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
music lessons For Kids
(4-10 Years Old)
This is our primary, core program which we strongly encourage all new young students to consider when beginning music lessons.
This is a group format which a highly structured, giving lots of opportunity for friendly performance, group learning, parental participation, and social development.
GROUP VOCAL LESSONS
(VAUGHAN ONLY)
This is a group format for singers of all levels and ages – a first of it’s kind in Toronto.Directed by renowned tenor Charles Di Raimondo.
This is a highly engaging, group learning music education program which promotes performance, vocal skill, the basics of acting, as well as an introduction to the world of music theatre.
Its time to put down the air guitar and learn the real thing. .
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.
The Keyfest Labs Program is an elective ensemble program for young learners. It is fully integrated with both our Private Lesson program and Keyfest Group Lesson program, and gives students a way to play in a group on a regular basis.
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
An update from my 2017 review: My positive experience with Merriam School of Music continues. My youngest is in her 3rd year and loves her class and her teacher, Miss Hadley. Miss Hadley has endless enthusiasm (even with our late afternoon session) and always keeps the students engaged and interested. She is a wonderful instructor, no question. I hope the schedules do not change too much; we prefer to remain with Miss Hadley over the coming years.My eldest has been with Miss Vanessa for eight years (and counting) and hearing her play is, literally, music to my ears. Miss Vanessa has also been an amazing teacher .... from group lessons to private. Her enthusiasm is also endless and we are so happy to have had her as a teacher for so many years.Bottom Line: The teachers make the difference, between a good and not-so-good school. And it is these teachers—Miss Hadley and Miss Vanessa (and, earlier, Miss Andrea)—that keep us at Merriam.Side note: I hope management plans to expand the physical facilities to accommodate the growing number of students over the past year.*****(Review from 2017) In my view, the group lessons offered by Merriam is the best way to learn piano at a young age. Both of my children are with Merriam: the oldest has been with the same amazing teacher, Miss Vanessa, for nearly a decade, and the youngest is in her 2nd year with Miss Andrea and Miss Hadley, both of whom are awesome teachers. I believe that the curriculum is critical, but the teachers and their teaching methods (for theory and practical) are equally critical as they are on the front line and need to keep young children interested. All in, Merriam is a fabulous school! For anyone thinking about enrolling for music lessons---whether it be piano, drums, guitar, vocal---Merriam is the place to be.read more
We had tried a few music schools before. None were even close to Merriam's high quality of teaching material, method and the teachers themselves. If you love music and want to pursue it seriously, if you want to have a profound foundation in music, this is the school you should go to!My son's piano teacher is Andrea Leung. She's been teaching him since he was 4. Miss Andrea is amazing! Great experience for us!read more
My son has been taking piano lessons with Michelle Cruz at Merriam in Oakville for about 3 years now and he's had a wonderful experience. He really enjoys the group learning format and Michelle's teaching style which make learning piano fun! Prior to starting at Merriam he had about 3 months of private one on one lessons but hated going to the lessons. I'm glad we decided to give Merriam a try because he is now reading music with ease, writing short compositions and performing onstage . . . I would recommend both the school and the teacher to anyone wanting to make piano lessons fun for their child.read more
My son has been taking piano classes with Ms Hadley for almost 4 years. He truly enjoys class and finds the environment engaging and fun. Ms Hadley is fantastic! She is very approachable and encouraging. I love that the students have several performance opportunities during the year. Overall great experience!read more
Ms. Hadley has been teaching our son for almost 3 years. We have witnessed our son grow and learn a lot from Ms. Hadley's instruction - he truly enjoys piano, looks forward to classes and likes to practice! Ms. Hadley is a fun, patient instructor who really can speak to children in a language that relates to them, but helps share the insights of music in an fun, dynamic way. As a parent, I see how Ms. Hadley can break down the elements of music/theory and present them in a fun way, like games such as bingo or snakes & ladders. This is a brilliant teaching method for children as they are learning music, while enjoying the process.I have referred many of our friends to Merriam Music (Oakville) and often say "you must request Ms. Hadley". Merriam's curriculum is focused on age-appropriate development yet helps them each individually achieve confidence both in music, but also in public speaking as we witness many of their recitals.As a family we are delighted with the instruction and curriculum and look forward to continuing this experience, both with our son and soon, with our daughter.Thank you Merriam Music (Oakville) and Ms. Hadley for making music/piano FUN!read more
I love the professional environment Merriam has to offer. The staff are very friendly and accommodating - allowing me to practise during non peak hours. From the day I first toured the place I was sold! Blair recommended the perfect teacher to me and true to his word she is the best and also great with adult learners!!Thank you Dragica for helping me get back on track with music. Your expertise is evident and you have given me so many wonderful tips to help me progress toward my goals. Best wishes to allMaxineread more
We have tried several music schools, all of which have has something positive to offer our children, but Merriam is the first to be able to offer everything we need for the varied levels in our house. The groupfest classes are wonderful - even for the adult who sits in 🙂 The concerts are genuinely fun. I cannot wait for the end of year DVD of their performances 🙂 It will make a great keepsake, especially for family who live in other countries.read more
