Why Merriam School of Music?

DIFFERENCE

Watch this discussion with selected members of the Merriam School of Music’s teaching staff, about using musical experience to make a difference in people’s’ lives.  Discussions with Mike Siracusa (drummer / teacher), Len Feldman (pianist, theory, teacher), Mary Ficzere (Director of Enriched Piano Studies), Linda Morgan (clinician, teacher, pianist), Brian DeLima (jazz pianist, teacher) and more.  

Many of Merriam School of Music’s teachers have been with the school for 10 or more years, and this video compiles a series of interviews with a few of the senior members of the music school.

EXCELLENCE

Merriam School of Music has gained a reputation within the musical academic community for developing and implementing high-level curriculum and teaching methods.The positive effects on our students has been clearly tracked and proven.  And over the last 10 years, piano students from Merriam’s Enriched and Group Piano programs have shown superior progress and retention of skill when compared with other community music programs.  

Watch as we interview four university music pedagogists about their impressions and experiences with the Merriam School of Music, and what they see as the differences between us and other professional music schools.

PASSION TO EDUCATE

We interview our own music teachers as they discusses what fuels their passion for sharing the world of music with their students.  Whether it be watching student’s progress throughout their musical life, or hearing about how their musical experience has benefited them in other areas of life, or seeing students become teachers themselves, the passion that our teachers show towards their musical craft is one of the most important elements of the Merriam School of Music’s success.

Beginner

Intermediate – Advanced

01. Experience

Being a great educator is a rare talent.  Being a great performer is equally hard to find.  Finding both in the same person is magical.  The experience of regularly performing, and having the years of teaching exposure, helps our teachers to deliver true musical wisdom to our students.

02. Education

Our search for teachers starts at the finest musical establishments in Canada.  We directly recruit out of WLU, UWO, U of T, York, Humber, Queens, and McMaster.  We’re the ONLY private music school in Canada permitted to do so, and getting teachers who have the right foundations is critical.

03. Certification

At the Merriam School of Music, the process of learning and training for teachers doesn’t stop. We regularly re-train our teachers in the latest educational best-practices, as well as constantly revise and update curriculum and lesson planning techniques. A Merriam-certified teacher is one of the most engaged and highly qualified in the industry.

Dr. Glenn Carruthers, Dean of Music, Wilfrid Laurier University

Dr. Glen Carruthers
Dean of Music
Wilfrid Laurier University

“What I see here at Merriam is an uniquely expansive view of music making.”

John Paul Bracey, Leading Music Educator, Prof. Univeristy of Western Ontario

John Paul Bracey
Leading Music Educator, Professor
Western University

“Your enriched program…accomplishes all the best that we [as music educators] can hope for in musicians.”

Denny Christianson, Director, Humber Music

Denny Christianson
Director
Humber Music

“We’ve seen many Merriam students come to Humber and already be able to function at a much higher level.”

Brian Chung, Author on Music Education, Senior VP Kawai

Brian Chung
Author on Music Education, Senior VP
Kawai Musical Instruments

“You’ve had a tremendous impact, across North America, on the world of music making.”

Enriched/Enhancement Programs

All Merriam School of Music Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Cost of Music Lessons?

There are a wide range of schools and teachers in most major cities, and ultimately a student's or parents' goals will help determine what the right budget is.  Is it to pass an exam, or is it to become a literate musician? FInd out what the right fit and budget is for you . Read More

What Is the Best Age to Begin Music Lessons?

More and more research is pointing to an earlier start for young students.  It seems that there's no such thing as "too young" in terms of musical exposure.  However, there are physical demands of many instruments that means that despite early interest, you may need to wait.  We've covered it all here!  Read More

What Are The Best Music Schools in Toronto?

A full directory of the most reputable music schools in the GTA, by category.  The only such listing online, complete with websites, phone numbers, descriptions. Read More 

Are Music Schools Worth It?

Choosing a music school over a private teacher isn't necessarily a clear-cut decision.  A full pro/con list of the benefits you get from a great school vs. a great private teacher. Read More

Can Music Enhance School-readiness Socio-Emotional Skills?

There's a large movement in young childhood education towards socialization and a reduction of electronic "babysitting".  Could music also be a tool to ensure that children are entering their school-years as well adjusted and confident people? Read More

 

What Are The Benefits of Music Lessons?

A tidal wave of research on music's uber-benefits for the mind has been inundating parenting magazines and teaching materials for well over 2 decades, and the momentum isn't letting up.  Here's a review of the latest theories on why music is so good for your child's mind.  Read More

What are the main reasons students drop out of music lessons?

It's not a secret that most people who begin music lessons tend to quit or drop out at a very high rate.  But why are the drop-out rates from music lessons so much higher than things like hockey, dance, or swimming?  It turns out, it's pretty to understand why. Read More

Should Music Education Be Mandatory In Schools?

Arts funding in schools has been a hot-button topic for several decades, and the debate rages on.  But with more and more research pointing towards tangible, high-value benefits, is the debate about to shift again? Read More

Which Music School Is Right For Me/My Child?

Selecting the right music school could mean the difference between success and failure in your child learning music for life.  Although many music lesson businesses use the term "school", there are more differences than similarities when it comes to comparing music schools for you or your child. Read More 

Are Music Lessons Tax Deductable?

There have been changes in the tax laws in Ontario and Canada.  Here's an up-to-date review. Read More

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