Business Details
14 Years
experience
Premier Music Lessons for Children in North York
Founded in 2012, Willowdale School of Music has been dedicated to transforming children's lives through music education. Our philosophy centers on the belief that learning an instrument should be joyful while cultivating essential life skills like discipline, creativity, and empathy. We offer personalized private lessons, engaging group classes, and immersive summer camps designed to nurture both musical talent and character development. With over a decade of experience, we've served 300+ families and provide regular performance opportunities to build confidence and instrument familiarity.Our team of trained educators tailors instruction to each student's unique needs, ensuring lessons remain age-appropriate and enjoyable. Located in North York, we combine the Suzuki method with innovative teaching approaches to create a supportive environment where children discover the lifelong benefits of music.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Early Childhood Music
Kids Group Classes
Camps
Suzuki Hybrid Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer engaging, age-appropriate music lessons for children.
- Our teaching methods are tailored to each student's unique learning style.
- We provide regular performance opportunities to build confidence and instrument familiarity.
- With over a decade of experience, our school has served 300+ families.
- We combine music education with character development to nurture well-rounded individuals.
What people say
Interactive experience
Delight to watch
Great teachers
Engaging lessons
Nurturing environment
Services
Private Lessons
Personalized one-on-one music instruction tailored to each student's learning style and pace. Our experienced teachers adapt methods to suit individual needs, ensuring engaging lessons that develop technical skills and musical expression while fostering discipline and confidence.
Group Classes
Interactive group sessions that build musical collaboration and social skills. Students learn through peer interaction, rhythmic activities, and shared performances, creating a supportive environment for developing timing, listening skills, and stage presence in a fun, communal setting.
Summer Camps
Week-long immersive programs combining music education with creative activities. Campers explore rhythm, movement, and instrument basics while participating in arts and crafts, outdoor play, and collaborative music-making experiences designed to spark lifelong musical interest.
Suzuki Hybrid Lessons
Combining the Suzuki method's philosophy with modern teaching techniques. This approach emphasizes ear training, parental involvement, and gradual skill development through carefully sequenced repertoire, creating strong technical foundations and musical sensitivity.
Early Childhood Music
Specialized music introduction for babies and toddlers focusing on sensory development and early rhythm recognition. Through playful activities and parent participation, we cultivate foundational musical awareness and motor skills in a nurturing environment designed for young children.
People
Sarah Murley-Hauser
Director
Sarah founded Willowdale School of Music in 2012 after starting violin lessons at age 6. She developed the school's philosophy emphasizing character development through music education, expanding from a mobile studio to a multi-instrument institution in North York.
Questions
What music programs do you offer for children?
We provide private lessons, group classes, Suzuki hybrid programs, early childhood music sessions, and summer day camps for ages 4-10.
Do students need prior musical experience?
No prior experience is required. Our programs accommodate complete beginners through advanced students with tailored instruction for all skill levels.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students participate in two formal recitals annually, Coffee House events, community performances, and Practice Challenge Month activities to build stage confidence.
What should campers bring to summer programs?
Campers need nut-free snacks, lunch, water bottles, running shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and swimwear with towels for outdoor activities.
What is your cancellation policy for camps?
Withdrawals made 28 days before camp start receive full refunds minus $50 administrative fee. No refunds are issued after this deadline.
Reviews (3)
Aisha Shah
Jul 27, 2021
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Love the Willowdale School of Music! My daughter started virtual singing lessons last year and eagerly waits for classes. The teachers are not only friendly towards the children but also have a very wide and deep knowledge of Music, singing and instruments. My daughter is currently enrolled for the Virtual Summer program. It is a mix of arts, crafts and sharing musical knowledge. It is such a great interactive experience and a delight to watch. My daughter is glued to her computer for 3 hours because that's how much fun they are having.
Yuko Nagatomo
Sep 19, 2019
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If someone worry about which violin school is good one for their kids. Please just go taking a trial lesson at Willowdale School of Music first! My daughter has learned a violin less than 1 year in Japan, but she seemed to be very nervous and get wet with her hands, even the teacher was not strict. I just think some kids need learning it little by little. The school I could feel it is The Willowdale School of Music. Sara who is a violin teacher and director as well is amazing and grasp how to enjoy playing it with teaching skill. Now my daughter never get wet with her hands even she plays it in
Diana Grant
Feb 03, 2019
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I'm an adult beginner learning the violin, and have been learning from Sarah for about five months now. I'm glad to have found her. She's a gifted teacher!
Sarah is very knowledgeable, uses analogies and looks for fun tips and tricks to help you learn, and it's obvious that she is committed to her students' learning. She's funny, and makes me laugh every lesson. :) She is thorough and has high standards, which I appreciate, but she also makes learning enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a violin or a viola teacher for your child or for yourself. I highly recommend Sarah be that teacher. :)
Sarah is very knowledgeable, uses analogies and looks for fun tips and tricks to help you learn, and it's obvious that she is committed to her students' learning. She's funny, and makes me laugh every lesson. :) She is thorough and has high standards, which I appreciate, but she also makes learning enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a violin or a viola teacher for your child or for yourself. I highly recommend Sarah be that teacher. :)
