Toronto New School of Music

02/24/2026

Jazz Theory Class W 26

Starting this March we will be offering a class in jazz theory. To take this class you must already have some basic music theory knowledge. You must know key signatures, intervals, triads, and basic musical notation. This way we can dive right into jazz theory without having to go through the basics of general music theory.

We will be covering:
1.jazz harmony (chord names and what they mean, voicings, comping, chord progressions, substitute harmony),
2.melodic improvisation (scales and chord scale relationships, jazz harmony arpeggios, melodic phrasing, practical approaches to mastering melodic motion),
3.rhythm (swing, “groove”, rhythmic feel, rhythmic phrasing).
4.mastering jazz forms (blues, “rhythm” changes, 32-bar song form, and other structures).
Each class costs $60 and will meet once per week for two hours. Students pay for four classes at a time ($240). Once I get a sense of how many participants we have, we’ll set up a time. If you think you are interested, email me at the above email address.

That’s all for now. Remember if you are interested in one of our ensembles, email ([email protected]) me or fill out a registration form at the website (https://torontonewschoolofmusic.com)


Howard Spring
Director

Enhance your jazz skills at our school in Toronto. We provide courses for all levels, covering improvisation, jazz standards, and more, with masterclasses led by Canada’s finest musicians.

12/19/2025

WINTER SEMESTER AT THE TORONTO NEW SCHOOL OF MUSIC

After three successful semesters, we are once again offering our Jazz Fundamentals and Intermediate Jazz ensemble workshops. Jazz Fundamentals will meet on Tuesday evenings. Intermediate Jazz will meet on Thursday evenings. If you have already completed a registration form, no need to do it again. Just email me at [email protected] to let me know you’re interested. If you haven’t filled out a registration form, go to our website at torontonewschoolofmusic.com and fill one out.

The winter semester starts the week of January 6th (Jazz Fundamentals). Intermediate Jazz will start on Thursday January 7th. Classes start at 7pm and run for two hours. Classes are held at 1100 Bathurst Street (Bathurst and Dupont.)

If you have not participated in any of our ensembles yet, you can just sign up for one class ($60.00). This way you can determine if our ensemble workshops work for you. After that, you pay for four weeks at a time ($240). If you have already participated in one of our ensembles, you pay usual four classes at a time.

NEW CLASS!
This coming semester we will be offering a class in jazz theory. To take this class you must already have some basic music theory knowledge. You must know key signatures, intervals, triads, and basic musical notation. This way we can dive right into jazz theory without having to go through the basics of general music theory.

We will be covering:
1.jazz harmony (chord names and what they mean, voicings, comping, chord progressions, substitute harmony),
2.melodic improvisation (scales and chord scale relationships, jazz harmony arpeggios, melodic phrasing, practical approaches to mastering melodic motion),
3.rhythm (swing, “groove”, rhythmic feel, rhythmic phrasing).
4.mastering jazz forms (blues, “rhythm” changes, 32-bar song form, and other structures).
Each class costs $60 and will meet once per week for two hours. Students pay for four classes at a time ($240). Once I get a sense of how many participants we have, we’ll set up a time. If you think you are interested, email me at the above email address.

To sum up. if you are interested in one of our ensembles, email me or fill out a registration form. If you are interested in the new jazz theory course, email me.

10/22/2025

Attention All Guitarists
The Toronto New School of music will be running a masterclass by expert guitar builder and jazz guitarist Doug Harrison on November 9th from 2 to 4 pm at the Toronto New School of Music (1100 Bathurst Street—corner of Dupont and Bathurst). The class will include demonstrations and discussions on guitar building, repair and maintenance.
Register for the class at torontonewschoolofmusic.com
Cost for the two-hour session is $40.00.

This will be an opportunity for you to bring in your guitar for a professional assessment and to hear suggestions about how to improve your instrument. Since we cannot accommodate everyone, please email me first if you plan to bring in your instrument so that we can plan ahead. Even if you don’t bring in your guitar, you’re welcome to attend. You will receive expert advice on the maintenance and care about guitars in general.
Doug began began repairing guitars professionally in 1980. He has been building custom archtop guitars since 1993 and continues building today. He worked for over 30 years at The Twelfth Fret Guitar repair shop and was involved in all aspects of guitar restoration; structural repairs, electronics and finishing.
Please register at the Toronto New School of Music website (https://torontonewschoolofmusic.com)

08/11/2025

TORONTO NEW SCHOOL OF MUSIC IS BACK FOR ITS SECOND YEAR.

