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!
Get $10 off Spring classes: Use code MASGROUP10 to get $10 off select Group Music Classes.
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 Ensemble (In-Person)
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.
Jazz Ensemble (In-Person)
Our Jazz Ensemble offers an introduction to the joy of playing and improvising in the jazz idiom, helping them develop the skill set required to perform this challenging and rewarding music. These ensembles are open to all students aged 9 and up. No prior jazz or improvisation experience is required.
Minimum of RCM Grade 4 or equivalent is recommended.
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 (In-Person)
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.
Introduction to Electronic Music (Online)
This is a general course for people with little or no experience producing electronic music. This course will cover all general aspects of music-making (key, pitch, form, harmony), through basic audio concepts (waveforms, frequency spectrum, etc.).
This program is not being offered for the Spring Term. Please check back for upcoming sessions.
Music Composition (Online)
Music composition is the art of creating music. Learn how to put together melodies and harmonies to create beautiful pieces. Receive a solid grounding in the basics of music composition for instruments and voices.
This program is not being offered for the Winter Term 2023. Please check back for upcoming sessions.
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
2024/25 Calendar
Fall Term 2024
September 3
Fall Term begins
October 12 to 14
Thanksgiving Weekend CLOSED
December 9
Last Day of the Fall Term
Winter Term 2025
January 6
Winter Term begins
February 15 to 17
Family Day CLOSED
March 7
Last Day of the Winter Term
Spring Term 2025
March 17
Spring Term begins
April 18 to 21
Easter Weekend CLOSED
May 17 to 19
Victoria Day CLOSED
June 16
Last Day of the Spring Term
Summer Term 2025
July 2
Summer Term begins
August 1
Last Day of the Summer Term
August 2 to 4
Simcoe Weekend CLOSED
Updated July 25, 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.
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 2024/2025 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!
Audrey’s Story —“…Not only has the school helped me by learning how to play piano and violin, but it has taught me how to be myself…”
Audrey Cai, a 14-year-old pianist and violinist, has spent over six years honing her musical talents at University Settlement’s Music & Arts School. Under the guidance of pianist Ken Marple and violinist Alex Cheung, Audrey has earned praise as an “exceptional student and gifted musician,” garnering awards and scholarships such as the Steinhauer Family Music Award and the Mark Hill Music Award.
Beyond the school’s walls, Audrey’s musical achievements shine brightly. She recently claimed first place at the North York Music Festival’s Grade 10 C category with Chopin’s Polonaise in C# minor and secured second place in the Grade 10 D category with Debussy’s Clair De Lune.
Ken Marple commends Audrey’s ability to captivate audiences, describing her as “simply an exceptional musician, performer, and student.” Audrey’s dedication led her to pass her RCM Level 9 Piano Exam with First Class Honours in 2024, and she’s now preparing for the RCM Level 10 Exam. As a member of the Music & Arts School’s Youth Chamber Ensemble, she continues to thrive under Alex Cheung’s mentorship.
Reflecting on her journey, Audrey credits the Music & Arts School for nurturing her passion and helping her fulfill her dreams through music. “Not only has the school helped me by learning how to play piano and violin, but it has taught me how to be myself, express my feelings through music, and finding a way to achieve my dreams.” – Audrey
Audrey’s story exemplifies the transformative impact of music education, showcasing excellence in both her musical achievements and personal growth.
Help Us Make A Difference
When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for students, like Audrey, to pursue their artistic talents at the Music & Arts School.
Make a donation. Make a difference.
