Brianna HarrisonWhere to Get the Best Music Lessons in Toronto
Be it through a single instrument or more or by taking up voice lessons, music teaches a person a lot of skills.
We came up with a list of where to get the best music lessons in Toronto. This will give you pertinent information such as usual rates, classes offered, and opening hours.
Where to Get the Best Music Lessons in Toronto
We used the following criteria to find the best places for music lessons in Toronto:
How much do music lessons cost in Toronto?
Before we reveal to you our list, here is a sample price table to give you an idea of how much you will spend for your or your loved one’s music lessons.
Keep in mind that this table only presents you with average prices and that costs will vary per place.
1. Toronto Arts Academy
| CLASSES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ |
| TECHNIQUES | ★★★★☆ |
| RESULTS | ★★★★☆ |
Established in 2000, Toronto Arts Academy is a privately-owned school that teaches music to over 600 students in the Greater Toronto Area. Their schedule usually follows weekly classes.
This place offers singing, piano, guitar, and drums lessons. All of these can be learned in-person or online, with a variety of skilled music teachers to guide students.
We note that all lessons can either be one-on-one sessions with a teacher or group lessons with one teacher and various students.
The one-on-one sessions can help the student focus more, while group lessons are perfect for those who like learning with other people.
We like the fact that this academy has different offers besides the typical group and solo lessons. They have 60-minute makeup classes, 30-minute bonus masterclasses, and even red carpet performances where musicians play for an audience.
Honestly, there isn’t anything alarming about this school given that they mostly cater to kids and is proven to be a safe environment. We do note that online enquiries can take a while to receive responses and that slots tend to fill up fast.
We recommend Toronto Arts Academy given their good reputation. They have received a good number of awards since they began and maintain the same level of professionalism up to this day.
Pros
- More than 20 years’ experience
- Offers singing, piano, drums, and guitar lessons
- In-person and online classes available
- Offers makeup classes and masterclasses
Cons
- Does not respond immediately to online enquiries
- Slots fill up quite fast
Customer Reviews
Very professional and fun to learn from
“Great experience of my first online class. They are very professional and fun to learn from! Must visit if you are passionate about music.” — Jaimin Dave, via Google
Always prepared and picks the perfect warm ups and songs for my voice
“I’ve been going here for singing lessons for about a year with my vocal coach, Alyssa, and I’ve had an amazing experience. I’ve loved singing my whole life and taking lessons here has improved my voice so much and it’s all thanks to Alyssa!!
Even though it’s just 30 minutes out of my week, she is always prepared and picks the perfect warm ups and songs for my voice! I suggest Toronto Arts Academy for your musical lessons 100%” — Maddie White, via Google
2. Canada Music Academy
| CLASSES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ |
| TECHNIQUES | ★★★★☆ |
| RESULTS | ★★★★☆ |
Canada Music Academy offers music lessons for all ages and is one of the most established music schools in Toronto, having over 25 years of experience.
What we like most about this place is that it goes beyond the usual list of music lessons. It has bass on top of guitar lessons, keyboard on top of piano lessons, percussion on top of drum lessons, and even songwriting lessons.
Recording and DJ lessons are also available, making them a good choice for those who really enjoy music. Brass, strings, and woodwind lessons are offered as well, with all of these having certified teachers and instructors to guide the students.
They have a music store where students and customers can either rent or purchase musical instruments. Accessories such as holders, cases, and even microphones can also be purchased here.
Online lessons come with a free first lesson promo and there are teachers for at least 40 languages. This makes it convenient for foreign enrollees.
Prices are within the usual range as well. With this, the only thing we warn about this place is that it can be hard to reach their phone line and they sometimes forget to update their website.
Overall, we find that Canada Music Academy is a great place for those who want quality lessons and those who want to learn more than the usual instruments and music skills.
Pros
- Over 25 years’ experience
- Songwriting lessons are available
- Offers recording and DJ lessons
- All teachers are certified
- Has a music store where you can buy or rent equipment
Cons
- Telephone line is sometimes unreachable
- Website is not updated often
Customer Reviews
I’m discovering a whole new level of musical confidence and enjoyment
“Thank you for helping me rediscover my voice! From the admin team helping me to find the ideal instructor, to the amazing lessons with Matthew, I’m discovering a whole new level of musical confidence and enjoyment.
Would absolutely recommend Canada Music Academy to anyone looking to start their musical journey!” — Paul Joseph, via Google
Class is always inspiring and fun
“I’m learning trumpet from Leonid, he is a great teacher and I have learned a lot from him for the past few months. His class is always inspiring and fun. I would recommend him if you want to learn a wind instrument” — Madison B, via Google
3. Elite Music Academy
| CLASSES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ |
| TECHNIQUES | ★★★★☆ |
| RESULTS | ★★★★☆ |
Presenting themselves as Toronto’s highest ranking musical school is Elite Music Academy. They were established in 2001 and currently offer music lessons and a music theatre school year programme.
They have over 22 programmes and 10,000 alumni. We like how their lessons stretch across various instruments and musical skills.
They are among the schools who teach how to play the ukulele, cello, saxophone, violin, and bouzouki. You can get lessons whether inside your own home, in their studio, or online.
March and summer camps are also available here, making them a great choice for those who cannot commit to regular classes but are interested to learn an instrument.
