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 2024)
Piano, Classical Guitar, Voice, Drums, Violin, Cello, Flute, Saxophone, Recorder, Ukulele
Lessons Available Online (Spring 2024)
Piano, Cello, Classical Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, Ear Training, Theory
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 2024)
- 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
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.
Drums
Piano
Strings
- Alex Cheung (Violin)
- Felix Flores (Violin)
- Joel Tangjerd (Cello)
- Robert Carroll (Classical Guitar)
- Robert Maddocks (Ukulele)
- Yoona Kang (Violin)
Winds
- Katherine Anderson (Flute)
- Alberto Di Priolo (Saxophone)
Voice & Choir
- Ewa Cybulska
- Sherry Squires (Choir)
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)
Dance
Art
Early Childhood Music
Theory & Ear Training
- Alberto Di Priolo (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 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.
