Expanding our Strings Program in Jane Finch

This year, CMST was excited to expand our strings programming at our Jane Finch site with the launch of cello lessons in September 2025.

What started as a goal to broaden access to more instruments has quickly become a vibrant and much-loved part of our community. We’re currently offering one group cello class and three private lessons, and we’re thrilled to share that every spot is full, with fantastic attendance so far.

The cello has added a rich, resonant new sound to our growing strings program, which already includes both individual and group violin and ukulele lessons. It’s been incredible to watch students connect with the instrument and take pride in learning something new and challenging.

Like learning any instrument, playing strings comes with lots of benefits for kids, from boosting brain power to supporting academic growth. And our strings students are true multitaskers! Learning violin or cello means reading music, listening to themselves for and their classmates for tuning, and coordinating both hands – all at the same time!

Recently, several of our cello students took the stage at our Jane Finch recital, marking the first cello performances in the history of our Jane Finch program. It was a milestone moment, not only for the students who performed, but for the entire community celebrating alongside them.

We can’t wait to see how this program continues to grow and to create even more opportunities for young musicians in Jane Finch to explore, perform, and find their voice through music.

P.S. Our cello program could use your help! If you have a cello (especially 1/2 and 3/4 size) that you're no longer using and are in a position to donate to one of our students, please email us at adminrp@communitymusic.org.