After three successful semesters, the Toronto New School of Music is back for another exciting year starting this September. Once again, we will be running both Fundamentals of Jazz (Tuesday evenings starting September 2) and Intermediate level ensembles (Thursday evenings starting September 4). Several masterclasses will be offered as well, just as we did last year. Watch for upcoming announcements
We will be implementing a new policy starting in September. Students who are joining us for the first time can pay for one session ($60) instead of the usual four sessions ($240). By committing to one session at the beginning, you can assess whether what we offer is right for you. If you decide to continue with us then you pay for the usual four sessions at a time. Of course, you can pay for four sessions right from the beginning if you wish. Returning students pay for the usual four-session package.
If interested, fill out a registration form for the ensembles at torontonewschoolofmusic.com

02/25/2025

JAZZ PIANIST MARK EISENMAN LEADS SUCCESSFUL MASTER CLASS
On Sunday February 23, jazz pianist, teacher, and composer Mark Eisenman lead a fascinating and informative masterclass at the TNSM. He discussed the often-under-discussed but important topic of jazz phrasing and how it adds to swing in jazz performance. He then went on to talk about the role of triads in jazz harmony and how to use them in creative ways. Mark played live examples on the piano and provided instances from recordings of jazz greats using these techniques.
Mark presented materials and ideas that we believe will greatly improve the playing of all the class participants.

02/18/2025

THIS SUNDAY!

Toronto New School of Music announces Masterclass with pianist Mark Eisenman

Sunday February 23, 1 to 3 pm.
Studio B 1100 Bathurst Street (corner of Bathurst and Dupont)
$45.00 for two-hour session

Mark has worked with top U.S. jazz musicians including Art Farmer, Houston Person, Barney Kessel, Scott Hamilton, Lew Tabackin, Nat Adderley and drummer Jimmy Cobb (featured on Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue album) among others. As well, he has worked with some of the biggest names in Canadian jazz including Lorne Lofsky, Pat Labarbera, Rob McConnell, Ed Bickert, Phil Dwyer, Jim Galloway and Phil Nimmons.

Mark boasts a prolific recording career as sideman on over 30 albums and as a leader on his own CDs featuring his own compositions. He also co-led a JUNO nominated recording with Canadian saxophonist Mike Murley. He has been favourably reviewed in major jazz magazines including Jazz Times and Cadence as well as in the Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail.

Mark has taught jazz workshops and individual students for many years at York University and at Mohawk College. As well, he has taught both Canadian and international students from his private studio .

A highly experienced jazz pianist, composer, recording artist, and teacher, Mark’s masterclass is not to be missed.

TO REGISTER OR REQUEST FURTHER INFORMATION:

GO TO OUR WEBSITE WHERE YOU WILL FIND REGISTRATION INFORMATION ON THE "WHAT WE OFFER" PAGE

torontonewschoolofmusic.com

OR EMAIL:

Howard Spring at
[email protected]

OR CALL
(437) 433-1793

01/02/2025

TORONTO NEW SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Toronto New School of Music is pleased to announce that it is accepting new students for two ensembles starting Tuesday January 14th Jazz Fundamentals) and Wednesday January 15th (Intermediate Jazz). Potential students are invited to find out more about the school at the website where they can also register:

https://torontonewschoolofmusic.com

We’re located at 1100 Bathurst Street (Southwest corner of Bathurst and Dupont).

T. (437) 433-1793
e. [email protected]

12/18/2024

Toronto New School of Music holds successful 2nd masterclass with guitarist Lorne Lofsky

On Tuesday evening December 17th, virtuoso jazz guitarist Lorne Lofsky held his second successful master class this term at the Toronto New School of Music. Participants discussed the productive ways to learn and explore the jazz repertoire, techniques for becoming familiar with the guitar neck, different approaches to creating rhythmic excitement and interest in improvised solos, as well as other topics of interest to jazz guitarists and jazz musicians in general.
Patiicipants have their work cut out for them!

12/14/2024

Toronto New School of Music’s successful end-of-semester concert

On Tuesday evening, December 10, the Toronto New School Music held its first end-of-semester concert. An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the school’s B Street main studio area where the TNSM ensemble performed five pieces: So What, Freddie the Freeloader, Autumn Leaves, a free jazz improvisation, finishing off with Blue Bossa. Wine and cheese were served after the concert providing an opportunity for the audience to mingle with the musicians. It was a memorable evening.

10/23/2024

Lorne Lofsky masterclass a huge success.

On Monday evening the Toronto New School of Music hosted a masterclass under the guidance of guitarist Lorne Lofsky. An enthusiastic group listened to Lorne as he answered questions, performed musical examples, and played with students. Topics included solo guitar, harmonic, rhythmic and melodic exercises and ideas, learning tunes, and how to play effectively with others.

Everyone learned a tremendous amount and had fun doing it. We hope to get Lorne back soon.