Affordable, Quality Music and Arts Programs for Everyone

Throughout its history, the Music & Arts School at University Settlement has maintained its commitment to providing affordable, quality music and arts programs to children, teens, adults and seniors living in Toronto. We have never wavered from our founding principle 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 Establishment of the Music & Arts School in 1921

In 1910, the then President of the University of Toronto founded University Settlement House in the heart of the City of Toronto. University students lived at University Settlement House to help newcomers and their neighbours adapt to living in Canada and forge new lives here. He went on to establish the Music & Arts School at University Settlement in 1921, two years after establishing the University’s Faculty of Music. He believed that that one of the best ways to learn about a new culture and build community was through music and the arts. He also wanted to give Faculty of Music students an opportunity to teach and connect with the community.

Today, the Music & Arts School is the oldest community music school in Toronto. What started with only two students has grown to be a vibrant school with an enrollment of over 450 students of all ages–from babies only a few months old to people in their 80s.

Distinguished Faculty and Music Advisory Committee

Our high calibre faculty are dedicated to nurturing talent and a love of music in a safe and fun environment that celebrates success.

Over the years, some of the most distinguished musicians in Canada have guided the School as members of the Music Advisory Committee, including Healey Willan, Ettore Mazzoleni, David Ouchterlony, John Beckwith, Clifford Poole, Boyd Neel, Boris Berlin and Aasta Levene. Our faculty has included pianists Eve Egoyan, Brian Finley and Garnet Ungar, and cellist Kristine Bogyo. Currently four of our alumni are enrolled in the performance programs at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music – three in piano and one in voice.

Students and Subsidies

Our student body represents the diversity of our community. Approximately 75% of our students self-identify as coming from south, east and southeast Asian countries.

Every year we provide financial assistance to approximately 100 children from low-income families. These children would not be able to study music without that assistance. The average income for a family of four receiving a subsidy is $22,500.