“Our approach is different because our classes offer the chance to enjoy music for its own sake and, if a student is interested, to go out in Toronto and perform in front of an audience,” says owner of Elite Music Academy, Vasili Isaakidis.
To this end, Vasili and teachers at the Danforth Avenue school work with local coffee shops where students can perform a set or two for customers. They also put on two big shows a year at different theatres across Toronto. “It all gives students experience outside class, which is vital for performers,” explains Vasili. “They get the chance to express themselves on stage and have firsthand experience at what it’s like to prepare for a concert and to work with other musicians.”
The school has an eclectic selection of classes on its schedule for youth and adults. Lessons in popular instruments like guitar, drum, voice, violin and viola, sax, flute, clarinet and piano are on the program with top teachers progressively guiding pupils at a tailored pace through the levels.