We started with the program 3 years ago. We were not sure how the group class would work at the beginning. But shortly after we started we saw that it was working great! The Keyfest program is a very well designed program that teaches how to be a musician not only how to play the songs. If kids go on with this program, they will be enjoying music all their lives because they will know the music theory which will help them to play together with other people and share.Teachers are not only high skilled musicians but also they know how to manage a group class and work with kids. For the last 2 years my son is at Ms. Hadley Bernard's class. She is very good with the kids. She keeps them focused for the entire class while they are having fun. She is very good with dealing with the kids at different levels although they are in the same class. It is not possible to write everything here but shortly, I highly recommend Merriam School of Music.read more
Our daughters (9 and 7 yrs old) have been part of Ms. Andrea's class for the past 3 years. It's been an amazing experience for them... her passion for music is evident in every class. We recently moved further away from Merriam (previously 5 minutes... now a 30 minute drive) but it's worth the commute. Can't imagine piano lessons anywhere else!read more
My kids started Merriam at 4 and we loved it right from the start!We've had a few different teachers in group lessons and they all have been exceptionally good. But i still would like to mention Ms. Michelle's name as in the primary years of the lessons she laid out a solid foundation for kids by keeping them focused and engaged while having fun. Theory never looked so much fun before ;)My daughter is in her 4th year of group lessons and my son is in his first year of enriched jazz (an amazing program) after being with the school for 7 years. Merriam cultivate a love for music and builds confidence in kids by making them believe in themselves and their ability to play beautifully. It also gives them a platform to play with bands, do recitals performances in front of a large audience and take part in music competitions.I would strongly recommend this school!read more
My daughter started to learn piano before 4 years old and I was wondering if should could continue the classes but Ms. Michelle Cruz encouraged her and her teaching skills and experiences are awesome. She knows how to handle the class and she is very organized.I am very happy and my daughter improved her piano skills with her help. Thanks Ms. Michelle.read more
Our two sons have been taking piano lessons at Merriam for 3 years now and the experience has been nothing short of fantastic. The group program is excellent and has been great at providing a fun and encouraging atmosphere to help nurture in our kids a lifelong love of music. The various/ concerts and competitions throughout the year provide excellent opportunities for the boys to showcase their hard work and the annual video logs serve to preserve the memory of their journey. In particular, I wanted to thank both Ms. Andrea and Ms. Hadley for their work and guidance with the boys. Both of them clearly have an immense passion for music, a natural gift for teaching and a generosity in sharing their enthusiasm with their students. In the end, they are what truly makes the program special. A big thank you to you both!read more
I have had children attending Merriam since 2006. In that time, we have had the pleasure of experiencing several different Merriam programs including private piano, private guitar, preschool music, group piano and camps. Every program exceeded our expectations. We have had many teachers between our 3 kids over the course of our time here, and every one of them has been awesome. It is incredible to watch how they can take anyone of any age or skill level and make a musician of them, all while having an amazing time. My youngest child started in the preschool program just before she turned 3. She moved on to group piano when she turned 4. She is now 9 and I can honestly say she has enjoyed every single class in that 7 years. This is all credit to the incredible program Merriam has and the energy and professionalism the teachers bring to the class every day. My daughter will be completing the group piano program in June. She will move on to another Merriam program in the fall and I know it will be just as amazing. Thank you to Krista Richards, Hadley Bernard and the entire Merriam School staff.read more
Merriam School provides best in class learning experience for students and is committed to their success like few other schools in town. Group classes are carefully structured in a very balanced way where intensive practice and theory is followed by fun games. If your child is serious about learning to play an instrument, I highly recommend it!!read more
Miss Nicole is an experienced piano teacher. My son is a student of her group class junior 3. Miss Nicole teaches my son piano theory to guide him how to play and she also do demonstration when leaning new pieces. She always makes sure her students understand the material and makes lessons fun. She doesn’t hesitate to keep in contact with parents, always email us updating the information. Nicole is a good piano teacher and we will be staying in Merriam School for next year.read more
We have had an excellent experience at Merriam. My two children have had group lessons for the last 7 years and we are grateful to have Ms. Michelle as our piano teacher. Her teaching techniques are engaging and interactive, always keeping the kids interested and looking forward to coming to class each week. Ms. Michelle has been compassionate and caring as the kids went through their struggles, and encouraged them to continue when the lessons got harder. It is these amazing qualities that helped shape my kids outlook on the importance of the art of music. Thank you!read more
We’ve been at Merriam since 2011. Both our kids are students there. We are so pleased with how much they’ve learned, and how much they have developed a love for music. They both play the piano and are in the group classes which they enjoy very much. The teachers are fantastic, they are talented and very patient with the kids. Miss Hadley and Miss Jocelyne have a special place in our hearts. They are both such dedicated teachers and have made a lasting impression on both our kids.read more
Our experience with Merriam Music has been a positive one right from the beginning. The school offers extremely well designed lessons and other programs such as school-age camps. The student’s involvement with professional level recitals always astounds us and has expanded our children’s confidence with performing. Being in Miss Andrea’s class for the past 3 years has been fantastic! She is very helpful in supporting, not only each student, but also the parents in our accountability to the learning process, ongoing retention and expansion of skills. Miss Andrea has a caring, firm and consistent classroom management style that makes every class flow smoothly. She has positive, high expectations of each student and with a great pulse on the class, her continuous assessment allows her to move the class into new skill areas at just the right time, which limits frustration and increases the joy of music. We hope that our son can start in a Junior 1 class with Miss Andrea soon! Thanks Miss Andrea. Thanks Merriam Music.read more
