The Canadian Academy of Vocal Music
Reviews and Complaints

I signed up with the school and gave them my credit card information. I paid 100 dollars initially for an interview. All transactions were done remotely and classes were taken via Skype. When I signed up they did not provide me with a contract or any invoices. They charged my credit card for classes I did not ask for and without my permission. First Unauthorized Transaction on January 27, 2022 - $797.50

-Second Unauthorized Transaction on March 26. 2022 - $899.00

-Third Unauthorized Transaction on April 30, 2022 - $898.50

When I realised there had been unauthorised charges and asked for a refund, they started rescheduling my classes. I asked more than once for an invoice for the classes paid for or provide me with a price list or break down of the charges. I did not recieve one. When I went to talk to them for the first time in person at their studio they were unable to break down the charges or make sense of the charges. It was the first time they showed me their price list. To date they have refused to refund me the amounts requested. I want to be refunded for the additional classes I was charged for and the unauthorized charges on my credit card. When I went to ask them to show me their file they claimed I signed up for an hourly package and they showed me a contract with my forged signature. Even though I initially signed up for ten courses for 30 minutes each once a week on Saturdays ($159.50 per lesson which amounted to $1,595.00), on the fourth 30 minute class on February,19, 2022, they told me that I needed longer classes and said I could sign up for 45 minute classes for an additional $1,000 which would take me up to June 4. I asked them to charge it to my credit card at the end of the month as I had a few expenses that I needed to pay on the interim. I didn't realise at the time that the reason they decided to force me to change my courses from 30 minutes to 45 minutes was because they had already taken money off my credit card without my permission that they somehow needed to justify it. 45 minute classes started on March 19. At no point in time were the starting times of my classes respected. Ian was late to each class and I would have to call in the day of to confirm the time and make sure were still having a class. My last class which was class 11 before I noticed the unauthorized charges was April 30. To date they charged me $5190 for 11 courses. They claim these are the prices they charge everyone and it amounts to $471 per class.

I wish I’d seen complaint already submitted on this site prior to my visit to this horrible place. Lesson learned. Luckily, I left just on time before got scammed. After checking the website and sending an e-mail to Ian Garrett (address provided on their website), I got phone call from a women who never introduced her self by name, quickly suggested a "trial lessen" to determine best way to help my son prepare for his singing role in the musical. I asked about price and time commitment. She just provided "approximate" charge per 1/2 hour ($35). She never mentioned $100 cost for the initial visit that she called a "trial". Once we were there she causally asked for the money, without walking us through the process and explaining the cost. I found that strange and I said that I wish she told me about it in advance. This remark seemed to offended her which resulted in range of verbal mocking in the presence of my son. She was so unbelievably rude and unprofessional. Knowing that this is important to my son, I asked her to change the subject and to let us see Ian, while handing out my card. With very sarcastic smile and insane face expression, she asked me if it would make me happy if the coaching was free?! She kept repeating this sentence a few times. My young son looked at me, asking to leave. “Just leave. This is not for you anyway, ” she said angrily ?! How dare! Yes, I didn’t waste my money, but horrible experience will be stuck with me for a wile. Please parents – do your through research prior taking your kids for any kind of lesson!