Learning music builds skills that transfer across everything else. The right teacher makes the difference between quitting in month two and playing for life.
In-School Music Programs for Toronto Private and Independent Schools
If you run a private or independent school in Toronto and want to offer music instruction on your campus, we can help. ABC Academy of Music has been in business since 2003. We bring private lessons and small-group instruction to your school — no travel required for your students.
This page is for school administrators who are building or expanding a music program. We work with schools to design a schedule that fits your timetable, your student population, and your space.
What We Offer in Schools
We bring private, one-on-one music lessons directly to your campus. Students can study piano, guitar, voice, violin, drums, and other instruments without leaving school grounds.
Our private-lesson teachers hold university music degrees or the equivalent. They follow a structured curriculum that builds reading, technique, and musicianship at each level. Progress reports and communication with parents can be arranged to fit your school’s norms.
We also offer group workshop sessions — instrument exploration, music theory, ensemble basics, and performance preparation — that can be scheduled into arts, elective, or activity blocks.
How an In-School Program Works
Here is the typical setup for a partner school:
- We assess your available space — a practice room, a music room, or a quiet classroom works well.
- We build a weekly lesson schedule that slots into your existing timetable.
- Students sign up for weekly 30-minute or 45-minute private lessons. See current rates on our tuition page.
- Billing goes directly to families, keeping administration simple for your school office.
- We handle all communication with families about scheduling, materials, and progress.
A minimum of six enrolled students per campus makes a weekly on-site visit practical. Most school programs run September through June in line with the school calendar.
Instruments and Starting Ages
Private lessons begin at age 5. We teach piano, voice, guitar, violin, cello, drums, and music theory.
For students in early childhood programs (under age 5), we offer Music Together classes — a research-based group music program for children from birth to age 5, attended with a caregiver. Music Together classes follow 10-week seasonal sessions. We can discuss whether on-site Music Together classes are a fit for your early childhood program.
Students do not need an instrument at home to start. We can advise families on what to get, including recommendations such as a weighted-key keyboard like a Yamaha P-45 for beginner piano students.
What Schools Typically Ask About
Administrators often ask whether lesson time counts against academic instruction. Private lessons are typically scheduled during break, free periods, or after school — we work around your core instruction blocks.
They also ask about make-up lessons. Our policy: students receive up to 2 guaranteed make-up lessons per teaching year for their own absences. Teacher absences and weather closures are always made up. Full details are on our policies page.
For schools with touring programs, competitions, or concert seasons, we can factor performance preparation into the lesson plan.
Getting Started
The first step is a brief conversation with our studio director. We will ask about your school size, grade range, available space, and preferred schedule. From there we can give you a realistic picture of what a program would look like and what it would cost families.
To start that conversation, use the contact form at our contact page or call us directly. Ask for information about our school partnership program.
FAQ
Do you work with public schools as well as private schools?
Our in-school program is designed for private and independent schools because those schools typically have more flexibility in scheduling and space. If you run a public school with a strong arts program and dedicated space, we are open to a conversation.
Who handles communication with parents once the program is running?
We handle all lesson scheduling, progress updates, and day-to-day communication with families directly. Your school office does not need to manage the music program logistics. We do ask that you designate one contact person at the school for scheduling questions.
What happens if a student needs to stop mid-year?
Our lessons run on a month-to-month basis after an initial commitment period. If a student needs to stop, families give us notice and we adjust the schedule. This keeps enrolment flexible and reduces risk for your school community. Full details are on our policies page.
How Our Curriculum Aligns With Your School
Our in-school program is designed to complement, not compete with, what already happens in your classrooms. Lessons are sequenced to support the same foundational skills your teachers build every day — listening, focus, fine-motor development, and language. We map each weekly visit to your grade ranges and can align themes with your existing arts or enrichment goals, so music reinforces the rest of the school day rather than sitting apart from it. Scheduling, space, and communication with families are all arranged around how your school already runs.
Request a Call Back
Tell us a little about your school — grade range, size, and what you are hoping to offer — and we will call you to follow up. No obligation.