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

Our Suzuki students range in age from 0 to 18 years. Each student moves through the book levels at their own speed. During the pandemic, our program will offer a slightly altered roster of classes and enrichment offerings, tailored for virtual learning.

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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.)

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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 our Parent Info Evening 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.

Click below to learn more and/or register for all ensembles including 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

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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Songs From the Heart: The Story of Yiddish Music

“The inner history of a people is contained in its songs,” wrote European Jewish scholar Rabbi Adolph Jellinek. Yiddish folk songs are a musical map of the Jewish people’s history – they document daily life and traditions, bear witness to our persecution, inspire us to be courageous, and remind us to laugh and love. From their inception in the shtetls of Eastern Europe, to the golden age of American Yiddish music and theatre, into the modern era of Klezmer and the current global revival, learn why Yiddish songs continue to resonate in our collective imaginations. Generously co-sponsored by the UJA Committee for Yiddish.

Guest speaker: musician/musicologist Jonno Lightstone

MUSIC FILES FOR CHOIR PARTICIPANTS

Adult Ukulele (Beginner Plus to Intermediate)

Are you someone looking to refresh and/or hone basic skills? In this class, you will refresh basic skills learned in the beginner class: posture, tuning, playing foundational chords, and strumming while moving into understanding and trying out more complicated techniques.

Please donate to our Music Scholarship and Innovation Fund and help ensure that music programming remains affordable to all who want to learn!

Amongst other things, the Music Scholarship and Innovation Fund supports special programs such as our youth Klezmer project; subsidizes music students; supplements funds for choir projects; assists with costs for running the virtual Suzuki Early Childhood Music Classes, and supplements guest artists’ fees for the Adult Daytime Culture and Education Programming at the MNjcc. We are deeply grateful to our community for your support. Every gift makes an impact!

To apply for a music scholarship, contact Wendy Moss at 416.924.6211 x 6231; wendym@mnjcc.org

Conductor, Ariel Shetzen is a jazz vocalist and music educator with a passion for fostering community through song. She has directed the Danforth Jewish Circle community choir since 2018 and is a faculty member at Lakefield Music Camp. Ariel holds her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto, where she studied with acclaimed vocalists Alex Samaras and Christine Duncan and performed at masterclasses led by saxophonist Dave Liebman and vocalist Norma Winstone. As a vocalist, Ariel has performed with Carol Welsman for Havergal College’s 120th Anniversary at Koerner Hall, with a chamber choir led by Alex Samaras at the Luminato Festival, and with her jazz quartet at venues around Toronto including the Emmet Ray and Hugh’s Room for Jane Harbury’s Jazz Discoveries.

Audition Information

If you are a former member of the choir, there is no need to audition. If you are new to the choir, please email Ariel at apshetzenmusic@gmail.com for zoom audition details including booking a date and time.

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Have more questions? Read our FAQ! 

Meet the Author event: Under The Radar - 30 Notable Canadian Jewish Musicians

This new publication celebrates the contributions of 30 significant Canadian Jewish musicians - from composers, conductors, a cantor and instrumentalists to folk singers, songwriters, producers, and film score writers. This collection of stories is written from an historic perspective, and represents a variety of music genres and talented home-grown artists - some of whom might surprise you!

Guest speaker: author David Eisenstadt

 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

Adult Mixed Strings Group Class

This 10-week class is designed for adults of all ages. During each hour-long 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.

Klezmer Ensemble

 Instrumentalists of all levels are welcome to this inspiring chamber group. Develop solid arranging and ensemble playing skills while exploring the fundamentals of Klezmer music.