Choosing an Elite Music School

September is the best time to sign up for music lessons. It's the start of a new school year and many children are choosing activities that interest them. Schedules are being made and plans for the school year are taking shape.

Choosing the right music school can be a daunting task for parents. So many music schools claim to be the best or claim to have the best teachers. This makes things confusing for the public. The bottom line is teachers make all the difference. A school is only as good as its teachers. Unfortunately, not every teacher is qualified to teach. If a teacher has not completed a minimum of a Bachelor's degree then they are technically unqualified.

Universities have standards. They train, challenge, and test students. It is this training that ensures students get a formal education. This formal education prepares students for life's challenges. Great students usually make great teachers.

The further a student goes with his/her education the more training they receive. As a musician and a teacher, this training is invaluable. Completing a graduate degree such as a Masters, PhD, or DMA requires an incredible amount of work, discipline, motivation, and talent. It essentially shows a person's dedication to learning and teaching.

At Neighbour Note, we only hire elite teachers. Two of our teachers were nominated for Juno awards last year. Twelve of our teachers have completed a PhD or DMA in music. Two of our teachers currently have recording contracts with Sony Music. Forty-two of our teachers have completed a Masters degree. All of our teachers are passionate about teaching. We are so proud of our teaching faculty! They are truly committed to their craft and love to teach.

Another important factor when choosing a music school is awards. If a music school has won an award then they must be doing something right. Neighbour Note has won the Three Best Rated award for the past three years. This award is for being among the very best three music schools in all of Toronto.

A music school that offers a variety of programs is also an important factor. Programs such as Rock Band or any type of ensemble is a great way for students to meet other students. Ensemble programs not only teach teamwork, accountability, and discipline but they also are a great deal of fun. Neighbour Note offers Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble, Songwriting and Recording, as well as a Chamber Music Ensemble entitled String Initiative.

Not only does Neighbour Note offer a wide range of programs throughout Toronto they also teach multiple different instruments giving students many different choices for learning. The following instruments are available to learn: piano, guitar, bass, drums singing, violin, cello, viola, double bass, ukulele, saxophone, flute, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, french horn, oboe, bassoon, tuba, euphonium and baritone, banjo, mandolin, harp, sopilka and bagpipes. We have something for just about everyone!

Remember, when choosing a music school it is very important to consider the above factors. We all want the best for ourselves and our children. If a music school claims to be the best then make sure they have all of the above factors. If they don't then they simply do not stand up to the competition and are ultimately not being truthful. You truly do deserve the best music school so make sure you make the right choice!