Ontario Conservatory of Music
3.2 Listed In: Musical Instruments, Music Instruction Instrumental
By MUSICIAN14 on March 5, 2016 Verified by Email
If you're looking for a place that offers a strong music program, this is not it. We've studied there for years. They hire their own teachers, and the cycle of poor pianists recycles itself.
This company hires unqualified people to teach and cares more about $ than students. Look at the way their students play compared to a real music school like the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music). We had to undo everything we learnt at the Ontario Conservatory after switching to private lessons with an RCM affiliated teacher. What a pain this was. At one point when we were transitioning out, we took lessons at both places and then we was so disgusted all we could say was how poor the old place was.
They use a program Alfreds that won't give you a high school credit. [The RCM program does (meaning even the Ministry of Education recognizes this)].
They Ontario Conservatory even have their own competitions, which are not open to the public, therefore their students have a chance at winning. If they were to be open to the public, like Kiwanis competitions, it would be embarrassing to watch their students play.
I am writing this review for people who don't know anything about music, that they would not get stuck and waste their money in a place that really isn't about music but about money.
By Bistre Cardinal on January 4, 2016 Verified by Guest
My daughter has been taking piano at the Milton location for 4 years. She's had such a wonderful support team, and has learned so much thanks to Miss. Jessica!
By servicecentre2011 on December 30, 2014 Verified by Email
Brampton West on Queen street is the worst! The secretary/supervisor is super rude and disrespectful. No customer service skills AT ALL! Teachers are not consistent they keep changing which is hard for the kids. I feel like I'm being robbed, paying for my kids to be in an activity. This is not what I want. Leaving there FOR SURE!
By Patricia Frog on December 9, 2014 Verified by Guest
My daughter has been with the Ontario Conservatory of Music for over 10 years. Elaine as well as Melissa have taught her piano from the very beginning and we are happy with the progress that she has made. At no time did I feel pressure to purchase our piano from the Conservatory, in fact we were informed that we could continue on the keyboard for several years before we would need to purchase a piano. We did end up buying our piano from the Conservatory, not because we felt obligated, but because it was a good deal with the $500 credit they provided when we signed up plus the trade-in on the keyboard that we had as we did not use the keyboard that was offered by the studio. Also my daughter does volunteer at the studio from time to time as there are children who require more attention than others or they need extra help for recitals etc. I think it is a testament to the students at this school that they are willing to help each other with their music talents and that many of the students who graduate teach at the Conservatory. This program is also acknowledged within the High School Program. For my daughter and myself signing up with the Conservatory was and is a positive experience and we have never regretted our choice.
By Cinnabar Beaver on August 1, 2013 Verified by Guest
I have taken Guitar lessons for a month and I think it's a great school. They follow the book and they teach by Ontario grade standards. Instead of just focusing on the exam which other private teachers do, they focus on learning all the finer details.
By InMyOpinion on June 21, 2013 Verified by Email
My child started his lessons a few weeks ago at the Brampton location, he had just approached the "aptitude period".
With that comes a meeting with a rude, forceful man who insults you and pressures you into buying a piano at a ridiculous price. The "councellor" we met with has put a bad taste in my mouth about this school. The councellor's name was Paul and it wasn't so much the fact that he was pushy but more the fact that he had the nerve to insult me in front of my child and made me feel like the worst parent in the world because I was not buying what he was selling! How this man has a job dealing with families is beyond me. He even argues with you when you bring up valid points and belittles you to make you feel wrong and stupid. If this school wants to stay in business they need to get rid of him and fast, definitely not a people person! I was ready to pull my son from the school if it wasn't for the great receptionist at the front desk. She was so helpful and polite and really calmed me down. She had called her supervisor who was also very pleasant to deal with and took my concerns seriously. The receptionist's name is Natasha and she is truly a pleasure to deal with and shows me that not everyone in this company are like the insulting salesman. My son seems happy with the classes so I will keep him in the school and just be thankful I never have to see that man again!
