Robert WebbThe last time I played the guitar was when we had a general music class back in primary school. I’ve got to be honest, it was quite hard to learn back then—or maybe an hour of music class in a week is just too short!
Years (and several online videos) later, I felt the need to revisit my guitar skills, since I feel like I have more time to spare now. I started attending one of Vancouver’s best music lesson centers, and I’m happy I’ve improved a lot.
So whether it’s for you, or your kid, remember that it’s never too late to explore your passion for music. Continue reading this blog as we give you the best of the best music schools that we tried and loved in the city.
How much do music lessons cost in Vancouver?
Music lessons in Vancouver typically start at $40 per hour and can go as high as $90. Meanwhile, private lessons may cost around $80 per hour.
How we chose:
1. Horizon School of Music
Consumer Rating: A
| Google reviews score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Studio environment | 4.7/5 |
| Recitals | 4.7/5 |
| Variety of lessons | 4.9/5 |
| Wide range of instruments | 4.9/5 |
| Knowledge in different genres | 4.9/5 |
| Types of classes | 4.3/5 |
| Private lessons | 4.5/5 |
| Group sessions | 4/5 |
If you still can’t decide which musical instrument to learn, then Horizon School of Music may be able to help you with that.
What’s great about them is that they cover a wide range of music lessons, introducing you to multiple instruments such as guitar, piano, and drums. They’ve actually been a popular choice for parents who want to let their kids learn their passion for music.
Here, the instructors are very friendly, especially to kids. We love that they never pressure them every session.
When our kids started to look forward to the next practice day, that’s when we knew that we were at the right music school. You can even take the same music lessons with your kid, which we think would be a great bonding activity!
They will also carefully assess the students and ask for your goals so they can successfully match you with an instructor. And if you want to build your confidence, then we think that you should consider joining a group lesson with the rest of the group.
Moreover, every year, you can sign up and join their recitals and concerts, which will certainly allow you to shine.
For the adults who love partying, Horizon School of Music also offers private DJ lessons. You can even take advantage of their remote classes if you’re too busy to leave home.
Understands clients’ hectic schedules
“Learning drums at 37 with little practice time isn’t easy, but Julia Geaman makes it so enjoyable! She’s super fun and knows her stuff inside out. Even with my hectic schedule, I’ve been seeing real progress every class. Highly recommend her to anyone wanting to learn, no matter their age! Thanks, Julia❤️ Thanks Horizon!”
Karen Labate, Google Review
Instructors are well-versed in various musical instruments
“Horizon is a lovely music school. Dom is a fantastic teacher! She’s great at teaching many types of music, and has worked with me on guitar, piano, and banjo. Dom is a kind and understanding teacher, and I always deeply enjoy my lessons!”
Ashleigh Thomas, Google Review
2. CW Music & Performing Arts School
Consumer Rating: A
| Google reviews score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Studio environment | 4.7/5 |
| Recitals | 4.7/5 |
| Variety of lessons | 4.9/5 |
| Wide range of instruments | 4.9/5 |
| Knowledge in different genres | 4.9/5 |
| Types of classes | 4.3/5 |
| Private lessons | 4.5/5 |
| Group sessions | 4/5 |
CW Music & Performing Arts School is here if you want to take a deep dive into music and its theory. Unlike the casual lessons we know, you’ll need to follow a more disciplined approach when it comes to music education.
But don’t worry, this music school will let you explore your choice of instrument. You’ll also be given a chance to perform twice in a year during their June and December recitals.
If you’re into theater acts or plays, you’ll love that you can join their Triple Threat program, which will hone your skills in music, dancing, and acting.
And while you’re practicing with a group, this program will still allow you to have a one-on-one coaching class, which is great especially if you’re a beginner.
We personally love this program as this gave us three performance opportunities in a year. So if you see yourself on Broadway, then we recommend that you take this music class instead.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for the best music class for your kids this summer, you can try the different programs appropriate for their age group.
If your kids are at least 3 years old, you’ll definitely find something for them at CW Music & Performing Arts School. We also find their instructors very charismatic, so you’ll definitely look forward to your next music session!
Passionate instructors
“CW music is amazing place to learn music! With passionate and talented instructor and staffs, my lessons with Christine has been an indescribable experience. Christine is like an angel, gifted with instrumental talent and with a beautiful voice, anyone who take lessons with her would be so honour. I found myself really enjoy her class as she is very charismatic. She has a wonderful office manager named Allen, he is super hard working, super helpful and gifted! I highly recommend CW Music to anyone who is considering! :)”
Shirley, Google Review
Great standards of teaching
“My daughter has been training with CW Music for 2 years now and we couldn’t be more grateful for such an outstanding music school. CW Music goes above and beyond for their students and offers the highest standards of teaching. Christine & Allen truly want whats best for their students and they come from a place of integrity, honesty and are their students biggest cheerleaders. My daughter trains with Marc for singing and ukulele and to see where she has come in 2 years is truly something. They go above and beyond and we couldn’t imagine not having them as part of our lives. I highly recommend CW Music not only for their outstanding school, teachers and leadership, but because they make you feel like family and have only the best interests of their students and their families in mind. They love music and sharing these gifts and you can see why.”
