Students at Dixon Hall Music School have access to:

• Half-hour, private lessons starting at $4 a lesson in 22 subject areas, as well group & ensemble classes
• Instruments to rent for $5 a month
• Free tickets to concerts in many genres of music, dance and theatre
• Intensive and exhilarating spring, summer and winter music camps

Lessons are taught by professional musicians who are supportive and encouraging, all who have degrees in music and a broad range of experience in music.

Students will gain a strong groundwork in technique, skill and theory with the goal of building confidence and introducing them to the joy of playing music. Lessons are tailored according to each student’s age, skill and learning style.

Program Length
Lessons run weekly from September to June, with the option of extra lessons in July.

Cost
Between $4-$17. All of our lessons are subsidized, and cost is based on a financial assessment.

Eligibility
Who can register?

1. Youth living in the Regent Park/Moss Park/St. Lawrence neighbourhoods
2. Children ages 5+ for private lessons, with no age restriction once registered
3. The youngest age we accept is 4 years old for our Early Childhood Music Program

Catchment Area
To be eligible for music lessons, families must live between Jarvis St. and Broadview Ave. and Gerrard St. East and Lake Ontario.

Private lessons are offered in:

• Piano
• Violin
• Viola
• Drums
• Percussion
• Voice
• Recorder
• Cello
• Guitar
• Classical Guitar
• Bass
• Flute
• Saxophone
• Music Composition & Recording

Time & Duration
Once a week for 30 minutes per lesson

*Digital Music Production & Composition is a class where students learn how to write their own music, sample beats, arrange songs and use production software such as Cubase and Reason, to create original music.

Eligibility
Age 5:

• Piano
• Recorder
• Viola
• Violin

Age 6:

• Drums
• Percussion
• Flute
• Saxophone

Ages 8-19:

• Cello
• Guitar
• Classical Guitar
• Bass
• Digital Music Production & Composition (12+)
• Voice

Group lessons are offered in:

• Early Childhood Music
• Music Theory
• Rock Band
• String Orchestra
• Ear Training
• Choir

Time & Duration
Once a week for 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the class

Early Childhood Music: Ages 4+
Using traditional Orff instruments such as marimba and xylophone, this class uses movement, singing, playing and improvisation to teach young children music fundamentals while having lots of fun. Early Childhood Music is based on a system developed by composer Carl Orff called Orff Schulwerk.
Mondays from 5 pm to 6 pm

Rock Band: Ages 12+ 
Experience the joy of playing music with others. Students are guided through the process of song writing, from song structure and arrangement to lyric writing. Students must already play either guitar, bass, piano, drums or sing.
*If space permits, students do not need to be currently enrolled at Dixon Hall Music School to register for this class.
Wednesdays from 4 pm - 8 pm
Fridays from 4 pm to 7:30 pm

Junior & Senior Orchestra: For students enrolled in a string program
Students with a moderate to high level of experience playing viola, violin, cello or stand-up bass can join the youth orchestra.
Junior Orchestra - 11 am - 2 pm Saturdays for FREE
Senior Orchestra - 12:30 pm - 2p m Saturdays for FREE

Choir: Ages 6+
For kids who like to sing, choir is a great way to learn vocal and performance technique within a positive group setting.
Mondays from 5 pm to 6 pm for FREE

Music Theory: Ages 8+
Theory is beneficial for students who want a deeper understanding of their instrument and a solid groundwork for how music works. All levels ranging from beginner to advanced are offered, including preparation for exams at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM). Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm

Ear Training: For students enrolled in private lessons
Ear training helps students improve their listening skills, which can significantly enhance their playing and preparation for exams.
Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm for FREE

At Dixon Hall Music School, we believe in extending our learning and character building activities beyond the walls of the Music School. Our extensive camp programs send hundreds of youth to music and arts camps throughout the year.

Our Music Camps are available during March Break and throughout the summer months. Camps include:

Girls Rock Camp Toronto East!
This camp is a partnership between Dixon Hall Music School and Girls Rock Camp Toronto. It’s a day camp for girls aged 8-16 with the mission to mentor and support female-identified children and youth in music and self-expression, boosting self-esteem and instilling a sense of self-empowerment. In one week, and with the guidance of female instructors and staff, participants form bands, write an original song, record, and perform live!

Bob’s Overnight Music camp at Hart House Farms in Caledon
Dixon Hall Music Camp is a free intensive and exhilarating event that takes students 8 years and up to a farm northwest of Toronto during the summer, at March break and over the Christmas holidays. There, students have the freedom to create, inspire and achieve and many of our students return year after year, rejoicing in the friendships and atmosphere.

Partner Camps:

• National Music Camp
• Royal Conservatory of Music
• Harbourfront Centre
• Canadian Opera Company
• And more!