By singhpaul on May 6, 2012 Verified by Email
They are money making scammers fors you to buy PIano which isvailable in market for $599.00 atunbelivebale price of $4000.00 an dif you dont buy from them they try to humilate you infront of your child. They set up meeting take loaners back and then put you in a position infront of your child that if you dont dhell out $4000.00 they will not give next lesson dont even let you go out compare prices, catch you with surprise, never mention that you will have to shell out 4K before you enroll. And then try to pitch students against parents. They want you to buy 4k pianao for student who is 5 year old and the real price of pianao in market is $599.00
By abbi on April 25, 2012 Verified by Email
This review is a 5*, but Ontario Conservatory of Music is a 1*
Success of the student ONLY comes with a great teacher, not because the size of the organization or how many years of business it has been running, or how long the waiting list is. Depending on the location, size of studio, availability of teachers and number of students, there is a POSSIBLE chance of a waiting list.
I myself and a few friends have enrolled our children at different studio locations of OCOM. What I have learned and seen is meant to be shared. That sign up fee is commission paid out to those agents. And of course they are going to "pass" your child and say "welcome aboard" Plus those agents are not even musical trained.
That high enrollment number is false. What you saw was people expressing interest in having a "free music evaluation" on white cards. The true enrollments are the actual yellow/pink slips that the parents fill out, after the $199 has been accepted by the parent.
What I didn't like was everything being done internally. Meaning, you paid a fee to get in. You must rent an instrument with OCOM, you must buy instrument with OCOM, must do exam with OCOM. I understand that's how they are generating income for their business, but the pressure they put on you is horrible, along with those nagging phones calls from them. Those competitions they have is just another word for "recital". Yes it's a fun time for the students, but yet it comes at an extra cost for the parents!
It is true that 15/16 year old has taught lessons. My nephew was put with him ONLY because his regular teacher decided not to show up. It has been more then a few times. My sister called head office, and they didn't even know what was happening, but got the issue resolved ASAP!!
The reputation of the school resides solely on the service and care of it's owners and workers. I felt at times the service was severely lagging.
I have put my child into another school, and she has advanced 2 grades in 1 year. The teacher I have found is very attentive and keeps me up to date with my child's progress WEEKLY. That was something I did not get with OCOM. New school we are at, we rented where we pleased, bought a piano where and when we desired. Best of all we did not pay any ridiculous fees, such as the $199.
If parents take the time to do their research, you will find better teachers. Big franchise = money hungry!
Great teachers are hard to find. So when you find the one for your child, make sure you don't let them go. Elaine in Milton is great. It's just too bad we all can't have her. Out of the 4 friends who enrolled their children the same time as me. Lets just say only 1 friend is currently with OCOM, Milton.
By realopinion on April 19, 2012 Verified by Email
I would recommend this school to everyone, lessons are really fun!
By bassfuzi on April 14, 2011 Verified by Email
If you have money to waste, go here. If you want serious and real music lessons, go elsewhere.
By parenttojon3 on May 12, 2010 Verified by Email
Yes I too had to wait as I learned they enroll 50 - 100 new students a week and have over 1000 families waiting for appointments. I asked for proof of this and they provided it to me.
I have started and my son loves the lessons, my teacher is Elaine from there Milton location who has been there over 25 years.
I am now enrolling my daughter and looking forward to the results.
Great music conservatory. BTW...others do not have a waiting list. Wonder why.
By Ontario Conservatory of Music
Other schools don't have a waiting list because you don't have to wait. You just sign-up and in you go for lessons. Ontario Conservatory does not hire enough teachers to have that flexibility.
By Ontario Conservatory of Music
after researching the company I learned they were the largest in north america with dozens of locations. they are also 73 years old. all other music schools i could find with one location who allow you to sign up on the spot, but, there was no protocol, no structure, they would teach you anythng you wanted. this is not what we need. kids need ontario conservatory of music!
By Ontario Conservatory of Music
Waiting list only happens at certain OCOM locations. More teachers available, the more they are to accommodate students. Elaine from Milton is great. She is great at what she does.