I was a student at Merriam from 2004 until my graduation in 2016. In that time, I participated in many of the programs offered- group piano, private piano, voice, and guitar lessons, musical theatre, and band chops. I was also a member of the Enriched Voice Program. Each and every experience I have had with Merriam has been a positive one. The teachers are highly knowledgable and encouraging, and the programs are well thought out and engaging. I absolutely loved going to my classes, and I've missed them since going to university! Merriam played a huge part in my program acceptances as well- I have had too many incredible teachers to name that have supported me and encouraged my growth as a musician and performer, and I will be forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities that Merriam has provided me.read more
We have been with Merriam for the last 12 years with three children. Over the years, we’ve experienced group piano lessons, private piano and vocal lessons, Enriched piano and vocal classes. What we like best are : (1) the teachers are all wonderful – talented in their fields but most importantly, had great connections with the students; (2) the group piano classes are very effective, especially in terms of learning music theory; (3) having adults sit in through the group classes allow parents to be involved in the learning journey, (4) the recitals and performance opportunities allow students to improve on their stage presence more confidently and (5) the curriculum is not restricted to classical training, but rather encourages kids to improvise and allow them to freely express themselves.read more
Our daughter has attended piano group lessons at Merriam for several years and it has been a wonderful experience for her and us as parents. The dynamics of the group lessons was a very good fit for our daughter: fun, make friends, and at the same time a good incentive to practice well during the week. I am sure that all the teachers at Merriam are excellent, but, in particular I would like to thank and praise Miss Michelle; she has been our daughter’s teacher for all those years and she has a very nice way of making the students comfortable, yet gently encouraging/pushing them to progress well. Our daughter really likes Miss Michelle a lot. I certainly would highly recommend Merriam School of Music, the group piano lesson and, if Miss Michelle is the teacher, I am very confident that students and parents will be very satisfied.read more
Merriam Music in Burlington has much to recommend about. Ada Maria Iliescu got a medal there and so much classical music in 10 minutes that brings even more adoration to see a sibling with so much success inclusive 99 percent of the rest of the Class. Positive atmosphere and beautiful taste in music, good job Merriam!read more
I really enjoy going to Merriam School of Music for piano lessons. I am learning so much as an adult student. It is one of my dreams come true! My piano teacher is awesome as an instructor, very talented and a wonderful person to learn from.read more
Caring, expert and creative teachers, and a rigorous and engaging curriculum set Merriam Music apart for us. Group classes, lots of performance opportunities and a structure certification process all combine to make for a stellar program that teaches music, confidence and discipline. We couldn't be happier!read more
I had a wonderful experience doing vocal lessons with Asha. During our initial meeting, she provided a quick orientation and was receptive to the direction I wanted to take with lessons (focusing on technique). The vocal exercises we've done forced me to get out of my comfort zone - and that's exactly what I was looking for. Asha always made our classes a fun experience and a place where I felt safe trying new things with my voice. I'm impressed with how much I've learned from her and have been able to implement in a short two months.read more
An amazing music school!My 9 year old daughter has attended Merriam group piano lessons for nearly 3 years. During that time she has had 2 wonderful teachers and passed 3 exams. I have older children who have all had private piano lessons and this is the first of my children to participate in group lessons. I was always of the opinion that nothing could be better than private lessons, however I have been proved wrong. The group lesson method, employed by Merriam, is outstanding for improving repertoire and theory. My 9 year old has a far better understanding of music than any of my other children had at her age. Merriam also gives her the opportunity to perform every month in their purpose built studio, take part in festivals and competitions, provides recordings of all her performances, and gave her the option to take part in advanced classes.In addition the teaching staff have been second to none!Thankyou Merriam for providing my daughter with such a fantastic start to her enjoyment of music!read more
My older son has almost successfully completed his 5 years of piano group lessons at Merriam school. The school gives lots of opportunities to kids to perform and this way build their confidence on stage. Great lessons with lots of fun ( important for little ones ) and professional teachers that provide lots of materials as well as lots of tips on how to help your child to succeed in piano. Andrea Leung is an amazing teacher with incredible skills. I would definitely recommend her as a teacher . I am very proud of my son and can’t believe the progress in his piano skills!P.S. “ My younger son ( 5 years old) has already been attending his first year at Merriam school”read more
My both kids are in Merriam School Oakville campus and they are really enjoying their time there.They started 3 years ago with piano private class . My older son prefered to continue in the private class with his teacher Ainsley( who was able to make my son interested more in piano) and my daughter preferred the group class with her teacher Miss Kelsey. ( which I consider her one of the best piano teachers in Merriam school)Both of them were able to find what they want and to advance in it. We also purchased our piano from there with a good price and with a benefit of upgrading it later.read more
My son is learning piano with Dragica Radonjic. She is very nice and patient with young children! We like her very much and would highly recommend her!read more
