Apply

No prior musical experience is necessary.

Your child must be between 4-10 years old to apply and you must live in the greater Montreal area.

EVM is a long-term music program for children. Students are admitted through a free trial period and, if selected, may continue in EVM’s elementary-age program until the end of elementary school, as long as the program remains a good fit, they continue to meet the program’s expectations, and EVM has the capacity to continue offering the program. When students enter high school, they graduate from the elementary-age program. At that point, EVM may invite selected students to continue in an advanced high school program. Continuation after elementary school is not automatic and is not guaranteed.

Every child admitted into the program receives either a full or partial scholarship that includes instruction, the use of an instrument, and accessories. Scholarships are given depending on financial need, and families may be asked to provide documents confirming household income or financial circumstances.

Attendance every Saturday morning that we have class is mandatory. Students are expected to arrive on time and attend consistently. As students progress, there may also be additional rehearsals, performances, or program activities. Classes usually take place at the Unitarian Church of Montreal, next to Vendôme metro station.

The parent’s role is essential. A parent or guardian must be present during class and involved in at-home practice. Parents will need to develop an understanding of what their child is learning and help support daily practice at home.

Initially, a minimum of 15 minutes of practice every day is required. As students progress, the expected amount of daily practice gradually increases.

One of our main goals is to ensure there is no financial obstacle between children with musical potential and a comprehensive music education. For this reason, while our program is open to any family, we prioritize the admission of children who show musical potential, focus, and dedication, and whose families would otherwise find it difficult to afford high-quality music lessons.

We hold a free trial period every January. All eligible applicants are invited to participate in the trial at no cost so they can experience our programming and so we can evaluate whether the program is the right fit. Because we receive a large number of applications and have limited resources, participation in the trial does not guarantee that a child will continue for the full trial period or be admitted into the program. Applications are accepted all year, and we contact families in early December with trial details.

Admission is based on a combination of musical potential, focus, family commitment, readiness for daily practice, attendance, parent involvement, and financial need. The trial period helps us assess whether the child and family are ready for the level of commitment required by the program.