The Hamilton Suzuki School of Music (HSSM), formerly the Hamilton Philharmonic Children Inc., began in 1967 as a centennial project of the Women’s Committee of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. It became known as The HSSM in 1979/1980.
The goal of The Hamilton Suzuki School of Music is to promote the musical education of children and to nurture their musical growth as they mature, specifically through the Suzuki method. This Goal has created a rich history in the Hamilton area as you can see in this timeline.
The fresh new logo is a vibrant display of three stars, each shining bright as they represent the key pillars of the Suzuki Triangle. Right in the heart of the main star, a lively music note, showcasing our love for all things musical. With a splash of sophisticated colour, The HSSM brand gets a new look!
Although there was a lot to love about the Jackson Square space, The HSSM was hit hard by the pandemic. Student numbers dropped. Rent was on the rise and we needed a new place to call home.
Barton Stone – Mount Hope United Church was chosen as our new home. We could unload instruments at the door and the free parking was loved by all!
On March 17, 2020, a state of emergency was declared. This included the gradual implementation of restrictions on gatherings and commerce.
Over the next few years, schools were significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and HSSM was no exception. With government restrictions in place, there was a necessity to continue operations online or not at all. This led to some unrest within the school, as a number of students and teachers chose to abandon lessons altogether.
However, we persevered. Many students and teachers, despite the challenges, adapted to the new teaching methods and excelled. Even our group classes, which are vital to the Suzuki method, continued online. Teachers were innovative in their approaches, and students were resilient.
It had been 50 years since The Hamilton Philharmonic Children Inc., began in 1967 as a centennial project of the Women’s Committee of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.
They invited past students and community members to attend the school open house, where attendees could take a trip down memory lane with amazing displays showcasing the school’s history.
A new logo and website were launched with the help of the marketing students from Mohawk College.
It had been 25 years since the school became The Hamilton Suzuki School of Music.
On June 17 and 18, 2005, the Hamilton Suzuki School of Music threw an unforgettable 25th Anniversary weekend bash!
Friday kicked off with a special reception for past and present teachers, board members, and parents, including some original dreamers of the Suzuki program from 1967!
Saturday was action-packed, starting with a dress rehearsal and a fantastic afternoon concert at Hamilton Place. Families of all ages joined in, including our tiniest musicians from the infant/toddler and Headstart programs. Faculty showcased their talents, with flutes and harps filling the stage, and piano students performing in various combinations. One highlight was when the students played on two grand pianos in many different hand combinations both as solo performers and as accompanists for the string medley of Suzuki pieces orchestrated by Charles Cozens. There was an amazing string orchestra made of faculty and friends as well as alumni of the HSSM from the past 20 years. The HSSM performed a piece entitled Suzukiyaki that was a very quick trip down memory lane for both audience and performer. The piece included just about everything from Suzuki Books 1-3 in three minutes.
Taking everyone on a quick trip down memory lane, all performers joined together for a spirited rendition of “Twinkle, Twinkle”!
The celebrations wrapped-up with a tasty reception at the Convention Centre, where everyone mingled and enjoyed a slice of the giant 25th Anniversary cake.
Looking a little different than it does today, 301 King St W. was the new home of our school.
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