ABOUT DOANE MUSIC SCHOOL
Doane Music School is a charitable organization committed to making music accessible to all children regardless of their financial circumstances. Founded by recording artist Melanie Doane 16 years ago, Doane Music School is now serving over 1400 students in their schools and communities on a weekly basis.
Doane Music School’s in-depth approach to providing excellent weekly instruction follows students from grades 4 -12 and is the cornerstone of the program. Teachers are trained in cutting edge pedagogy which incorporates aural tradition, improvisation, instrumental and vocal skills, plus a strong emphasis on performance. Local concerts as well as incredible opportunities on the world stage have enabled our students to perform with Jann Arden, Molly Johnson, Serena Ryder, Ron Sexsmith, Jim Cuddy, Grace VanderWaal, the Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan and Emilie-Claire Barlow.
“Unfortunately, we are all too aware of the toll that the past few years have taken on young people and their mental health. Now more than ever, children need music in their lives” says Founder Melanie Doane. “Music Education is so important for our kids and our goal is to make it accessible to all children regardless of socioeconomic status.”
Music has the power to change lives! The art of making music builds community and a sense of belonging and self-worth. Music allows young people to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas which belong front and center in their education.
Leadership
Melanie Doane
Founder & Artistic Director
A Juno Award, multiple top 40 singles, gold albums, a Broadway run and thousands of shows in Canada and the U.S. are some of the highlights of Melanie Doane’s long career.
16 years ago, Melanie added another dimension to her work. She created a school music program which would carry on the work started 40 years ago by her father; celebrated music educator and Order of Canada recipient, J. Chalmers Doane.
Doane Music School is now a registered charity serving over 1400 students each week.
J. Chalmers Doane
Doane Method Founder & Advisor
While in his role as supervisor of music for the Halifax City Schools, Chalmers created a ground-breaking city wide music program with one of his innovations being the use of the ukulele in the classroom. He created a comprehensive music program designed to produce students who were musically literate by the end of grade six and would ultimately involve tens of thousands of students across the country. He is a recipient of the Order Of Canada for his contributions to Music Education in our country and still teaches and performs in his home province of Nova Scotia.
Board of Directors
Jane Chapman-Klein: Chair
Laura Bullard
Paula Kahn
Advisory
Dr. Bina John - Music Professor, University of Toronto
Gill Deacon - CBC Radio, former Host of “Here and Now”
Georgia Gallagher - Retired Award-Winning TDSB Principal
Nina Pan - Elementary School Principal, TDSB
Elizabeth Seo - Elementary classroom music specialist
Jelani Watson - Musician, JAZZ.FM91 education and outreach officer
Caroline Brown - Artist in Residence, Teme-Augama Anishnabai artist
Suzanne Doane - Classroom Music Specialist
Deb McCain - Strategic Development Public Relations
Lorraine Quartaro - Public Relations
Angie Valentine - Marketing Consultant
Susan DeCartier - Starfish Entertainment
Jack Ross - Paquin Entertainment
Mitchell Hunter - Online and Social Media
Paul Joliat - SunLife