MUSIC PROGRAMS

THE SUZUKI PROGRAM

Scroll down to learn more and/or register for the Suzuki Program, including Suzuki Early Childhood Music Classes, Enrichment Options & Special Events.  Spring Calendar 2021  •  Class Descriptions  •   Suzuki Faculty  •  FAQ

The MNjcc Suzuki Program (formerly the Bloor JCC Suzuki Program) was started in 1992 by May Ing-Ruehle and Louise Hanly. Gretchen Paxson-Abberger has been the artistic director of 90 plus students since 1999. For the past 11 years, we have also offered a 5-day summer music and arts day camp in July, with a roster of well-known guest artists, and our talented MNjcc Suzuki teachers.

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Dr. Shin-ichi Suzuki believed that talent was not inborn but could be nurtured starting at a very young age in a nurturing environment. “We were all born with a high potential, and if we try hard, we can all become superior human beings and acquire talent and ability.”  Suzuki believed that if all children of the world could develop beautiful hearts and minds through the study of music that perhaps we might have world peace.

Our students range in age from 3.5 to 18 years. Each student moves through the book levels at their own speed. For the 2020-21 season, our program will offer a slightly altered roster of classes and enrichment offerings, tailored for virtual learning for fall and winter terms. We will offer as well, Tuesday morning virtual Suzuki Early Childhood Music classes (for infants to 4 years). This class will be taught by Kate Shaner.

All MNjcc Suzuki Program students will receive:

• A friendly music community with a supportive atmosphere;

• Weekly violin and cello group classes;

• Weekly private lessons (scheduled directly with the teacher);

• Choice of one/two enrichment classes per term (please refer to our class descriptions document);

• Chamber Music Ensembles (for advanced Book 5 students);

• Guest ensemble or performer to work with students and families;

• Performances scheduled during each term (solo recitals, graduation recitals);

• Community Outreach Performances (holiday celebrations, fundraising events, etc.)
   

Pre-requisites:

• Think about whether or not your child is ready to start an instrument. Be aware of the time commitment for you, the parent as a “home teacher,” and practice time helper. If you are not sure your child is quite ready and may not yet have the focus required to learn an instrument, you may wish to consider registering for our Suzuki Early Childhood Music classes for ages infant – 4 years.

• Attend one of our two Zoom Parent Info Evenings for new families: Next Date Available: TBD

• Choose violin, viola or cello. If you aren't sure which instrument your child is interested in, you may find out during the observation process.

• Read Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki.

• Start listening to the Volume I Suzuki CD of the pieces your child will be learning.

You are required to come with and observe your child for at least one group lesson, and two private lessons. Observations help you and the teacher know whether your child is ready to start lessons. Observations also help parents begin to understand their role as a “home teacher.” For teachers’ private lesson schedules and group lesson schedules, please contact Gretchen Paxson-Abberger | Artistic Director, MNjcc Suzuki Program

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FEES & REGISTRATION
Payment is processed through VISA or MasterCard, or debit from a chequing account.

Group class payment is separate from private lesson payment.

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• Violin and Cello Beginner to Book 8 (Group and Enrichment) 
  $265 per 10-week term. Sibling Discount $250 per term
   

• Violin and Cello Beginner to Book 8 (Group Class ONLY)
  $132.50 per 10-week term. Sibling Discount $117.50 per term
   

• Violin and Cello Beginner to Book 8 (Enrichment Class ONLY)
  $132.50 per 10-week term. Sibling Discount $117.50 per term

• Suzuki Early Childhood Music Classes
  $100 per 6-week term 
   

• Adult Mixed String Group Class
  $180 per 10-week term
   

• Adult Fiddling Class
  $180 per 10-week term  

Registration fee (per family) $10 per term • Parent Association Fee (per family) - $10 per term

An annual fee used to subsidize special events, guest accompanists, workshop teachers, guest performing artists and coaches.

Facility fee for private lessons at the MNjcc - $210 (will not pertain to this season)

Additional Fees (paid separately from registration): A possible $25 materials fee for theory class books

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES (ADULTS)

Click below to learn more and/or register for all ensembles including Adult Ukulele, Adult Mixed String Group Class, and more!*   If no programs are displayed when clicked, it simply means we are not offering anything at the present time. Stay updated by subscribing to Culture at the J

*not all ensemble programs will be available every session

CONCERTS & MUSIC EVENTS

Yom HaShoah Commemoration: Songs of the Ghettos, Camps and Resistance

Musical guests: Cantor Sidney Ezer and Asher Farber 

This concert commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day will feature Yiddish and Hebrew songs that were composed in the ghettos and concentration camps, and sung by prisoners, partisans, and survivors as anthems of courage, defiance and hope. This event will include a candle lighting dedication presented by the Grade 6 class of the Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Community School. Generously sponsored by the MNjcc Music Scholarship and Innovation Fund.

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MUSIC LECTURES & DISCUSSIONS

The Miles Nadal JCC offers the highest quality affordable arts programming for adults and seniors. Our lecture series and special events feature some of the best guest speakers and performers Toronto has to offer, all in an intimate and welcoming setting. We invite you to experience moments of discovery and connect with our community. For more information please contact lisar@mnjcc.org.  If no programs are displayed below, it simply means we are not offering anything at the present time.  Stay updated by subscribing to Culture at the J

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Yom Ha’atzmaut Lecture: The Founding of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra 

Guest speaker: classical DJ Howard Mednick   

Learn about the bravery and defiance behind the 1936 founding of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Bronislaw Huberman, then the leading violinist in Europe, had a mission to rescue as many Jewish musicians as he could from the Nazis, and as a result, he saved many lives and created a great orchestral tradition. Enjoy this illustrated presentation, including musical clips.

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SHEET MUSIC & .MP3 FILES FOR PARTICIPANTS

If you are a current choir member who wishes to access your sheet music and/or audio files, you must create an account or log in to your account below.  New music will be posted as available.

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If you are already signed into your account, simply visit our choir music page! 

Adult Ukulele

This class is for players who have a basic knowledge of Ukulele Beginner and beyond and have had some previous playing experience. Participants in this class will continue to build skills with new chords, techniques, reading TAB, fingerpicking, and basic improvisation. Play and sing songs from a variety of genres. More information:

Adult Mixed String Group Class

This 10-week class is designed for adults age 23+ years and will be taught virtually for the spring session. During each hourlong session players will explore intermediate string playing techniques, using ideas/concepts taught in Suzuki group class settings.

Demonstrations, assignments and exercises will use compatible repertoire for cello, viola, and violin, sometimes referring to the Suzuki repertoire books, and/or RCM repertoire (grade 2 level and beyond), and as well, using other musical and technical ideas that are interchangeable for violin, viola and cello.