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Save yourself the grief and go elsewhere...this company is misrepresenting their services and will scam you.
I recently went to register with Ian Garrett Canadian Academy of Vocal Music. I was excited about the possibility of taking lessons. When I called in they said the lessons were $35/half an hour and noted I would need to come in for an assessment. When I went in for an assessment I met Ian. Thereafter I met with DIane, the administrator of the school, who noted that there was a $100 fee for the assessment which I paid and she said that Ian wanted to work with me. She then began discussing the price of the lessons which were $100 per lesson for 50 weeks, amounting to $5000 a year. I said this was not what I had expected and was out of my budget. She then began discussing 10 lessons at $159/lesson, again this was not within my budget. After her majorly pressuring me and making condescending comments such as "what you can't afford to pay", I ended up signing up for the 10 lessons and paying half of it upfront in the amount of $800. Immediately after I left, I had a bad feeling and reached out in writing to say that I had made an error and really just wanted to go with $35/half an hour lessons given my goals and apply the amount I paid up front towards that. After all I really was not looking to be Shania Twain, I just wanted to take lessons for fun. I followed up with 3 phone calls the next day, none of which were returned. I finally managed to reach Diane that evening and she agreed that she would apply the $800 towards $35/half an hour lessons and arrange another instructor in this price range for the following week. I also followed up in writing to confirm our discussion so Ian would be made aware.
When I got there she had not arranged the instructor and noted that if I wanted to sign up for $35/half an hour I would need to be locked into 50 weeks of classes and fork out another $1200. She said she could not arrange an instructor until I signed a new contract. This was contrary to what she committed to on the phone. I noted that this is not what we had discussed and that I was not willing to pay anymore and just wanted to apply the money I had spent towards the classes at the price she noted initially. She became very argumentative and basically said take it or leave it, that if I wanted $15 lessons I could go elsewhere because Ian is the best. I said that I was not disputing Ian's skill level but that I just wanted what was committed. I said I do not like being misled and prefer that things are handled in a professional and transparent way. I said that I do not feel she is delivering what she committed so I want a full refund. She then proceeded to refuse to refund me saying that I signed a contract and that there are no refunds. I said I wanted to talk to Ian as I did not feel this was right.
I spoke to Ian and he agreed to honor the price and give me 20 lessons with a $35/half an hour instructor, so I agreed. When I went to sit down with Diane I noted that I wanted a copy of the new contract and confirmation in writing of the lessons. She agreed. As we went over the contract she was again pressuring me to sign. I stated I want to read what I am signing, she said "the contract doesn't matter". I said well I want to read it. There ended up being a couple of clauses I was not comfortable with, so I asked her questions on them. She spoke in a very rude and condescending tone like I should know the answer was pressuring me to sign. I refused to sign until I received clarity on these clauses. I asked her for a copy of the contract and she refused, I then said okay I want to copy down the clauses I am not clear on. She said you don't need that the contract does not matter. I found this to be very sketchy. I said no, I want to copy down the clauses so I can gain clarity from Ian before signing anything. I could tell she was visibly not happy I was copying them down. She said Ian would call me to clear it up and then she would schedule me in for a class. I followed in writing with an email to clarify the discussion and the questions I had to Ian so he had visibility.
The next day there was no news from Ian, so I followed up by email and placed a call. Diane picked up saying that he tried me. I noted there was no voicemail or call that I could see come in. She said he will call me back. Then an hour later she called me back stating that she spoke to Ian and that she could only offer me 10 lessons with Ian for the money I paid. I said this was not what we had discussed the day before and that I am not comfortable. She again had a take it or leave it approach and began telling me that I kept changing my mind. I noted I was not changing my mind but that they kept changing what they said they were going to offer me and that I don't understand how we got from yesterday to today. She proceeded to tell me I had personal issues and was very rude. I said I want my money back as this whole experience has been very negative and that she had been very unprofessional and not straight in her interactions and so I want nothing to do with the school. She refused and this is when I said I want to speak to Ian about the whole experience I have had and want my money back. She said he was busy at the moment in classes, I said that's fine he can call me anytime. Then within 15 minutes she called me back and said Ian said no refunds. I said I want to speak to Ian and have a discussion with him on my experience and the refund. She then proceeded to call me disabled and told me I had a mental disability. I was stunned at the complete audacity of how she spoke to me. She proceeded to ask me who I thought I was and if I understood English. She then proceeded to say that if I wanted to speak to Ian I would have to pay for his time. I said I want to speak to Ian and did not want to speak to her anymore. She noted that his time does not come free and that I would have to pay and she booked me in for 7:30pm on Thursday. I said I want to make it clear I am not coming for a lesson and only a discussion.
