Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do you accept international students?
International students who wish to attend The Taylor Academy are welcome to apply, however accepted students are entirely responsible for coordinating their own living, school and immigration arrangements in Canada. The Taylor Academy cannot advise or assist students in securing visas, residency, housing, etc.
Many public and private elementary and secondary schools in Toronto and the wider province of Ontario will accept international students for an annual tuition fee, and may have resources to assist students in applying for the necessary study and travel documents (links below). However, it is typically recommended that students are settled in Canada before they join The Taylor Academy, in order to ease the transition.
Online Resources:
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Are there any special requirements or additional fees for international students?
International students are not charged any additional tuition fees (for a table of current tuition fees, click here). International students must demonstrate strong English language comprehension and speech to be able to succeed in the program, which is taught in English.
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Can students who live in other areas of Canada attend The Taylor Academy?
Students must live close enough to Toronto to be able to attend weekly activities as part of the regular program.
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We do not live in Canada. Can we submit an audition by DVD?
As a rule, no, though new piano applicants must upload a pre-screening video with their application (please see audition requirements on the
audition requirements page). All other disciplines, and piano applicants who pass the pre-screening, are generally expected to travel to The Royal Conservatory for a live audition.
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Can a student join the program in January?
No. Most Taylor Academy classes and courses are two semesters and require that a student commences at the beginning of the academic year (September).
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What is the time commitment required from students?
In general, students can expect to spend three to four hours in Taylor Academy activities on Fridays and three to four hours on Saturdays, depending on age, instrument, ability, and the performance and course schedule. In addition, students are expected to commit to extensive practice throughout the week and attend their weekly private lessons.
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What financial aid is available to families that cannot afford tuition?
All students accepted into The Taylor Academy receive a scholarship from The Royal Conservatory to reduce the payable tuition. There are some additional scholarships that are awarded according to set parameters by the Director and Dean of The Glenn Gould School. There is limited further financial aid distributed based on financial need, for which students must submit an application when they return their offer of admission.
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Can parents/guardians attend classes, rehearsals, and master classes?
Taylor Academy master classes are open to the public, but our students and their families/parents/guardians will have priority seating. Parents/Guardians may sit in on some classes and/or rehearsals only when deemed appropriate. Parental attendance at private lessons is left to the discretion of the teacher.
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Can a student entering The Taylor Academy choose to continue private lessons with his/her current teacher instead of studying with a faculty member?
No. The Taylor Academy employs a roster of exceptional teachers, and Taylor Academy students are required to study with one of our faculty members.
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Can a student choose to participate in only some Taylor Academy activities, or do all students have to follow the full program?
Unless otherwise invited, students who are accepted to The Taylor Academy must commit to all required programs.
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My child is talented, but does not yet play at the level required. Can he/she still audition?
While The Taylor Academy admits students partially based on potential, an advanced level of technical proficiency is necessary to fully participate in in the program classes. Please check the requirements in the
Application and Tuition section for more information, or visit the RCM.
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Can I visit The Taylor Academy for observation before applying?
The Taylor Academy does not have regular visiting hours, however we are happy to arrange visits for interested applicants. Please
contact us to arrange a visit.