Children and Teen Programs

Jump to:

• Chamber Ensemble for Strings (NEW for Fall 2026!)
• Guzheng Group Class
• Foundations of Singing for Kids
• Ukelele for Beginners
• SUP'R Students (Singing, Ukelele, Piano, Recorder)
• Digital Groove Collective

Chamber Ensemble for Strings

New program for Fall 2026! Experience the joy of making music together in our new Chamber Ensemble for Strings program. Designed for intermediate and advanced string players, this chamber music program offers the opportunity to develop musicianship, collaboration, and performance skills in a supportive environment.

The program is open to violin, viola, and cello players at RCM Level 3 and above (or equivalent experience) and welcomes both LAMA students and members of the community. Students will be placed in small ensembles (such as duets, trios, quartets) based on age, playing level, and instrumentation. Each ensemble will meet for its own dedicated 60-minute weekly coaching session, allowing groups to focus on repertoire and ensemble skills tailored to their level and instrumentation. Ensembles are subject to sufficient enrollment and appropriate instrumentation.

Each ensemble group will be coached by Kenneth Kwan, violinist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and faculty member at Laurier Academy of Music & Arts. With extensive orchestral and teaching experience, Kenneth is passionate about helping students grow as confident and collaborative musicians.

Fall 2026 Session:

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: Each ensemble will meet once per week for a 60-minute coaching session over a 12-week term, beginning in September 2026.
• Time: Weekly coaching times will be scheduled after ensembles are formed and based on participant availability and enrollment. Most sessions are expected to take place on weekends.
• Cost: $445/term
• Ages: All ages welcome
• Instruments: Violin, Viola, and Cello
• Level: RCM Level 3 and up (or equivalent)
• Final Performance: December 2026 (date to be announced)

Guzheng Group Class

Led by Jiani Liu, experience the beauty of traditional Chinese music through the guzheng. Open to all ages and all skill levels. Maximum 5 students per group and no instrument required. Classes will be available in both English and Mandarin. 

Session Two:

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates:
  • May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
  • June 7, 14, 21, 28
  • July 5
• Time: Sundays at 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
• Cost: $320 (for 10 weeks of instruction)
• Ages: All

Because of small class sizes, please email LAMA@wlu.ca to register! 

Foundations of Singing for Kids!

Join us for a Foundations of Singing class for children aged 8-12! Students will learn concepts of articulation, register, range, and vowel shaping with some Kodaly and Dalcroze methods and apply that to repertoire. This class is perfect for budding young singers who might still be too young for private lessons. Group singing is a great way to jumpstart listening skills, which are imperative for a good singing foundation.

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: TBD
• Time: TBD
• Cost: TBD
• Ages: 8-12
• Class size: 10 students 

Registration is closed, check back soon for Fall 2026 information!

Ukulele for Beginners!

This ukulele class is based in the Orff/Kodaly methods.  The goal of the classes is to encourage students to learn basic ukulele skills and techniques (rhythmic strumming, beginning melody picking, singing the notes). Parent/guardian attendance is welcome but optional. 

• Format: 60-minute classes for 12 weeks
• Dates: Starts September 16, 2026
• Age: 7-9
• Cost: $250 
• Day and time: Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 p.m
• Class limit: Ten students

SUP'R Students!

(Singing, Ukulele, Piano, Recorder)

This program is a musical introduction to students ages 7-10, focusing on four different instruments over 28 weeks. Students will experience seven weeks of singing, seven weeks of ukulele, seven weeks of piano, and seven weeks of recorder (order of instruction may vary). Music books, a recorder, and a rental ukulele will be provided as part of the program. No musical experience necessary!

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: TBD
• Time: Fridays at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. 
• Cost: $495 (students must attend the entire program for 28 weeks)
• Ages: 7-10
• Class limit: 11

Contact LAMA@wlu.ca for Fall 2026 registration information.

Digital Groove Collective

Your laptop is the instrument! This is a listening-based musical training focusing on immediate musical production! There is an emphasis on composing, improvising, arranging, orchestration, and ensemble activity. Create digital music today. 

Mac laptops are highly recommended for the free softwares that are available on the Mac operating system: GarageBand, VMPK, Audacity, and VLC. Linux and PC computers can still be used up to a certain level. 

This is a fun group activity in which students make music together from the start. This is a great program for students interested in video game music, DJ music, and contemporary pop.  There will also be performance opportunities. 

Laptops are not provided, but all other equipment will be. 

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates: Flexible (please inquire!)
• Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. (flexible)
• Cost: $320
• Ages: 12+ (adult groups welcome!)

Fiddle Jams

Led by Shane Guse, join us for a monthly fiddle jam! This is a drop-in event. This is a fun and supportive group setting where you play when you can, listen when you can't, and make sure to take note of new tunes you hear and want to explore. This is open to players of all ages and levels. If you have never played fiddle before, this is a great opportunity to try it out. The goal is to have fun, build confidence and repertoire, and hopefully introduce fiddling to those who have never had the opportunity to try it. 

• Location: 190 Lester Street, Waterloo
• Dates (2026-2027): Sept 20, Oct 18, Dec 13, Jan 17, Feb 21, March 21, April 18, May 16
• Time: Sundays, 7 - 9 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Ages: All (should have minimum basic proficiency on your instrument) 

No registration required. Email LAMA@wlu.ca if you have questions.