YAPCA Chamber Program

Music School Chamber group Piano trio

The YAPCA Chamber Program focuses on offering students between the ages of 13 and 18 years old an opportunity to master their skills with small ensembles. Students explore a wide range of string literature to challenge and inspire a high level of technical finesse and musicianship, enriching their growth as instrumentalists, under the tutelage of a dynamic faculty and guest artists.

Masterclasses with guest artists enhance and inspire perspectives in musicianship and performance practice.

YAPCA is committed to the development of young artists, whether they are preparing for a career in music or seeking to realize their potential whatever their future holds.

Music School Chamber Group Quartet

Young Artists Orchestra

Music School Orchestra
Music School Orchestra Cello section

YAO, the Young Artist Orchestra is a vital part of the YAPCA programming and is intended to provide preparatory orchestral skills and foster friendships among budding musicians.

Anyone between the ages of 6 and 16 who plays any symphonic instrument - strings, winds, and brass is invited to join us to get together, play with friends, and learn the skills of orchestral playing. Some of our students are in their first year of playing their instrument. Others are well on their way towards playing in more advanced ensembles.

If you are a young string, wind or brass player, you’ll have a great time in the Young Artists Orchestra.

New to YAPCA

If you are thinking about joining YAPCA or want to see if it is a good fit for you contact us. If you are interested in YAO, you can come and try out the orchestra before committing.

Bass player in Music School Orchestra

String players - For both the chamber program and YAO, it’s best if you have a private teacher although for YAO please contact us. For the chamber program, we require at least a RCM level 5 or Suzuki book 4. For YAO, you should have been studying long enough to read music fairly well. Once you contact us, we will set up a meeting either in person or by zoom to hear you play. This will help get you in the perfect section.

Winds - You will need to have played for at least a year to get the most out of YAO. If you’ve been playing between 1-2 years, we will schedule a meeting to check where you are and possibly hear a little of your playing. More advanced players may have the opportunity to play in a chamber group. Please contact us.

Music School Orchestra Bassoon player Winds Section

2025-2026 Information

Two terms per year

  • Fall term - Weekly sessions every Wednesday. Begins September 17, 2025 through to November 25, 2025.

  • Winter Concert will be held December 3, 2025.

  • Winter term - Weekly sessions resume Wednesday evenings from January 7, 2026 through to March 11, 2026. No rehearsals March Break March 18th; but we will have one final rehearsal on March 25, 2026.

  • Spring concert will be held April 1, 2026.

Schedule

  • 5:00 - 6:15 PM - orchestra and chamber rehearsals

  • 6:15 - 7:30 PM - recital, chamber music rehearsals continue for students in the chamber program

Please arrive for rehearsals early enough to unpack your instrument, tune and organize your music. Whether or not you are in chamber music rehearsals in the second half of the evening, please stay for the recital each week. It’s an opportunity to support all of the players.

Location

Our rehearsals will be held at Central Secondary School located at 509 Waterloo Street in London, Ontario.

Traffic is often heavy at 5 PM so give yourself a few extra minutes, so that you arrive on time.

Annual Tuition 2025-2026 season

  • Orchestra only $450

  • Orchestra and one chamber music class $850

  • Two chamber music classes $960

  • One chamber music class only $600

A 10% deduction applies for additional siblings.

An Early Bird discount on tuition until August 15

  • Orchestra only $430

  • Orchestra and one chamber music class $810

  • Two chamber music classes $920

  • One chamber music class only $570

Tuition may be paid via e-transfer to info@yapca.ca.

If you prefer to pay by personal cheque, please bring a cheque written out to “Young Artists Pre-College Academy” on the first day of rehearsal. Please contact us about a fee reduction if you have multiple children participating.

NOTE THAT TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER SEPTEMBER 1

Absences, illness and notification

Your participation is critical to maintain artistic excellence. Your colleagues are depending on you. Please do not miss rehearsals for upcoming school examinations; instead , try to plan your schedule enough in advance that this sort of absence is not necessary. Let this sort of time-management exercise be your superpower!

If you are ill, please do not come to rehearsal. Its not worth the risk of infecting your colleagues who are playing alongside you in close quarters.

If you must miss a rehearsal or concert for any reason, you must let us know by emailing us at info@yapca.ca. Tell your coach or conductor AND email as well, to create a record which can serve as a reminder.

Please read and sign the Code of Conduct and return to us as soon as possible.