St Christopher House: : Music School : Music Lessons

Music Lessons

The Music School offers individual classes in piano, guitar, accordion, violin, voice, MIDI recording and composing using a computer. People of all ages and abilities are welcome (7+). The Music School operates Tuesday to Saturday and lessons usually occur between 4:00pm and 8:30pm and on Saturday from 10:00am to 4:30pm. All music lessons are taught by St. Chris' staff of 10, all of whom are professional musicians with degress in music. (To learn more about St. Chris' Music teachers, click here). Traditional clssical styles of music are taught and alternative music styles are also available for some instruments. Lessons are generally one half hour per week but longer lessons are also available.

Students commit to one term and at least half the term's fees must be paid before classes begin with the other half being paid at mid-term. All classes are held at 248 Ossington Avenue in the Music School.

We are thrilled to offer two new programs for the spring 2010 term "Introduction to Playing in an Ensemble" and "Operaworks"

"Introduction to Playing in an Ensemble" will give students a chance to experience and develop musical, listening and social skills needed to play with others. The classes will be taught by a team of teachers, Larry Lewis, Glen Miller and Sherry Squires. Classes will be on Thursday from 4:00-5:00. Cost is only $7.00 per class for a total of $84.00.

"Operaworks" is a group class for students 10-13 years of age. Over seven weeks of innovative workshops, students will explore how stories are told through diverse, cultural art forms and then create their own world-opera that they perform at the final class. Classes will take place on Tuesday from 4:30-6:00. Registration is through Sherry and will occur at the first class. Please notify Sherry to be added to the list. Classes run from April 13- May 25. Cost is $30.00.

Individual lesson fees are $17.50 to $27.50 per lesson dependent on length. For more detailed information on lesson fees please click here.

New students must fill out a registration form, and if applying for subsidy, provide proof of income and fill out a financial assessment form. For more information please click here.

At the end of each term music students are invited to participate in the St. Chris Music School student concerts which allow the students a chance to showcase their talent to the St. Chris community.

For more information on Music School lessons please contact the Music School Coordinator at 416-532-4828 x 127.

Music Lesson Policies

Leave of Absence
Approval by the teacher and the Music School Coordinator must be given if a student wishes to register for less than a full term (2 weeks absence or more). This must be arranged at the beginning of a term.

Overdue Accounts

Students with outstanding accounts will be unable to register and start classes for the new term until their account is paid in full. All fees must be paid by the middle of each term. If not, lessons may be cancelled.

Make-up lesson policy

Any lessons missed by the teacher will be made up. If this isn’t possible during the time allowed, the missed lessons will be credited or refunded.
At least 24 hours notice must be given to the teacher. (Call the teacher only)
Please note; there are only 2 make up lessons in the Fall and Spring terms and 1 for the Winter. Any missed lessons over the maximum allowed will not be made up and are still paid for even if proper notice was given.
Failure to give proper notice to the teacher means the lesson is NOT made up but still is paid for.
Students who have more than three unexcused absences in a term may be asked to withdraw from lessons.

Withdrawals/Refunds

Students must inform the Music School Coordinator if they will be withdrawing from lessons.
It is important that students take their lessons seriously. Students are expected to practice regularly, do their homework and attend classes on a regular basis. A student may be asked to leave music lessons for any of the following reasons:
More than ONE UNEXCUSED ABSENCE per term
More than THREE EXCUSED ABSENCES per term.
Discipline problems, lack of practice, poor attitude.
Failure to pay all fees by the middle of the term.
The reasons for this policy are that we want students to progress in their studies and they cannot without regular attendance. We are highly subsidized and cannot afford to keep students who are not serious about their studies. We have a large waiting list of students eager to start lessons.

Lateness policy

If a teacher is late, the time will be made up at a later, agreed upon time.
If a student is late, the time will not be made up.
A student who is habitually late may be asked to withdraw from lessons.