We Love to Play
Welcome to McDonald Johnston Music Studio!
We believe that music lessons should be fun.
Challenging, inspiring, eclectic, reflective, engaging, disciplined – yes! – but isn’t it time we all accepted that music-making should be, at its very core, joyful!
Over the years, we have made a simple but powerful discovery: if a student enjoys playing, playing (and progress) will continue.
We believe that feeling comfortable with the fundamentals is the first step on the road to a lifetime of musical enjoyment. We encourage our students to be involved with making decisions about what songs and artists they’d like to study; we supply arrangements and instruction based around that material.
Your favourite Taylor Swift song? A Beethoven composition you’ve always wanted to try? The Beatles? 80s hits from Stranger Things? The snippet of a tune that you made up yourself, that you think might make a great song? All are good starting points! Of course, we have our own suggestions and favourites that we’re happy to share.
We welcome everyone; our only pre-requisite is a love of music, and a desire to learn.
MJMS teaches and celebrates music rooted in traditions of diverse Canadian communities. We offer a wide range of music lessons to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever you want to play, we can teach you.
What Our Students Are Saying
“You two are amazing. Your genuine concern and dedication to keep music a bright spot in our lives under these trying times is remarkable, and no doubt helpful for so many. I love your positive vibe and caring connection. Thank you! We are looking forward to seeing Angie at our online lessons!”
— Vimy, Parent
“I wasn’t sure about virtual lessons, but what a DELIGHT to have an educator in our room chatting with our kids and encouraging them along. Thank you MJMS for making this work!”
— Christine, Parent
“Wow! That virtual lesson was truly awesome. Madeleine absolutely loved it :) She can’t wait for next week. Thank you!”
— Michelle, Parent