Toronto School for Strings

The Toronto School for Strings was founded in 1999, by Julian and Mary Fisher, to provide their students with a positive and stimulating learning experience. Our faculty of highly qualified and experienced teachers incorporate the best of the world-renowned Suzuki Philosophy, the rigor of the nationally recognized Royal Conservatory of Music Examination system and other approaches tailored to the needs of individual students. Our teachers include accredited adjudicators and performers active in the musical life of Toronto. We emphasize the quality of the learning environment and foster artistic growth amongst all our students, who range in age from young children to senior citizens.

Instruments taught include violin, viola, cello, bass, piano, guitar, electric bass, flute and recorder. We encourage our students to take advantage of enriching opportunities such as rehearsing with a professional accompanist, or playing with small ensembles or orchestra. We offer a fun and creative approach to theory in private lessons or small groups. We also encourage the implementation of music technology. The core of our instruction is classical by nature, but we also include jazz and improvisation.

Adults are welcome to be students at the TSS.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please click here

Feel free to call us with your questions or comments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 2:00 p.m.

News and Announcements

Last updated on June 28, 2009

Second Annual TSS Summer Day Camp

CAMP DATES: July 27-31 Strings program; August 4-7 Rock program

It's back! The second annual TSS Summer Day Camp will run the weeks of July 27-31, and Aug. 4-7. For the first week, Suzuki and traditional string students will feel welcome in this multi-disciplinary program covering music Orff, visual art and movement. Students will play in groups of all sizes, chamber and orchestra. Supplemental semi-private lessons will also be offered.
And for the second week, new this year: Toronto School for ROCK! Students will prepare their own stage show, with costumes, sets and more!

• More information for both camps is here

Advanced Violin and Cello Ensembles

These groups, one for violins, one for cellos, meet every other week and work on ensemble playing using interesting and exciting repertoire with like-minded players in a fun group setting. Violins are led by Natasha Sharko, and cellos are led by Mary Fisher.

The TSS «Not-Quite-Ready-For-Prime-Time» Players

Adult students who are interested in playing in an ensemble, but are not sure if they can play in a more advanced group are welcome to join this entry-level orchestra. Led by Peter Cosbey, the "Not Quites" will focus on playing together in a fun, supportive, no-pressure rehearsal, and working together to improve as a group. The group will rehearse every other week.

Groups Schedule 2009

Please note that we have changed our class date to Thursdays. The classes are now at a new location, Deer Park Public School, which is located at 23 Ferndale Ave., just east of Yonge and St. Clair.

Salon Concerts at the TSS

On the last Sunday of each month, our main floor opens into a delightful performing space. This creates an intimate, no-pressure performance opportunity for all students. Please speak to Jill Clarke or Julian Fisher for more information.

The Toronto School for Strings has become a Chocolatocracy

It has recognized the basic need of most people to have freedom to a supply of chocolate for nutritional, or psychological purposes.

We will endeavor to keep a supply at the school.

How to support the Chocolatocracy

If you receive a gift of chocolates, and wish to donate them, we will gratefully receive them.

Julian Fisher, Principal.

Lydia Gailus Memorial Bursary

In loving memory of a remarkable musician, the Toronto School for Strings has established a bursary for deserving students in need of financial assistance. Please speak to the principal, Julian Fisher about helping us to grow this fund, or for information about receiving financial assistance.

Special thanks to Eric Gailus for providing us with a substantial donation of violin, viola and chamber music belonging to his late mother.

This will be a great asset to the school library.

See Our School

The TSS has undergone a transformation, and is a more beautiful, welcoming and inviting space.

Please see the photos here

Payment with Credit and Debit Cards

We now accept VISA, MasterCard, and Interac.

Commendations and Testimonials

I love theory! David rocks!
Kristen Latip