Starting a Music Program in Your Community – Tips for Start-Ups

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Starting a music program from the ground up can be a powerful way to foster community, engage youth and create a lasting cultural, educational and social impact. This roundtable brings together leaders and program founders from across North America to share their experiences launching music initiatives. Join this session for practical advice on everything from securing funding and building partnerships to creating lasting long-term engagement. Whether you’re an educator, community advocate or artist, this session will bring the tools necessary to launch a music program in your own community. Learn from their successes, their setbacks and their growth – but most of all, learn that it is possible for you, your children and your community!

October 9, 2025 @ 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

The Creative School Chrysalis

43 Gerrard St E
Toronto, ON M5G 2A7 Canada

Presenters

Eric Booth Co-Founder of the International Teaching Artist Collaborative;

Eric Booth

In 2015, Eric Booth was given his nation’s highest award in arts education, and was named one of the 25 most influential people in the arts in the U.S. He…
Tricia Tunstall Co-Founder and Advisory Editor The Ensemble

Tricia Tunstall

Tricia Tunstall is an author, music educator, and international advocate for social impact and youth empowerment through music education. Her books Playing for Their Lives: The Global El Sistema Movement…
Dr. Erin Parkes Founder Lotus Centre for Special Music Education

Dr. Erin Parkes

Dr. Erin Parkes holds a Ph.D. in music education from McGill University with a focus on adaptive music education and teacher training. In 2012, Dr. Parkes founded Lotus Centre for…
Andrea Unrau Director of Programming Sarah McLachlan School of Music

Andrea Unrau

Andrea Unrau is the Director of Programming at the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, where she leads the design and delivery of inclusive and zero-cost community-based music programs serving over…
Dr. Richard Marsella Executive Director Community Music Schools of Toronto

Dr. Richard Marsella

Richard Marsella has served as Executive Director of Community Music Schools of Toronto since January 2010. In 2021, he earned his PhD in Music Education from the University of Toronto…
Chelsey Hiebert Network Lead Sistema Canada Network

Chelsey Hiebert

Chelsey Hiebert is a Canadian arts leader and music educator dedicated to advancing equity through access to music education. She currently serves as the Network Lead of the Sistema Canada…