Private Music Lessons
Notice: School Closed August 13 to August 24
The Music & Arts School and office will be closed from August 13 to August 24. We wish our students have a relaxing vacation time and enjoy the pleasant weather!
We continue processing Fall 2025 registrations remotely. For a prompt response, please direct all inquiries to music.office@universitysettlement.ca.
At the Music & Arts School, students can choose from a broad range of in-person and online lessons. We welcome students of all ages and abilities.
Discover new opportunities to develop your creativity, musicianship, and artistic expression!
Fall Term 2025
In-Person Lessons Available
Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Flute, Recorder, Ukulele, Saxophone, Clarinet, Drums
Online Lessons Available
Piano, Cello, Voice, Ukulele, Violin
Lesson Duration
Beginner students enroll in weekly 30-minute lessons. For students with previous experience, we also offer 45-minute and 60-minute private lessons.
Private Lesson Fees
- 30 Minutes: $28 per lesson
- 45 Minutes: $42 per lesson
- 60 Minutes: $56 per lesson
Student Portal
The Music & Arts School communicates information with students and families through University Settlement’s client portal. The portal allows parents and students to view activity schedules, register for other University Settlement programming and view all billing information!
Additional Info
2025/26 Calendar
Fall Term 2025
September 2
Fall Term begins
October 11 to 13
Thanksgiving Weekend (Closed)
December 8
Last Day of the Fall Term
Winter Term 2026
January 5
Winter Term begins
February 14 to 16
Family Day Weekend (Closed)
March 13
Last Day of the Winter Term
Spring Term 2026
March 23
Spring Term begins
April 3 to 6
Easter Weekend (Closed)
May 16 to 18
May Long Weekend (Closed)
June 22
Last Day of the Spring Term
Summer Term 2026
July 2
Summer Term begins
July 31
Last Day of the Summer Term
Updated July 29, 2025
Agency Membership Fee
In addition to program fees, an annual Agency Membership ($25 plus HST per year) is required for all individuals participating in Music & Arts School programs at University Settlement.
School Faculty
Our exceptional faculty of professionally trained teachers and performers offer one of the best music education opportunities in Toronto. All have a bachelor’s degree in music and many have completed studies at the Master’s level. Each has a demonstrated commitment to the community.
Drums
Piano
Strings
- Alex Cheung (Violin)
- Felix Flores (Violin)
- Joel Tangjerd (Cello)
- Robert Carroll (Classical Guitar)
- Robert Maddocks (Ukulele)
- Carmen Kwok (Violin)
Winds
- Katherine Anderson (Flute)
- Alberto Di Priolo (Saxophone and Clarinet)
Voice and Choir
- Sherry Squires (Voice and Choir)
- Luyao Xu (Voice)
Chamber Program
- Keith Reid (Chamber Coordinator)
- Alberto Di Priolo (Coach)
- Alex Cheung (Coach)
- Robert Carroll (Coach)
- Katherine Anderson (Coach)
- Laraine Herzog (Coach)
- Felix Flores (Coach)
- Joel Tangjerd (Coach)
- Leo Choi (Coach)
- Victor Tung (Coach)
Dance
Art
Early Childhood Music
Theory and Ear Training
- Robert Maddocks (Ear Training)
- André McEvenue (Theory & Harmony)
Concerts
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. Past student recitals can also be viewed on the Music & Arts School YouTube channel.
Scholarships
The Music & Arts School awards a range of merit-based scholarships that are awarded through competitive auditions. Recipients perform in a special concert in November, which is always a highlight of the year.
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winners
- W.G. Hall Strings Award recipient: Isabelle Ajoy
- Margaret Grant Music Award recipient: Marcus Chang
- Marshall Adam Golden Memorial Scholarship recipient: Elle Chang
- Paul Greenwood Strings Award recipient: Janson Zeng
- Paul Greenwood Strings Award recipient: Shaun Lin
- Mark Hill Music Award recipient: Annastasia Kokkinias
- Sylvia Schwartz Music Award recipient: Quinton Lin
- Shiu Shum Lo Memorial Award recipient: Pearl Tsai
- Steinhauer Family Music Award recipient: Lily Yan MacDonald
- Laraine Herzog Scholarship recipient: Audrey Cai
- Aasta Levene Scholarship recipient: Andy Chen
Subsidies
Fee subsidies can help students age 18 or younger from families not able to afford the full cost of private lessons. Eligibility is based on the total household income, and the number of people in the family. Check the 2025/2026 Program Guide for more information.