By MUSICIAN14 on March 5, 2016 Verified by Email
If you're looking for a place that offers a strong music program, this is not it. We've studied there for years. They hire their own teachers, and the cycle of poor pianists recycles itself.
This company hires unqualified people to teach and cares more about $ than students. Look at the way their students play compared to a real music school like the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music). We had to undo everything we learnt at the Ontario Conservatory after switching to private lessons with an RCM affiliated teacher. What a pain this was. At one point when we were transitioning out, we took lessons at both places and then we was so disgusted all we could say was how poor the old place was.
They use a program Alfreds that won't give you a high school credit. [The RCM program does (meaning even the Ministry of Education recognizes this)].
They Ontario Conservatory even have their own competitions, which are not open to the public, therefore their students have a chance at winning. If they were to be open to the public, like Kiwanis competitions, it would be embarrassing to watch their students play.
I am writing this review for people who don't know anything about music, that they would not get stuck and waste their money in a place that really isn't about music but about money.
By Bistre Cardinal on January 4, 2016 Verified by Guest
My daughter has been taking piano at the Milton location for 4 years. She's had such a wonderful support team, and has learned so much thanks to Miss. Jessica!
By servicecentre2011 on December 30, 2014 Verified by Email
Brampton West on Queen street is the worst! The secretary/supervisor is super rude and disrespectful. No customer service skills AT ALL! Teachers are not consistent they keep changing which is hard for the kids. I feel like I'm being robbed, paying for my kids to be in an activity. This is not what I want. Leaving there FOR SURE!
By Patricia Frog on December 9, 2014 Verified by Guest
My daughter has been with the Ontario Conservatory of Music for over 10 years. Elaine as well as Melissa have taught her piano from the very beginning and we are happy with the progress that she has made. At no time did I feel pressure to purchase our piano from the Conservatory, in fact we were informed that we could continue on the keyboard for several years before we would need to purchase a piano. We did end up buying our piano from the Conservatory, not because we felt obligated, but because it was a good deal with the $500 credit they provided when we signed up plus the trade-in on the keyboard that we had as we did not use the keyboard that was offered by the studio. Also my daughter does volunteer at the studio from time to time as there are children who require more attention than others or they need extra help for recitals etc. I think it is a testament to the students at this school that they are willing to help each other with their music talents and that many of the students who graduate teach at the Conservatory. This program is also acknowledged within the High School Program. For my daughter and myself signing up with the Conservatory was and is a positive experience and we have never regretted our choice.
By Cinnabar Beaver on August 1, 2013 Verified by Guest
I have taken Guitar lessons for a month and I think it's a great school. They follow the book and they teach by Ontario grade standards. Instead of just focusing on the exam which other private teachers do, they focus on learning all the finer details.
By InMyOpinion on June 21, 2013 Verified by Email
My child started his lessons a few weeks ago at the Brampton location, he had just approached the "aptitude period".
With that comes a meeting with a rude, forceful man who insults you and pressures you into buying a piano at a ridiculous price. The "councellor" we met with has put a bad taste in my mouth about this school. The councellor's name was Paul and it wasn't so much the fact that he was pushy but more the fact that he had the nerve to insult me in front of my child and made me feel like the worst parent in the world because I was not buying what he was selling! How this man has a job dealing with families is beyond me. He even argues with you when you bring up valid points and belittles you to make you feel wrong and stupid. If this school wants to stay in business they need to get rid of him and fast, definitely not a people person! I was ready to pull my son from the school if it wasn't for the great receptionist at the front desk. She was so helpful and polite and really calmed me down. She had called her supervisor who was also very pleasant to deal with and took my concerns seriously. The receptionist's name is Natasha and she is truly a pleasure to deal with and shows me that not everyone in this company are like the insulting salesman. My son seems happy with the classes so I will keep him in the school and just be thankful I never have to see that man again!
