Teaching Philosophy
To read my formal bio please scroll to the bottom of the page.
"What does Cavatina mean?"
People often ask me. "It's a musical term," I reply, "meaning a beautiful melody." Cavatina Violin Studio - a space filled with beautiful melodies.
Hello and welcome. My name is Carmen, and I’ve been a private violin teacher in Toronto for over 15 years. When I first imagined opening my own studio 10 years ago, I envisioned a calm, creative space filled with natural light and colourful art. Not long after, Cavatina Violin Studio was born.
I’m naturally curious and enjoy understanding how things work in detail while also seeing the bigger picture through a creative lens - and this shapes how I teach. I enjoy problem solving, working with people, and bringing music to life in engaging ways. Music is for everyone, and its value extends far beyond the notes we play. It nurtures expression, creativity, resilience, confidence, and a sense of connection.
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When teaching, I meet each student where they are, drawing on their unique motivations and learning styles to guide and inspire them toward their goals. I take a well-rounded approach – helping each student develop a toolbox of skills to express their musical ideas. I view technique not as a destination, but a means to an end – a strong foundation unlocks the ability to realize what is imagined. I believe in creating a safe, inclusive atmosphere that balances enjoyment with high performance standards.
My process draws on the Royal Conservatory of Music, Conservatory Canada, and American String Teachers Association curricula with a focus on Western classical music. I also incorporate elements of pop, fiddle, and hip-hop, as well as works by new and underrepresented composers.
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When a strong technical foundation and inspiration come together, students begin to develop their own unique artistry. No matter what my students’ goals may be, it is this artistry I hope to foster in each of them.
“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”
- Leonard Bernstein
Carmen
Lasceski-Custers
Educational Background & Artistic Work
Toronto-based violinist, vocalist, and educator Carmen Lasceski-Custers is a versatile performer and dedicated teacher who has worked across multiple areas of the performing arts. She holds a Master of Music (M.Mus.) in Violin Performance and Literature from Western University, where she was awarded a graduate research scholarship, and a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus. Honours) in Violin Performance from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Her studies also include four years of specialized training in voice and drama at the University of Wisconsin Platteville.
Her principal teachers include violinists Jaime Weisenblum, Annette-Barbara Vogel, and Klara Fenyö Bahcall.
Carmen’s artistic work spans chamber music, orchestra, and solo settings, as well as voice, acting, and dance. Her interest in blending artistic mediums has led to the creation of original projects, including the release of three singles and concert programs that combine classical violin with jazz and pop vocals alongside poetry.
Pedagogical Training & Professional Engagement
Carmen works with students of all ages and levels of study, teaching in person in the Greater Toronto Area and remotely with students internationally.
Her pedagogical training includes a Level 1 Endorsement in Paul Rolland String Pedagogy, mentorship through the American String Teachers Association with Dr. Robert Gillespie, and studies with Mel Martin. She engages in ongoing professional development through organizations such as the American String Teachers Association, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and the Benedetti Foundation.
Carmen is a Certified Advanced Specialist with the Royal Conservatory of Music and an active member of ORMTA, CFMTA, and ASTA. Within these organizations, she serves as Vice-Chair of ASTA’s National Studio Committee and on the Executive Team of ORMTA Toronto Central Branch. In 2026 she was a presenter at the ASTA National Conference and has written for The Strad Magazine and violinist.com.
Teaching Experience & Student Achievement
Carmen has taught at music schools in Canada and the United States, worked as a graduate teaching assistant, and led orchestral workshops in both primary and secondary school settings. Her work also includes presenting masterclasses and serving as a festival adjudicator.
In 2016, she opened Cavatina Violin Studio in Midtown Toronto.
Her students regularly achieve strong results in Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, including regional gold medal recognition, and have been successful in festivals and competitions such as Toronto Kiwanis Festival, OMFA Provincial Finals, and the Grand Maestro International Music Competition (online).
Many have served as principal section leads in youth orchestras, including Mooredale Youth Orchestras, University of Toronto Schools, and Santa Monica High School (Samohi) in California, and have been accepted into specialized performance programs and arts-focused high schools.
Drawing on her performance background and teaching experience, Carmen is committed to helping each student develop strong technical foundations, creative expression, and their own unique sense of artistry.