Carmen Lasceski-Custers

A diverse and engaging performer, Toronto-based violinist, vocalist and pedagogue Carmen Lasceski-Custers has worked in numerous settings with a repertoire that spans many genres. She holds a masters degree in violin performance and literature from Western University (M.Mus.), a bachelors degree in violin performance from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (B.Mus. Honours) and completed additional coursework in drama and voice at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. Her primary teachers include Jaime Weisenblum, Annette-Barbara Vogel and Klara Fenyö Bahcall. She has taken additional pedagogy lessons with violinist Melvin Martin. A skilled and dedicated teacher, Carmen has developed a formidable reputation as a violin pedagogue. She has worked with students across Canada and internationally throughout the U.S., China and Saudi Arabia. She has adjudicated for music festivals and competitions, worked as a summer festival clinician and graduate teaching assistant, given orchestral workshops in both primary and secondary school settings, presented university masterclasses, and had four of her pedagogical articles published. Her students have been accepted into performing arts high schools around Toronto, including Claude Watson School For The Arts and Rosedale Heights School of the Arts. They have held principal section and concertmaster positions with Santa Monica High School Orchestras (Samohi), University of Toronto Schools and Moordale Youth Orchestras. They frequently receive high exam marks and place well at regional and international festivals and competitions. Carmen has worked with students of all ages and ability levels throughout her teaching career. Her finely honed teaching skills allow her to guide her students to realize their fullest potential in whatever their goals may be.