Rock for Music 9: A Night That Rocked for a Cause

A record-breaking $254,000 was raised for CMST students and programs!

Almost a decade ago, a group of friends with a shared love of music – better known as the band Figleaf – had a simple idea: put on a one-night benefit concert and open the doors to music education for more kids. 

Nearly ten years later, Tony Valle, Dennis Dussin, Rob Elder, and the entire Figleaf crew have grown that idea into a tradition. Year after year, they draw hundreds of supporters to a legendary venue – most recently the iconic El Mocambo – where the crowd gathers to rock out, give back, and celebrate the power of accessible music education. 

On November 7, Figleaf and an incredible community of supporters came together once again, this time raising a record-breaking $254,000 for CMST’s students and programs. 

The show opened with standout performances by CMST students, alumni and faculty featuring guitar, violin, piano and drums – each one a powerful reminder of what free, high-quality music education makes possible. Their performances, and the stories behind them, are at the heart of Rock for Music: stories of creativity sparked, and music education shaping students’ lives in Regent Park, Jane Finch, and across the city. 

Over the course of Rock for Music’s history, Figleaf has raised an extraordinary $850,000 in support of CMST’s students and programs. These funds help ensure that all 880 of our students continue to have access to free lessons, instruments, ensembles, leadership opportunities, and a supportive community that believes deeply in their potential. Every dollar sustains the programs that make our school a second home for so many young people. 

THANK YOU to everyone who attended, donated, performed, volunteered, or helped spread the word about Rock for Music. And a special thank you to Tony, Dennis, Rob, and the entire Figleaf band for the incredible effort you put into making the night such a success, and such a powerful reminder of why access to music education matters. 

Together, we’re changing lives, one note at a time.