For more than 40 years, Arcadia Academy of Music has been helping students across the Greater Toronto Area develop their musical skills through structured lessons, performances, and community-focused programs. Now operating nine locations with more on the way, the family-founded music school continues to expand its approach to music education for students of all ages. We spoke with President and CEO Maurizio Di Rauso about the academy’s growth, philosophy, and what sets Arcadia apart.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our business is called Arcadia Academy of Music. We are a franchised music school with 9 locations across the Greater Toronto Area, with more locations currently in development.
We offer high-quality music education through private lessons, supported by our own curriculum, partner curriculums, competitions, festivals, and performance opportunities. Our goal is to provide a well-rounded musical experience that supports each student’s individual goals, whether they are learning for fun or working toward a professional path.
We also offer a variety of programs designed for different ages, skill levels, and musical interests, so that each student can have a personalized and meaningful learning experience.
What made you want to do this work?
Arcadia Academy of Music was founded in 1984 by my father, Carmine Di Rauso Sr., with a passion for making music education more accessible, structured, and inspiring for students of all ages.
From the beginning, he wanted to create a place where students could receive not only high-quality music instruction, but also a sense of community and opportunity.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Over time, we saw a need for a more consistent and supportive approach to music education, one that combines strong curriculum design with real performance experiences, such as concerts, competitions, and festivals.
The goal has always been to bridge the gap between private lessons and real-world musical experience, while creating an environment where students feel encouraged, motivated, and part of something larger than themselves.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our students range from young children through to adults.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Arcadia operates on a lesson-based model, where revenue is generated primarily through tuition for private music lessons. Each franchise owner operates an individual school under the Arcadia Academy of Music brand, following our established curriculum and operational systems to ensure consistency, quality, and a unified student experience across all locations.
This structure allows us to maintain high educational standards while giving each location the flexibility to serve its local community effectively.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We currently have 9 locations across the GTA, including Woodbridge, Maple, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Brampton North, Brampton West, Burlington, and Nobleton. Additional locations are opening soon in Milton, Mississauga, Bradford, Oakville, and Hamilton.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Question: Why choose Arcadia?
Answer: Arcadia offers more than just music lessons, we provide a full musical community. Our students benefit from a structured, high-quality curriculum delivered consistently across all locations, supported by experienced and passionate instructors.
We are deeply committed to helping students reach their individual goals, build confidence, and develop a lifelong connection to music. It is this combination of strong education, supportive mentorship, and consistent instruction that creates a meaningful learning experience for every student.
At Arcadia, students are part of an encouraging environment where they are guided, supported, and inspired throughout their musical journey. It is this blend of education, opportunity, and community that truly sets Arcadia apart.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of what we do is watching students grow, seeing their confidence build as their skills develop and they begin to express themselves through music in their own unique way. It is incredibly rewarding to be part of each student’s musical journey.
One of the ongoing challenges is that every student learns at a different pace, which requires a thoughtful and individualized approach. However, this is also what makes the work meaningful, as it allows us to tailor support and ensure each student feels encouraged, included, and set up for success along the way.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Easy… people think I spend my days listening to beautiful piano music and relaxing.
In reality, I’m answering emails, solving problems, researching, marketing, handling invoices, developing new locations, and somehow still trying to remember what day it is.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
We love Chef Cos Catering! They have worked with us on a number of competitions and events, and it has always been a positive experience.
They are reliable, professional, and consistently provide excellent service and quality food for our events.
