From Classroom to Music Studio

With more than 120 students studying music at St. George’s High School, the music program supports both first-time players and skilled musicians. In Grade 7, every student selects an instrument to learn, marking the start of their musical journey. By Grade 8, students can choose to continue studying music as an elective through to Grade 11. The music classroom is known for being an interactive and action-packed environment. Students play drums, piano, bass, and wind instruments, learning and growing together under the leadership of music teacher Kyla Smith.

A Music Teacher Who Inspires
Ms. Smith is a gifted musician and an exceptional educator. Her passion for teaching fosters a collaborative atmosphere where students feel encouraged to explore, experiment, and persevere. Student voice, a hallmark consistently seen across St. George’s programs, shows up here too. Students vote on and select pieces they want to learn.

Under her guidance, music students have benefited from immersive experiential opportunities, including professional recording sessions at Fast Forward Studios and participation in the Quebec Band Association Honour Band. These experiences blend technical skill with real-world learning, preparing students to grow not only as musicians but as confident learners.

Over the past few years, Ms. Smith has been able to purchase new instruments and equipment for the music program thanks to the generosity of our donor community. This past summer, the entire music studio underwent a makeover as a result of the vision and philanthropic support of the Elman family. They wanted to redesign the space to better meet students’ needs and reflect the essence of Ms. Smith’s teaching environment. That’s exactly what they achieved.

Drawing on Ms. Smith’s insight into the program’s needs, the renovation introduced a re-oriented layout and custom shelving that make the classroom more functional and comfortable as the program grows. New flooring, ceiling acoustic panels, window treatments, and lighting now create an environment that is both visually calm and acoustically balanced.

“These changes have elevated the space from a classroom to a studio that not only supports musicianship but also inspires creativity and collaboration. This renovation represents a true investment in our students, their learning, and the future of our music program. I am deeply grateful for the generosity and vision that brought it to life. I could not be more thrilled or more grateful for this extraordinary gift.”

—Kyla Smith, High School Music Teacher

St. George’s Facilities: Evolving to Meet Student Needs
The enhanced music studio reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to improving learning spaces that match the exceptional quality of teaching and learning that happens within them. It also highlights the impact donors have in shaping and strengthening programs across the school. The renovated space has already struck a chord with students. The improved acoustics and layout make collaboration easier while the calm atmosphere allows them to focus and experiment with confidence. The transformation reflects what St. George’s does best, creating spaces where students are inspired to discover their own rhythm of learning. “It feels like a real studio now,” said a Grade 9 student. “When I walk in, I’m ready to play.”