November 13, 2026
Dixon Hall’s Music for Life 2026 Opens Doors for Young Musicians
TORONTO, November 12, 2026 — Dixon Hall welcomed guests, supporters, sponsors and community partners to the 48th annual Music for Life at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto for an evening of music, inspiring performances and generosity in support of music education for children and youth in Downtown East Toronto.
Hosted by comedian and performer Jackie Pirico, the evening brought together people who share a commitment to making music education more accessible to young people and creating opportunities for the next generation of musicians.
The evening featured remarks from Dixon Hall Board Chair Cameron Scrivens and Chief Executive Officer Janet Lambert, who welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of supporting Dixon Hall’s work and its impact on the community.
Guests also enjoyed a special musical performance by Roslyn Witter, who gained national attention after winning a radio station singing contest that led to an onstage duet with country music star Keith Urban.
The evening’s keynote speaker, John Tory, former Mayor of Toronto, brought his experience as a longtime community leader, business executive and advocate for community initiatives to the stage. His participation added to an evening focused on the importance of investing in opportunities that help young people and communities thrive.
One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by students from Dixon Hall Music School. Taking the stage for solo performances on guitar and violin, students showcased their musical talents and the skills they have developed through the Music School. The evening also featured an energetic performance by the student jam band, who performed Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” celebrating the creativity and confidence of young musicians.
Guests were also invited to support the Music School through the Fund a Student and Fund a Teacher campaign, which highlighted the direct impact of their contributions. A donation of $1,600 can fund a student’s music lessons for an entire year, while $6,000 can help bring a new music teacher to the school, creating opportunities for 10 additional children to access music education.
Bob McKitrick, Director of Dixon Hall Music School, also took the stage to speak about the importance of nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for students to grow as musicians. Under his leadership, the Music School continues to provide a welcoming environment where children and youth can develop their skills, build confidence and find their voices through music.
The funds raised through Music for Life help Dixon Hall Music School provide children and youth in Downtown East Toronto with access to music lessons, instruments, camps and performance opportunities. Beyond learning an instrument, these experiences allow young people to explore their creativity, develop meaningful connections and discover their potential.
Music for Life 2026 would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, auction donors, performers, guests, volunteers and event partners. We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources and support to make the evening possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Music for Life 2026 a memorable evening. Together, we are creating more opportunities for children and youth to discover the joy of music. We look forward to welcoming you again next year!