They also have group or band programmes. Other fun activities such as starring in a music video and performing for an audience can be done as well.
We do warn that compared to others, some prices in Elite Music Academy are relatively high. Even their store of musical instruments can be quite pricey.
On the bright side, their beginner lessons are usually affordable and are perfect for those who want to learn the guitar and the ukulele.
If your child dreams of becoming a music or rock star, enrolling them in Elite Music Academy might just be the best way to support them.
Pros
- Over 22 programmes for kids
- Has been around since 2001
- Offers fun activities such as starring in a music video
Cons
- Quotes on some lessons are quite expensive
- Musical instruments are sold at very high prices
Customer Reviews
Very professional teachers
“Good customer service, very professional teachers, my children have progressed within a year of both piano and guitar lessons. Keep up the great focus for your students Elite.” — Deme Eleftheriou, via Google
Enhanced both of their abilities to play
“Both of my sons have participated in the Rock Band Camp and had a great time.
It was wonderful to see them perform on stage, and it has enhanced both of their abilities to play (the guitar and piano) by playing in a group, learning to time things out with other players, and having the opportunity to sing as well.
We have their rock band poster hanging on our wall!” — Justin Kopman, via Google
4. ABC Academy of Music
| CLASSES OFFERED | ★★★★★ |
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★☆ |
| TECHNIQUES | ★★★★★ |
| RESULTS | ★★★★☆ |
Believing that a lot of things start with music, ABC Academy of Music offers music classes even for children as young as 10 months old. They started in 2003 and continue to provide musically stimulating classes up to this day.
The most enticing thing about this place is that it treats music as a means of promoting wellness, motor skills, and developing behaviour.
This is why it has developed programmes even for babies, where exposure to music as early as possible is the focus.
Songbooks and CDs are included when babies and toddlers are enrolled in their programmes.
Of course, regular music classes are available for kids up to 8 years old. These lessons come at different levels and usually begin with learning drumming patterns.
Electric guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and even music theory are also taught here. They also have lessons for adults where they personalise a programme according to what you need.
We note that we find their opening hours during weekdays are quite short, which can be a bit of a setback. They are also closed on Fridays while most of their competitors are open.
Still, we recommend ABC Academy of Music given their commitment to looking at music as something that contributes to a person’s overall wellbeing. Their treatment and approach is surely something to admire.
Pros
- Almost 20 years in the business
- Offers classes even for babies and toddlers
- Uses music to assist in a child’s development
Cons
- Weekday hours are quite short
- Closed on Fridays
Customer Reviews
Teachers are always warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and just demanding enough
“My daughter has been attending for six years. She loves it, I love it. The teachers are always warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and just demanding enough. And Barnaby is wonderful – he’s the heart and soul of the school.
I will definitely enroll my younger one when she’s a bit older, and maybe even take some adult classes myself!” — Polina S, via Google
Excellent music lessons with great teachers
“I took guitar lessons at ABC Academy for about 7 years and I cannot tell you how much it has improved my playing.
With one-on-one teaching, you can always learn at your own pace and the teachers are excellent, always wanting to help you in your own musical journey.
For anyone who’s looking for excellent music lessons with great teachers i highly recommend ABC Academy!” — Matthew Shewaye, via Google
5. Melody School of Music
| CLASSES OFFERED | ★★★★☆ |
| EXPERTISE | ★★★★★ |
| TECHNIQUES | ★★★★☆ |
| RESULTS | ★★★★☆ |
Melody School of Music offers personalised music lessons for all ages and across all levels. The place was founded in 2006 and is made up of experienced teachers for various instruments.
Their programmes include vocal, piano, guitar, drums, violin, woodwinds, and songwriting lessons. On top of these, they also have a glee club, rock band, and preschool programs for kids to enjoy.
We like how they prioritise a kid’s overall wellness by also offering kids’ yoga. This is where they apply how music can help one focus and actually relax.
They have a total of 20 teachers that specialise in different instruments. Their programmes usually consist of 10 lessons, with new students having the option to enroll only in 5 lessons for starters.
Online recitals are also available to encourage students to perform. These are usually themed, making it more creative.
We do acknowledge that this school teaches less instruments as compared to others. They made the cut simply because a lot of students appreciate them and their processes seem to be working this far.
It is important to note that there are no lessons during Sundays and that their weekday hours are quite short.
We recommend them for their fun approach and their genuine concern to make their students happy during lessons.
Pros
- More than 15 years’ experience
- Teaches music lessons to all ages
- Has unique activities such as glee club, rock band, and kids yoga
Cons
- Teaches less instruments compared to others in the scene
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Warm and friendly environment
“We’ve had an amazing experience! I have two children taking lessons here (one for drums, the other piano) and we’ve had a really positive experience.
Both of my kids love the warm and friendly environment at the school and always look forward for their live performances! It’s a fun place to learn music! Highly recommended!” — Emily Johnson, via Google
Talented and experienced teachers
“Melody School of Music is a very organized place with talented and experienced teachers. The professional team is very accommodating and very helpful with scheduling the classes.” — Nicoleta B, via Google
FAQs about music lessons in Toronto
We hope that this article helped you learn more about music lessons and where you can get the best in Toronto.
If you’re focused on singing in particular, we also have a review on the best voice lessons in Toronto.
