Hello! My name is Laura
Background
Before moving to London, I was an orchestra teacher for three years where I taught 5th and 6th grade (ages 10-12) and 9th-12th grade (ages 14-18). The 5th grade students were beginners on violin, viola, cello and bass. All of the students participated in a daily or two times a week orchestra ensemble setting with weekly lessons. These ensembles and lessons all took place within the school day and were a part of a grade curriculum.
After school hours, I had a private studio where I taught private lessons on violin, viola, and cello to beginner and intermediate players. We worked on finding the best posture, specific string techniques, and developing their confidence as a string player. To read more about my studio, please click Studio.
From 2011-2015, I attended UW-Eau Claire for my undergrad bachelor’s of Music Education-Instrumental/General. Halfway through my undergrad, I decided to add special education as a part of my major because I knew all students could be involved in orchestra and I wanted to be able to include students with disabilities. I added an Adaptive Music Certificate which provided me with specific skills on how to work with students with disabilities.
Moving to London
In 2019, my partner and I moved to Isle of Dogs, London because I had entered the Music Education and Performance master’s degree with Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. I attended this school from 2019-December of 2020, a 15 month programme, and graduated officially in December of 2021.
After graduating and switching visa’s to my partner’s, I was hired by Havering Music School as worked as a supply teacher for Forward Teaching. I also joined the London Video Game Orchestra on viola and became String Leader/Concert Master of the JPMorgan Symphony Orchestra.
Currently, I live in London (Stratford area) to be closer to Havering schools. I am enjoying living abroad and learning a new culture! Before moving to London, I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in Stoughton, Wisconsin. My main hobbies include: traveling, playing strategic board games, reading, archery, and playing Irish music in local pubs.
Outside of teaching, I love to perform on viola and violin for various activities. In the past I was a substitute violist for the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Beloit/Janesville Symphony Orchestra and I performed regularly for weddings, church services, funerals, and musicals for theater companies in the area.