As the mother of 2 daughters that go to this program, I highly recommend going to this school. The teachers there are very attentive & encouraging. As well of the environment which is very clean & has very nice cozy private rooms that is easy to learn in. Also, they have multiple programs and teaches all/many of the instruments. If you would like your kid to ENJOY music, than I would 100% send your child here.read more
My daughter started her piano lessons in the Keyfest group program and loved it. It was a fun and interactive way to introduce piano and educate the kids while keeping them engaged and interested. My daughter really excelled in the class and was very keen to continue her piano studies with Merriam. As she progressed, we switched to private lessons at which she is enjoying just as much. But the major factor in her success is her teacher Ms.Carlie. Ms. Carlie is one of the best teachers at Merriam. She is kind and patient and takes the time to ensure that each and every student walks out of every lesson with a smile and a full understanding of what has been taught. She has really made my daughter's experience at Merriam a positive one and I am so thankful for everything she has done to get my daughter this far. There are really no words to describe the joy that a parent feels when they see their child sitting at a piano playing beautiful music. If you choose the right school with the right teachers, it is worth every penny and is an investment that will last a lifetime. Thank you Merriam and thank you Ms. Carlie.read more
Our four children have attended Merriam School over the years since 2006. They were involved in the drumming, piano and voice lessons, and more recently in summer camps as well. Our youngest is in group piano now and it is such a wonderful program that keeps her wanting to come back!read more
My daughter has been attending Merriam for the past couple of years now and I have to say that the experience has been amazing. The teacher is very engaging, enthusiastic, and brings out the joy in playing and practicing with the piano. Group lessons are certainly more enjoyable for children in comparison to one on one lessons at home. I would highly recommend taking a look at their program and asking other parents about their experiences.read more
Kelsey has been a wonderful piano teacher for my daughter. Kelsey is knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with. Over the last two years, I have seen great improvement with my daughter’s piano playing thanks to Kelsey and her teaching skills.read more
Our son started piano lessons at Merriam when he was 4 and a half. At first, we were a little hesitant about a group class but quickly found that this was a great way for the kids to learn and stay engaged throughout the lesson. We have had the same music teacher for 3 and a half years and we wouldn't want to change. Ms. Hadley is wonderful, she works well with all the kids and also encourages them to do their best. It's always a pleasure to attend class with my son and see how and what they are learning. We are extremely happy with our son's results and their Keyfest program. While our son does put in almost daily time and effort, the results have been truly rewarding.read more
Merriam School of Music, is much more than a school with great teachers, it is also a community in which my son and us felt welcomed from the moment we walked in. Throughout the years my son has not only learned to play and love piano, but has also explored other instruments during the summer months. He has had the opportunity to perform his own compositions, and participate in recitals, group and solo. Teachers are very dedicated and offer a personalized instruction, at the same time fostering independent learning. Students in my son's group were all very motivated and content, participating with enthusiasm, and supporting each other during the certification process. Hadley Bernard has been from day one, not only an amazing and dedicated teacher, but a constant guidance and support for our family. I highly recommend Merriam School of Music.read more
I just bought a small Roland piano from Merriam school of music. Highly professional and friendly staff. Riley offered an amazing customer experience and good advise. Highly recommend.read more
The teachers at Merriam are extremely knowledgeable, talented and very supportive of their students. We have been with Merriam for the last 14 years and we are very happy with their service. They have definitely instill the love of 'music for life' into our three children.read more
Ms Michelle is an excellent music teacher for both of my children since 2015. She is professional, courteous, accessible and very prompt in responding to my emails. She is so organized and always gives me plenty of notice for class material preparation. My eldest daughter is still enjoying having Ms Michelle as her teacher as she progresses on in Enriched Advance class, and my younger son is always looking forward to his Group lessons and All Stars classes with her. Ms Michelle recognizes potential and she inspired my children to accelerate to higher levels as needed. Merriam is very lucky to have her.read more
We have been with MM for 1 year now. The group program was a wonderful learning environment, motivating both parents and students. We were VERY sad to see it go at the Maple location. My children's teacher was Ms. Yolanda. Her musical knowledge and dedication to her students were very much apparent. She adapted her lessons to meet the needs of each child. This year, my son continues with Ms. Yolanda and we look forward to watching him grow musically.read more
My daughter has been with Ms. Michelle's in her group class since last September. She is really enjoying her piano lesson and gained confidence under Michelle's mentoring! We are so lucky to have Ms. Michelle to be my daughter's piano teacher. Thank you Michelle!read more
We have been with Merriam for over 4 years now and its been a great experience. The teachers are all super dedicated and really help each child learn, understand and play music at an appropriate pace. Ms Jessica has been our son's teacher for almost a year now - she runs a fun class that is enjoyable for the kids and the parents; and the progress our son makes week over week is proof of her excellent educating. Highly recommended teacher and school!read more
My son Jake has been taking piano lessons in Ms. Mango's group class. We also took her private lessons in the summer. Under her instructions Jake made significant improvement. Her class is very engaging and full of energy. She made it very easy for the kids to stay focus during the class. Highly recommended!read more
