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The Hamilton Suzuki School of Music The Hamilton Suzuki School of Music

PROGRAMS

History of The Hamilton Suzuki School of Music

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 Story of The HSSM

2025
A Brand New Look
New logo with fireworks for New Years

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!

2021
Barton Stone – Mount Hope United Church
Barton Stone - Mount Hope United Church

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!

2020
COVID-19 Pandemic
Lessons Online

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.

2017
50th Anniversary!
display of photo books a 50th Annivesary

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.

The HSSM celebrated by hosting over 50 free public concerts in 2017! 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.

2008
Move to Lloyd D. Jackson Square

As our enrolment numbers grew we needed a bigger space. A location was secured in downtown Hamilton overlooking the rooftop park of Jackson Square; this space allowed for private teaching rooms, a community area for families and a concert hall.

Adding Stars to The HSSM Suzuki Brand
Adding Stars to The HSSM Suzuki Brand

A new logo and website were launched with the help of the students from Mohawk College.

2006
Step into Digital with the Launch of the First HSSM Website

Danielle Musgrave-Bond bravely stepped up when needed and created the first version of the Hamilton Suzuki School of Music’s website.

2005
Celebrating 25 Years of The Hamilton Suzuki School of Music
25 years

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.

1991
A New Home at All Saints Church
All Saints Church Hamilton ON before reconstruction

Looking a little different than it does today, 301 King St W. was the new home of our school.

1988
Introduction of a Logo
Logo with the words 'Ability Development ,Nurtured by love'

Often seen with the words “Ability Development, Nurtured by love”, an image was created with a group of students holding each of the instruments that we offered programming for at the time. Students playing as groups is an important focus with the Suzuki Method.

Contact Us

Contact us for more information about our school or to schedule a visit and see if our school is a great fit for you.

Email Us 905-519-4104

Inspiring their love of music for over 50 years