Sonia Gilmore, Google Review
3. Sarah McLachlan School of Music
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.9/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Studio environment | 4.8/5 |
| Recitals | 4.9/5 |
| Variety of lessons | 4.9/5 |
| Wide range of instruments | 4.9/5 |
| Knowledge in different genres | 4.9/5 |
| Types of classes | 4.5/5 |
| Private lessons | 4/5 |
| Group sessions | 5/5 |
Last year, we decided to enroll our youngest at Sarah McLachlan School of Music the moment we found out that they offer after-school music classes. We’re glad that our kid still has the time to focus on his studies while exploring his love of music.
We also saw that the music school was able to build a great sense of community, so we got even more excited that he was able to make a new set of friends. Well, you may take this as a sign if you’re looking for a creative and safe environment for your children.
You can also let them choose between various instruments like the guitar, percussion, piano, and the marimba. Their ukelele program has also been a popular option among the kids, so you can expect a big group of students if your kid chooses this.
We’re also interested in this music school’s songwriting program, so we may consider this for our older kids.
While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we’re paying for world-class music instructors and well-maintained instruments, so rest assured that you’ll get what you pay for!
And if you want to check the environment first, try to attend their jamming sessions which are usually held on a Friday night. It may help you decide if Sarah McLachlan School of Music is the right one for your kid.
4. Pleasant Mountain Music
Consumer Rating: B+
| Google reviews score | 4.8/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B
| Studio environment | 4/5 |
| Recitals | 4.5/5 |
| Variety of lessons | 4.5/5 |
| Wide range of instruments | 4.5/5 |
| Knowledge in different genres | 4.5/5 |
| Types of classes | 4.3/5 |
| Private lessons | 4/5 |
| Group sessions | 4.5/5 |
Pleasant Mountain Music is a music school that is open for all ages. We love that they will assess your skill so you can smoothly learn the basics and the musical theories while you learn how to play the instruments.
You can also join their series of guitar clinics. We recently attended their all-ages beginner guitar class as a family, so if you’re looking for a fun family-friendly activity then you may consider doing this.
Aside from guitar clinics, they also prepare programs where you can learn how to play the violin, ukulele, drums, and percussion.
They always announce these beginner and intermediate programs on their social media pages, so make sure to check them out often.
We also love that they’re very inclusive. In fact, this music school hosts a beginner-friendly music program called Queer Choir.
Here, you get to sing along with some queer artists, or you may just attend to hear some good music. This is open for all ages, so you can grab anyone to join too!
And if you’re a lover of hard rock music or screamo, you’ll love that this music center hosts a drop-in heavy metal karaoke. What’s great about this program is that there’s no long commitment, so you can just try it out first.
Genuinely care about students
“PMM is a wonderful school where the instructors are passionate about music and genuinely care about their students. Hugo and Carla have been very kind, patient, and encouraging to my kids- they feel proud and confident after each lesson!”
Justine Powar, Google Review
Provides a good mix of support and difficulty
“We love Pleasant Mountain Music! Our son is very sporty, but he feels right at home with PMM! Chersea, Sarah and Chris do an amazing job with the right balance of encouragement and challenges to keep him motivated and inspired. It’s so great to see him improve and grow with his choir, piano and singing lessons. I highly recommend PMM to anyone at any age!”
Jennifer Hickey, Google Review
5. Azars’ Music School
Consumer Rating: A
| Google reviews score | 5/5 |
| Total reviews | 5/5 |
| Score consistency | 5/5 |
Our Rating: B+
| Studio environment | 4.9/5 |
| Recitals | 4.8/5 |
| Variety of lessons | 4.8/5 |
| Wide range of instruments | 4.8/5 |
| Knowledge in different genres | 4.8/5 |
| Types of classes | 4.3/5 |
| Private lessons | 4/5 |
| Group sessions | 4.5/5 |
It’s never too late to try learning a new instrument, so if you love to explore your passion for music then you should try a few programs at Azars’ Music School.
Here, they really value the learning experience for each student. That’s why they offer free trial sessions so you would know if they’re the right match for you.
We’ve also tried attending a free digital music production class. If recording, mixing, and producing digital music interest you, then you’ll enjoy this program.
Just take note that they have a strict payment policy. All fees should be paid 48 hours before the scheduled program starts, and there are no refunds for unused classes, so make sure to fully commit before signing up!
Meanwhile, if you’re checking out classes for your kids, you can let them explore a lot of instruments like the flute, violin, piano, cello, and guitar.
We observed a cello class, and we loved seeing how gentle and patient the instructor was with the students. They even guided and supported the kids during the most challenging parts of the program.
There are also a lot of performance opportunities, allowing the students to really be comfortable on stage. Make sure to attend your kids’ annual concerts, you’ll love the friendly vibe with all your co-parents!
Devoted instructors
“My kids are taking violin and guitar lessons here. Both love their lesson time. Teachers are very patient and devoted and the owner is super kind. I would recommend this place for anyone committed to their children’s musical development.”
Bongwool Hahn, Google Review
Friendly atmosphere
“Azar Music is an excellent music institution with experienced teachers and a very friendly place for everyone who likes to play music:)”
Nazanin Refaee Shomali, Google Review