When I went into discuss with Ian I brought my sister in as I wanted a witness to the discussion. Ian refused to have any discussion with any witness present and would not even allow my sister to wait in his waiting room while we had a discussion in his studio. He began to get very aggressive and raised his voice stating she can't sit in the waiting room as it is private property, that he would not entertain a discussion unless she left. She said fine I will wait in the hallway (which was in an office building and he did not own) he again refused. He continued shouting that he refused to speak to me unless she waited in the car or it would be end of discussion. He proceeded to say that Diane has tried to work with me and that I am a grown woman and could have the discussion on my own. He said he refused to have the discussion, locked the door and that was it. He made it clear he does not want to give my money back. Clearly he's operating his business in an unethical way. I am utterly shocked that someone who has the qualifications to train Shania Twait would have Diane represent his school and then also behave in such an unprofessional manner. Clearly he has a lot to hide. I urge you to stay away from this school at all costs. This is why I tell my story so that others are not scammed as I was along with the others who have shared their story here.
Hi Everyone, as an update to the situation I faced with this school I just wanted to let you know that I still have not received the $800 refund for the singnig lessons I never received. I did attempt to reach the school in writing by read receipt emails and a registered letter which was shown to have been received. Despite these efforts I have received no response. I then escalted the concern to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB contacted me to let me know that the company has not returned any of their calls despite numerous attempts to reach them. I have now esclated the concern further to the Consumer Protection Agency who is there to mediate and resolve consumer concerns. I feel it is important to take all of these steps to protect anyone else out there that could land in my situation. I will continue to keep everyone updated and appreciate the posts thus far.
Sorry to hear about your experience - reputation is all you have in business, thank you for your comment. Just wanted to let everyone know that I still have not been refunded the $800 they scammed me out of. If they were really smart business people they would realize that treating your consumers this way costs you far more...as it damages your reputation and future business opportunities.
Still have not received the $800 they scammed me out of! Stay clear. I issued a complaint with the Better Business Bureau to which they did not respond. The F rating online from the Better Business Bureau speaks volumes.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer's satisfaction.
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Thank you for your story, I was looking to book with the Academy this summer. After reading your review, I'm taking it as a precaution and have decided not to book with them. I hope you get your money back and that justice is given to you. No one in the customer service field should be treating any of their customers like this!
Please see response from Ian Garrett on the second page of comments. Thank you.
Wow, thanks for the post. I'm new to Toronto and was looking for a reputable school. I guess I'll have to keep looking!
Company like "Ian Garrett Canadian Academy of Vocal Music" should not be in business, this is what happens when people get greedy, all they care is about ripping people off.
Sooo sorry to hear about your experience, I appreciate to your blog and thank you for helping me on my decision. I was looking into sign up with this company and now that I see what they are really about I will be looking else where.
OMG! I was just looking at this academy for my daughter who really wants to take lessons. Thank you for sharing your exprience as I would not want my daughter to have such an awful experiece with these individals who lack integrity and does not treat people with respect! Its sad to know that this Academy seems to be about about making the sale instead of supporting others in a positive way to realize their talent or live their dream. I hope you contiue to pursure yours despite this terrible experience.
THIS IS STATEMENT IS FRAUD! . Sources should always be questioned before taken seriously. Note that this is a PUBLIC site but no one seems to question is the people are LYING. Everything said in this article is FRAUDULENT and UNTRUE. I've been to that academy and dealt with Ian, He is a great guy and knows his stuff. I WOULD RECOMMEND GOING THERE! . Ian Garrett - Canadian Academy of Vocal Music is a Great School!
I've recently come across a complaint about Ian Garrett and his "Canadian Academy of Vocal Music". Needless to say all of these claims are impossible and false. I have spent much time at the academy learning with great positive influence and support from both the staff and Mr. Garrett. I have never once in my life come across a negative experience, in fact my time at the academy is the most fun I have. I look forward to it weekly and am always ending up rushing my mom so that I may spend more time there.
The lessons were paid for as a birthday gift and upon arrival, I was visually nervous. Even when I was starting, the staff asked me why it was I wished to take lessons and started conversation with me. They went out of their way to make me feel welcome and I really did. Soon I was introduced to my teacher: Ian Garrett. Despite his lavish reputation, having worked with Shania Twain, he was completely down to earth. His teaching methods are careful and concise built on years of practice and refinement. He pushes his students to be the best that they can be with endless support and positive encouragement.
