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Join us at Laurier
Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.
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I hold a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Laurier.
For over 25 years, I been touring and recording with various songwriters and recording artists, like Dean Brody, George Canyon, Richard Marx and Colin James. Music has allowed me to travel around the world and meet and interact with many wonderful musicians and artists. I have lots of first-hand experience working in the music industry, both in live performance and in the studio.
While I have experience in many different styles of music, I was raised playing traditional fiddle music, and I am used to playing and teaching many of the subgenres in this field, including old time, bluegrass, western swing, swing, jazz, Texas style and Celtic. I also teach techniques like improvisation and rhythm chop.
Most recently I have been teaching a course called Improvisation for Strings through the Beckett School at Laurier, which I am especially excited about. The ability to improvise is an absolutely necessary skill for anyone who wants to pursue music as a career, and I love watching people discover this new-found freedom with their instrument. I have also worked as a para-professional with the Waterloo District School Board and beyond, doing workshops with aspiring string students, and have led clinics and demonstrations for various instrument manufactures.
I still tour and record extensively and I believe this hands-on experience makes me a better teacher, as I am constantly learning.
- Canadian Country Music Association: Fiddle Player of the Year (2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017)
- Canadian Country Music Association: Musicians Hall of Honour inductee
- Country Music Association of Ontario Award: Roots Artist and Group of the Year (with Western Swing Authority)
- two-time Independent Music Award winner
- students have participated in the Grand Masters Fiddle Competition
- Beautiful Freakshow by Dean Brody (2017)
- Now Playing by the Western Swing Authority (2015)
- All Dolled Up by the Western Swing Authority (2012)
Playing a musical instrument requires some hard work. However, what you can gain from this experience can be literally life-changing. No matter your age or skill level, music can bring so much joy. I look forward to helping you in your musical journey.
- eight-week lesson cycles
- 30 minutes for $268
- 45 minutes for $402
- 60 minutes for $536
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