What is the history of your school?
The Toronto School for Strings and Piano was founded in 1999 by Julian and Mary Fisher to provide their students with a positive and stimulating learning experience. We have been in our present location for almost ten years and have recently expanded and renovated our facilities.
What programs do you offer?
We offer a wide variety of musical enrichment and education programs. Private lessons on violin, viola, cello and double bass are available, but we also offer other instruments such as piano, guitar, electric bass, flute and jazz programs.
We also teach theory for all grades.
Additionally, group enrichment programs are available, such as chamber music programs, orchestra programs and many performance opportunities at our recitals and salon concerts. We will also be offering summer programs.
What are the credentials of your teachers?
The Toronto School for Strings and Piano takes great pride in the quality of our teachers. Every teacher at our school has a minimum Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent. Many of our teachers are active performers in professional ensembles in Toronto and the GTA.
What is the Suzuki Method, and where can I get detailed information about it?
The Toronto School for Strings and Piano is a proud member of the Suzuki Association of Ontario, and the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
Do you teach the Suzuki Method?
Yes, we offer lessons using the Suzuki Method, as well as the Suzuki supplementary group classes. Julian Fisher, the principal of the Toronto School for Strings and Piano, is an active member of the board of the Suzuki Association of Ontario.
Where are you located?
Our main studio is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Yonge St. Just north of St. Clair
Please click on Contact Us and you will find maps showing both our location and close, convenient and inexpensive parking. We are within a five-minute walk from the St. Clair subway station.
I am an adult who has never played before, or used to play and would like to re-start. Are lessons available for me?
Of course! We are more than happy to teach any student who has a love and desire to pick up an instrument. Often, adults have an easier time picking up an instrument because they are responsible for their own results and practice patterns.
I don’t have an instrument. Do you rent them?
We do not offer in-house instrument rentals. If you do not currently have an instrument, we recommend the following stores for instrument rentals:
- Long & McQuade: (416) 588-7886
- Remenyi House of Music: (416) 961-3111
- The Sound Post: (416) 971-6990
Toronto Store for Strings
We do keep keep supplies such as strings, rosin, metronomes and music books on hand and are happy to order items in, as a convenience to teachers, parents and students.
Very handy for busy families who might find it tricky to get to the music stores.
Please call/email ahead of time.
Technology
Julian is happy to help you get set up with SmartMusic, the Amazing Slow-Downer or any software to help enhance your practicing and lesson experience.
How old do you have to be to start taking music lessons?
Every child is different and unique. If the child has expressed an interest and is able to hold their attention to be able to have a lesson and have reasonable practice time during the week, then there is no “minimum age” for music lessons.
How often are the lessons and when are they available? May I start at any time?
Lessons are usually taken once per week as a private, one-on-one lesson with one of our teachers. Lessons are possible every other week, but are not encouraged due to less consistency and slowing the rate of student progress.
The Toronto School for Strings and Piano is open seven days a week and have teachers during daytime and evening hours. Daytime lessons are encouraged as they are often less disruptive of student schedules and allow for family time in evenings.
New students are always welcome to begin anytime.
What if I cannot commit to a regular appointment?
For those who are unsure about their ability to commit to a specific time, FlexPlan lessons are available for a small premium. These lessons are purchased as a block and are taken by appointment with the teacher at a mutually-convenient time. Lessons canceled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged, and a minimum of one lesson must be used per month. FlexPlan lessons are valid for one school year (September to June). Summer FlexPlan lessons are also available.
How much do your lessons cost? What payment options do you have?
We have a wide range of teachers for every student need and budget. Please read the “Fees” page for more information.
Why do you have a registration fee?
We do our very best, to run our school with a minimum of overhead, to keep fees reasonable for students, and pay the teachers decently. The registration fee, though very modest, helps to offset the cost of providing high-quality service to our students. The presence of a registration fee helps people to recognize that there are administrative costs involved in providing music lessons.
What if I am away, I am/my child is sick with a cold, or there is a school trip?
The Toronto School for Strings and Piano adheres to the Ontario Registered Teachers Music Studio Policy. If students do not appear for their regularly scheduled lesson, then they are marked as absent. Make-ups can be arranged at the teacher’s discretion. Naturally, for extenuating circumstances, adjustments will be made.
If you have any questions about this policy, please call the school at (416) 968-0303 and speak to Julian Fisher for more information.
If I know I am going to be away, can I arrange a make-up time in advance?
Absolutely. This is highly encouraged, as it ensures that students do not fall behind in their progress.
Are there performance opportunities?
There are many performance opportunities with the Toronto School for Strings and Piano. Along with our semi-annual group performances, we have an annual solo recital. During the rest of the year, we have frequent, more intimate salon concerts that allow all students to perform in a low-pressure, more intimate setting. More performance opportunities are coming soon, as well.
Can I make a donation to the Toronto School for Strings and Piano that is dedicated towards a bursary or scholarship?
Yes. We have been doing this for quite some time already. We are currently making inquiries as to how this can become a tax-deductible donation. One hundred percent of your gift to the Toronto School for Strings and Piano is directed either to the fund or to an account of a student, as per your wishes. It can be made anonymously or named, as you wish. We will not circulate your information to others.
My question wasn’t answered here.
Please call (416) 968-0303 or e-mail us at info@torontoschoolforstrings.com and we will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.