October 2025
“Like the colours of October, music reminds us that change can be beautiful.”
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In This Issue
- Halloween Costume Contest Winner
- Winter Recital Dates
- Composition Masterclass
- Student of the Month
- Referral Contest Winner
- Staying Healthy Together at the Academy
- Musical Ladder Achievements
- New Referral Contest
- Teachers With a Waiting List
- Welcome New and Returning Students
Got news for the MFAA Newsletter? We welcome and encourage all submissions!
🎃 MFAA Halloween Costume Contest 2025 🎃 A Spooktacular Celebration of Creativity!
Halloween at Mississauga Fine Arts Academy is always a time of excitement, imagination, and a few friendly scares, and this year was no exception! Our students and teachers brought the spirit of the season to life with their incredible costumes, filling our academy with colour, laughter, and creativity all week long.
From tiny superheroes to spooky skeletons, every costume added to the fun atmosphere that makes MFAA such a warm and welcoming place to learn music. We loved seeing the effort and creativity everyone put into dressing up!
At the end of the week, we held a special draw for all participants, and we’re thrilled to announce that Aishwarya was our lucky winner! 🎉 Congratulations, Aishwarya and Akila! You’ve won a $50 Amazon Gift Card for joining in the fun and helping make our Halloween celebration truly memorable.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated – students, families, and teachers alike. Your energy and creativity made this event a wonderful reminder that at MFAA, it’s not just about learning music, it’s about building memories together.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with next year! 👻🎶
Mark Your Calendar
Winter Recital – December 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st
Winter Break – December 24th – January 1st
Bring a Friend Week – February 17th – 23rd, 2026
❄️ Winter Recital 2025 — Save the Dates!
It’s that exciting time of year again! Our Winter Recital is coming up soon, and we’re already preparing to celebrate another wonderful season of music and achievement. With over 700 students performing this year, it promises to be an inspiring showcase of talent, dedication, and creativity.
The recitals will take place at the Living Arts Centre, Rogers Theatre, over two festive weekends — December 13, 14, 20, and 21. Each recital block will be roughly one hour long and organized by teacher. Families with siblings or students taking multiple instruments will be scheduled as close together as possible.
Now is the perfect time to start preparing your recital pieces with your teachers! Whether it’s your first time performing or you’re a returning performer, we can’t wait to see you share your music on stage.
🎟️ A Few Early Notes
- Tickets: Admission will be free for all performances. Seating is limited to approximately 100 seats per block and will be first-come, first-served.
- Dress Code: Performers are encouraged to dress nicely but comfortably — many families love capturing this special day in photos!
- Photo Contest: We’ll once again host our #MFAARecital and #MississaugaFineArtsAcademy social media photo contest — details to come!
- Schedule & Details: Full recital block times will be announced in November.
Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks as we get closer to the big event! In the meantime, talk to your teacher about your performance piece, practice regularly, and get ready to shine on stage this December. 🎶
🎶 Beyond the Curriculum: Composition Masterclass with Composer David Federman
At Mississauga Fine Arts Academy, we believe that learning music goes far beyond scales and exercises; it’s about experiencing creativity in action and connecting with the professionals who live and breathe music every day.
On Saturday, our Chamber Strings students had a unique opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom during a Composition Masterclass with renowned Canadian composer David Federman.
The session offered students a firsthand look into the world of film composition and the creative process behind bringing stories to life through music. David shared insights from his work as a professional composer, conductor, and orchestrator, discussing everything from developing a healthy creative mindset to collaborating effectively with filmmakers.
Our students were captivated as they listened, asked questions, and explored how music can become a language for storytelling. For many, it was a transformative moment — being able to see how the skills they learn at MFAA can one day lead to real-world artistic expression and professional opportunities.
We invite guest artists like David Federman because we want our students to see what’s possible, to be inspired by those who’ve turned their passion into lifelong careers, and to feel the spark that drives all great musicians to create.
We’re already looking forward to welcoming David back to share more of his experience and artistry in future sessions!
🎬 About David Federman
David Federman is a composer, conductor, arranger, and orchestrator from Toronto, Canada. He holds a Master of Music degree from Berklee College of Music (Valencia Campus) and has worked in the studio of acclaimed composer Bear McCreary in Los Angeles.
David recently scored the historical documentary Search Out the Land (dir. Leonard Pearl), slated for release in 2026, and the dramatic short The Sweetest Goodbye (dir. Emily Schooley). His commissioned work In Memoriam will premiere with the Grand Philharmonic Orchestra in Seoul, South Korea, at Never Forgotten 2024: War & Peace. His compositions have also been featured in Season 5 of CBC’s true crime podcast Someone Knows Something, as well as in the video game Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
As a conductor and orchestrator, David has collaborated with musicians worldwide, from London and New York to Valencia and Toronto, and served as the arranger and music director for the musical Back and Forth, which premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2022.
