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  Private piano lessons can be a very good format to learn within, under a number of circumstances. If the student is older than 8, and/or has some rudimentary experience with music, then a private lesson combined with extracurriculars can be highly effective. For our numerous adult students, private lessons can give the comfort and privacy they want, and allow for a higher level of flexibility in pacing and curriculum than a group setting might.
  Merriam Music’s flagship “KEYFEST FOR KIDS” program continues to experience the highest retention rates in Canada. For students between 4 and 8 years old, group piano is highly encouraged, since our statistical success rate with the program (defined in this case as those who remain vs. quit) is almost 50% higher vs. traditional private lessons.
  This is a group format which a highly structured, giving lots of opportunity for friendly performance, group learning, parental participation, and social development. Through this program, Merriam School of Music has been able to dramatically increase 2nd year retention for new students from an industry average of below 50%, to 91%!
  The successful candidate for this program will have shown outstanding musical ability and potential, and has the necessary commitment and resources to fulfill the requirements of the program which includes: practicing a minimum number of hours daily (number of hours based on program level); listening to recordings of repertoire; attending lessons, ensembles and master classes; performing in festivals, competitions, recitals and examinations; attending concerts and recitals in the GTA as suggested by the teacher(s).