The man and school painted in the complaint is in no way the environment or the person I know…and it is a shame that someone would spread such terrible lies. I refuse to believe such awful things. The best advice is to go and visit yourself.
Yeah the guy is great...knows his stuff!
Ian may know his music, but him and his assistant Diane's way of conducting business is very shady at best. I assure you it is not a lie - taking someone's money without providing the service is gross misconduct. On top of it this complaint was reported to the Better Business Bureau and the business failed to respond. Feel free to check out the posting on the better business bureau website. Do not go here - even the risk of being frauded is not worth it, and I am clearly not the only one with this experience. Do your research, I wish I did so I could have avoided this whole experience. I have now found another music school who is very transparent and willingly gave me copies of my receipts and contracts as should be normal business practice.
How can someone recall such detail if it were indeed untrue - ask yourself what the benefit would be of posting such a story? It is to protect others and save them from facing the same fate. Businesses should really treat every consumer with respect, reputation is everything and clearly their reputation is not reputable. Be careful and keep looking!
This happened to a friend of mine as well - they took his money and did not render the service be careful...there is also something written about their lack of response to a Better Business Bureau complaint also a very poor reflection if you ask me!
my daughter has been going to this school for over a year.we have been treated beautifully and with much respect! yes Ian is expensive but if you look at his credentials, you will see that he is worth every penny.my daughters voice was good going in but now- she is amazing! i would highly recommend this school but only if you are seriously going to do something with your voice. we look forward to this next year as she will be there full time.i'm a single mom and paying these fees have been tough at times but i and my girl know we're getting the best! i think Ian is awesome! to the upset people -have you ever heard HIM sing? as for Dianna, she has been gracious and kind throughout! i was so surprised when someone told me about this page! we couldn't believe what we were reading because our experience has been one of enjoyment and great learning!
I called this company a while back to get information about singing lesson, that woman was rude. I asked to talk to Ian, she said Ian doesn't talk to anybody, I could talk to her. I ended the call and never call back. who does he thinks he is. bad business. don`t go there.
This story is completely ludicrous. We have been dealing with Ian for years and couldn't be any happier. This sounds to me more like a case of someone who signed a binding contract and then tried to get out of it. I think you are completely misusing and misdirecting people when you use the word fraud. It is shameful .
I think what you are doing is more akin to slander than anything else by posting that crazy story of fraud. It is nowhere near the experience I have had. Ian is a tough business man who uses contracts... you have to go in knowing you are serious that's why there is an interview process. You can't renege after you sign a contract and that is exactly what you tried to do.
He is the best vocall coach ever he is thean of god and the most reasonable man when it comes to accounting and contracts. Please it's a shame using the word fraud for this great great teacher.
To whoever say this complaint is false and impossible or whatever, I personally went myself TODAY. I wish I read this review before even WASTING my time going there. Seriously, I found their academy on google, just want to learn pop music and learn new techniques. I see their website plastering up Shania Twain, Shawn Desman bla bla bla. I'm like OK, I'll give them a call and set an appointment. I speak with Ian, the coach im supposed to "audition" for. After a few back and forth, he seemed super friendly and told me to come with a song to show him what I got. No mention whatsoever of paying 100 dollar for a 45 minute assessment.
Just so you guys know, I have been calling other schools and every single one of them told me upfront that there is a fee of X amount of dollars. So I arrive at the place and I am greeted by Ian who told me to wait and fill up this form. After a moment, I am greeted by a woman who didn't even introduce herself to me, by reading the past few complaints here, I am assuming that lady's name is Diane. That woman is a real charm. After a brief discussion, I am being told theres a 100$ fee, swooping the machine right in front of my face. I'm like ok? I was never told i had to pay this much, even pay anything on the phone. Why would you omit a big fee like that before our appointment? Her answer was that they don't discuss rates over the phone... Wtf? So you decide to lure your prospective student by surprising them? I told her that all the schools I have called tell us upfront that an assessment would be X amount of money. Her answer? "Were not a school, we're an academy" Right, an academy with just two rooms. These people are using big names to lure you in. DONT FALL FOR THAT TRAP. STAY AWAY FROM THOSE CROOKS. Who give's a fuk about Shania or Shawn desman (this hasnt come up with anything for 5 years, practically irrelevant now) Anyway, not everyone's got money to throw out the windows. Stay away from this school.
