The Program

Curriculum

The String Academy is open to children ages 5 to 18 who wish to study the violin through a curriculum that includes private and group lessons, theory and master classes, chamber music and performance opportunities. Instruction is based upon the methods and philosophies of Mimi Zweig , Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland . Beginning students participate in a weekly private and group lesson. Parents are required to attend the private and group lessons and participate in the daily practice. The first years of musical instruction are the most important for they set the stage for everything that follows. Even if students do not chose to become professional musicians upon the completion of their studies, all take with them the love and understanding of music, only attainable after years of study.

Lessons

All students enrolled in the Wilfrid Laurier String Academy will participate in a weekly private and group lesson. Lessons are offered during the  fall and winter semesters, and the  spring semester following the public school schedule. Initial private lessons begin with the establishment of the basic violin set-up which sets the foundation for all successful future violin study. The Suzuki repertoire is used, supplemented early on by additional folk songs, fiddle tunes, Classical concerti and dances. Group classes include ensemble playing, ear training, solo performance and theory instruction. The group setting provides a positive learning environment and brings children together who share the same interests.

Performance Opportunities

Performance opportunities are an essential ingredient of violin study. A group concert is scheduled every semester which showcases the repertoire being studied during the weekly group classes as well as highlighting solo performances — a wonderful reward for all of the dedicated hard work!

Course Details

Registration

NEW students should complete a registration form after contacting the director concerning availability in the given program. New beginners will be admitted on a "first come first served" basis. Transfer students will need to schedule an interview-audition. For details on how to submit your registration, please refer to the registration form.

CONTINUING students should send their registration form and any corrections from their previous registrations to the address on the form. The office needs to receive your registration and payment by the deadline listed on the registration form.

LATE registrations will be accepted if space is available. Exceptions to the above must be requested in writing before the deadline and will require approval from the director.

For details on how to submit your registration, please refer to the registration form. Please Phone 519.884.0710 ext. 2658 or email dmartzme@wlu.ca if you require additional information.

"A child is excused from attendance at school if he/she is absent from school for the purpose of receiving instruction in music and the period of absence does not exceed one half day in any week."
(The School Administration Act, Section 6, Subsection 2)

Withdrawal Policy:

• Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to the Faculty of Music.
• A full tuition refund, less 10 percent, will be issued when notice of withdrawal is received up to two weeks prior ot the start of the first session.
• A full tuition refund, less 25 percent, will be issued when withdrawal notice is received after two weeks prior to the start of the first session and prior to the second week of the course offering.
• After the second week of the course offering, no refunds will be issued.
  

Please note that no refund of any sort will be given if the university is closed for any reason during your course.