Our Story
More than four decades of private music lessons, in the same Mississauga neighbourhood — here’s how a guitar teacher travelling door to door in 1982 grew into the Wandering Minstrel Music School you’ll find on Main Street today.
From a guitar case to a storefront
The Wandering Minstrel Music School was founded by Steve Rennie in 1982. Working out of his home in Meadowvale, Steve travelled from house to house teaching guitar lessons.
In 1988, he opened a proper studio on Old Pine Street in Streetsville — a tiny 400 sq. ft. space with a small office, two teaching rooms, and a showroom for selling guitars and books. It was cozy, if a little tricky to find, and it shared a bathroom with the comic book store next door.
The studio grew quickly, and Steve added staff to keep up with demand. But after a break-in one night cost the school two guitars, he decided it was time to move his young family back to North Bay. In 1989, he sold the school to one of his own teachers — pianist Judy Dadd, whose own background still shapes our piano program today.
Judy Dadd takes the helm
After a year on Old Pine Street, Judy moved the Wandering Minstrel to its current home at 16 Main Street, on the Streetsville Village Square — where it's remained ever since.
The new location came with over 1,300 sq. ft. of studio space and plenty of room to grow. Over the years it's seen a major renovation, a roof repair and new windows — and today, big front windows fill the studio with natural light.
A closer look at our teaching rooms
Alongside our two grand pianos, several teaching rooms are equipped with quality upright pianos — including this Schimmel and Ibach — so every lesson happens on an instrument worth playing.
44 years teaching music in Streetsville
Since 1982, the Wandering Minstrel has taught over 5,000 students to play an instrument or sing — including families who've travelled in from Etobicoke, Oakville and Burlington. Today's staff of 12 teachers hold real credentials and real teaching experience, across the music lessons we offer — piano, keyboard, guitar, voice, saxophone, flute, clarinet, violin and viola. We're always looking for great instructors to join our teaching team.
Five teaching rooms
Spacious and comfortable — not the cramped, equipment-only rooms many music schools make do with.
Two grand pianos
A Kurzweil digital baby grand and a 5’10″ Schimmel — letting our most advanced students play concert-level repertoire.
Hand-selected teachers
12 credentialed instructors, chosen personally by Judy — matched to each student's goals and personality.
About the school
A few things people often ask once they've read our story. Still curious about lessons themselves? See our general FAQ or book a trial lesson.
How long has Wandering Minstrel Music School been open?
Since 1982 — over 44 years teaching music in the same Streetsville neighbourhood of Mississauga.
Who founded the school?
Steve Rennie founded the school in 1982, teaching guitar door to door before opening a studio in 1988. He sold it in 1989 to one of his own teachers, pianist Judy Dadd, who still directs the school today.
Where is the studio located?
16 Main Street, in the Streetsville Village Square in Mississauga — Judy's home for the school since shortly after she took over in 1989.
How many students have you taught?
Over 5,000 students since 1982, including families who've travelled in from Etobicoke, Oakville and Burlington.
How many teachers are on staff?
12 credentialed teachers, each personally selected by Judy and matched to a student's goals and personality.
What pianos are in the studio?
Two grand pianos — a Kurzweil digital baby grand and a 5’10″ Schimmel — plus Ibach uprights in our teaching rooms, giving advanced students room to play concert-level repertoire.
Curious what 44 years of experience feels like in a first lesson?