is not applied to payments received at the front office (below).
2. Cash or cheque – at the front office
You may also choose to come to the front office to pay in cash or cheque. Cheques may be made payable to VAM.
Financial Aid
Bursaries
Bursary applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and are dependent on the amount of funding available at the time the application is received.
A complete bursary application consists of the following:
A complete bursary application form
A pending invoice in the VAM account
Tax documentation
Optional: Record of Employment or comparable document demonstrating loss of work (see note below)
Student evaluation form, to be submitted by a professional musician (e.g., teacher or performer)
Supporting documentation accepted due to COVID-19 outbreak
VAM recognizes that the COVID-19 public health crisis has created a sudden financial impact on many of our families that will not be reflected in the most current tax documentation available. As a temporary measure, applicants may submit a Record of Employment or comparable document that demonstrates loss of work in addition to their tax documentation.
Completed bursary applications should be submitted to:
Vancouver Academy of Music
Attn: Daniel Marshall, Director of Programs
1270 Chestnut St
Vancouver, BC V6J 4R9
Scholarships
VAM offers scholarships in the form of competition prizes. For information on how to enter VAM competitions, click here.
Policies
PRIVATE LESSONS
Lessons are offered:
During the full academic year (36 weeks)
Private lessons are scheduled at the mutual convenience of the teacher and student
A trial lesson may be scheduled based on the hourly lesson fee rate
LESSON ATTENDANCE
Student Absences
Missed lessons by the student will only be made up under special circumstances at the discretion of the teacher.
Instructor Absences
If an instructor is absent, every effort will be made to reschedule the lesson at a time that is suitable for both the instructor and student. If the instructor is unable to make up a lesson, the student will receive a refund or credit to be applied to future lessons or classes.
CHANGING INSTRUCTORS
It is highly recommended that students do not change instructors during the middle of a term. In such cases, approval must be granted by the President & CEO before any transfer can be made.
WITHDRAWALS AND REFUNDS
Fall/Spring Classes: No refunds will be issued after the fourth week of class instruction. All notices of withdrawal must be submitted in writing to the registrar within the first four weeks of the term.
No refunds or credits will be issued for classes missed during the term for any reason. Proration for late-entry to be discussed with the Registrar.
Summer Classes: A full refund/credit will be granted when withdrawing prior to the start of the program. There will be no refunds/credits granted for those withdrawing after the start of class.
To withdraw from private lessons, two weeks’ notice is required in writing, to both the instructor and the registrar. The student may either take the two weeks worth of lessons, or forfeit them. Remaining lessons can be credited or refunded after being discussed with the Registrar.
If a student’s behaviour is deemed consistently disruptive to a class, the instructor will have right to deny entry into the class after consultation with the parents.
For detailed information regarding withdrawals, refunds & credits, please contact the Registrar: nicole@vam.ca
