Group Music Classes

At the Music & Arts School, students can choose from a broad range of in-person and online programs. We welcome students of all ages and abilities. Discover new opportunities to develop your creativity, musicianship, and artistic expression!

Featured Class

Ukulele Group Classes on Mondays

Our Ukulele classes offer an introduction to Ukulele in a small group setting. This small, guitar-like instrument is an accessible way into music making for learners of all levels. Learn More

All Group Classes

Adult Chamber Music (In-Person)

Our Adult Chamber Music Program is designed for intermediate and/or advanced adult students who wish to make music in small ensembles. We offer a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere, with expert coaching from talented instructors. The program is a fantastic way to meet new people, and work on some great chamber repertoire.

Chamber Music participants have access to School studio space for practice purposes in addition to their coaching rehearsals. Participants in this program have the opportunity to perform in an informal concert at the end of each term, for friends, family and fellow participants.

The program includes 7 weeks of 90-minute weekly coaching sessions (exact rehearsal times to be set based on your submitted availability) and the opportunity to perform in a concluding concert.

Youth Chamber Music (In-Person)

Similar to our Adult Chamber program, the Youth Chamber Music Program is for intermediate or advanced youth between the ages of 12 to 18. This program incorporates classical and popular music. All instruments are welcome! Each session runs weekly for one hour, and culminates in an end-of-term concert performance. Our expert instructor is here to ensure a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere!

Children’s Choir (In-Person)

The Children’s Choir is a great opportunity for children aged 5 to 12 to learn vocal music as an ensemble in a comfortable group setting. This program runs for 36 weeks. Students perform at School concerts twice a year in December and June.

Celtic Fiddling (In-Person)

Celtic Fiddling classes offer an introduction to Celtic fiddling as well as different fiddling styles (Irish, Acadian, Country, etc.) and the rhythmic patterns of various fiddle tunes. The group will learn to put several tunes together in a fiddle set.

Minimum of RCM Grade 4 or equivalent in violin studies; ability to play fast-tempo music and basic theory.

Music 4 Little Ones (In-Person)

Our Music 4 Littles Ones classes offer early childhood music making for children and their caregivers! These interactive classes are available for children from birth to 4 years.

Toronto Song Lovers Choir (In-Person)

The Toronto Song Lovers Choir is a youth & adult choir built for fun! If you’ve never sung in a choir before or don’t read music, that’s okay! No prior experience necessary. Simply bring your enthusiasm, your joy and your laughter. We’ll take care of the rest. This program runs for 36 weeks.

Songwriting and Composition (Online)

Songwriting and Composition is a seminar-style class in which students will be guided through various approaches to music-making: from songwriting to electronic production to creating complete musical scores. Through the class, students will be encouraged to explore and will learn to create new musical works.

This program is available for adults, youth, and children ages 9 and up, with some prior music experience.

Ukulele (In-Person)

Our Ukulele classes offer an introduction to Ukulele in a small group setting. This small, guitar-like instrument is an accessible way into music making for learners of all levels. Hauling out your Ukulele at your next party is a sure fire way to make all your guests smile!

Ear Training for Children & Youth (In-Person)

Ear Training classes introduce students to the basic elements of music, helping to improve their listening, singing and sight-reading skills as well as their sense of rhythm and overall musicality.

  • Preliminary Classes (Intro and Level 1) are fun and designed for beginners with no previous experience.
  • Levels 2 to 9 are progressively more challenging, and have been developed to follow curriculum guidelines from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Ear-Training is an important complement to private study.

Ear Training for Adults (In-Person)

Ear Training classes introduce students to the basic elements of music, helping to improve their listening, singing and sight-reading skills as well as their sense of rhythm and overall musicality. The adult class is tailored to the needs of the students enrolled, with a limited class size of no more than 6 adults. Adult students can register at any time and can complete as many terms as needed.

This program draws on material from the Royal Conservatory of Music method.

RCM Theory & Harmony (Online)

We offer theory classes for students preparing for examinations. These classes are tailored to the most up-to-date RCM curriculum, and focus on such skills as: pitch, rhythm recognition, transposition, analysis and musical terms.

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

2023/24 Calendar

Fall Term 2023

September 5

Fall Term begins

October 7 to 9

Thanksgiving Weekend CLOSED

December 11

Last Day of the Fall Term

Winter Term 2024

January 8

Winter Term begins

February 17 to 19

Family Day CLOSED

March 8

Last Day of the Winter Term

Spring Term 2024

March 18

Spring Term begins

March 29 to April 1

Easter Weekend CLOSED

May 18 to 20

Victoria Day CLOSED

June 17

Last Day of the Spring Term

Summer Term 2024

July 2

Summer Term begins

August 4

Last Day of the Summer Term

August 5

Simcoe Day CLOSED

Updated January 29, 2024

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.

Strings

Winds

Voice & Choir

Chamber Program

Early Childhood Music

Theory & Ear Training

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 2024 Scholarship Winners

  • W.G. Hall Strings Award recipient: Isabelle Ajoy
  • Margaret Grant Music Award recipient: Stephen Zhao
  • Marshall Adam Golden Memorial Scholarship recipient: Annastasia Kokkinias
  • Paul Greenwood Strings Award recipient: Shaun Lin
  • Mark Hill Music Award recipient: Audrey Cai
  • Sylvia Schwartz Music Award recipient: Ivy Xu
  • Shiu Shum Lo Memorial Award recipient: Antonio Lin
  • Steinhauer Family Music Award recipient: Yuuna Lee
  • Jack Chang Scholarship recipient: Daisy Cardich-Soria
  • Laraine Herzog Scholarship recipient: Andy Chen
  • Aasta Levene Scholarship recipient: Quinton Lin

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 2023/24 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

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, Program Assistant

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!

Lily’s Story —“…taking piano at the Music & Arts School has brought out my passion for piano and without it I would not be the pianist and musician I am today…”

Lily Yan MacDonald is a talented multi-instrumentalist and dedicated student at the Music & Arts School and an invaluable member of the Music & Arts School’s Youth Chamber Ensemble. Over the past four years, she has studied piano and violin, impressing her piano teacher, Miguel Brito-Lopez, with her progress from Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) level 5 to level 10.

Lily’s musical achievements include receiving the Laraine Herzog Scholarship and the Marshal Adam Golden Music Award at University Settlement. Outside of University Settlement, she has excelled in piano performances at the YIP’s Music Festival, earning first place in the Piano Level 10 List E class. Lily’s high school string ensemble won a silver award at the National Music Fest competition in Canada.

However, music is not her sole passion. Lily also excels in sports, particularly field hockey, and she has a remarkable talent for mathematics.

Beyond her musical achievements, Lily is a dedicated volunteer at University Settlement’s Music & Arts School, and generously contributes her time to assist ballet classes on Sunday afternoons.

Lily’s first ballet class was at University Settlement when she was just four years old. With over seven years of ballet experience, she finds joy in using her skills to benefit the children, reflecting on her own journey and relishing the role reversal.

Lily acknowledges the pivotal role that University Settlement’s Music & Arts School has played in nurturing her passion for piano. Her gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Music & Arts School shines through in her words and actions. Lily’s journey is truly an inspiration, demonstrating not only her remarkable musical talent but also her dedication to giving back and her well-rounded excellence in various areas of her life.

“I think taking piano at the Music & Arts School has brought out my passion for piano and without it I would not be the pianist and musician I am today.”

– Lily

Help Us Make A Difference

When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for young students, like Lily, to pursue their artistic talents at the Music & Arts School.

Make a donation. Make a difference.