To everyone saying they've been treated wonderfully bla bla bla. The truth is, if you have money to show for, then they will obviously treat you like a royalty and protect their investment. Duuuhh.
Dear Client,
I am Ian Garrett and I want to apologize for the way you were treated. It was unprofessional, and there was a great deal of miscommunication between both parties, which we wish could have been avoided. Our students know that we are not always able to answer the phone and that we always return the call if they leave us a message.
You initially signed a one page contract to take 50 lessons with myself. The contact has 5 one-line clauses with the second stating that “we offer no refunds (including deposits, or remaining lessons)”. However you only paid $800. We offered you 20 lessons with a $35/half hour instructor for the $800 that was paid to us. We keep our rates the same for all students and it has never been our practice to alter the lesson packages we provide. With the $800 that was paid, it would have only covered for six lessons with me, but instead we offered you ten lessons. With a different instructor, it would have covered for 20 lessons. You refused to accept any of the packages.
As is the practice of many professional businesses, we do not provide refunds. People are welcome to exchange it for another product or service, and pay the difference in value. However, looking back we realize that it might have been wiser to refund your money and avoid being called a scam business. Implying that we have done something fraudulent has greatly damaged our reputation and we are frustrated that we have not been able to resolve this matter. We have tried contacting you several times over the past five years to rectify this. However no one has picked up the phone or returned our calls. We managed to find you recently at your most recent employment in Vancouver and had our lawyer e-mail you as well as send you a registered letter requesting that you remove the damaging remarks that you put on the internet. The registered letter was accepted by your employer but to date we have received no response.
Our business has been established since 1978. We have successfully trained several thousand students over the past forty years in various genres including contemporary, jazz, opera, gospel, country and rock, and have produced famous artists including Shania Twain, Shawn Desman, N-Sync etc.
Yes, our lesson prices are expensive because of my established reputation, extensive experience and contacts in the music industry. Our students benefit from being taught by the best and they have access to my network.
I look forward to reconciling this issue with you, so please leave the academy a message and we will get back to you. You will receive the $800 back even though it is against our policy. You can also contact our lawyer by responding to the email and registered letter that you received from him.
Sincerely,
Ian Garrett
Dear Client,
I am Ian Garrett and I want to apologize for the way you were treated. It was unprofessional, and there was a great deal of miscommunication between both parties, which we wish could have been avoided. Our students know that we are not always able to answer the phone and that we always return the call if they leave us a message.
You initially signed a one page contract to take 50 lessons with myself. The contact has five one-line clauses with the second stating that “we offer no refunds (including deposits, or remaining lessons)”. However you only paid $800. We offered you 20 lessons with a $35/half hour instructor for the $800 that was paid to us. We keep our rates the same for all students and it has never been our practice to alter the lesson packages we provide. With the $800 that was paid, it would have only covered for six lessons with me, but instead we offered you ten lessons. With a different instructor, it would have covered for 20 lessons. You refused to accept any of the packages.
As is the practice of many professional businesses, we do not provide refunds. People are welcome to exchange it for another product or service, and pay the difference in value. However, looking back we realize that it might have been wiser to refund your money and avoid being called a scam business. Implying that we have done something fraudulent has greatly damaged our reputation and we are frustrated that we have not been able to resolve this matter. We have tried contacting you several times over the past five years to rectify this. However no one has picked up the phone or returned our calls. We managed to find you recently at your most recent employment in Vancouver and had our lawyer e-mail you as well as send you a registered letter requesting that you remove the damaging remarks that you put on the internet. The registered letter was accepted by your employer but to date we have received no response.
Our business has been established since 1978. We have successfully trained several thousand students over the past forty years in various genres including contemporary, jazz, opera, gospel, country and rock, and have produced famous artists including Shania Twain, Shawn Desman, N-Sync etc.
Yes, our lesson prices are expensive because of my established reputation, extensive experience and contacts in the music industry. Our students benefit from being taught by the best and they have access to my network.
I look forward to reconciling this issue with you, so please leave the academy a message and we will get back to you. You will receive the $800 back even though it is against our policy. You can also contact our lawyer by responding to the email and registered letter that you received from him.
Sincerely,
Ian Garrett
Very disappointed that Complaints Board allows an “easy way out” .. So the other families out there are left to be vulnerable to the scam businesses like Canadian academy of vocal music.
I got an email today that complaint has been resolved... absolutely not true!
MarijaA