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Suzuki Music Program

Founded in 1992, the MNjcc Suzuki Music Program offers music education for all ages in a supportive, non-competitive community.

Register For Suzuki Music
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About the Program

The MNjcc Suzuki Program (formerly the Bloor JCC Suzuki Program) was started in 1992 by May Ing-Ruehle and Louise Hanly. We are proud that 2026–27 marks our 35th season. Natasha Zado Fox is our new Associate Director, running the program of 125+ students alongside Artistic Director Emeritus Gretchen Paxson Abberger, who served as Artistic Director from 1999–2024.

Our Suzuki students generally range in age from 3.5 to 18 years:

  • Early Childhood (ECE): Ages 0–5
  • Core Instrumental: Ages 3.5–18
  • Adult Music Programs: Ages 18+

Our program is non-competitive, allowing each student to progress through the repertoire and levels at their own pace.

All MNjcc Suzuki Program students receive:

  • A supportive, non-competitive, and fun community learning environment
  • Weekly violin, viola, cello, and guitar group classes (level-appropriate)
  • Weekly string orchestra, beginner note reading ensemble, and theory classes (level-appropriate)
  • Weekly private lessons scheduled directly with the instructor (taught at the teacher's home studio or at MNjcc, space-permitting)
  • Chamber music ensemble participation (Book 4 and beyond)
  • Workshops with guest ensembles and visiting performers
  • Multiple performance opportunities throughout the year (solo recitals, group concerts, ensemble performances, and graduation recitals)
  • Community outreach performance opportunities
  • Early Childhood Music classes on Sundays (ages 0–36 months)
  • Jump Start to Twinkle classes on Tuesdays (ages 3–5)

Fees & Registration

Please note: In December 2026, we will transition our registration platform from Amilia to Salesforce. Consequently, this full-year program will be split into two registration periods:

  • Term 1 (11 weeks): September – December (Registration opened August 4, 2026)
  • Term 2 (19 weeks): January – June

All classes, concerts, and special events take place on Tuesdays between 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM (September 15, 2026 – June 1, 2027).

We recommend a group and ensemble class for all students in Book 1 and above. Please consult your private teacher to determine the best option before registering:

  • Option 1: Group Class + Ensemble Class (Includes 1 group class & 1 ensemble class for Violin, Viola, Cello, or Guitar)
  • Option 2: Group Class ONLY (Choice of 1 class)
  • Option 3: Ensemble Class ONLY (Choice of 1 class)

Discounts

  • Sibling Discount: 10% off per child
  • Faculty Discount: 25% off per child

Financial Assistance
‍Our mandate is to make innovative, dynamic music education accessible to everyone. The Wichin Paxson Abberger Music Fund provides financial assistance toward our music programs and choirs. [Click here to apply]

Contact & Inquiries
‍For teacher directories, private lesson availability, or schedule details, contact the Suzuki Music Admin Team at suzukimusic@mnjcc.org.

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The Wichin Paxson Abberger Music Fund

The Wichin Paxson Abberger Music Fund at the MNjcc honours two long-serving and deeply cherished community members whose commitment to musical learning has shaped and strengthened our shared musical life. Since 1995 Gretchen Paxson Abberger has helped thousands of children experience the life-changing benefits of the Suzuki Method and participants in choirs and instrumental ensembles, More than just learning music, this approach fosters discipline, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning, setting students up for success in all areas of life.  

Since 1997, Harriet Wichin has brought the joy of communal choral singing to the MNjcc, creating choirs, camps, workshops, and specialty experiences like opera, jazz and world music, often with guest coaches and educators, of which thousands of adults have benefitted. Like Gretchen, she believes that music brings growth at every age.

Their legacy is honoured through this fund, which provides financial assistance for Suzuki families, supports free Seniors Holiday Concerts by covering musician fees, and offers professional development opportunities forSuzuki instructors. Your donation helps ensure that their vision, accessible, high-quality music education for all, continues to thrive.

Make a contribution to the Wichin Paxson Abberger Music Fund today.

To apply, email a completed form to davidkb@mnjcc.org

Donate Today
apply here
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Children & Family Programs

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