Faculty

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Laurie received her undergraduate music degree from the University of Western Ontario and her Masters degree and Ontario College of Teachers certificate from the University of Toronto. As well, she received Suzuki training at Ithaca, New York; Stevens Point, Wisconsin; and Matsumoto, Japan. She has taught Suzuki violin for 35+ years, which has included the former Seneca Suzuki School in Toronto, her home studio, workshops and institutes. Through her many years of violin teaching, Laurie’s students have gone on to study at universities, as well as the Glenn Gould School, Guild Hall (UK) and the London Academy (UK). She was string director, then conductor of La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra for 25 years. While raising her family, Laurie also worked for the Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB, where she taught instrumental music and

special education. Whether a violin student, an orchestra member or a school student, Laurie’s

goal has always been to bring the best out of her students. As a violinist, Laurie was Principal Second Violin for the Northumberland Orchestra and Choir for 20+ years. She currently performs with the Peterborough Symphony and other freelance positions. In 2016, she founded Durham Music Camp and she is thrilled for it to be continuing.

 Jo-Annne began her piano lessons at 10 and by 15 had achieved Grade 10 piano while studying at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. She later earned her ARCT with Honours in Pedagogy and Performance, winning the Katharine Sinclair prize for Theory.  She credits her teachers Simone Lesley, Laurie Evan Fraser, Earle Moss, Leslie Kinton and Joseph Macerollo for their guidance and influence. She is dedicated to providing meaningful learning opportunities for her students through mock exams, master classes, opera experiences and performance opportunities. Many of her students have earned medals, scholarships and Provincial-level recognition. In 2018, she was honoured by her peers with an Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award. Jo-Anne believes that with a little encouragement and guidance, students can exceed their expectations and carry the lessons of music into all areas of their life. 

Kevin obtained his Bachelor’s of Music and Education from Queen’s University with Classical Guitar as his major. It was at Queen’s where he discovered his love of choral singing and sang in many choirs as well as the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir in Kingston. He is currently a Music Teacher at Bowmanville High School and has been there since 1997. In his time at BHS, his job has evolved from teaching primarily Guitar, Vocal, and Choral music to mainly teaching Instrumental Music.

While at BHS he has directed many ensembles such as Concert Bands, Choirs, and Small Chamber Ensembles. He also has had the opportunity to be the Music Director and/or Vocal Director for many school musicals. He is a passionate advocate for contemporary and Canadian Music, striving to find and perform repertoire composed by Canadian composers - being a strong advocate for celebrating home-grown talent. In addition to his teaching duties, he is now also active as a clinician in both the Instrumental and Choral Music communities. As well as his music commitments, he was also an active volunteer as a coach for 12 years in both hockey and lacrosse. Kevin immensely enjoys introducing young minds to new and exciting opportunities. 

 Tamara began playing the violin and singing at a young age and has fond memories of attending music camp in Kingston, where she was inspired by the musical stories she learned. She pursued studies in voice and music education at the Faculty of Music, U of T. Following this, she received her B.Ed and M.Ed from OISE and is currently a French Immersion teacher for the TDSB. Tamara has enjoyed singing with various groups in the city, and is currently a soprano lead at Church of the Redeemer. 

A graduate of the Glen Gould School (B.Mus) and the Royal Academy of Music Master's Program (MPA), David has performed with top orchestras internationally for over a decade. He is the music director of the La Jeunesse Youth Orchestra, Concert Master of the Quinte Symphony, and head of the strings department at the non-profit SONG Program (Sounds Of the Next Generation). David's passion for music started at a very young age and now extends to teaching music to youth and making music an integral part of their lives.

Emily is a fiddler/violinist specializing in Canadian Old Time Fiddling,

Kashubian Fiddling, Celtic, Country, and Classical Violin. Her ability to improvise allows

her to confidently collaborate with other artists in varying genres. She is also a professional Ottawa Valley Step-dancer. She currently tours internationally with The StepCrew, “Canada’s Premiere Celtic Music and Dance Show”. She spent nine years touring North America with the Tartan Terrors, “North America’s Premiere Celtic Event”. She has also toured with Jay Andrews (Shreem X Celtic Remix), The Scott Woods Band, and is currently working with the new project Haggis X-1! Emily has earned titles such as Junior Canadian Champion, Grand Masters Junior Showcase Performer, a two time Canadian Open Duet Champion, and Canadian Grand Masters finalist. Emily is a full time music instructor in Oshawa ON, offering lessons in Violin, Fiddle, Step-dance and Music Theory. She is a 2020 - 2024 Readers' Choice Diamond Winner in the categories: "Best Music Instructor" and "Best Music Instruction Service".