We are very pleased to be offering various group activities as an enrichment to the private lessons offered here at the Toronto School for Strings and Piano. Group activities are a great way to increase motivation, make friends, and to reinforce skills and concepts. In the words of Jonathan Crow, the new Concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra,
“I can’t actually remember a time when I wasn’t playing in Suzuki groups, String Orchestra or ensembles of some sort. This is one of the things that kept me going in music – I didn’t want to lose out on hanging out with all my friends!”
(Whole Note Magazine, Fall 2012)
Most groups are held on Thursdays at Deer Park Public School.
Below is a brief description of each group we offer.
Suzuki Groups for Violin and Cello
Instructors: Kenin MacKay, Mary Fisher
Classes include repertoire review, technical skills, ensemble playing skills and musical games.
Junior Orchestra
Conductor: Julian Fisher
An introduction to orchestra playing. Interesting repertoire encourages development of reading skills. Ages 7-12.
Monthly Fiddle Jam
Instructor: Jennifer Melvin
An enjoyable, relaxed get together in the spirit of a Celtic Ceilidh to play thorough traditional fiddle music.
Sundays. Multigenerational.
Music Theory leading to RCM Exams, University Entrance. Rudiments, Harmony
Instructor: Joe Amato
Joe Amato has an excellent track record preparing students for exams and university entrance pre-requisites. Small group instruction. Private lessons available also with Joe.
Chamber Music
Instructor: Bronson Kwan
Very enjoyable musical experience for students who enjoy the challenge of being one a part. Groups perform in concerts and festivals. Junior and Teen Levels.
Intermediate/Advanced Violin Performance Class
Instructor: Veronique Mathieu
A Violin Ensemble for Students Book 4+, or RCM Grade 5+ , Ages 9 and up.
Interesting repertoire, unison and multiple parts. Performance at a concert.
Cello Choir
Rehearses 2-3 times to prepare for concerts. A fun experience for adolescents and teens, exploring this very popular ensemble experience.
Group Ear-Training Preparation for RCM Exams, also Theory Class
Instructor: Cheryll Chung
Sunday at TSS Studio between 12:30 and 5PM.
