Sistema Toronto

Social Change Through Music Education 

Sistema Toronto is an after-school music and social development program for children and youth in underserved communities across Toronto. Students receive 10 hours of weekly music instruction, instruments, and nutritious snacks at no cost to families. They play string instruments together in orchestras, beat drums in drum ensembles, and sing together in choirs while developing important life skills like problem-solving, empathy, and self-advocacy. Each child begins in our program in grades 1 or 2 and remains with us until they graduate from grade 8 when they can then join our Honours Orchestra Program. 

Our program has been operating virtually since March 2020 due to COVID-19. All students continue to receive group and individual lessons in strings, percussion, choir and Music & Movement. Our students were also provided with their instruments, devices to connect online, and internet access  if needed to ensure the program remains accessible for families.  This year, we were also able to pivot our daily nutrition program by providing grocery gift cards to families in need, to ensure their children continue to have access to nutritious food. 

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