sogetsu ikebana lesson details

Venue: Our studio is on the third floor above the shop.

Lesson Dates

In general, every 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Morning session:  10:00 - 12:00

Evening session:  19:00 - 21:00

One Sunday per month (date to be announced in a timely manner)

Morning session:   10:00 - 12:00

Afternoon session:  13:00 - 15:00

Changes in schedule subject to change without prior notice.  Please see our Lesson Dates page for exact dates and times of upcoming lessons.

The Spirit of Ikebana

Ikebana in itself is a life-long study.  The learning does not come from merely memorizing the basics but also from the process where students begin to attune to their inner selves, to the flowers and branches they are touching, to the surroundings that envelope them, and by extension to the world they exist in.  The process is as important as the resulting arrangement.  Allow yourself to find beauty in harmony, beauty that only an uncluttered mind can grasp, beauty at that perfect moment in a blossom's life.

The Sogetsu Curriculum

The study of Sogetsu ikebana begins with the 4 “curriculums”.  Each curriculum contains 20 lessons.  Curriculums 1 & 2 are basic for beginners, while Curriculums 3 & 4 are for more advanced students.  After completing each one, students can apply to receive a certificate of completion from the Sogetsu Foundation.  Students need to complete an additional 40 lessons to obtain a 4th grade teaching diploma.  See the Sogetsu curriculums.

General Lesson Plan

Students learn at their own pace.  As there is no specific lesson taught at each session, sessions are individualized in nature, with students getting personal instruction based on their current skill level.  Students may enrol at any time, and book the dates they would like to attend.

At the start of each session, the teacher will introduce the materials to be used and give each student their own lesson to "challenge".  They will be left alone to contemplate and create their arrangements, and are discouraged from discussing ideas with one another during this time.  At appropriate times, the teacher will comment and suggest corrections, explaining concepts or adding new twists for the students to ponder. After each session, students can take their flowers home and re-create their arrangements.

Types of Students

All students start at the beginner level, unless they have previously studied Sogetsu ikebana  and have the proper accreditations to continue from where they left off.  There are basically three types of students:

1. One-time-only student: just curious and attends only once.

2. Serious student: wants to learn ikebana as a hobby.

3. Diploma student: wants to pursue accreditation and possibly the teaching diploma.

Lesson Mechanics

Students are asked to bring their own clippers (small ones used in the garden or even wire cutters are OK to start.)  In addition to providing the flowers, the ikebana shop will lend the flower container and kenzan for the student’s use during the lessons.

Students are also encouraged to bring a sketchbook and a camera to the lessons.

Diploma students will also need to purchase the textbooks for their personal use.  The teacher will record their attendance and progress in the textbook and this will be used in the application for accreditation.  Curriculums 1 & 2 (40 classes) are combined into one textbook, as are Curriculums 3 & 4.  Accreditation from the Sogetsu Foundation in Tokyo allows students to continue their studies where they left off with a different Sogetsu teacher.  [Note: Accreditation will incur a separate charge from the Sogetsu Foundation in Tokyo.]

Each session can accommodate only six students.  Students must book their classes in advance.  We also encourage students who need to cancel to let us know as early as possible so that we may give the slot to someone else. 

Lesson Fees

One session costs $40, which includes the cost of flowers.  A 3-session pack can be bought in advance for $100.  Accompanying children below 15 years old who take lessons with their parent(s) are charged $30 for one lesson or $70 for a 3-session pack.  Fees are subject to HST.  Payments may be made by credit card, cash, or by cheque payable to the ikebana shop.

Cancellations made at least one day before a scheduled lesson date are accepted at no charge.  Same-day cancellations or no-shows will incur full charge.

Special Appreciation Gift For Long-Term Students

For every 20 lessons attended, students will have the choice of:

1. Getting the 20th lesson for free;

2. Receiving a special gift (while supply lasts) from the ikebana shop.  Currently, the special gift is the ikebana bag.

Lesson Booking

Bookings can be made by email or by telephone (902) 407-0487.  Please leave us your email and phone number so that we may contact you in case of any unforeseen schedule changes.