My daughter has been taking piano lessons at Merriam for over 6 years now and its been a great experience !! Over the years we have had the opportunity to work with a number of different teachers. The teachers are all super dedicated and really help children learn, understand and appreciate music. My daughter currently takes private lessons with Dragica who is absolutely fantastic !! She tailors the lessons to my daughter's skill level and works with her at an appropriate pace - having fun at the same time !! Highly recommended teacher and school!read more
My now 7yr old and I have been enjoying Merriam group lessons for the past 4 years.This year has been especially enjoyable with the addition of Jessica Mango! Jessica brings an infectious positive attitude to each class. With her constant smile she puts the students at ease and creates an environment where the children are eager to learn and participate. Thank you for adding Jessica to your staff Merriam!read more
My personal experience at Merriam School of Music as an adult student has been fantastic so far. The music teachers are very skilled and have lots of patience. They support each student to find their perfect match piano teacher. At this moment my teacher is Dragica R. , she is not only very patient but also she is always in a great mood, she is very positive and I don’t feel nervous at all.read more
Merriam's group lessons are geared to the age of the students and are very well organized. The curriculum is designed to be challenging and fun. Andrea has instructed my children for the past 7 years. She keeps the students engaged and on task to ensure their success and progression through the levels. Merriam students develop excellent study habits and discipline.read more
My daughter has been in Ms. Michelle’s group piano class for the second year in a row. Ms. Michelle is a fantastic teacher! She is patient, encouraging, diligent and very organized. She has a knack for explaining things to the students as well as the parents that accompany them in the class. Her classes are always fun. As a result, my daughter looks forward to attending her class every week and enjoys practicing her lessons at home. We are grateful to Merriam and Ms. Michelle for the excellent music education they offer and for making music such a positive experience in our daughter’s life. We have been so impressed that we have now even enrolled our son for lessons at Merriam.read more
My two boys, 7 and 10 yrs old have been coming to Merriam for group piano for 3 years. I have absolutely loved the program. There is a significant parental commitment, for me it’s two hours in the class a week along with daily practicing. If I did not think that this program delivered we definitely would not still be here! Specifically we have enjoyed the rich content and abundant opportunities for live performances. In class educational games and seasonal parties have really given my boys a positive impression/ experience with piano. Andrea has been their piano teacher. She is wonderful, always prepared and ever so patient! She has a unique ability to keep the children engaged in the material and she makes learning so much fun for them. Merriam far and away surpasses any other music program I’ve encountered. We look forward to spending years here learning and growing.read more
Our granddaughter, Isabella, is now in Intermediate 2 Piano, which means that she has been taking lessons at Merriam for almost six years - hard to believe the time has passed so quickly. Her teachers have been Ms. Alex, Miss Grace, Miss Michele and, for the past two years, Miss Hadley. Each has been perfectly appropriate for her age at the time, and now that she is eleven, Ms. Hadley reminds the class that each one is individually responsible for keeping up with the others. If I was to offer any advice to parents just starting out, I would say start early in the process to make practice a daily part of the routine. We do it every day (except Friday - everyone needs one day off) as soon as she comes home from school, just before supper. That way there are no surprises, and, while there are occasional moans and groans, it is an expected and normal part of the day. And, as the years pass, the curriculum is so varied that there will be at least one piece that your student will find interesting and enjoyable. I would recommend Merriam for any parent who is thinking about music lessons for their child (or grandchild) - and for yourself as well.read more
My son has been in Ms. Jessica's group piano class and is super motivated and encouraged. Ms. Jessica is a wonderful teacher. It's very impressive that she knows every single student so well, such as what their strengths are, what they are capable of, where they need to improve, and how they can be engaged to move forward together as a group. She keeps the class very fun and she pays attention to everyone. When they start to learn a new piece or new skill, she will walk around in the classroom to make sure everyone gets it. She is very patient and positive. It's easy for students to stay focused and it seems the one hour just passes by so quick. My son enjoyed the class very much. She is very organized, thorough, and knowledgeable. We also feel grateful that she maintains very good communication with families. She tries her best to accommodate families' needs. We are very pleased and grateful to find my son has improved so much!read more
My daughter began group piano lessons at Merriam last January. We were concerned about the higher cost of lessons but were drawn in by the idea of lessons being done in a group setting. Worth every penny. Fast forward a year later with Andrea Leung as her teacher and we are absolutely thrilled. Our seven year old daughter has learned so much in only one year. Andrea is patient, enthusiastic, supportive and a wonderful teacher. Lessons are appropriate and engaging. We absolutely love watching her perform in concerts and recitals and her self-confidence has increased dramatically. Highly recommend both Andrea and Merriam in general.read more
Wonderful staff - helpful, professional, knowledgeable and music savvy.Piano teachers are top notch. In my 3 years of piano lessons I had 3 piano teachers and I really liked their training techniques which helped me become a good piano player. Of particular mention is Dragica Radjonic, who is my present teacher. During the last 3 years, Dragica has been my mentor, teaching me and guiding me using her comfortable and effective approach. Besides her friendly personality, she has proved to possess the right stuff to be a great piano teacher. I'm sure I am not the only who can attest to that conclusion. Thanks Dragica and all the staff specially all the other piano teachers..........Sam B.read more