🌟 Creating Real-World Opportunities for Our Students
Through events like this masterclass, MFAA continues to provide students with opportunities to connect with the world beyond the curriculum, meet industry professionals, and gain inspiration from those shaping the future of music.
Because at MFAA, we don’t just teach music — we help our students live it.
Referral Contest Winner - Grayson B.!
Fresh faces grace our halls every day at the Academy, igniting our excitement as we witness their unbridled passion for music blossom. There’s nothing quite like the joy of nurturing that love and, in return, showing our gratitude through exciting rewards.
Congratulations, Grayson, for being our referral contest winner this quarter! A big thank you for recently starting lessons with us from your friend Rithik’s referral. We’re so glad you won the Soundcore Boom V2 Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker. We hope you enjoy it! Keep sharing your love for music, and thank you for being such a vital part of our community!
We also want to thank all participants and referrers who shared our academy with their friends and family. Your referrals have been invaluable, and we genuinely appreciate your contribution to our community.
Now it’s your turn — our new referral contest is here! 🎶 This time, you can win a Reebok Smart Watch; the perfect blend of style and function to keep you active and on track. Who knows, you might be our next lucky winner! Please keep spreading the word, and thank you for being such an important part of our journey.
Have someone curious about mastering an instrument? Don’t hesitate to introduce them to our academy. Who knows, you could find yourself seizing the spotlight as the champion of our next referral contest!
Thank you to all the fantastic participants in our Summer referral contest. With each new referral, we aim to amplify the excitement for our latest referral contest.
Wondering what delights unfold when you steer friends our way?
Upon enrollment, you receive a $25 gift card, and both your name and your friend’s name are entered into our raffle box, with a chance to win the Grand Prize Draw!
The secret’s out – don’t keep us under wraps!
Here’s the kicker – every referral earns you an additional chance at our grand prize draw. The possibilities are boundless – no maximum limit applies.
Remember, the more friends you introduce to our school, the brighter your star shines in the constellation of fantastic prizes. So, let the music and rewards resonate far and wide!
Student of The Month
Congratulations to Zaneya S., our Student of the Month! Zaneya has been taking piano lessons at Mississauga Fine Arts Academy since 2021 and studies with Mr. Amjad. Her dedication, steady progress, and love for music truly stand out.
Let’s hear what Mr. Amjad says about Zaneya’s progress:
“Zaneya is an outstanding, highly dedicated, and enthusiastic young musician who demonstrates true strength when learning new musical concepts. Clearly captivated by her love for music, she pushes herself consistently to meet her weekly goal and reaches beyond standard by composing her own repertoire with every new material. She is passion-driven week to week and full of energy that brings excitement to every lesson and joy to the people around her. A sharp musician who shows true promise for a very bright future.” – Mr. Amjad
We also asked Zaneya a few questions. Here are her answers.
What instrument(s) do you play? – Piano
How long have you been taking lessons? – Four years
What is your favourite song to play? – “Heart and Soul”
What is your favourite food? – Shrimps
What is your favourite thing you’ve learned in class recently? – New song “Heart and Soul.”
What is your favourite colour? – Red
Congratulations, Zaneya, on this well-deserved recognition! Keep reaching for new musical heights!
Musical Ladder Achievements
Staying Healthy Together at the Academy
As we settle into the new season, we want to take a moment to remind our community of the importance of keeping each other safe and healthy while learning music. Recently, we’ve noticed an increasing number of students attending in-person lessons while feeling unwell. While we’re always excited to see our students, we encourage everyone entering the Academy to practice kindness by self-screening for any cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms before coming to class.
For those with seasonal allergies, a quick note to your teacher goes a long way in making sure everyone feels comfortable during lessons. If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, or congestion, please rest at home and explore one of the many flexible options we have in place to help you continue learning.
Lesson Alternatives When You’re Feeling Unwell
- Group Make-Up Lessons
Students who miss a class can book one of our unlimited group make-up lessons, which never expire. Sessions are available both in-person and online, and the schedule is already posted through the end of December.
- Online Lessons
Can’t make it in? Switch your regular lesson to an online session with your teacher at the same day and time. Just let us know in advance so we can prepare the link for you.
- Sublet Your Lesson Time
If you can’t attend, why not share the gift of music? Parents, siblings, or friends can use your time slot with advance notice to the front desk.
- Pre-Recorded Lessons
With at least 24 hours’ notice, your teacher can create a personalized video lesson tailored to your current progress—perfect for catching up when you’re feeling better.
