AVCM (Victoria Conservatory of Music)
B.A. (honors) Philosophy & Psychology (U of T)
Elizabeth has played in the Vancouver Youth Orchestra, the Royal Conservatory Orchestra and with the Hamilton Philharmonic. She has performed in chamber music concerts at venues such as Mc Pherson Playhouse, Art Gallery of Ontario and at Churches on the Hill. Recently, Elizabeth was guest violinist at Holy Rosary Church (under Basilian Fathers) and coached singing to children in Sunday school. In spring 2016, in collaboration with Holy Rosary Church’s new Music Director, Geoff Butler, Elizabeth’s voice student successfully auditioned for St Michael’s Choir School.
Inspired by Tim Gallaway’s book “ the inner game of tennis” Elizabeth obtained her B.A. (honors) in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Toronto. She also earned an AVCM Diploma in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Her violin teachers include Sydney Humphreys and Denes Zsigmondy. Zsigmondy’s invaluable advice to Elizabeth was “ don’t worry about the size of your hands, good violinists come in all shapes and sizes.”
An experienced violin teacher, Elizabeth combines both the mental and physical aspects of violin playing. She aims to develop in her students a solid technical and musical foundation and faith in their talents and abilities. Based on the student’s interests and goals, Elizabeth uses the RCM syllabus, Suzuki method or Irish fiddle books. Elizabeth also sometimes uses educational theories (master level courses OISE/UT) and sports analogies gained from tennis lessons @ WCPTC with amazing French tennis pro Gregory Uras ( 2 time member of France’s top 8 juniors along with Gasquet, Tsonga and Monfils).
Elizabeth enjoys watching her students develop in skills and confidence and to grow in their love and appreciation of music. Currently, she performs regularly at the Loblaws Forest Hill Store and sings with the St Basil Choir at St Michael’s College, University of Toronto. She is preparing a poetry/violin recital for Canada 150.
Get to know Elizabeth…Beyond the Bio!
Favourite food: B.C. wild salmon
Least favourite food: brussel sprouts
Favourite song: “Sometimes a Prayer Will Do” from Secret Garden
Favourite movie: “Music of the Heart”
Favourite movie music: Lord of the Rings
Best thing about teaching at ABC: the Students!
Preferred Books for Elizabeth’s Students
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RCM Technique & Etudes Preparatory-4
RCM Violin Preparatory Level Repertoire
RCM Repertoire for Violin Level 1
Suzuki Violin School
How to Play Fiddle
How To Play Fiddle written by Larry McCabe and published by Santorella Publications is truly the “#1 fiddle method in print for beginners of all ages.” It is the perfect book for all fiddle players which features easy “one step at a time” progressive instruction. This best selling fiddle method includes helpful diagrams, historical photographs, assorted workshops and an instructional CD to help your study move along at a rapid pace.
