Music Enrichment Program

Music Enrichment Program (MEP)

The Music Enrichment Program is a unique and comprehensive learning experience for young musicians, providing opportunities for students to progress and learn advanced musicianship skills. The curriculum, steeped in the 130-year history of The Royal Conservatory's leadership in music education, includes professional one-on-one instruction and musicianship/theory and history in Toronto.

MEP offers more than just music lessons. Every student enrolled in MEP receives:

One-on-one instruction with acclaimed faculty
Musicianship, theory, and history classes from the source! Study with experienced faculty, many of whom are Members of the College of Examiners
Solo and ensemble performances at our state-of-the-art facilities
Practical and theory books for each level of study*
Enrichment workshops with external clinicians
Borrowing privileges at our extensive on-site music library
Final examinations** through The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program
Access to digital theory courses and online ear training

*RCM does not have repertoire for all instruments/disciplines.
**Enrollment fees includes registration for two exams: one instrument-specific exam and one theory exam.

How do I know what instrument to choose?
MEP includes instruction for cello, double bass, guitar, piano, viola, violin, and voice. Students as young as 3 years old may begin instruction on cello, viola, and violin. Students can start guitar and piano at 4 years of age, double bass at 7 years of age, and flute at 8 years of age.. We recommend voice for students ages 9+. For students wishing to learn brass, woodwinds, and percussion, please visit our Band Enrichment Program (BEP) page.

There are a few ways to figure which instrument or discipline is right for your child or teen.
- Register for a trial lesson
  - Contact Student Services at 416-408-2825 or by email at [email protected] to set up a trial lesson.
- Sign up for a group class
  - Group classes such as Learn to Play or choir or are a fun, low-pressure way to get a feel for music lessons. Learn More →
- Come to one of our free events
  - RCS hosts free events throughout the year including Wide Open House (June), and Free Band Day (September and January). At these events there's an opportunity try out instruments, observe lessons, audit classes, and hear performances. Learn More →
- Visit us in person
  - Talk to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff at our downtown Toronto location. We're located at 273 Bloor St W, between U of T's Varsity Stadium and the ROM. Visit our Student Portal for office hours. Learn More →
Financial Assistance

Students enrolled in MEP can apply for financial assistnance through our bursaries.

APPLY NOW

Music Enrichment Program Course Components by Level

Students looking to achieve more can add electives or ensembles for an enriched learning experience. MEP is designed to help students as young as three years of age to transition from our early years program, Smart Start™—or any other early years music program—to the next level of music study.

MEP also offers flexibility to add electives or branch out into ensembles, an ideal option for students wishing to pursue music as a career. This program, called MEPlus, provides electives for different instruments at the Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, and may require auditions.

MEPlus Suzuki Strings (Ages 3+)

Ages 3+

Individual Lessons + Musicianship/Theory + Technique & Repertoire + Orchestra

Instrument(s):	Suzuki instruction for violin, viola, cello, bass
Instruction:	30-90 minute lessons
Musicianship & Theory:	60-minute classes (all levels)
Enrichment:	Enrichment incorporated into Prep - Level 4 Theory Classes
Assessment:	Royal Conservatory Certificate Program Examinations Annual February workshop for students "Every Child Can!" class for parent/guardian
Ensembles:	Intermediate Chamber Ensembles
Electives:	Elementary and Intermediate 45-60 minute Technique & Repertoire class (all levels) Intermediate (Level 4 - Level 8) 60-90 minute Orchestra

What is the Suzuki method?

The Suzuki method is a specific approach to teaching instrumental music to young children, developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki of Japan. It is based on what Dr. Suzuki describes as the "mother tongue" process.

Special features of the Suzuki method are parental responsibility, encouragement, constant repetition and review, group and individual lessons.

Unlike many traditional lessons, parents are required to attend all lessons and group classes. Parents serve as the "home teacher" during the week.

Listening is critical and students will have recordings that they are required to listen to on a daily basis.

What is different about studying Suzuki method at RCS?

At the RCS, Suzuki training is integrated with The Royal Conservatory Certificate Program so that along with learning to play an instrument, students benefit from one-hour theory/musicianship class to develop their awareness of notation, rhythmical stability, and more. Young students are placed in the RCS's Smart Start™ classes which provide theoretical instruction in a play-based setting. Students also flow through the traditional RCM certificate program, participate in several recitals and participate in orchestra when they are at the reading level required.

Music Enrichment Program (Ages 6-18)

Ages 6-18

Individual Lesson + Musicianship/Theory + Assessment and Enrichment

Instrument(s):	All instruments and voice
Instruction:	30-90 minute lessons
Musicianship & Theory:	60-minute classes (all levels)
Enrichment:	Enrichment incorporated into Prep - Level 4 Theory Classes
Assessment:	Royal Conservatory Certificate Program Examinations
Ensembles:	n/a
Electives:	n/a

Music Enrichment Plus (Ages 6-18)

Ages 6-18 years

Individual Lesson + Musicianship/Theory + Large Ensemble + Elective + Assessment and Enrichment

Instrument(s):	All instruments and voice
Instruction:	30-90 minute lessons
Musicianship & Theory:	60-minute classes (all levels)
Enrichment:	Enrichment incorporated into Prep - Level 4 Theory Classes
Assessment:	Royal Conservatory Certificate Program Examinations Special workshops and master classes
Ensembles:	Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Ensembles
Electives:	Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Electives

Sign Up Now for MEP!

To discuss the appropriate Music Enrichment Program for your child and to register, please call us at 416.408.2825, email [email protected] or if you’re a new student complete the RCS Information Form. No auditions are required.

Not ready to commit to a comprehensive program? Continue below to learn more about our Group Classes and Ensembles for young musicians.