By singhpaul on May 6, 2012 Verified by Email
They are money making scammers fors you to buy PIano which isvailable in market for $599.00 atunbelivebale price of $4000.00 an dif you dont buy from them they try to humilate you infront of your child. They set up meeting take loaners back and then put you in a position infront of your child that if you dont dhell out $4000.00 they will not give next lesson dont even let you go out compare prices, catch you with surprise, never mention that you will have to shell out 4K before you enroll. And then try to pitch students against parents. They want you to buy 4k pianao for student who is 5 year old and the real price of pianao in market is $599.00
By abbi on April 25, 2012 Verified by Email
This review is a 5*, but Ontario Conservatory of Music is a 1*
Success of the student ONLY comes with a great teacher, not because the size of the organization or how many years of business it has been running, or how long the waiting list is. Depending on the location, size of studio, availability of teachers and number of students, there is a POSSIBLE chance of a waiting list.
I myself and a few friends have enrolled our children at different studio locations of OCOM. What I have learned and seen is meant to be shared. That sign up fee is commission paid out to those agents. And of course they are going to "pass" your child and say "welcome aboard" Plus those agents are not even musical trained.
That high enrollment number is false. What you saw was people expressing interest in having a "free music evaluation" on white cards. The true enrollments are the actual yellow/pink slips that the parents fill out, after the $199 has been accepted by the parent.
What I didn't like was everything being done internally. Meaning, you paid a fee to get in. You must rent an instrument with OCOM, you must buy instrument with OCOM, must do exam with OCOM. I understand that's how they are generating income for their business, but the pressure they put on you is horrible, along with those nagging phones calls from them. Those competitions they have is just another word for "recital". Yes it's a fun time for the students, but yet it comes at an extra cost for the parents!
It is true that 15/16 year old has taught lessons. My nephew was put with him ONLY because his regular teacher decided not to show up. It has been more then a few times. My sister called head office, and they didn't even know what was happening, but got the issue resolved ASAP!!
The reputation of the school resides solely on the service and care of it's owners and workers. I felt at times the service was severely lagging.
I have put my child into another school, and she has advanced 2 grades in 1 year. The teacher I have found is very attentive and keeps me up to date with my child's progress WEEKLY. That was something I did not get with OCOM. New school we are at, we rented where we pleased, bought a piano where and when we desired. Best of all we did not pay any ridiculous fees, such as the $199.
If parents take the time to do their research, you will find better teachers. Big franchise = money hungry!
Great teachers are hard to find. So when you find the one for your child, make sure you don't let them go. Elaine in Milton is great. It's just too bad we all can't have her. Out of the 4 friends who enrolled their children the same time as me. Lets just say only 1 friend is currently with OCOM, Milton.
By realopinion on April 19, 2012 Verified by Email
I would recommend this school to everyone, lessons are really fun!
By bassfuzi on April 14, 2011 Verified by Email
If you have money to waste, go here. If you want serious and real music lessons, go elsewhere.
By parenttojon3 on May 12, 2010 Verified by Email
Yes I too had to wait as I learned they enroll 50 - 100 new students a week and have over 1000 families waiting for appointments. I asked for proof of this and they provided it to me.
I have started and my son loves the lessons, my teacher is Elaine from there Milton location who has been there over 25 years.
I am now enrolling my daughter and looking forward to the results.
Great music conservatory. BTW...others do not have a waiting list. Wonder why.
By Ontario Conservatory of Music
Other schools don't have a waiting list because you don't have to wait. You just sign-up and in you go for lessons. Ontario Conservatory does not hire enough teachers to have that flexibility.
By Ontario Conservatory of Music
after researching the company I learned they were the largest in north america with dozens of locations. they are also 73 years old. all other music schools i could find with one location who allow you to sign up on the spot, but, there was no protocol, no structure, they would teach you anythng you wanted. this is not what we need. kids need ontario conservatory of music!
By Ontario Conservatory of Music
Waiting list only happens at certain OCOM locations. More teachers available, the more they are to accommodate students. Elaine from Milton is great. She is great at what she does.
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Ontario Conservatory of Music 3.1 out of 5.0 based on 11 user reviews.
1650 Dundas St E #202, Mississauga, ON
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