We couldn't be happier with the results!Eva(almost 5 year old) is so happy on Tuesdays,because she has her piano class with the lovely miss Jessica Mango,awesome teacher(will definitely recomend).She has so much patience and teaches kids music with such passion and devotion!Great school and atmosphere!Eva goes to play piano by herself, most of the times.So happy with how she evolved!Give it a try,people,as this is big and good for your kid's brains!read more
Best musical platform anybody can get will be always at "Merriam School of Music. Our child is being trained at Merriam School since age 5. She is fortunate to learn music from knowledgeable mentors like Ms.Michelle, Ms. Carlie in Merriam. They always make sure kids understand and learn in more fun way. Great going!read more
My daughter has been with Merriam School of Music for 4 years and we have enjoyed every minute. We have been in the group piano lesson with Ms. Michelle and her teaching is fun, professional and inspiring. As a parent, I really like how the group lesson is structured so it does not only teach kids playing instrument but also how to learn music theory in a fun way. During the recent Covid-19 lock down, the school is able to provide a very well built platform for online learning.read more
Merriam School of Music provides a great piano group class. At age 4 they teach the students the fundamentals and basics and continue to bring new an innovative ways to keep the children engaged. They went above and beyond with a digital platform which has enabled the students to continue to learn from home!read more
We love this school! Teachers are not only very professional and knowledgeable, but also have an amazing ability to teach kids. Big thanks to Ms. Jessica Mango, with her charisma and patience was able to get the best of our 4 year old daughter at the group piano class. Now she enjoys playing piano by herself and she is also looking forward to her summer lessons and the start of the new school year. We are going to miss you Ms. Jessica 🙂read more
My son has been with Merriam for almost 4 years. He started with group class and moved to private class after. We started our daughter last September and glad to see her progress over the past year. We love the class dynamic and games make children at young age learn in a stress free environment. During the Covid period, Merriam has provided the online platform to continue offering music education at home. Our group teacher is Jessica Mango and I can't thank her more for her patience, positive attitude and caring for the little ones. Recommend the group class for young children who is looking to start their music journey.read more
My 6 year-old daughter started group piano lessons at Merriam last September. The progress she has made has far exceeded our expectations and as she continues to be challenged, her love of music grows. This is something that she will enjoy forever. Merriam offers tons of opportunities such as recitals, competitions, studio fest for young music lovers to showcase their achievements. The school creates a great environment for aspiring musicians. I'm so happy to see that under the COVID-19 school building closure, Merriam has been keeping delivering high quality lessons through its virtual platform. Merriam has so many good music teachers. Ms. Alana, our daughter's piano teacher, is a responsible and lovely teacher!! She is very patient, encouraging and knows every kid's strengths. She is always very quick in responding to our emails as well. Will highly recommend.read more
Our daughter has been attending Merriam School of Music group piano program for 6 years now since she was 5 and it has been a very positive experience. The program offers a good mix of practice and theory provided in a playful and interactive manner appropriate for children of all ages. We also liked that there are many opportunities to perform in recitals and festivals. Even during current lockdown they have done an exceptional job of moving classes online very quickly and effectively with good interactive technology that works well considering the limitations. I highly recommend this school.read more
This is my daughter’s first musical school and it has been great experience! Well organized and admin support, a lot of performance opportunities for kid to show case on the stage. Group class makes it possible for the parents to learn what the kids have learnt so easier to guide them practice as home. But yes parents need to spend time on it. Special thanks to Ms. Jessica, my daughter’s first piano teacher, she is professional, dedicated, patient and very good at working with kids. During the pandemic lock down, the school offered an online platform option so we don’t have to stop the learning. Ms. Jessica communicated with parents very promptly in email with class details to ensure a smooth transition. Thanks!read more
My son has been attending piano lesson in Merriam for long the last 5 years now and I just want to commend that we are very happy that we chose this school. I also want to say that his recent class with Ms Jessica Mango-Mijatovic is amazing. My son has been under Jessica for a year and what a great difference. Jessica is an incredible teacher very professional and keep the kids engaged in every aspect. Her teaching is very clear and she's very patient to make sure that her kids understood the lesson. I wish we could continue under her in the next year when she comes back from her leave. We'll miss her.read more
I was lucky enough to get to deal with Boris and I can't express how happy I am with my experience! He made me feel comfortable and relaxed about such a significant investment! I would strongly recommend anyone who is looking for a new or used piano to go to Merriam for their amazing selection of pianos as well as their outstanding staff! 10/10 would recommend!read more
My daughter has been taking group piano classes at Merriam for 4 years, and loves it. The group setting creates a sense of camaraderie among the kids. Her teacher since she started the program, Hadley, is encouraging and a friend as well as a teacher. The school is a home away from home, somewhere we also go for summer and March Break camps. It's not cheap, but comparable to private lessons and a better option for kids who want to learn but not make music the all-consuming center of their lives. We highly recommend MSM (Merriam School of Music) for beginners to learn a solid foundation of music theory and instrument skills.read more
Both my kids have been students with the school at least 3+ years and if I had a compliant, the school treats them all seriously and handles it swiftly with a positive attitude. The school offers a wide range of programs with wonderful teachers. Big thanks to Peter K, Andrea L, Mary F and Kelsey S.Both kids had Miss. Andrea and she is very cheerful, warm, friendly and has a proven teaching method that makes piano theory fun and interesting for the young and older kids.read more
