Associate Teachers

Jill Clarke Associate

Violin, Suzuki Violin and Viola

Jill received her Bachelor of Music from Queen’s University, and attended the Royal Conservatory of Music as part of the Orchestral Training Program and Professional School.

She received her Suzuki teacher training from the Kingston and Ithaca Suzuki Institutes.

Anna Graham Associate

Guitar, Classical Guitar, Folk Guitar and Suzuki Guitar

Welcome to my studio!

Classical Guitar is my passion. I have taught it for over 25 years.

I was the guitar instructor at Algoma Conservatory of Music from 1991 until 2002. During that time, I performed as a member of the Algoma Chamber Players, and as a solo guitarist. I then taught French and Music at the Toronto District School Board.

Jennifer Melvin Associate

Violin, Suzuki Violin and Fiddling

Jennifer Melvin is a professionally trained violinist and Celtic fiddler. Born and raised in the small village of Canning, in Nova Scotia (east coast of Canada), she grew up surrounded with traditional Celtic music, and in a home that nurtured the love of classical music.

Through her early teens, she successfully competed in several music competitions, and played in multiple orchestras. Jennifer received a scholarship to the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. She was named concert-mistress of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, and toured through China with them in 2007. After this, she commenced her studies in Violin Performance at the University of Toronto, under the esteemed concertmaster of the TSO, Jacques Israelievitch.

Sheila Smyth Associate

Violin, Viola and Viola da gamba

Sheila is a professionally-trained performer and teacher who is passionate about teaching and enjoys working with people of all ages and levels.

Sheila is, above all, an imaginative teacher, and because of her extensive professional training she has many creative strategies and ideas in her teaching toolbox.

Thank you again for the extraordinary learning experience, confidence, and warm friendship that “you guys” gave me during my short stay in Toronto. I promise that I will continue my lessons and never give up on my dream of playing the piano.

Jeanine

I chose the Toronto School for Strings and Piano because of the convenient location. As my lessons progressed however, I found the location to be just one of the many aspects of the school that appealed to me. The directors and staff go out of their way to ensure the best possible experience. The TSSP offers fair prices and employs excellent teachers that are highly professional and experienced. My lessons are a true pleasure to attend, and I have found myself improving quickly.

Jackie S.

You played an immeasurably significant role in the development of Maya's love of music.
You, and of course Mary, will always have a special place in our hearts and will forever remain as valued friends.

David

I have loved learning violin again. Thank you for bringing music back into my life and giving me a wonderful and rewarding hobby.

Orlando S.

Emily gained so much from her time with you, Julian and part of our pride in her accomplishments belongs to you too. She learned far more than simply her music - she learned that hard work, determination and a goal can lead to great things. She also learned the value of mentorship from your example, and has volunteered to mentor others at her law school this year.

Carole S.

The lessons are such a bright light in the week for our girls.

My cello teacher at the TSS has been marvelous and I am learning a great deal. He even brought me a practice mirror on his bicycle! Again, thank you for providing such a wonderful experience.

William K.

We often talked about you (Mary) for years after you stopped teaching him, how you encouraged him to be a future Yo Yo Ma. Maybe that's what did it! You might be interested to hear him tell you all the things that he is doing in music now beyond the cello... and you will be proud of him, as you gave him his earliest musical formation.

Kim P.

Dear Mary and Julian,
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary - and extraordinary achievement. Also a meaningful contribution to the lives of many young people.
With admiration,

Peter Simon

Thank you so much for providing such an amazing and inspirational place for our daughter to experience music.

Bronwyn V.

Safiya completed her ARCT Practical Exam in Guitar with Honours.
Drew is an amazing teacher and musician. We are incredibly grateful to him for all the work he put into preparing Safiya.
We are very pleased with the music school that you run. You are all true professionals.

Elena Erdogan