Young string musicians from the University of Windsor's Lab School perform at the School of Creative Arts building in Windsor, Ont. (Courtesy of Vanessa Mio-Quiring)
Do you have the music in you?
The University of Windsor’s Lab School is tuning up for another season of music-making, with registration now open for group string lessons.
Students from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science and School of Creative Arts (SoCA) launched the Lab School’s fall music instruction program on Oct. 25, with registration extended until Saturday, Nov. 8.
The program welcomes students ages four to 17 for group instruction at beginner and intermediate levels in violin, cello, viola, or string bass.
“At the heart of the Lab School's offerings is its commitment to experiential learning, which fosters social interactions and musical development, with a research component that supports new ideas in music pedagogy as well as cultural vibrancy and community development,” said, Vanessa Mio-Quiring, Lab School director.
Classes are held every other Saturday at the SoCA Armouries building, with sessions starting at either 2 p.m. or 3 p.m., depending on the student’s level.
Each one-hour group lesson focuses on developing technical skills, ensemble and ear training, creativity, and performance experience. Students are grouped by age and ability to encourage collaboration and connection with peers.
Beyond instruction, the Lab School also serves as a hub for research in music education. Supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the lab examines how students learn and explores the broader impact of music study on communities.
“Our research assesses how string education may fulfill social benefits, well-being, cultural identification, social-emotional learning, and belonging in a group context,” Dr. Mio-Quiring said.
The Lab School is a collaborative initiative that engages faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students in advancing this work.
For more details and to register, visit the UWindsor Lab School website at uwinlabschool.com