The Kitchener-Waterloo Community String School (KWCSS) is a
vibrant and caring community of teachers, students and families. Teachers Bruce
Skelton (violin), Martha Kalyniak (violin & viola), Olga Kalyniak
(violin teacher and program coordinator) and accompanist Beth Ann de Sousa, have dedicated their lives to music
and to the art of teaching. Established in 1997, this program features private
and group lessons, concerts, recitals, parent meetings, parent’s orchestra, fiddle
& pop music classes, a performance ensemble and performances/workshops by guest artists. The current membership includes students from
age 4 to 17, beginners to advanced students. The KWCSS
operates as a Non-Profit Organization.
Our teachers provide lessons in a nurturing environment
according to the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.
Along with Dr. Suzuki’s approach to teaching, each teacher brings a wealth of
knowledge and experience to the program which they share eagerly with their
students. Repertoire taught begins with simple folk songs and branches out to
include that of the masters of the baroque, classical and romantic eras found
in the Suzuki repertoire books and CD’s. As well, the teachers draw from the
repertoire found in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) and many other
sources, as well as fiddle, pop, jazz and modern music keeping the attention of
the students keen. If so desired, students may prepare for and take the exams
for the RCM as development of technique is key to the success of this
program. The students of the string school prepare solo music and also perform
in ensembles , making for a well-rounded approach to learning and performing. Over the past 16 years, our students, teachers and parents have made
lasting friendships and our students have learned valuable life skills which
they can take with them anywhere they may go in whatever field they may choose to pursue.
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