Our Programs

Depending on the site’s location our extra-curricular music programs provide 2 to 6 hours of instruction and activities that include the study of string instruments (string orchestra), fiddling, choir and body percussion, composition, traditional Mohawk art. 

  • Who Can Participate: Students from Kateri Tekakwitha and Karonhianonhnha schools, starting from 2nd grade. High school students are also welcome!
  • Students may choose a string instrument: Violin, Cello, Double Bass.
  • Ensemble Music Class Schedule (mandatory attendance for all): Every Tuesday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, from September to June.
  • Complementary Online Courses (Optional):
    • Private instrument lessons
    • Traditional music
    • Music theory and composition
    • Body percussion
    • Visual arts
  • This program is offered at no cost to participants, and an instrument is provided on loan for free for the duration of their participation.

  • Who Can Participate: Students from St-Gabriel school starting from 2nd grade.
  • Students may choose a string instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello.
  • Class Schedule: The program runs every Tuesday and Wednesday, 3 to 5 pm, from September to June.
  • This program is offered at no cost to participants, and an instrument is provided on loan for free for the duration of their participation.

  • The program is open to children from Grade 2 to Grade 8. While all are welcome to apply, we prioritize enrollment for low-income families and children with special needs.
  • Classes are held on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM, running from September to June. The primary instrument offered is the violin.
  • This program is offered at no cost to participants, and an instrument is provided on loan for free for the duration of their participation.

The Encore! Sistema Québec music education program is FREE and open to all students from primary and highschool – no experience required!

Classes offered in two locations, as described below:

CLASS A:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays (JULY 16 – AUGUST 08)
Time: 8:30AM – 10:30AM (2 hours)
Location: 67 Rue Ontario O. – Close to Saint Laurent Métro Station

CLASS B:
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays (JULY 16 – AUGUST 08)
Time: 11:00AM – 1:00PM (2 hours)
Location: 67 Rue Ontario O. – Close to Saint Laurent Métro Station

CLASS C:  WAITLIST
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays (JULY 16 – AUGUST 08)
Time: 2:30PM – 5:30PM (3 hours)
Location: 2205 Tupper St.  (INNOVATION YOUTH)

This program is offered at no cost to participants, and an instrument is provided on loan for free for the duration of their participation.

  • The program is open to children from Grade 2 to Grade 8. While all are welcome to apply, we prioritize enrollment for low-income families and children with special needs.
  • Students may choose a string instrument: Violin, Viola, Cello.
  • Programs operates 2 days week between September and June (exact days to be announced).
  • Instrument Loan: If your child doesn’t own an instrument, they can loan one for free for the duration of their participation in the program.

Encore!Sistema Quebec is Quebec’s first and only independent not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to delivering El Sistema – inspired programs to Quebec’s children and youth.

Music…has the power of forming the character and should, therefore, be introduced into the education of the young.

Aristotle

Pedagogical Model

Our program is fundamentally designed as a vehicle for social transformation. We leverage the power of music education to break down socioeconomic barriers and create opportunities for children from all backgrounds by providing them the tools and skills they need to reach their full potential. By placing a violin or a cello in the hands of a child, we are not just giving them an instrument—we are giving them a pathway to change, growth, and empowerment.

At the heart of our approach lies collective musical experiences. Students learn and perform together in orchestras, choirs, and various musical ensembles. It ensures that each child feels valued and integral to the group’s success, while cultivating crucial life skills such as teamwork, communication, and mutual respect. Through ensemble playing, children learn to listen actively, support one another, and work towards common goals, mirroring the dynamics of a well-functioning society.

Immersive music education experiences are uniquely powerful in rapidly building strengths and critical skills in youth. Therefore, our program offers frequent, regular sessions that immerse students in music-making multiple times per week. This high-frequency model accelerates skill development, fosters discipline, and provides a stable, nurturing environment for children.

Accessibility is a core tenet, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds, especially those from marginalized or underserved communities, have access to music education. This inclusivity aims to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for all participants.

Our program strives to create strong links between students, families, and the wider community. These connections extend beyond music, creating a supportive network that can have lasting positive impacts on the lives of our students and their families. By involving parents, community leaders, and local institutions, we create a holistic support system that reinforces the value of music education and its role in community building. 

Our Locations

Point St. Charles district – St. Gabriel School (read more…)
Peter McGill district – Centre Innovation Jeunes (read more…)
Kahnawà:ke – Kateri School (read more…)
Ville-Marie & Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district – Quartier des spectacles