MEDIA RELEASE OCTOBER 2021

$17,000 OTF Grant for AXIS MUSIC, Bringing Music to Scarborough

Toronto, ON – In 2019, Axis Music received a $17,000 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to pilot an innovative music program. To thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their generous support, we held a virtual recognition event this past Tuesday October 26, 2021. We were honoured to have MPP Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest) and MPP Christina Mitas (Scarborough Centre) attend.

Founded in 2010, Axis Music is a tuition-free, non-profit, music program specializing in violin, cello and piano workshops for children and youth living in Toronto Community Housing and/or who have the City’s Welcome Policy, designated for low-income families.

Funds from the grant were used to develop an introductory program, aptly named Preludes, offering younger participants specialized training through individual and group lessons.

“We are extremely grateful for this most generous grant,” said Judith Manger, Executive Director, Axis Music. “It has aided us in our vision of encouraging personal excellence. We believe that young people can develop their potential when provided access to resources, held to high standards, and supported by professional artists and an engaged community.”

Axis Music promotes equal access to music education and performance. It provides private and group instrumental workshops, guest artist workshops, concert trips and performance opportunities. In order to promote access to musical learning, workshops and instruments are provided to participants free of charge. Participants maintain enrollment through a dedicated work ethic, punctuality and attendance. Most workshops and recitals are held at ‘The Hub Mid-Scarborough, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities’ in the Eglinton East-Kennedy Park neighbourhood of Toronto. All are facilitated by professionally trained artists.

Upcoming events include a Winter Recital, guest artist workshops by poet Charles C Smith and percussionist Walter Maclean as well as a series of workshops about Métis music and culture, organized by Métis fiddler Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk. For more information or to join the Axis Music waitlist, please visit: www.axismusic.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Media Contact:
Judith Manger, Executive Director
Axis Music
647 705-9925 judith@axismusic.ca