Frequently Asked Questions about Lessons

The following are a sample of the many questions that the Coaching staff and The Board of Directors answer every year by parents who are relatively new to skating and are unacquainted with the normal procedures regarding finding and hiring a Coach.  We hope that you will find this information useful. 

Question:        When does a skater normally begin taking private lessons?

Taking private lessons is a personal choice made by the skater and his/her parents.  A few skaters begin taking private lessons as soon as they step on the ice.  Some parents prefer to wait to see if their skater truly loves the sport enough to explore it further with the assistance of a Professional Coach.  The sessions at this club are divided into natural blocks of skill progressions.  By the time a skater moves out of CanSkate and into the Junior Session, they are usually ready to try a private lesson and it is recommended.

Question:        Can my skater progress in Figure Skating without taking private lessons?

The answer is yes and no.  This club offers a wide variety of group style lessons at the Junior (and higher) level designed to enhance the program and allow all skaters to continue to learn the basics of skating.  So, yes – your skater can continue to learn more about skating without taking private lessons.  However, be aware that group lessons can only provide the basic information for a skater.  They cannot provide personal direction or detailed assistance that a private lesson is designed to do.  Private or semi-private lessons are recommended at this stage to allow your skater to progress safely as the skills they are learning become more intricate. 

Question:        How much do lessons cost?

Lessons are 15 minutes in length and the Coaches set their own lesson prices.  They can range between $8 - $13 per lesson.  Most Coaches will offer a 10 minute lesson (pro-rated) if that is the only time left available in their schedule and on the session.

Question:        How many lesson should my child receive per week?

This is completely dependent upon the skill level and ability of your skater and the availability of the Coach.  Generally speaking, skaters working in the sessions listed below will take the following number of lessons per week to proceed at a good rate.
CanSkate:        1 lesson a week
Junior:              1 to 2 lessons a week (or consider adding a semi-private lesson)
Intermediate:     1 to 3 lessons a week
Senior:              2 to 5 lessons a week

Question:        How do I choose a Coach?

Choosing the right Coach for your skater is very important decision.  Some Coaches excel in the handling of very young children and others are better suited to older skaters.  All of the Coaches at our Club have been professionally trained to teach and are required to be a Coaching Member in good standing with Skate Canada.  The choice of Coach is completely at your discretion.  Check at the Skating Office in the front lobby (new office should be open by late October) for the Coaches Biography Book to familiarize yourself with our excellent Coaching Staff.  You should watch each Coach and observe how he/she handles various levels of skaters to get an accurate picture of which Coach would best suit your child.  You may wish to speak to other parents about the Coaches.  Keep an open mind, however, when approaching another parent and realize that every skater is different and has different needs regarding a Coach.  Feel free to approach any Coach to ask questions about their coaching style but please remember to wait until after a session is over.  You can also check the website for their home phone numbers.

Question:        How do I set up a lesson with a coach?

Inquire with the Coach of your choice whether he/she has any available time during the session on which your child skates.  Set up a trial lesson (if possible) to see if your child and the Coach are a good fit.  Inquire about cost and billing procedures.  Inquire about what to do if your child must miss a lesson.  All verbal contracts are between you and the Coach.  The Board of Directors of the Club does not become involved with communication between Coaches and skaters/parents.

Question:        What should I do if I want to change Coaches?  I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.     

Coaches are independent contractors who work at the Club but are not employees of the Club.  They are fully aware of the ebb and flow of occasional skater movement between Coaches and will proceed professionally when approached with a request such as this.  This is what is generally acceptable when a parent wishes to change Coaches.

1. Approach the new Coach of choice and inquire whether he/she has any available time.
2. Talk to the current Coach and tell him/her that you intend to make a Coaching change.  The choice to change is completely at your discretion and you are under no obligation to explain your decision in any detail, however, common courtesy dictates that you give the current Coach some reasoning behind your decision.
3. Ask the current Coach to complete a final invoice which you will pay promptly.
4. Be aware that the new Coach cannot begin to teach your child until the previous Coach’s invoice has been paid.