Celebrating a Three-Peat: Barrie’s Favourite Music School, Again!

We’re incredibly proud (and honestly, a little blown away) to share that Modern Music Studio has been voted Barrie’s Reader’s Choice Award Winner for Best Music School for the third year in a row!

This recognition means so much to us—not just because it reflects the quality of what we do, but because it comes directly from our community. The families, students, and supporters who walk through our doors every day are the reason we’re here, and this award belongs just as much to you as it does to us.

We’re also thrilled to celebrate a special individual achievement this year: Sammy Johnston, one of our outstanding instructors, has been named Best Music Teacher in Barrie. Anyone who has worked with Sammy knows the passion, dedication, and energy she brings to every lesson. We couldn’t be happier to see her recognized in this way.

A Look Back—and Forward

Modern Music Studio first opened its doors in 2001 with a simple goal: to create a place where music education is engaging, accessible, and genuinely fun. Since then, we’ve grown into a vibrant community of over 300 students, supported by a team of 10 incredible teachers who bring a wide range of experience, styles, and personalities to the studio.

While we’ve grown, our core values have stayed the same:

• Community – creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all ages and skill levels
• Fun – because enjoying the process is just as important as the progress
• Affordability – making quality music education accessible to more families

More Than Just Lessons

What really sets our studio apart is what happens beyond weekly lessons.

Our biannual concerts, held every June and December at the Five Points Theatre, give students the chance to step onto a professional stage and showcase their hard work. These performances are a highlight of the year—not just for students, but for families and friends who get to share in the excitement.

And then there are our Friday Night Jam Nights, which have grown tremendously over the past few years. We’re now running three separate jam crews every Friday, bringing students together to collaborate, experiment, and build real musical connections. It’s one of the most exciting and dynamic parts of what we do—and a perfect example of our community-first approach.

Thank You

Awards like this don’t happen in isolation.

To our teachers—thank you for your passion, creativity, and commitment to every student who walks through our doors.

To our students—thank you for your enthusiasm, your courage to try something new, and your love of music.

And to our families—thank you for your trust, your support, and for being such an essential part of our community.

This milestone is something we’re all celebrating together. Three years in a row is an incredible honour—and we’re just getting started.

Here’s to making more music, more memories, and more milestones in the years ahead.