Both our children ages 9 and 6 have been for the past 4 years now. We have had Alana Merriam as their teacher for the most part and we have been exceptionally happy with her! She goes above and beyond to assist one and is very prompt and efficient with her communication and teaching. She is conscientious and tries to connect with the individual child as much as she can within the group learning environment. Given the current pandemic, we considered virtual learning for our children but then decided against it because it would have possibly meant not having Alana as their teacher and that was a hard no for us! We truly appreciate you Alana so a big thank you from us:)!read more
My Daughters began Group Piano Classes at Merriam 2 years ago with Ms. Hadley when they were 4 and 6. The positive benefits have been tremendous, not only in piano skills but in their confidence. Staying with the same teacher and students for the first few years is a great strategy for ensuring that they are comfortable with their environment and can focus on learning. They love Ms. Hadley! She tailors each class to the children she is teaching, moving at their pace while keeping them on track. Having the other children in the class also is very helpful in keeping the kids focused and engaged. From the beginning Ms. Hadley has been working on sight reading, ear training, musical terminology, and writing music in fun and creative ways. Examinations and Recitals have bolstered the girls self-confidence immensely. I highly recommend Group Piano Classes at Merriam with Ms. Hadley!!read more
Our daughter has been in group piano lessons for two years at Merriam; she started lessons when she was four years old. The group setting provides a good environment for children and keeps kids feel engaged. The unique way of how theory and practical lessons are taught makes it fun for kids and keeps them interested and wanting to learn more. Merriam has instilled an amazing work ethic for our daughter. Because of the positive experience we have encountered the last two years, our youngest daughter recently joined group piano lessons this year.read more
My son, daughter and niece have been in group piano classes for over 2 years now. The structure of the class keeps them engaged for the hour and Ms.Michelle offers great learning activities and games to keep each class exciting. Even during the pandemic, virtual group lessons are working very well. The online system is a wonderful option. The progress the kids make each week is quite impressive! An overall great experience and highly organized team at Merriam.read more
We have been with Merriam School of Music for 5+ years and have thoroughly enjoyed our experience. As a music teacher myself, I find the curriculum excellent and the process to which it's implemented extremely effective. Our 10-year old son has loved dressing up and performing in the different festivals and recitals. Merriam offers so many musical opportunities to people of all ages. We have recommended Merriam to a number of friends and will continue to advocate for the arts. Thanks Merriam!read more
My daughter & son have been with Merriam group piano for going-on 4 years. Ms. Michelle is everything an early-childhood music teacher should be. She is wonderful, interesting and energetic. The kids naturally give all their attention to her when she is speaking and playing, and that's no easy task. Sometimes when the kids are just being kids and the class is getting a little side-tracked, she knows just what to do to restore order. She is also very friendly, and the kids love her so much.read more
We are proud to have our son Marcus attending the Marriam School of Music. We have seen such amazing strides in his musical development, concentration and overall confidence. Attending group piano classes (Since Junior One) has been an excellent experience both in class and online. Ms. Hadley Bernard is an amazing teacher and the school staff is very helpful. The atmosphere in specifically in her class in welcoming, warm, educational and fun (For both Child and Parents). While fitting in the weekly homework can be challenging, the one thing that is for sure, Marcus loves attending the class and learning with Ms. Bernard and his group. The song selection is fun and enjoyable and we love the dedication and time that Ms.. Bernard puts into the class and her students. Thank you Merriam School of Musicread more
My son has been in the group piano lessons at Merriam since he was 4 years old and, 3 years later, is now in the Junior 3 program with Ms. Hadley. The group piano program is strong and the curriculum is well rounded - the kids don't just learn songs and scales, but also improvisation, playback, sight reading, theory, etc. Hard theory concepts are simplified, made fun through games, and included in every lesson from day 1, which makes theory almost second nature for the kids. Beyond classroom learning, the kids play in multiple concerts each year which gives them a chance to build confidence. During COVID, online lessons are run well and the platform is easy to use. Classrooms have clear partition walls between pianos and pianos are sanitized before and after each group lesson. Finally, the teachers are phenomenal. Ms. Hadley (our teacher for all 3 years) is fantastic. With the kids, she's super encouraging and explains concepts in ways they can understand, and with parents, she's approachable and quick to respond to any emails I send to her. I'm really happy with the group piano program at Merriam!read more
We’ve been with Merriam Music for 4 years now... A special shout out to Ms. Michelle for keeping my never still child engaged and making him fall in love with the piano! He looks forward to his lessons and is always trying out new songs for which he receives encouragement and guidance. I love this place and it’s my first recommendation for anyone asking about music lessons!read more
Professional teachers with great teaching skills and manner! My son really enjoy the private lessons and the Enriched Program. He kept learning and developing his technical skills while also developing a great relationship with the teachers and his other fellows. He is constantly inspired by the teachers to learn on different type of music, and enjoy the challenges on the new pieces.read more
Have 2 kids enrolled in piano for couple years now. Highly recommend the group program for the little ones. It's a fun and engaging environment for kids to learn. Kids not only enjoy the musical activities and social interaction with peers, they also learn from each other. Another benefit is parents are able to attend classes and follow along. Too bad group classes are only available at Oakville location. Vaughan used to have it but not anymore. Andrea is a fantastic teacher, very organized, patient and encouraging. Kid also enjoy Hadley's upbeat classes.read more
