Yamaha Group Classes

Music classes for 2-3 year olds
Keyboard classes for 4-12 year olds
Group Ukelele
Group Guitar

"Miss Melanie is an amazing piano teacher for my 5 and 7 year old. She always engages her students and makes learning fun. It is also refreshing to see well structured disciplined teaching. Would highly recommend Miss Melanie and Ya Music!"

- David Roque

"YaMusic has been a great experience for us as parents and our kids. Melanie (our instructor) is fun patient, talented and most importantly a great teacher. We have 2 girls enrolled and within the first year of class learned to play, read basic music and identify notes by ear. At the end of each class both girls give Melanie a big hug before we leave. I cannot recommend them enough!"

- Mathew Skinner

"My two kids have been with Yamusic Miss Melanie for more than 2 years. I am very grateful to choose Yamusic. Miss Melanie has been very helpful. Whenever we have questions she is always willing to help and give suggestions. My two kids love Miss Melanie, they are practicing piano every day and get a lot of progress. We can’t wait to explore more with Miss Melanie!"

- Qian Cheng

"Very nice and patient instructors. My son has been going to YA music school since he was 5 and he really enjoys it."

- Leslie

"My boys have been taking the group music classes and I've enjoyed seeing them grow with music/piano, their ability developed from the classes impresses me with how much they've learned these past 1.5yrs."

- Joanna F

"We were with Ms Melanie for 4 years. She is an amazing and very talented teacher. Always able to create a connection with the class. The school follows Yamaha system, which is focused on developing musicality rather than teaching only to play an instrument. Our daughter was very happy to attend the classes."

- Mariya Rodriguez-Paryak

"YaMusic is an outstanding music school. The piano teachers (and owners) are very professional and super engaging with the kids, to make music fun! Their ukulele and guitar teachers are also excellent. I would recommend this music school to anyone - and any age - looking to have fun while learning music."

- Scott Jackson

"Our 7 year old has had a great introduction to piano through the group lessons at YaMusic. They go at a good pace and provide a great introduction to many music fundamentals. Lessons are dynamic and he's had lots of fun and enjoyed the variety of pieces that he's worked on. We've been impressed by how much he's learned in just one year. Looking forward to another year of lessons coming-up!"

- Naomi Begoray

"Excellent music school! Jillian and Mel are a pleasure to work with and they know their stuff! Very attentive and patient with children and adult learners alike. The location itself is new and looks great, well maintained. Would recommend this school to anyone looking to learn a new instrument or brush up on an old hobby."

- David Preshing

"Highly recommend this music school and I cannot think of a better instructor than Jillian. She herself is an extremely talented musician and a dedicated teacher. She is patient and invested in her students success and growth. My son had a great experience and we are thrilled with all he learned!"

- Amanda Moland

"I have known Melanie and Jillian as Yamaha Instructors for more than a decade. Those two women are a force for good in the city of Edmonton and beyond. They have high expectations of each other and of their students. They are well-prepared and well-qualified. They are dedicated, very talented teachers and they understand how to bring out the best in children. I would not hesitate to enrol my daughter in their group or private lessons."

- Tim Bartsch

"Wonderful and best music lessons!"

- Efrem and Estie

"Miss Melanie is an amazing piano teacher for my 5 and 7 year old. She always keeps the kids engaged in a group setting and also caters to each of them individually. Not only are my kids learning but I am too. Would highly recommend Ya Music and Miss Melanie!"

- La Roque

"Our daughter has taken both group and private piano lessons with Melanie and Jillian over the past few years. These ladies are amazing and we highly recommend them! We look forward to continued lessons with YaMusic."

- Carol Campeau

"Our daughter began her music lessons this year and the whole experience has been great. Even with all of the hurdles created by Covid our daughter has learned so much and really enjoys the lessons. Melanie makes it fun for the kids and keeps them engaged. Highly recommend YaMusic."

- Corey Smith

"Amazing program and teachers!"

- Yanina Jackson

Age 2

Apple Course

Music is FUN! That’s the theme of our Apple course. Two-year olds learn in many different ways, and that's exactly what Apple offers. Music is experienced through listening, singing, moving, story-time, playing with rhythm instruments, and interacting and bonding activities with parents/care-givers. Our friend Pupple, the puppet, will be in our class every week to make sure everyone is having a great time! Apple course offers an immersive introduction into the world of music and will leave your child excited and ready for class every week.

Lesson Format

- 10 week modules offered from Sept to June module 4 based on 9 weeks.
- 40-minute class once a week

Please note: Enrollment for group classes is ongoing, and students can join at any time throughout the year. The dates listed below are not restrictive, and we welcome new students as availability permits.

Ages 3 - 4

Music Wonderland

Experiencing the joy of music doesn’t have to start with learning an instrument! Music Wonderland focuses on developing essential skills like listening, singing, and rhythm through a variety of activities. Children will have fun singing, moving, listening and watching stories, and using the keyboard to develop a rhythmic sense and strengthen important finger muscles! They will also develop a sense of belonging in a group as they interact with their fellow classmates and have an opportunity to bond with parents/care-givers. It is a 40 minute lesson once a week that is broken into two 5-month modules. Two books, including music used in class, are included in each module, as well as a tote bag.

