January 27
Enrollment Reaches 335 Students
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
1988
1985
1982
September 1
St. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian Church
Here we move again to Bond St. in Westdale.
1981
September 1
Christ Church Cathedral
With growing numbers and the need for more space at an affordable price, the school took up home at Christ Church Cathedral on James St. N. and Dalewood Rec Center on Main. St. W.
1980
November 1
Headstart Suzuki Program
The Parent Committee Newsletter reported the first mention of the Headstart Program. This program is designed to provide a fun way for children to prepare for learning to play an instrument. The Headstart Program aimed to give kids the opportunity to excel when they are old enough to start lessons on their first instrument. It focuses on developing skills such as rhythm, movement, and percussion instruments. The class was later divided into the Infant-Toddler program (ITP) for 0-2.5 year olds and Headstart for 2.5-4 year olds. In the early 2000’s, the class structure changed again and became the Suzuki ECE program for 0-3 year olds.
June 2
Becoming Hamilton Suzuki School of Music
Philharmonic Children of Hamilton, Inc. legally requested the change of their name to Hamilton Suzuki School of Music.
Under the driving force of Margot Jewell, this program was reorganized as the Hamilton Suzuki School of Music. The school became the first school to teach the Suzuki Method in Ontario.
1979
1972
