I need advise from this forum's members

I began piano lessons 7 months ago, and go weekly for lessons. I am at the point where I wish to learn more re music history, theory, ear training, etc. In other words a music program, but not for credits, just for interest. I have been looking my area -Montreal- to see if there are programs for ADULTS through continuing ed, community centers or colleges, even music schools. So far nothing. All programs are for those who want to have a career in music or as part of a degree. There are many adult courses for painting, dance, cooking, knitting, you name it; not for music, other than lessons.
I wonder if anyone else has had a similar problem, where ever you may be living? How did you deal with it? I know I can do self studies, but I would like to learn in a classroom setting with others. Plus, out of all the thousands of books, CD's, DVD's etc. out there how do separate the good from the junk?
Yes, I have spoken to my teacher and we are going to begin ear training but I really would like to take a program.

Is there a music conservatory in your area? That is most likely where such classes would be taught. Otherwise, I am surprised there aren't any colleges that offer music history, theory and ear training classes that you could audit (or take for a grade if you wanted to do that). There are many people in their 30s, 40s and up returning to college for a degree, or just taking courses in something they enjoy, so don't assume that since it's not specifically for "adults" or non-traditional students that you'd be the only one there your age. And even if you are, so what? It's not like the material or delivery is any different. I've taken many classes where I was much older than the rest of the students, and I still learned a lot an enjoyed myself.

Maybe you could stick something in the Public Notices section of your local or main newspaper......

Or just buy some books on the subject. better yet ... from the local university library.

The Music Conservatory in Toronto offers classes just for adults. Also some High Schools Adult education evening courses have Music Theory for adults.
Is your teacher following a Method Series that includes some Music Theory.

I've had the same problem... there's a local community college by me that has theory and ear training courses, and I think it might be possible to get in as a non-degree-seeking student, BUT - the classes are all during the day, when I have to be at my job.

I believe that many universities have this same designation, "non-degree-seeking student" - where you can get in and take a few classes, but not for college credit. But again, those are usually classes in the middle of the day. For those of us with office jobs, it's usually not possible to attend.

(And, I haven't really done anything about it here, too many other things going on at the moment for me to spend more energy on piano pursuits, sadly!)

Can not agree more on the local community college. I started both music theory and piano classes a 2years ago from the local junior college. I am retired so I can take classes during the day. The instructors were so happy to have an adult in the clases. The theory professor gave me the option of an audit of the class or take it like any other kid in the class. I have socks as old as some of the kids in the class.

Next week I start my piano classes again for the year, from a piano performance PHD from Indiana University.

Cost is cheap particularly with the senior discount.

Now playing: 2 minuets by Dvorak and Mason's variations on Yankee Doodle Dandy.

LIMITED SUCCESS! The McGill university conservatory Schulich School of Music offers programs for adults and adolescents of all levels. I have an appointment for a placement test. I'm nervous as all heck.

Thanks to all for your replies. Here in Montreal, a city that considers itself cultural, vibrant and sophisticated, none of the colleges or universities permit you to audit a music class. In fact my request to do so was met with shocked horror. The most common answer I received when asking community centers, adult ed or continuing ed programs why they did not offer music programs was, "There is no demand for them". When I point out there is no demand for pole dancing, but it is still offered. I'm told "It sounds like fun so that is why we offer it". In other words music is not considered fun but a grind. We seem to have twisted values in this city.

TO: CHOPIN LISZT:
As a moderately severe dyslexic I find difficult to learn strictly from books. I am a visual and hands on learner. School & university for me were a torture. In the 50's & 60's anyone with a learning disability was labeled "lazy", "stupid" or "retarded". That is why I became a teacher; a good one at that, so I am told.

I"m surprised you wouldn't have classes available in a large city like that. I took some music theory classes just as a night student at a community college when I lived in California. Anyone is allowed to take classes at community colleges, you don't have to be seeking a degree. Besides, what does that mean, lots of people don't ever finish degrees who claim they are seeking one. I'm not talking about noncredit, hobby courses, either, but just regular courses. Lots of students take music theory or apprecition or whatever as part of liberal arts degrees, but even if they were music majors, there were beginning level music theory courses.

California had a very good CC system when I lived there, however, but there wasn't any law that you had to be admitted to a long-term degree program to take a class there. Now I live in Maryland and I think it's the same thing, I could take some regular courses there if I wanted to, in fact, I did a couple years ago for career purposes. Both places I've lived had plenty of classes in the evenings, as lots of regular students have jobs, also.

I never insisted on auditing, though, I was perfectly satisfied to get a grade, I didn't care. Why insist on auditing rather than taking it for a grade, if that's the issue. YOu didn't really need a placement test where I went for beginning level music theory, either, as it really was for beginners. Now I knew a lot more than others from years of piano lessons and it meant a lot more and I grasped a lot more, but it was for beginners.

Hi ChristinaW
Thanks for your in put. In "La Belle Province" of Quebec they (government) try to make everything as difficult as possible, with as much red tape as possible. Most things here are done contrary to the rest of North America. Logic and rational thinking do not seem to part of the Quebec French culture. Which is why our children, many of whom speak 2,3, or 4 languages leave the province as quickly as possible once their education is completed.

A perfect example of illogical reasoning can be found with our crippling shortage of doctors and nurses. A CANADIAN trained MD or nurse CAN NOT work in Quebec if they were trained outside of this province. For them to work here they have to pass a strenuous french test, oral & written, that has NOTHING to do with their profession, but they have to know how to order lumber or office supplies among other nonsensical things as well as pass another set of medical exams. Oh by the way, this language test has to be taken and passed by all Quebec English speaking (anglophone)students graduating from university or cc. But it does not apply to the French (francophone) students and the French students are NOT REQUIRED to know English! Many do but not all.

Foreign trained medical personnel have to apply for internships (very few spaces) and practically redo their whole medical training. We have many professionals here who were trained elsewhere ending up driving cabs, factory workers, etc. while trying to have their qualifications recognized. Many give up due to the heavy financial cost and frustration with the system and end going to the US or others parts of Canada

I'm sorry for my rant. It is very frustrating for many here knowing there is much out there that is not available to us.
Even ordering from the Sears catalogue or any on-line website is difficult. If an item/toy has only English directions/information it, by Quebec law, CAN NOT be sent/sold to anyone residing in this province! So out of province grandparents/famiy cannot in some cases send gifts to grankids etc.

Again sorry to rant.