STOP DREAMING. START PLAYING.
Destress and make friends, and turn music lessons from boring into exciting.
SPECIALIZED ADULT-FOCUSED TEACHERS | EVENTS AND GOALS TAILOR-MADE FOR MATURE STUDENTS
ADULT MUSIC LESSONS
A Distinct Experience for Mature Learners interested in Adult Piano Lessons, Guitar Lessons, Drum Lessons or Vocal Lessons
Whether you’re returning after a break, starting from scratch, or aiming to take your skills further, Merriam’s Adult Program is designed with you in mind.
We offer personalized lessons, flexible scheduling, and a supportive community that understands the unique goals and lifestyles of adult learners. With experienced teachers and a welcoming environment, you’ll feel confident and inspired from day one.
Book a free trial or contact us at school@merriammusic.com to get started. It’s never too late to dream big.
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THE RIGHT PRIORITIES, GOALS THAT MAKE SENSE
ADULTS OF ANY AGE CAN LEARN TO PLAY
As an adult, learning to play and instrument, or returning to music after a long absence, is relieving, gratifying, and invigorating. And learning music later in life comes with some advantages. You know your learning style, and you’ve got the finances to get an instrument and teacher or school that inspires you.
On the other hand, starting something new after years of being masters of your profession can be uncomfortable and intimidating, and often stops people from exploring what’s often a deep regret – never learning (or prematurely quitting) an instrument.
We started from the ground up to conceive of an adult experience that made sense. Repertoire you want to play. Lesson structures that keep you motivated and on track.
Low-pressure social events that prioritize comfort and fostering a community of like-minded professionals. Lecture series that teach you about music, not just how to play it. And the flexibility to switch from inperson to online as needed with as little as 1 hour’s notice.
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
What's the best way to hear about our program? From those already enjoying it.
Hear from current adult students, and what they love about their learning experience at Merriam School of Music
Merriam Continuing Studies Program
About The Program
01
TEACHERS
The Teachers
Teachers in the Continuing Studies Program have been hand-picked for their success in coaching adults from ‘zero-to-hero, as well as their passion for music as both a craft and rewarding social activity. Each MCS teacher receives specialized training each year, as well as access to resources which are distinctly curated for adult learning.
They’re there to add the level of structure and accountability that aligns with your goals, to pace the lessons to suit your busy personal or professional life, and to teach you not just how to play your instrument, but about the whole musical world that surrounds the artists and genres you love.
02
LESSONS
The Lessons
Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or returning after years away, our Adult Music Program is designed just for you. Enjoy private one-on-one lessons either online or in person at our Oakville, Vaughan, or Toronto campuses.
Adult piano students learn on professional-grade instruments with hand-picked, specially-trained teachers who tailor lessons to your pace and goals. Guitar students can choose between acoustic or electric and work with one of our three expert adult guitar coaches to become a confident strummer or soloist. For aspiring singers, it’s never too late — with leading vocal coaches like Annie Bonsignore, Justin Bacchus, and Divine Lightbody, you’ll develop both technique and confidence.
It all starts with a personalized onboarding session to understand your goals, musical tastes, and learning style. From there, we support your progress with weekly check-ins, home practice tips, custom video resources, and music that inspires you. And you won’t just learn — you’ll join a vibrant community of like-minded adult musicians.
03
EVENTS
The Coffee House Sessions
Several times a year, Merriam hosts the Coffee House Sessions, an adult-only social / performance event in which adults can invite their friends and family to come out and see them perform a song of their choosing, OR, just come out and support new friends that you’ve met in the program.
Snacks and refreshments are served, professional sound and light are provided, and an amazing time is had by all. Finally, a recital that ‘gets’ what adult students actually enjoy about learning music.
Coffee House Sessions are held throughout the year, normally 2 or more per semester.
04
LECTURES
Lecture Series
Just like the worlds of wine, gardening, or even sports, learning about the history, culture, and folk-lore of a past-time can be as fun as actually learning how to do it.
Unlike younger learners, we adults love to understand how this new universe of music fits in with our larger understanding of the world.
ur lecture series offers adults a chance to learn about different artists, hear stories from real musicians, talk about and discuss albums and famous concerts, and absorb the history of this expansive art form.
Schedules for each year’s lecture series are set in the fall and typically host two per semester.
Good Fit Guarantee
Love Your Adult Lessons or It’s Free
Your first lesson with a new tutor is protected by Merriam’s Good Fit Guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your lesson, you don’t pay. No questions asked.
Expert Instructors
Our preschool instructors are passionate, nurturing music educators. All members of our preschool department have early childhood education training, and the curriculum fully aligns with the provincial ELECT framework.
Convenient Scheduling
Preschool classes are offered throughout the week, and at convenient times for moms and dads. As parents ourselves, we get the importance of well-timed class offerings!
Specialized Facilities
You and your child will enjoy our brand new Studio C / Preschool Centre, fully equipped with the right musical and percussion instruments, physical activities, and visual aides - tied together with our fully conceived and proprietary preschool music lesson plans.
First Performance
Children who perform early in life, in fun and engaging settings, develop confidence, self-discipline, and long-term goal setting faster than those who don't. Enjoy seeing your child on stage for the very first time with us!
Performers & Educators
We introduce different musical instruments and bring expert performers and educators in to add even more excitement and depth to the experience. How better to fall in love with a new instrument than with those who have made it a career?
Materials Included
Many preschool programs require parents to purchase expensive books and worksheets - our preschool programs includes the cost of all materials and worksheets; no surprises, and tons of value.
No Long-Term Contract
We’re confident you’ll be with us for years. But for any reason, if you need to end your journey with us, 30 days' written notice is all we require to stop lessons, penalty-free.
5-Star Google Rating
The most reviews, the highest rating. Merriam serves over 3000 weekly students, and our customer satisfaction rating is over 97%.
"Our mission and purpose is to help foster and inspire creative, connected, and well-rounded lives with the power of music."
- Alan Merriam, President of Merriam Music
The Merriam Curriculum
A Complete Music Education
Students at Merriam don’t just learn differently. Their entire experience is broader and more engaging. They learn creativity and free expression while building confidence, self-esteem, and friendships. It all begins in the classroom, but where it takes them, goes far beyond.
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