Who can attend?
Every student who is registered in an OSA Violin Group or Cello Group lesson program on Thursday evenings is eligible to attend the workshop free of charge (we do need you to confirm your registration).
Current OSA members (cello and violin students) who are not currently taking group classes are also encouraged to attend (a participant fee will apply).
Book 6 and up violin students may choose to register for the full Saturday workshop, Ensemble Improvisation with Sera Smolen, or Sunday Book 6+ Workshop + Masterclass with Rob Richardson (a participant fee will apply).
Flute students (Book 2 and up) are invited to join the cellos and violins for Ensemble Improvisation with Sera Smolen (a participant fee will apply).
Robert Richardson, Jr. (Brandon, Manitoba)
Rob Richardson is a well sought after teacher known for his energy, wittiness, humour and passion for working with students, parents and teachers alike. He is a sessional faculty member at Brandon University, teaches and conducts at Suzuki workshops, Institutes and music festivals on a regular basis throughout North America and beyond. He has presented at the Suzuki Association of the Americas Teachers’ conference, leadership retreats and at International Suzuki Conferences. He is also one of the founding members of Suzuki Music/Musique Canada, a newly formed association sanctioned by the SAA and dedicated to promote the Suzuki method from coast to coast in both languages (English and French). Rob has been a guest teacher at many OSA workshops in the past and we are excited to have him back.
Read an interview with Robert Richardson by the Brandon Sun
Dr. Sera Smolen (Ithaca, New York)
Sera Smolen received her PhD in music education in 2000. Sera will be introducing students to Creative Ability Development (CAD). CAD is a pedadogy which uses musical improvisation to help people develop their creative ability. Sera teaches CAD to both students and teachers around the world.
Read more about Dr. Sera Smolen-Bio
Creative Ability Development - The Premise
All children are born with creative ability. Any child's innate creative ability can be developed through the disciplined practice of creative exercises which allow the child complete freedom of choice. Great creative ability is the art of making choices.
Read more about
Dr Sera Smolen - Introduction to Creative Ability Development
Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton
Are you ready for this? We are excited to have CCAH coming to provide an interactive session on the steelpans. Students will learn about the history of steelpan and learn to play a song. The sound of the steelpans will brighten your day!
The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton (CCAH) was established in 1977 as a non-profit organization that has since gained charitable status. The organization promotes awareness that unity in diversity, full and active participation, unbiased inclusion, and the capacity to value differences equally are essential to the social, cultural, and economic growth of Halton Region.