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.  Winter 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: Tuesday January 19, 2021 | 7:00-8:00 pm

• 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 String Group, 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

CONCERTS & MUSIC EVENTS

Music Was His Mistress: The Sophisticated Sounds of Duke Ellington

Guest speaker: Jonno Lightstone       

Legendary jazz musician and bandleader Duke Ellington, famous for such standards as Mood Indigo, Take the A Train and Sophisticated Lady, composed thousands of scores for the stage, screen and contemporary songbook over his 50-year career. Ellington overcame racial, social and musical obstacles to create his own unique blend of complex yet accessible jazz. Enjoy this illustrated lecture, including video clips and musical selections performed by Jonno. Presented in honour of Black History Month

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

SHEET MUSIC & .MP3 FILES FOR PARTICIPANTS

To access your sheet music and/or audio files, please create an account or log in to your account below.  This is not the same as your MNjcc Amilia account.  This is for music participants only.  New music will be posted as available.

Purim Cabaret: Maps of Home

Created and performed by Rebecca Perry and David Kingsmill

Presented in partnership with The Smile Company

This upbeat cabaret takes you on a coast-to-coast road trip of stories and songs, including reimagined folk staples, contemporary chart-toppers and beloved classics. From Canucks like The Once and Serena Ryder to indie favs like The Decemberists to legends Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Dougie MacLean - even a few songs by David and Rebecca! So put on a costume and sing along from the comfort of your home.