Maestro Teachers

Julian Fisher Maestro

Principal and Music Director, TSSO.Violin, Suzuki Violin and Viola

Julian Fisher holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Viola) from the University of Toronto(1988). He studied viola with Stanley Solomon and Osher Green.
For ten years he was a faculty member at The Royal Conservatory of Music, and is a member of the College of Examiners.

As a teacher, Julian has taught violin and viola since 1976. He is a member of the Suzuki Association of Ontario, and he is a long-time member of the Ontario Registered Teachers’ Association. Julian is active as an adjudicator in many music festivals across Canada. He conducts the Adult Orchestra at the Toronto School for Strings and Piano, which Julian and his wife Mary co-founded in 1999. He is Principal Viola in the Hart House Orchestra at the University of Toronto.

Julian is the Principal, Registrar and CEO at the Toronto School for Strings and Piano.

Mary Fisher Maestro

Artistic Director.Cello, Suzuki Cello and Cello Choir

Mary Fisher co-founded the Toronto School for Strings with her husband Julian in 1999. She has taught cello for over twenty five years, and brings a wealth of experience, instructing at all levels of cello, from young beginners to gifted young people, and to adults.

Mary has extensive pedagogical training in the Suzuki Method, and is equally versed in traditional teaching approaches. Many of her students have gone on to careers as teachers and performers, as well achieving numerous awards in music festivals, Silver Medals in Royal Conservatory Examinations, and successful auditions to arts-based High Schools. Mary studied cello performance at the University of Manitoba, and taught for ten years at the Royal Conservatory of Music. She is an active adjudicator and a member of the RCM College of Examiners.

Susan Hamblin Dennis Maestro

Piano and Piano Pedagogy

Susan Hamblin Dennis maintains a busy schedule of accompanying and teaching in Toronto. She is a past pedagogy and piano faculty member of both the Glenn Gould School and the Community School for the Royal Conservatory of Music.

As an examiner for the RCM and an adjudicator of music festivals, she has visited many areas of Canada and the United States.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.