We function in the belief that the arts should be a right, not a privilege, and that lessons should be available to everyone regardless of age, ethnicity, perceived talent, disability, or ability to pay. The school aims to provide an open house of learning in a welcoming, family atmosphere.The Music & Arts School programs at University Settlement are not exclusively for those who live and work in the downtown community, but is also available for those who live and work outside the community regardless of income or age. All are welcome.
At the Music & Arts School, our year is divided into 4 terms (Fall, Winter, Spring, & Summer) that correspond to the Public School year. The total number of weeks varies from term to term. Students must register or re-register for each term. Specific registration dates are available from the School office.
In the Fall, the first day of registration for Individual Lessons is set aside for returning students who wish to stay with the same teacher, or remain in the same Group Class. Registration is in person on a first-come, first-served basis. From the second day onward, all other students may register in-person or over the phone.
In the Winter and Spring semesters, there is opportunity for returning students to keep their same day and timeslot by re-registering during an advanced registration period. If a returning student does not register during this period, they may lose their spot. During our shortened Summer semester, registration is entirely on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration may be done either in person at the Music & Arts School Office, or by phone (Visa or Mastercard only). Each student must pay a $20 registration fee (payable once per school year at the initial time of registration) and a $10 agency membership fee in addition to any additional program costs.
30 Minutes: $20.00 // 45 Minutes: $30.00 // 1 Hour: $40.00
The above fees for are individual lessons and are the same regardless of instrument studied, or skill level of the student – they are based solely on the length of the lessons. Individual lesson fees are calculated on a term by term basis, and will vary depending on the length of lessons and the number of weeks in the given term.
Fees for group classes are also calculated by the term and vary depending on the length of classes, the number of weeks and, in some cases, the cost of materials. Group classes depend upon a minimum enrolment in order to run and are not pro-rated. Please see separate flyers for further details.
*Rates are subject to change.
Our Faculty includes approximately twenty-five teachers whose skills relate to performance and teaching, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the community. Teachers are professionals, with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and many have completed studies at the Master’s level.
Accordion:
Tiina Kiik
Chamber Program:
Alex Cheung(Coach)
Akiyo Hattori (Chamber Program Coordinator)
Tiina Kiik (Coach)
Ivana Popovic (Coach)
Michelle Simmons (Coach)
Vesna Vukusic (Coach)
Rob Carroll (Coach)
Keith Reid (Coach)
Katherine Anderson (Coach)
Christopher Burton (Coach)
Choral:
Leslie Bickle (Children’s Choir Conductor)
Keith Reid (Settlement Singer’s Conductor)
Ear-Training & Theory Program:
Daisy Tam
Leslie Bickle
Percussion:
Michelle Colton (Drum kit, keyboard percussion, Group Drumming Circles)
Piano:
Susan Chemm
Aleksandar Gerun
Laraine Herzog
Tiina Kiik
Beverly Lewis
Kenneth Marple
Elina Templin
Paul Crocker
Christopher Burton
Strings:
Robert Carroll (Guitar)
Alex Cheung (Violin)
Ivana Popovic (Violin)
Jane Yang (Violin)
Vesna Vukusic (Violin, viola, introductory cello)
Voice:
Jeremy Ludwig
Winds:
Keith Reid (saxophone)
Mitch Yolevsky (clarinet)
Katherine Anderson (Flute/Recorder)
Other Arts:
Morghynn Karenn (Dance)
Kaya McGregor (Daycare Music & Dance)
Sarah Butler (Daycare Music & Dance)
Tiina Kiik (Daycare Music)
Our Faculty includes approximately twenty-five teachers whose skills relate to performance and teaching, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the community. Teachers are professionals, with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and many have completed studies at the Master’s level.
Individual Lessons are offered in the following:
Piano
Guitar
Voice
Violin
Clarinet
Saxophone
Flute
Viola
Accordion
Recorder
Theory
Ear-Training
Drum Set/ Percussion
Introductory Cello
Group Classes run during the Fall, Winter and Spring terms only
Ear-Training (5-6 Years)
Ear-Training Level 1-4
Ear-Training for Adults
RCM Harmony Preparation
RCM Theory Preparation
Traditional Dance Classes
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Children’s Choir
Settlement Singers Choir
Chamber Music for Adults
Junior Chamber Music
Computer Music
LATEST NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
The Music & Arts School is located on the 2nd floor of University Settlement Recreation Centre. The School is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, while the Office is open during the hours indicated below:
| Monday | 9:30am – 5:00pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am – 7:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am – 7:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am – 7:00pm |
| Friday | 9:30am – 7:00pm |
| Saturday | 11:30am – 3:30pm |
Anne Yardley, Music and Arts School Director, ext. 243. anne.yardley@universitysettlement.ca
Michelle Simmons, Program Assistant, ext. 244. michelle.simmons@universitysettlement.ca
The School is managed by a full-time Music & Arts School Director and a part-time Program Assistant. Additionally, a volunteer Advisory Committee also contributes to the operation of the School. Interested in volunteering? Please contact the Music & Arts School Office for more information about how to get started.
The Music & Arts School is also able to offer scholarships based on merit. Each year a number of worthy students are awarded scholarships following auditions. Successful applicants are required to perform in a Scholarship recipient concert.
Subsidies for financial assistance for individual lessons may be available to students, aged 18 or younger, who cannot afford the full fees. Eligibility is based on the total household income, and the number of people in the family. Applications must be made each term, and proof of income is required.
Click Subsidy Program Guidelines for more details
Regular performances by students, teachers and special guests form an integral part of life at our School. Students of all levels have the opportunity to perform in a non-competitive environment. Concerts usually take place at the Church of St George the Martyr, at 197 John Street. The church is located in Grange Park, just behind University Settlement Recreation Centre.
The Music & Arts School is pleased to offer affordable instrument rental to our string, clarinet, flute, accordion and guitar students. Additionally, students may use our studios to practice free of charge. Non-students may rent studio space, pending availability, for $10 per hour. Please contact the Music & Arts School for further details.