Lesson Format

- Sept to Jan
- Feb to June
- 40-minute class once a week

Please note: Enrollment for group classes is ongoing, and students can join at any time within the first 10 weeks of the session. The dates listed below are flexible, and we welcome new students as availability permits.

Age 4 to 5

Junior Music Course

Children are creative and their imaginations are endless! The four-year Junior Music Course utilizes the natural strengths of this age group and provides an effective and fun approach to learning essential skills, using the keyboard as the foundation. Children develop a strong musical sense, rhythm skills, and finger dexterity. Ear-training is the main focus of this course as this age is when the ear is the most sensitive for musical development. Children learn by listening, singing, playing, and then reading what they've played. They are able to play alone as well as in ensemble with others. Creativity is fostered through playing the music of great composers, and using that inspiration to learn how to compose original compositions. A variety of activities are experienced each class to keep up interest and get the wiggles out! Includes 2 text books, 2 workbooks, and 1 tote bag over the course of the full year, which also include all the music we use in the class as well as 2 movies that were put together by the same creators of the Pokemon series to encourage students in a visual way!

Age: 4 - 5
Max Class: 10 students
Parent Attendance: Required
Home Instrument: We recommend an upright or full size digital piano with weighted keys. Also recommended is a footstool for small children who can not touch the ground and an adjustable bench.
Advance to: JMC 1 --> JMC 2 --> JMC 3 --> JMC 4 advances to Junior Advanced Course 1

Lesson Format

- 36 to 40 lessons
- Sept to June or
or Jan to Jan with summer break off
- 55-minute class once a week

Please note: Enrollment for group classes is ongoing, and students can join at any time within the first 6 weeks of the session. The dates listed below are flexible, and we welcome new students as availability permits.

Ages 6 - 8

Young Musicians Course

The Young Musicians Course offers an opportunity for older beginners to enter the world of music and learn at a more accelerated and age-appropriate pace. During the three-year course students learn the essentials: ear-training, ensemble and solo keyboard playing, music reading, composition, and much more! Students are able to bond with their peers through interactive activities. Parents are along for the ride to provide support during class and at-home practice (and may just learn a thing or two!) 2 text books and 1 tote bag are included over the course of the full year which also include all the music we use in the class.

Age: 6 - 8
Max Class: 10 students
Parent Attendance: Required
Home Instrument: Required. We recommend an upright or full size digital piano with weighted keys. Also recommended is a footstool for small children who cannot touch the ground and an adjustable bench.
Advance to: YMC 1 --> YMC 2 --> YMC 3 --> YMC 4 advances to Junior Advanced Course 1

Lesson Format

- 36 to 40 lessons
- Sept to June or
or Jan to Jan with summer break off
- 55-minute class once a week

Please note: Enrollment for group classes is ongoing, and students can join at any time within the first 4 weeks of the session. The dates listed below are flexible, and we welcome new students as availability permits.

Age 9-12

Music Friends

Age: 9 - 12
Max Class: 6 students
Parent Attendance: Not required
Home Instrument: We reccomend a home instrument of either an acoustic piano or a full size keyboard, but this class is also flexible and goes at student's own pace, so a home instrument is not required.

Music Friends is the perfect solution for students who love the idea of fun group classes but also like to have the individual time with their instructor. We use the perfect balance of technology and traditional learning methods to make a balanced class that is both fun and rewarding. Students are able to learn at their own pace and have access to the material so they can practice both at home and in class. With the flexibility that this class offers, students are able to join all year round.

Lesson Format

-Paid monthly or by module
- 55-minute class once a week
-advance at students own pace

Please note: Enrollment for group classes is ongoing, and students can join at any time as long as there is available space in the class

FAQs

Do I need an instrument?

For our Apple and Music Wonderland Courses, an instrument is not required, but for Junior Music Course 1 and Young Musicians Course 1, a keyboard is required in order for practicing to take place in between lessons. We recommend a full size, weighted keyboard or acoustic piano to get started.

Why are parents required to stay?

We believe that our music courses provide great bonding experience for children and their parents/caregivers, but it is also so that parents are able to support their children in practicing at home as homework will be assigned after each lesson.

How much is my child required to practice?

We recommend that students practice 5 times a week and make small goals for their assignments during their practice time. This can involve listening to their music tracks, practice passages in their repertoire and for JMC students, watching the Yamaha Video. These activities may take approximately 15-20 minutes a day to start with and will increase as their playing level increases.

What if my child doesn’t like the program?

We want to make sure that our program is the right fit for you and your child so we offer the first 8 weeks (4 weeks for Music Wonderland) as a paid trial period to make sure that it is the program that you have been looking for. During this time if you feel it is not right for you, we do accept withdrawals from the course. After the 8 weeks are completed, we consider the registration to be a commitment for the remainder of the year.