About Us

Toronto Music Alliance

At Toronto Music Alliance, we believe that music is for everyone. No matter your age or background, we think everyone deserves to learn how to play music. Whether your goal is to perform in some of the biggest venues in the world for thousands of people or in your shower stall for an audience of one, if you’ve got a passion for music, we want to help you achieve your musical dreams.

With a focus on fun and positivity, we take a modern approach to teaching that highlights the joy of learning in a creative, nurturing and supportive environment.

TOMA’S FOUR PILLARS

STUDIO ACADEMY

These are the in-person lessons you know and love. All lessons take place in our custom-build music studios, designed specifically for the finest acoustics, sound isolation, well-lit with high ceilings and brand-new HVAC system. Seriously: You will not find a better space for music lessons anywhere.

ONLINE ACADEMY

We’ve been working online with students for many years to give them the flexibility of being able to work with any of our teachers, regardless of where they live. That's one of the main reasons we have the faculty we do. They are some of the best in the city! If you are feeling a little under the weather, or the actual weather turns (this is Canada, after all!), it means we can work with you without interruption. Online learning is very effective in providing instruction as well as a sense of community when we can't be together.

MASTERWORKS

One of the main benefits of our school is the ability to work with musicians we would not normally have been able to before. We are always organizing new workshops, masterclasses and other high-level engagement opportunities. Thanks to online, you don't even have to leave your home to participate!

In addition, we are proud to showcase some ensembles-in-residence, who will be rehearsing in person with us once we can safely reopen, and bring you amazing, fresh programming on a regular basis. These groups include:

VC2: Amahl Arulanandam and Brian Holt make up this renowned cello duet. This award-winning duo have dazzled audiences everywhere with their viruosity, artistry, and personality. They have toured across the country and around the world, focusing on new, contemporary works as well as arrangements of beloved classics.

The Millar Piano Duo: Featuring faculty member Greg Millar along with his wife Lisa Riposa, the Millar Piano Duo has been showcasing extraordinary piano works for over a decade. Recently, they performed a series of Facebook streaming concerts of phenomenal arrangements and original works. They are also active in the Ontario teaching community.

Opera By Request: Founded by faculty member Bill Shookhoff, OBR has presented many operatic works featuring professional and professional-in-training performers in concert settings. In February, OBR mounted its most ambitious project yet: a full concert series presenting the entire Wagner Ring Cycle! This monumental undertaking required performers not just from Canada but from across the Atlantic as well.

OUTREACH

Supporting our community is very near and dear to our hearts. From charity drives to community performances (like our annual Marlies Day!), we want to get the word out about what we do. We also work with our partners to have field trips to different performances, such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Canadian Opera Company.

Music Lessons & Programs

FACULTY

At ToMA we pride ourselves on the quality of our staff. Our faculty are not only highly qualified teachers but frequent performers in Toronto’s music scene and working professionals in organizations such as the Canadian Opera Company, National Ballet Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Mirvish Productions, etc. with some even being Juno nominated.

Meet The Teachers

TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials

Rachel M.

“I like playing piano it is fun, you can be creative and express yourself in the music.

I like the way David teaches the music because he will keep on trying and not just say "ah who cares". He will teach it to you properly and be patient. Music makes me feel happy, I like this school, and the piano!”

Alan G.

“For many years, music has been in my life. However, I had very little formal music training. I wanted to be able to read music. That desire led me to become a Toronto Music Alliance student. My understanding of the musical theory behind the music has

increased tremendously and has enhanced my “musical chops.” I would not have been able to reach the level of musical understanding I have without David’s encouragement, patience and sense of humour.”

Aleksandra N.

“In the midst of difficult circumstances in my life I had the idea of picking up the violin. I had played the violin as a child but hadn't touched it for nearly 30 years ...

Every nano-improvement is exciting, and every time I hit a riff bang-on, I feel like I've accomplished something really cool. Thanks to my teacher Yosef Tamir and Toronto Music Alliance for all the excellent guidance in my violin adventure.”