Rentals
The Music & Arts School is pleased to offer affordable instrument rental to our string, 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 plus HST per hour. Please contact the Music & Arts School for more information.
FAQ
What is the cancellation policy?
Regardless of the notice given, should you cancel your private lesson, a make-up lesson will be arranged, maximum of one make-up lesson per term. Should your teacher cancel a lesson, it will be rescheduled. Please note: Missed group classes are not eligible for make-up lessons.
What do I do if I can’t attend a lesson?
Please email us or call the Music & Arts School Office at 416-598-3444 ext. 243 or 244 to let us know that you are unable to attend.
What technical equipment do I need for online lessons?
It’s pretty simple. You need a device with video capabilities – a smartphone, tablet or laptop and a strong internet connection.
Does the Music & Arts School adhere to a specific system of learning?
Our teachers are trained in and familiar with many methods of teaching music. Should you wish, your teacher can offer you guided instruction in progressive methods, such as the RCM method. Some students, particularly adults, prefer to progress at their own pace, setting their own goals in consultation with their teacher. Music & Arts School faculty members are qualified to offer this type of individualized instruction.
Will I need to practice? May I practice at the School?
Yes, private practice is essential if you wish to progress in your studies. You can practice at the School during the School’s operating hours, so long as the studio is not reserved for private teaching. Please check the studio schedules next to the Music Office door for studio availability.
Will I need to buy a book or an instrument right away?
Students will be expected to purchase music books.
Purchasing an instrument immediately may not be necessary. The School has a variety of instruments available for rental at reasonable rates. We also keep a waitlist of students looking to either purchase or receive a donated piano. Please keep in mind that as you progress in your studies, purchasing an instrument will become necessary.
Is the School accessible?
Yes! An elevator provides access to all rooms used for private lessons and group classes.
School Staff
Victoria Medeiros, Managing Director (on maternity leave)
Prior to becoming the Managing Director of the Music & Arts School in 2014, Victoria was a voice instructor in 2013. She received a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. Victoria has years of experience both as a performer and as a teacher.
Felix Flores, Acting Managing Director
Felix Flores is a violinist, composer and arranger who has experience performing in a wide variety of music genres including Classical, Jazz, Tango, Latin, and Contemporary music. A long-time teacher with experience in arts administration, he’s excited to take on this additional role at the Music & Arts School. View Felix’s artist bio
Lyf Stolte, Program Assistant
Lyf Stolte brings his passion for the arts to his role as Program Assistant. Having facilitated arts, storytelling and other workshops and events at his previous work, he is excited to bring these experiences with him to the University Settlement’s Music & Arts School. Lyf is married and has two sons, and two dogs!
Shaun’s Journey —“…the opportunity to partake in musical events at University Settlement has really brought me a sense of pride and achievement, revitalizing my passion for music…”
Shaun Lin, a dedicated violinist, has been part of the University Settlement Music & Arts School for over 8 years. Under the guidance of esteemed violin instructors Wanes Moubayed and Felix Flores, Shaun’s passion for music and commitment to his craft have shone through, earning him recognition and numerous awards, including the Marshall Adam Golden Music Award and the Paul Greenwood Strings Award.
Shaun’s perseverance and dedication to his studies have also led him to successfully complete his RCM Level 8 exam, and he is now preparing to meet the requirements for the RCM Level 9 exam. In addition, he is an active member of our Youth Chamber Ensemble, led by Alex Cheung, further honing his collaborative and performance skills.
Shaun’s relationship with University Settlement extends beyond his personal achievements. He generously volunteers at the Music & Arts School, supporting important events such as Faculty Concerts, and giving back to the community that has helped him grow.
In reflecting on his journey, Shaun expresses his gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Music & Arts School, which he credits with fostering his love for music. He notes that participating in musical events like recitals and concerts at University Settlement has given him a sense of pride and achievement, fueling his passion for music. His involvement has also led him to join his high school’s pit band and orchestra, where he continues to build new friendships and expand his musical horizons.
“Being given the opportunity to partake in musical events such as recitals and concerts at University Settlement has really brought me a sense of pride and achievement, revitalizing my passion for music. It has motivated me to seek out more opportunities in my personal life, such as joining my high school’s pit band and orchestra, making new friendships along the way.” – Shaun Lin
Shaun’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the arts and the supportive environment fostered by the University Settlement Music & Arts School.
Help Us Make A Difference
When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for students, like Shaun, to pursue their artistic talents at the Music & Arts School.
Make a donation. Make a difference.