Seamless transition from in-class learning to online. Kelsey kept us informed at every stage, and online classes were well thought out to maximize the online experience. Classroom material was easily accessible and convenient.read more
My kids are extremely lucky to be students at Merriam: the teachers are wonderful, there are so many performance opportunities, and the level of musicality that is taught is beyond what I had expected, right from the earliest ages. I had great music teachers when I was a kid, but I'm so glad my kids get to attend Merriam. Very happy with everything.read more
Merriam is a really great music school for kids. Miss Hadley is doing a great job teaching the kids in the group piano program. Group piano is such a good way for kids to learn as opposed to the traditional one on one setting. Also, the recital component really helps kids with their confidence. I highly recommend Merriam!read more
I have two kids who are both learning Piano in Merriam school. Merriam has variety of great program. And my kids really enjoy the time in the school. And I also happily noticed that my son likes playing piano when he gets time. As parent, I don't need to remind him to have daily practice.read more
I have both of my kids learning instruments here. They are learning piano flute and have short guitar experience in summer camp. All experiences with different teachers are very good. Piano group classes are fun and solid. They teach a lot music theories along with piano skills. Always have different games to let kids understand and remember the theories while having fun. The professional studio gives kids real stage experience and many opportunities to perform on stage. When my daughter consider to learn flute, she asks for merriam music speficially no where else.read more
Great music school with a vast variety of classes and schedules for both group & individual. Nice classroom setups for kids with lots of extracurricular activites year round for them to show what they learned.Excellent teachers too esp. Ms Hadley Bernard who has been my daughter's piano teacher for around 6 years.Highly recommended for learning music in a professional and fun place.read more
Our daughter takes piano and voice lessons and is also part of the Enriched Program. It is a financial sacrifice for sure, but worth it based on her progress, on the quality of teachers like Kelsey Scrivo and Nicole Foley (not only on a professional level but also as a person), the quality around recitals and other activities the school offers, their amazing auditorium and recording studio, etc. This school is top of the line.read more
My 4-year old girl has been enrolled in the school for couple of weeks now. I highly recommend the group piano class. Special thanks to Kalista, a fantastic conseiller who’s very organized, patient and always gives wonderful advicesread more
I have 2 kids enrolled in the group piano for a few years now (Oakville location). I have to say that the curriculum is excellent and the group lessons make it vey fun for young kids. The teachers are great and children have many opportunities to perform on stage.Michelle Dizon in particular is an excellent teacher, she’s been my daughter’s teacher for the past 2.5 years and I have to say that she is very energetic, great at working with small children and makes lessons very engaging with games, contests and rewards for children.Highly recommended for learning music in a professional and fun place.read more
My son has been learning piano from this school for more than 3 years now and still counting. Love the part that for group lessons, parents are involved in the class so that we can follow along what they are learning and continue the practice at home. Our teacher (Ms. Dizon) has been excellent with her delivery and makes it easy and fun for the kids to understand the lessons clearly. She is always energetic and really fun to have as a teacher. I highly recommend this school for anyone who would like to learn music.read more
We have been with Merriam School since 2011 and extremely enjoying our experience! Merriam offers musical opportunities to all ages. My son took Guitar lessons and not only he enjoyed it but also was helpful as a stress reliever through his high school. I myself enrolled as an adult student to continue my studies in music and I loved my teacher Mimi Spencer! She was very warm and had tremendous patience to teach me and to get me back to where I wanted to be. My daughter started Group Piano classes at Merriam at the age of 4 and the structure of the program is very well organized and also fun! The recitals teaches her discipline and mostly confidence. She is currently in Junior 3 with Alana Merriam. Alana is very warm, friendly and most of all very patient with kids! Though she teaches a Group Class, she pays attention to each kid very closely. I love her efficiency in communication where she promptly respond to any question with a quick turnaround time. My daughter is also in Junior All Stars Class with Michelle Dizon. Michelle is very friendly and patient with the kids. She makes the learning environment fun loving especially when teaching challenging music. My daughter loves to go for her piano lessons thanks to these excellent teachers at Merriam. Thank you Merriam School!read more
My daughter has been attending group piano lessons at Merriam for over 5 years now and it's incredible to see the progress. The teachers are personable, encouraging and professional. We've been fortunate to have Alana Merriam as an instructor who truly engages with her students and helps them achieve their learning goals through support and motivation.read more
My daughter has been in group piano classes with Michelle Dizon for the past four years. Michelle has created a nuturing and fun environment that really keeps the children engaged. She has found a perfect balance of providing each child with individual feedback and guidance while reinforcing concepts learned with group activities. She goes above and beyond to ensure that the children's interest and love of music grows and my daughter's increasing skill and musicality definitely reflects this. Thanks Ms. Michelle!read more
My daughter likes her piano teacher Ms. Michelle. She is very reliable and always encourages the kids. Whenever she gives an additional piano piece to study and learn, my daughter practices it right away. Even the games that Michelle plays with the students are about music. She gives equal and proper attention to all her students. We appreciate every creative token that Michelle is giving the kids.read more
