Business Details
Toronto's Premier Music Lessons & Online Classes
Neighbour Note was founded to revolutionize music education by combining academic rigor with real-world artistry. Our team comprises university professors, Grammy-nominated musicians, and award-winning educators dedicated to nurturing musical talent across all skill levels. We offer personalized instruction in over 20 instruments, emphasizing cognitive development and artistic expression through innovative teaching methods. With flexible scheduling options and a commitment to accessibility, we've served Toronto families for over 15 years.Our faculty's credentials include Royal Conservatory distinctions and international performance experience, ensuring students receive world-class instruction. We prioritize student-teacher compatibility, offering both in-home and studio-based lessons. Our performance opportunities and rescheduling flexibility demonstrate our commitment to supporting students' evolving needs while maintaining educational excellence.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Vocal Coaching
Drum Lessons
Violin Instruction
Online Music Courses
Songwriting Workshops
Music Theory Classes
Summer Music Camps
Performance Training
Highlights and features
- We employ Juno-nominated instructors and Royal Conservatory-certified teachers
- Offer 16+ years of proven music education expertise
- Provide flexible rescheduling options for busy families
- Combine academic theory with practical performance training
- Deliver both online and in-home lesson formats across Toronto
Associations and certifications
- Royal Conservatory of Music
What people say
Experienced teachers
Flexible scheduling
Engaging lessons
Proven results
Personalized attention
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano program combines classical training with modern techniques for all ages. Students develop reading skills, finger dexterity, and musical interpretation through customized curricula. With both in-home and studio options available across Toronto, our Royal Conservatory-certified instructors adapt lessons to individual learning styles while preparing students for examinations and performances.
Guitar Lessons
Offering electric, acoustic, and classical guitar instruction for beginners to advanced players. Our curriculum covers multiple genres including rock, jazz, and flamenco. Students learn chord progressions, fingerpicking patterns, and improvisation techniques while developing proper hand positioning and strumming mechanics through structured lesson plans tailored to personal musical goals.
Vocal Coaching
Designed for both aspiring and professional singers, our vocal program focuses on breath control, pitch accuracy, and performance techniques. Juno-nominated instructors guide students through classical, pop, and musical theater repertoire while emphasizing vocal health and proper warm-up routines to prevent strain and develop sustainable singing practices.
Drum Lessons
Comprehensive drum instruction covering rock, jazz, and Latin styles using state-of-the-art electronic kits. Students master rudiments, timing, and coordination while learning to read drum charts and develop groove patterns. Lessons emphasize both technical proficiency and creative expression through customized practice routines and performance opportunities.
Online Music Courses
Interactive remote lessons available for all instruments using high-quality audio/video technology. This format maintains educational integrity while offering flexibility for students who prefer learning from home. Instructors utilize digital tools for real-time feedback, practice tracking, and collaborative music creation across different time zones and locations.
People
John Force
Founder & Guitar Instructor
John Force established Neighbour Note after identifying gaps in traditional music education. With extensive performance experience and pedagogy expertise, he developed the school's unique teaching methodology that combines academic rigor with practical application. His approach focuses on making music education accessible while maintaining high artistic standards.
Dr. Nina Soyfer
Piano Instructor
Dr. Nina Soyfer holds multiple degrees from prestigious music institutions and received the Royal Conservatory's Teacher of Distinction Award. Her students consistently achieve top marks in examinations and competitions. She specializes in developing technical proficiency while maintaining musical expressiveness for pianists at all levels.
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Vocal Coach
Juno Award-nominated vocalist Elizabeth Rodriguez brings professional performance experience to her teaching practice. Her students have successfully auditioned for major music programs and professional productions. She emphasizes vocal health and technique while helping singers develop their unique artistic voice across multiple musical genres.
Oscar Rangel
Guitar Instructor
As a Sony Music recording artist and member of Operus, Oscar Rangel combines industry experience with pedagogical expertise. He teaches advanced guitar techniques while helping students develop their compositional voice. His students regularly participate in major music festivals and competitions.
