Looking for violin, viola or cello lessons in the Kitchener-Waterloo area? The Laurier String Academy caters to students and children (ages 5 to 18) of all abilities, offering beginner, intermediate and advanced string lessons.

Our violin, viola and cello lessons are based on the methods and philosophies of Mimi Zweig, Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland and are taught by leading Kitchener-Waterloo musicians, experienced teachers and pedagogues.

Using the professional facilities of Wilfrid Laurier University, our curriculum incorporates private lessons and group classes, theory, masterclasses, chamber music and performance opportunities at various concerts.

Lessons and Courses

All students enrolled in the Suzuki Program participate weekly, including 34 private lessons and 30 group classes. All courses are held in the John Aird Centre at Laurier’s Faculty of Music.

• Term one starts Sept. 12, 2022 and ends Jan. 20 2023. No lessons from Dec. 23, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023.
• Term two runs from Jan. 23, 2023 to May 27, 2023. No lessons from March 13-17, 2023.

Private Lessons

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 or cello setup which sets the foundation for all successful future violin or cello study. The Suzuki repertoire is used, supplemented early on by additional folk songs, fiddle tunes, classical concerti and dances.

Group Classes

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.

• Violin Book 1/2, TBA
• Violin Senior, TBA

Wednesday:

• Violin Book 2-4 (5-6 p.m.)
• Violin Book 4-7 (7-8 p.m.)
• Cello Junior (5-6 p.m.)
• Cello Senior (6-7 p.m.)

Registration and Fees

If you are a new student please email LAMA@wlu.ca to be paired with an instructor before filling in the registration form.

To register please arrange with your instructor a mutually agreeable time slot for the coming year. Following this conversation, we will send you an online registration form. 

Payment Options

Two payments:

• Term one payments are due by Sept. 1, 2022.
• Term two payments are due by Jan. 12, 2023.

One payment:

• Entire year tuition due by Sept. 8, 2022

Fees by Lesson Length

• 30 Minute: $844.41 (Term 1) + $794.41 (Term 2) = $1638.82
• 45 Minute: $1150.93 (Term 1) + $1100.93 (Term 2) = $2251.86
• 60 Minute: $1457.44 (Term 1) + $1407.44 (Term 2) = $2864.88

Accompanists

Fees cover the cost of accompanists for group classes and concerts. Any additional time spent with a Laurier String Academy accompanist must be paid directly to the accompanist by the family based on a disclosed hourly rate.

Withdrawal Policy

If you wish to discontinue lessons for the winter/spring term, a request must be made in writing no later than Dec. 1. Remaining tuition fees will be refunded to you minus a $250 deposit.

After that date, no refunds will be made. Extended illness or other compassionate reasons for withdrawal will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Instructors

Paule Barsalou
Violin Instructor

Nic Carlucci
Violin Instructor

Katerina Juraskova
Cello Instructor

Jerzy Kaplanek
Suzuki Program Coordinator
Associate Professor, Violin, Strings and Chamber Music
Member of the Penderecki String Quartet

Katie Schlaikjer
Artist-in-Residence, Cello, Strings and Chamber Music
Member of the Penderecki String Quartet

Christine Vlajk 
Artist-in-Residence, Viola, Violin, Strings and Chamber Music
Member of the Penderecki String Quartet
Coordinator, Chamber Music