The Lane School of Music — Kid-friendly Storytime & Classes in Toronto, Ontario

What parents say

• Cathy Kurzbock

  **Updated June 22: Looks like the teachers got their contracts and most has been resolved. Sounds like LSM is making significant efforts to make things right.** My family's experience with the LSM (administration, facilities) over the past 5 years has been just fine .. but the teachers are absolutely exceptional. Five stars for their exceptional musicianship, passion, professionalism, communication, patience, empathy and commitment to their students. I learned today through a Toronto music teachers' organizing committee mass email to LSM families how some LSM teachers are underpaid according to industry standard and not paid on a consistent schedule. Many teachers also don't yet have contracts for the fast approaching 24/25 season for which families have already been mandated to pre-register. I am not usually one to write negative reviews, but my kids' music education - and music education (and educators) in general - is too important to our family to not speak up. I truly hope to come back and update this review to 5 stars if and when the teachers' demands are met. Otherwise, I recommend you bring your music education patronage elsewhere.

• Vanessa Davis

  Our experience with the school has been disappointing. Over the years, the management of the school significantly deteriorated. There is no sense of customer service and no clear focus on the needs of current students. Policies and fees and constantly changing, creating uncertainty and frustration. Most recently, the school switched to a 12-month calendar from the traditional school calendar, which feels like a money grab, with no accommodation for existing students who may be away during the summer.

• S H

  Edit 2024-06-11: I’m glad to hear some things have improved and that the teacher was reinstated, but we’re not there yet and they have lost our daughter’s favourite teacher from resignation due to the conditions. The music teachers at the Lane School are exceptional, and our daughter has gained a tremendous amount from their instruction. However, I have recently become aware that the owner, Rebecca Lane, treats her staff abhorrently. She has fired one of the most popular and respected teachers simply for advocating for better working conditions for the staff, as well as improved learning conditions for the students. Additionally, the teachers need to receive fair and timely compensation, consistent contracts, and adherence to industry salary standards. It has become clear to me why the school has high turnover in staff. If this teacher is not reinstated and the conditions do not improve, we will be withdrawing our daughter and will not be considering re-enrollment for her or her sibling. No need to respond to my review Rebecca… unless it’s to inform me you’ve made these changes

• Raffaele Ventriglia

  My family's experience with The Lane School of Music has been incredibly disappointing, to say the least. While my children have developed a fondness for their instructors over the years, the overall atmosphere and management of the school leave much to be desired. Firstly, the strict lesson cancellation policy is exasperating. Life happens, schedules change, emergencies arise – yet, there's virtually no flexibility offered. It's disheartening to feel like we're being penalized for circumstances beyond our control. This rigidity in policy is not conducive to fostering a positive learning environment. Moreover, the absence of any semblance of community within the school is glaring. The owners or administrators are conspicuously absent, even during important events like recitals. It's baffling that those in charge don't prioritize being present for such occasions, which should be celebratory milestones for students and their families. The lack of community involvement creates a sense of detachment and impersonality that greatly detracts from the overall experience. Frankly, if it weren't for my children's attachment to their instructors, I would have sought alternatives long ago. Our previous music school provided a much more nurturing environment, where students felt valued and supported, and where families were actively engaged in the musical journey. Sadly, The Lane School falls short in comparison. In conclusion, our time here has been marked by frustration and disappointment. I would caution prospective students and parents to carefully consider whether the stringent policies and absence of community align with their expectations and values.

• Lianne Kim

  Our experience with Lane school of Music has been fantastic. Wonderful teachers, stellar communication. I felt like they truly cared about our experience. My kids thoroughly enjoyed their piano lessons and have a deeper appreciation for music. I cannot recommend them enough.