Dr. Angela Schwarzkopf
Harp Instructor
Dr. Angela Schwarzkopf, president of the American Harp Society Toronto chapter, offers specialized instruction for harpists at all levels. Her teaching approach combines technical mastery with performance preparation. She has developed curriculum materials that make harp learning accessible to younger students while maintaining classical standards.
Questions
What music lesson formats do you offer?
We provide in-home lessons, studio sessions, and online instruction via specialized music teaching software for all instruments across Toronto and surrounding areas.
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors hold advanced music degrees or professional performance credentials, including Juno nominees and Royal Conservatory-certified teachers with extensive teaching experience.
Can I reschedule lessons?
We allow up to nine rescheduled lessons annually to accommodate changing schedules while maintaining consistent progress in your musical development.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
Students receive six annual performance chances to showcase their progress, build confidence, and connect with our musical community through recitals and showcases.
What age groups do you teach?
We offer age-appropriate instruction for children as young as three, teens, and adults, with specialized teaching methods tailored to each developmental stage.
How do I choose the right instrument?
Our staff helps match students with suitable instruments based on physical attributes, musical interests, and learning style during initial consultation sessions.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Andrew P.
Jul 29, 2021
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Best music teacher I have ever had! I am always excited for the lessons and I have learned a ton! I practiced drums and guitar there and got way better! Cannot wait for the music camp when it resumes! Andrew P
Jennifer Weaymouth
Jun 30, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Our kids are 8 & 9 yrs old and are taking Electric Guitar & Bass Guitar for the first time. The kids love the lessons and really look forward to them every week! Great communication and accommodation with the schedule. We love their passion for music, patience and guidance with our kids. Highly recommend!!!
Our kids are 8 & 9 yrs old and are taking Electric Guitar & Bass Guitar for the first time. The kids love the lessons and really look forward to them every week! Great communication and accommodation with the schedule. We love their passion for music, patience and guidance with our kids. Highly recommend!!!
Simon Scgc
Jun 21, 2021
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Ive taught at Neighbour Note for many years. This school has been wonderful to work for and the students have been fantastic! John has always been very supportive and accommodating and runs a school that manages to keep all the conveniences for at home lessons for students (not having to leave your house) with all the advantages of a traditional brick and mortar school (recitals and wonderful band programs). I highly recommend Neighbour Note to anyone who is looking for music lessons.
Holly Stoddart
Jun 18, 2021
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My son started virtual lessons with John a few months ago and we couldnt be happier. We were concerned about how the virtual lessons would keep him engaged but John is really wonderful and keeps the lessons light and fun with jokes and funny anecdotes. My son has learned so much during the last couple of months and looks forward to his lessons each and every week!!! Highly recommend!
Caroline Kim
Jun 10, 2021
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My son started learning piano for the first time with John who has been wonderful and accommodating during this difficult time. Max is really into music from movies so John improvised and had him learn how to play Star Wars making the whole experience enjoyable for Max. Thanks and we hope to see you next September!
Deanna Pathak
Dec 02, 2020
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My 5 year old twins are currently taking music lessons and I have been very impressed with the professionalism and Johns ability to connect with, and manage, such young kids. Having lessons after school can be difficult as kids are often tired and full of energy, but John has showed great patience and ability in dealing with all of their ups and downs. John is able to get them to focus and makes learning fun. My kids have showed great progress in their understanding of the instruments themselves, and of music in general. I highly recommend John and Neighbor Note for anyone looking for music lessons
Fiona Leuanglith
Jun 06, 2020
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I've been taking adult guitar lessons with John for the last few months. It has been a wonderful experience so far as I haven't taken lessons in over 10 years and was a bit nervous initially. John is a very patient teacher and it's clear his passion for music comes through each lesson I participate in. I was a bit hesitant at first switching to online as I personally do not learn well via video and prefer in-person lessons. However I'm glad that online lessons are an option and my experience switching to online has been pleasant. As someone who hasn't played guitar in such a long time, I'm definitely
