Private Music Lessons
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!
Lessons Available In-Person (Spring 2025)
Piano, Voice, Violin, Cello, Flute, Saxophone, Recorder, Ukulele, Clarinet, Classical Guitar
Lessons Available Online (Spring 2025)
Piano, Cello, Voice, Ukulele, Ear Training, Theory, 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 (Spring 2025)
- 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
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.