Keeping Our Community Safe
Our priority is the well-being of students, families, and staff. Masks remain optional and are available for free at the front desk in both adult and child sizes. We also encourage everyone to wash hands before and after lessons. Together, we can create a safe and supportive learning environment where music continues to thrive.
Thank you for doing your part, and we look forward to making music with you at your next lesson!
Welcome New and Returning Students in October!
Eleena D
Mailen F
Vincent G
Arya Vijay S
Steve Paul M
Ameila J
Alica S
Fariha K
Saisha M
Haleema Z
Zeeshan K
Zara K
Zayna K
Bella T
Yatharth B
Shirin S
Trent Lucas Y
Bianca B
Kayal B
Nashmia B
Vishal S
Aria G
Agata D
Lina W
Meilka W
Duran D
Eric Ti
Adaira K
Genesis Daniela H
Angelica Grace M
Anne Martinez P
Deepika N
Aarya G
Angelina I
Richa C
Pranav S
Nada K
Aaliya J
Phoemela H
Isabella Arias C
Jonathan M
Monica G
Divit G
Is Your Teacher Fully Booked?
Many teachers are very popular and quickly become fully booked. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day, or time, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we can add you to the waiting list. There are still limited lesson spots available. To inquire about an opening in November, send an e-mail to info@mississaugafineartsacademy.com or call/text us at 905-276-0251.
Here is a partial list of who’s currently full:
Abi A.: All Days SOLD OUT
Enoch L: All Days SOLD OUT
Daniela S: Only ONE spot left
Max M.: All Days SOLD OUT
Mckayla G: Only TWO spots left
Michael G.: Only TWO spots left
Miguel R.: All Days SOLD OUT
Noah C.: All Days SOLD OUT
Zoë S.: Only One spot left
Abi A: All Days SOLD OUT
Enoch L: All Days SOLD OUT
Owen B.: Only ONE spot left
Max M.: All Days SOLD OUT
Michael G.: Only One spot left
Alejandra P: Only TWO spots left
Maryalice D.: Only TWO spots left
Mariya P: Only ONE spot left
Sibiya R.: Only TWO spots left
Vira B.: All Days SOLD OUT
Enoch L: All Days SOLD OUT
Daniela S: Only ONE spot left
Max M: All Days SOLD OUT
Mckayla G: Only TWO spots left
Miguel R.: Only ONE spot left
Noah C.: All Days SOLD OUT
Owen B.: All Days SOLD OUT
Abi A.: All Days SOLD OUT
Alejandra P: Only ONE spot left
Amjad A.: All Days SOLD OUT
Angela W.: All Days SOLD OUT
Ashiya S.: Only TWO spots left
Carrie C: All Days SOLD OUT
Diana M: Only TWO spots left
Enoch L: All Days SOLD OUT
Geoff M.: Only TWO spots left
Ivica B: All Days SOLD OUT
John Carlo (JC) A.: Only TWO spots left
Lesley L: Only TWO spots left
Lesya K.: Only TWO spots left
Mariana C.: Only ONE spot left
Mariya P: Only ONE spot left
Maryalice D.: Only TWO spots left
Max M.: All Days SOLD OUT
Mckayla G: Only TWO spots left
Michael G.: All Days SOLD OUT
Nathan S: Only ONE spot left
Oksana I: Only TWO spots left
Olivia Y.: All Days SOLD OUT
Owen B.: All Days SOLD OUT
Noah C: All Days SOLD OUT
Robert M.: All Days SOLD OUT
Sam L.: All Days SOLD OUT
Stella L.: All Days SOLD OUT
Tao Z.: Only TWO spots left
Terri E.: Only TWO spots left
Vira B.: All Days SOLD OUT
Abi A.: All Days SOLD OUT
André R.: Only ONE spot left
Daniela S: All Days SOLD OUT
Diana M: Only TWO spots left
Emily M: Only TWO spots left
Ivica B: All Days SOLD OUT
Lina B: All Days SOLD OUT
Miguel R.: Only ONE spot left
Nathan S.: Only ONE spot left
Noah C.: Only TWO spots left
Sam M.: All Days SOLD OUT
Terri E: Only TWO spots left
Zoë S.: Only ONE spot left
Abi A.: Monday,
Diana M: Thursday, Friday
Glenn M.: Only TWO spots left
John Carlo (JC) A.: Only TWO spots left
Noah C.: All Days SOLD OUT
Angela W.: All Days SOLD OUT
Sibiya R.: Only ONE spot left
Lina B: All Days SOLD OUT
Amjad A.: All Days SOLD OUT
André R.: All Days SOLD OUT
Riley M: ONLY TWO spots left
Zoë S.: All Days SOLD OUT
André R.: All Days SOLD OUT
Zoë S.: All Days SOLD OUT
