Etobicoke Suzuki Music offers a core enrichment program. These classes aim to round out the musical experience of our students.

Schedule: Mondays at PLAST, alongside ESM group classes.
2020-2021: Enrichment classes are being held online.

Teachers: Click here for our Enrichment faculty list.

All enrichment classes run subject to enrolment.

Rhythmic Reading

Strongly recommended for students who have completed Music & Movement classes but are not yet in Tutti Orchestra.

Recognition of rhythms is crucial to reading music. Students will develop rhythmic reading skills in a fun approach using singing, games, and other activities. Rhythmic Reading, in combination with note/pitch reading taught during private lessons, helps prepare students for orchestra.

Offered in progressive levels. Instruments not required.

Music Theory

For students in Books 2 & up.

Music theory is the study of musical composition fundamentals, including scales, chords, musical notation, and more.

The theory curriculum is based on the RCM Theory Syllabus. RCM theory exams are a co-requisite of RCM practical (instrumental) exams starting around Books 4-5 (RCM Level 5) and continuing past Book 10. Co-requisite theory exams are not a requirement for completing ESM theory classes, but are encouraged and can be discussed with the class teacher.

Orchestras and Chamber Groups

ESM has a strong Chamber Music program with three orchestras and multiple chamber groups.

In addition to being an enjoyable endeavour, ensemble playing provides further development of teamwork and observational skills, and strengthens music reading skills.

Students are placed in ESM orchestras by ESM faculty, based on skill level and orchestral experience.

Students are introduced to ensemble playing in Tutti, our beginning orchestra. This is the students' first classroom experience in reading music as a group and playing together on different parts.

Eligibility for Tutti Orchestra requires:

• completion of Suzuki Book 1, and
• progress in or completion of I Can Read Music, Volume 2 (Two) by Joanne Martin, and
• completion of the Rhythmic Reading levels or equivalent, and
• recommendation by the student's studio teacher.

Vivace and Encore are ESM's intermediate and advanced orchestras. Students work on increasingly challenging chamber music repertoire.

The ESM orchestras present two concerts each year. There is also an annual Orchestra Retreat each winter.

Chamber groups (string quartets, trios, and quintets) are a highly specialized and focused type of ensemble playing.

ESM chamber groups feature intermediate and senior students. Chamber groups are coached by ESM core faculty. Chamber groups are assembled by the ESM Coordinators according to instrument, level, and orchestral experience.

Chamber students and their group coach work closely together, studying specific repertoire in depth and honing ensemble skills to a performance-ready level. To fully benefit from their chamber group experience, chamber group students commit to a rigorous participation policy.

Chamber groups are invited to perform in ESM orchestra concerts based on the recommendation of their coach.

Fiddle Club

For violin students ages 8+ from Book 1 (polished Etude) to Book 3. Advanced Fiddle Club for Violin Books 4 & up.

Taught by ESM's own award-winning Andrew Dawydchak (ESM alumnus and faculty), Fiddle Club focuses on aural skills, improvisation, and ensemble-playing skills while having loads of fun learning traditional fiddle tunes. No prior fiddle experience needed.

Viola Group Class

Violin students in Books 4 & up are invited to join the Viola group class. A viola is required; please contact Myra for info. Alto clef experience not required.

Parent Group Classes

For parents of all levels (including beginner) on violin AND cello. Explore fun pieces in a group setting while getting to know other ESM parents!

Click here for the Core Program webpage

Click here for the main ESM Programs webpage