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Advanced Instruction for Emerging and Professional Artists
The Laurier Academy of Music and Arts (LAMA) Advancing Artist Track is designed for advanced musicians who are preparing for the next stage in their artistic development. Whether you are working toward a university or conservatory audition, preparing for orchestral or professional ensemble auditions, returning to music at a high level, or refining repertoire for major performances, the LAMA Advancing Artist Track offers individualized, high-level mentorship with LAMA’s professional faculty.
This tier is ideal for musicians who are technically strong, artistically driven, and seeking focused guidance from experienced performers, pedagogues, and collaborators.
Who is the LAMA Advancing Artist Track For?
- Pre-university and post-secondary students preparing for auditions, juries and entrance exams.
- Emerging professionals preparing for orchestral, ensemble or freelance work.
- Musicians returning to performance after time away who want structured, expert support.
- Artists seeking refinement, accountability and expert feedback rather than foundational instruction.
Admission to the LAMA Advancing Artist Track begins with an initial consultation to discuss your goals, experience, and timeline. This helps us match you with the faculty member best suited to support your artistic development.
What Makes the LAMA Advancing Artist Track Different?
LAMA Advancing Artist Track lessons go beyond traditional private instruction and may include:
- Advanced technical and interpretive coaching.
- Audition preparation.
- Repertoire planning and long-term artistic development.
- Performance psychology, practice strategy and stamina building.
- Professional expectations, collaboration and career mentorship.
- Support with applications, recordings and performance preparation.
- Composition portfolio development.
Instruction is tailored to the individual artist’s goals and may involve longer lesson times, intensive short-term coaching, or project-based preparation.
Add-On Specializations
- Alexander Technique
- Audition prep for gigs (i.e. headshot, video samples, interviews)
- Band chart creation (how to arrange a chart for a gig)
- French language diction
- How to prepare for a show
- Improvisation for strings
- Music and technology (composition)
- Music theory and ear training
- Performance Psychology
- Reed making
Our Faculty and Approach
LAMA Advancing Artist Track students work with LAMA’s senior faculty—active performers, educators, and clinicians who bring real-world experience into the studio. Lessons are collaborative, focused, and goal-oriented, meeting each musician where they are and helping them move confidently toward where they want to be.
Faculty
- Mark Norris, cello
- Anna Hughes, violin
- Michael Steinberg, violin
- Jody Davenport, viola
- Corinne Dutton, piano
- Rebekah Jordan-Miller, piano
- Nichole Robertson, piano
- Peter Nikiforuk, organ
- Danielle Beck, woodwinds
- Laurel Swinden, flute
- Sarah Cardwell, oboe
- Daniel Cabena, voice
- Magdalena Tomsinska, guitar
- Max Lindsay, percussion
- Bruce Gremo, composition
- Emile d’Eon, guitar
- Shane Guse, fiddle & mandolin
- Danica Guenette, voice
- Danielle Beck, woodwinds
- Dave O’Neill, drums/percussion
- Li Zhang, erhu
Tuition
$100 per hour for coaching sessions
$80 per hour for add-on sessions
Lesson frequency, duration, and additional coaching sessions are customized to each student's goals and study plan.
Application Process
We understand that every musician's background is unique. These materials help us learn more about your experience and goals so we can create the best possible learning plan.
Complete LAMA Advancing Artist Track intake form.
Required:
- A recent video or audio recording (link or file upload).
- A repertoire list of works studied or performed during the past two years.
- A reference from a teacher, band director or colleague.
Optional:
- Performance résumé or curriculum vitae.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Personal website or professional portfolio.
Meet with a member of the team for initial consultation to determine best fit and create an individualized study plan for lessons and add-on sessions if desired.
Enroll and begin your personalized LAMA Advancing Artist Track program.
Ready to take the next step in your artistic development? We look forward to learning about your goals and helping you build a path toward them. Email LAMA@wlu.ca for more information or with any questions.