Our Mission

New Horizons Music North York is a member of  New Horizons Music International which has nearly 200 member groups worldwide, The New Horizons Music program was founded in the 1990’s by Dr. Roy Ernst of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.  The goal of the organization  is to engage adults in group music making, including those with little or no musical experience, as well as those who were active in school music programs but have been inactive for a long period. Many studies have shown that there are multiple benefits to playing music in a group, and that as we age, music keeps our brains and bodies active, enhances our enjoyment in life, and provides opportunities for positive social interactions and friendship.   New Horizons is an inclusive organization geared towards the creation of nurturing, non-judgemental musical experiences for all participants.

Our History

New Horizons Music North York began in February of 2017, when Susan Baskin was invited to take over a small instrumental ensemble, at the North York location of Long and McQuade music,  that had lost its conductor. Since then, the program has expanded to include a concert band, an intensive band class, and several ukulele classes.

When the pandemic began in March of 2019, the motto of NHMNY became: ‘And The Beat Goes On’.  Our classes moved immediately onto Zoom and we continued to practice regularly, ultimately creating several terrific virtual performances over the two years. In April of 2022 we were finally able to resume in-person rehearsals.  On June 17, 2022, we were delighted to hold our first public performance in over two years.

Our 23-24 season was a great success, with band and ukulele classes and two fabulous concerts.  We want to the thank CHAT, Bayview Glen Church, and Darchei Noam Synagogue for welcoming us so warmly to your facilities.

We are looking forward to our 24-25 season and hope that you will join us.

Music Director and Class Instructor

Susan Baskin

Susan Baskin

Musical Director/Class Instructor
Susan Baskin, a native of Hamilton, Ontario, has been a musician and music educator in the Greater Toronto area since 1980. In 2018, after over 35 years of experience teaching music to students of all ages, Susan retired from her position as Head of Music at Bill Crothers Secondary School. She is thrilled to now be the music director of New Horizons Music North York, and to teach the Concert Band classes and the ukulele classes. In addition to the groups she directs at New Horizons, Susan also teaches online ukulele classes for New Horizons International Music Association, performs as a flutist in two concert bands, and sings in two choirs. In her spare time, Susan loves to travel, bird watch, tend to her garden, and play with art supplies.