About

Mission

Axis Music aims to promote equal access to music education, collaboration and performance. We envision a world where all young people have equal access to the arts. We encourage personal excellence, and believe participants can develop their potential when provided access to resources, held to high standards, and supported by professional artists and an engaged community.

Axis = Access = Tuition-free

Founded in 2010, Axis Music provides tuition-free music workshops facilitated by professional musicians for children and youth living in Scarborough.

Guest Artist Workshops

Guest artists from various art forms and genres facilitate workshops to expand participants’ knowledge of art and music. Guest artists include:

Sharon Lee, Markus Scholtes and Alice Kim (Violin and Cello String Trio), 2024
Alyssa Delbaere-Sawchuk (Violist and Métis Fiddler), 2019, 2022, 2023 & 2024
Walter Maclean (Percussionist), 2015, 2022, 2023 & 2024
Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser (conductor), 2023
charles c. smith (Poet, University of Toronto Scarborough), 2015 & 2022
Shad Kabango (Rapper), 2021
Donna-Michelle St. Bernard (Playwright), 2020
Kevin Lau (Composer), 2020
Andrew Kwan (Artist Manager), 2019
VC2 Cello Duo, 2019
Adam Campbell (Percussionist and Composer, TorQ Percussion Quartet), 2017 & 2018
Kevin Ormsby (Dancer, KasheDance), 2017 & 2018
Kousha Nakhaei (Violinist, Kamanche player – Iranian spiked fiddle), 2016 & 2017
Zeesy Powers (Interdisciplinary Artist & Music Video Director), 2016
Adrian Anantawan (Violinist), 2016
Lydia Ainsworth (Singer, Composer, Producer), 2015 & 2016
Afiara String Quartet, 2014
Christos Hatzis (Composer and Professor, University of Toronto), 2014
Matt Haimovitz (Internationally Renowned Cellist, McGill University), 2013
Hilario Duran (Juno award winning Cuban Pianist and Composer), 2013
Kevin Lau (Toronto Symphony Orchestra Affiliate Composer), 2011 & 2012
Jonathan Crow (Toronto Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster), 2012
Alex Samaras (Jazz Vocal Instructor, University of Toronto), 2012
Robin Dann (Singer-Songwriter), 2012
Colin Maier (Fiddler), 2012
Ben Lichty (Cinematographer), 2011
Lydia Ainsworth (Film Score Composer), 2011
Mireya Escalante (Cuban Singer) & Mario del Monte (Cuban Percussionist), 2011

Program Development

2023 – 2024 
– Launched Guest Artist Workshop Project in public schools and community centres across Scarborough
– Partnered with the Toronto Concert Orchestra to facilitate guest artist workshops

2019 – 2020
– Launched a full-year Axis Preludes Violin & Piano program, for new participants
– Launched Musicianship Workshops for all Axis Preludes participants

2018 – 2019
– Launched a full-year Axis Preludes Violin program, for new participants

2017 – 2018
– Inaugural Axis Preludes program, for new participants ages 5-6
– Held a Fall Practice Challenge, and Spring Practice Challenge
– 18 participants ages 5-18 and a growing waitlist

2016 – 2017
– Pilot Music & Movement program, for new participants ages 5-6
– 18 participants ages 6-17 and a growing waitlist

2015 – 2016
– Registered as a charitable organization
– 18 participants ages 6-16 and a growing waitlist
– Inaugural spring playing examinations
– Inaugural summer program

2014 – 2015
– Launched partnership with The Hub Mid-Scarborough, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities
– 18 participants ages 6-15 and a growing waitlist

2013 – 2014
– Incorporated as a nonprofit organization
– Formed a Board of Directors
– Held a Fall Practice Competition and Summer Practice Challenge
– Launched a Practice Mentor Program
– 18 participants ages 6-14 and a growing waitlist

2012-2013
– Developed a parent/guardian committee
– Launched a performance partnership with the Academy Concert Series
– Expanded enrolment to 18 participants

2011-2012
– Expanded enrolment to 15 participants
– Launched our Online Participant Centre

2010-2011
– TRIO416 formed the Axis Music artist collective
– Partnered with Toronto Community Housing
– Launched arts project at Gordonridge
– Enrolled 9 participants