Rock for Music – The Story
Over ten years ago, Tony Valle, Dennis Dussin and Rob Elder brought their shared love of music into a simple idea: put on a one-night benefit concert to raise funds for music education for kids in Toronto.
With their band Figleaf, year after year they have performed for hundreds of supporters in legendary venues in the city, most recently at the iconic El Mocambo, for a night of live music and giving back to celebrate the power of music.
In total, Rock for Music has raised an extraordinary $850,000 in support of Community Music Schools of Toronto. Rock for Music 10, taking place on November 7 2026, has a goal to raise cumulatively over $1.1 Million for CMST.
Funds raised at Rock for Music support free music classes, performance opportunities and mentorship for 900 kids and young people ages 4-18 in Regent Park, Jane Finch and in partnerships for Indigenous students and youth involved in the justice system. While learning music, young people build creativity and musical abilities, support their well-being, and participate in a vibrant community.
Impact Stories
How funds raised at RFM support young musicians
Catherine Chen
CMST graduate (2017) and current violin faculty member Catherine Chen found that CMST was more than a place to learn music – it became a space to build skills and confidence that would carry into every stage of her academic and professional life. Catherine returns to CMST on Saturdays as a violin teacher, while balancing her demanding clinical training as she completes her third year of residency in Pediatric Neurology at SickKids Hospital. CMST has played a profound role in shaping both her life and career.
Read Catherine's story here
Thompson Egbo-Egbo
Thompson joined CMST (then Regent Park School of Music) as a 16-year-old piano student and has remained deeply connected to the organization ever since as an educator, mentor, board member, and supporter. Through his philanthropic foundation, Thompson has supported dozens of CMST students in continuing their music education.
Read Thompson's story here
Saukrates Youth Symphony Orchestra
CMST students learn outside of the classroom as they get to create and collaborate with some of Canada’s leading musicians and educators. Over several months in the 2025/26 school year, students worked with acclaimed rapper, singer and producer Saukrates to compose and record two original works.
The world premiere of the compositions took place at CMST’s year-end Many Beats / One Community concert in June 2026 where 50+ students took to the stage with Saurkates and members of acclaimed Strings From Paris.
CMST Graduate Quotes
Dejuanzah, CMST 2025 Graduate
“CMST feels like a family where students’ voices are heard and supported. The encouragement and mentorship I have received have shaped me both as a musician and as a person and will carry into my future and everyday life.”
Amor, CMST 2026 Graduate
“Teachers who bring out the passion of their students are the cornerstone of CMST and have opened my eyes to how important it is to develop such a beautiful community.”
Media Links
From Rock for Music 9 - CTV News Toronto 'A Major fundraiser aimed at removing financial barriers has been providing music education for kids' - October 30, 2025
Video Testimonials
Coming soon!
Photos from over the years
