Programs and Registration

Getting Your Child Registered at Dixon Hall Music School:

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-$22. All of our lessons are subsidized, and cost is based on a financial assessment.

Eligibility

Who can register?

Youth living in the Regent Park/Moss Park/St. Lawrence neighbourhoods
Children ages 5+ for private lessons, with no age restriction once registered
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.

Camps

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: Dixon Hall Music School Overnight Camps: 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 and March break. There, students have the freedom to create, inspire and achieve. 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
Music at Port Milford
And more!

Group Lessons

Group Lessons are offered in:

Early Childhood Music
Music Theory
Ear Training
Choir

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

Early Childhood Music: Ages 4+

Mondays from 4 pm to 4:45 pm 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.

Choir: Ages 6+

Mondays from 4:45 pm to 5:30 pm for FREE For kids who like to sing, the choir is a great way to learn vocal and performance techniques within a positive group setting.

Music Theory: Ages 8+

Wednesdays 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays 11 am to 4 pm The 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).

Ear Training: For students enrolled in private lessons.

Wednesdays 4 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays 11 am to 4 pm Ear training helps students improve their listening skills, which can significantly enhance their playing and preparation for exams.

Private Lessons

We offer private, half-hour lessons for the following instruments:

Age 5+ : Piano, Recorder, Violin, Viola

Age 6+ : Clarinet, Drums, Percussion, Flute, Saxophone, Voice

Age 8+ : Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Cello, Classical Guitar, Music Composition and Recording

Adaptive Music Lessons and Music Therapy

Our Adapted Music Lessons and Music Therapy on Thursdays and Fridays are offered at an affordable rate on a sliding scale $6-$24 to youth from 4-22 years-old who reside at any Toronto address.

30 Minute Music Therapy Sessions

One-on-One with our Music Therapist Hayley Naunton (MTA), students explore music making, singing, improvisation, songwriting, movement, listening, to meet goals such as: improving communication and motor skills; developing coping skills to handle complex emotions (anxiety); increasing social interaction and self-expression.

30 Minute Adapted Music Lessons

One-on-One with our Music Therapist Hayley Naunton (MTA) students with various intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities learn Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, or Recorder in an alternative way at their own pace.

Click here to register