The Huntsville Suzuki School was founded in 1991 by violinist Linda Drennan. Under her guidance, the school grew and impacted the community with both lessons for students and concerts for residents. School students traveled as far as Vancouver and Moosonee, ON to play, and performed at the G8 Summit in 2010. When she retired in 2012, a number of alumni of the Huntsville Suzuki School joined in a tribute to her in recognition of her positive impact on their lives.
Since 2012 the School has been directed by Philip Kashap. A graduate of Yale University and former Director of the Suzuki program in Saskatoon, Philip brings with him 40 years of experience teaching Suzuki violin and viola. Through his excellent teaching here in Huntsville and in other locations in Canada and the US, Philip has continued the traditions of Dr. Suzuki and the Huntsville Suzuki School.
The School Today
The Huntsville Suzuki School teaching studio is located at the Canada Summit Centre, 20 Park Drive., Huntsville, Ontario. Group Lessons and orchestra take place at More Than Just Art on Manominee St. in Huntsville. Concerts are held in the lovely hall overlooking the river at the Active Living Centre in Huntsville.
The Huntsville Suzuki School of Music continues to offer quality violin, viola and guitar lessons for students aged 4 to 18 years, though adults are also welcome to take private lessons with the school’s teachers.
Huntsville Suzuki students are very active in the community, playing at fundraisers and other promotional events. They also play at local retirement homes and area public schools as part of the school’s outreach program.
During the pandemic group playing activities were temporarily suspended, while private lessons continued by Zoom. Things are back to normal now with private lessons, group lessons and concerts in full swing. The Huntsville Suzuki School of Music is a Registered Charity in the province of Ontario.
Huntsville Suzuki School studio at the Canada Summit Centre
The Founder of the Suzuki Method: Shinichi Suzuki, 1898-1998
"I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart." - Shin'ichi Suzuki
The School’s instructors follow the teachings of Japanese educator and violinist, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, and all have certification from the Suzuki Association of the Americas.