Guest Artist Masterclass with Mel Martin

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I am excited to announce that violinist Mel Martin will be presenting a Guest Artist Masterclass for the Studio!

If you are new to Guest Artist Masterclasses, the paragraphs below provide further information about both the masterclass and Mel Martin. If you are already familiar with Guest Artist Masterclasses, please scroll down to the bottom of the page for dates and registration information.

 
 
 
 

Guest Artist Masterclasses

 

About
Guest Artist Masterclasses offer students an excellent opportunity to learn from an established artist, explore new ideas and insights, gain performance experience, and further develop their musical growth.

In a masterclass setting, each participant plays a piece they have been learning in their weekly lessons. The guest artist then works with the participant for 20 - 30 minutes, giving feedback on various areas of their performance. The concepts that the guest artist covers vary with each student but generally include broad artistic ideas and technical suggestions relevant to the performing student and student audience members.

A masterclass takes place in an open observational setting, allowing learning for both participants and non-participating audience members. Students can watch their peers perform and see real-time feedback as the guest artist works with each participant. The focus is not on playing perfectly but on developing musical skills through performance and guest artist guidance.


Requirements and Participant Limit
The Guest Artist Masterclass registration is open to all students RCM Levels 2 and above. Due to the two-hour time constraint, the masterclass is limited to five participants and will be filled on a first-come basis.


Piano Accompaniment
The Guest Artist Masterclass is formal a performance, and participating students are asked to present their pieces with piano accompaniment.  Performing with piano accompaniment allows the guest artist to observe a student's complete musical performance and offer suggestions accordingly.

Piano accompanist rehearsals will occur at the Studio the week before the masterclass.  I will be at all rehearsals to assist and ensure things run smoothly.


Audience
The masterclass is a free, non-ticketed event.  It is open to parents, friends and all non-participating students.


About Mel Martin
Violinist Mel Martin accepted an invitation to join the performance faculty at Western University in 2005, bringing to his post a wealth of experience as one of Ontario's most highly sought-after teachers.

He has held the position of Section First Violinist with London Symphonia (formerly Orchestra London) since 1981, where he has also served as Concertmaster, Assistant Concertmaster, and has been featured as soloist on several occasions.

Mel also is a member of the Stratford Festival Orchestra where is roles have included Concertmaster and stage musician.  In addition to chamber music collaborations at Stratford Summer Music, Mel has performed solo and chamber music recitals in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

A student of Francis Chaplin at Brandon University, and one of the youngest members of the National Youth Orchestra, Mel went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in performance at Indiana University with James Buswell and Franco Gulli, and a Master's degree at the University of Michigan under Paul Makanowitzkyand Charles Avsharian.

 
 
 
 

Guest Artist Masterclass Information and Registration

 

Masterclass Date: Friday, April 19, 2024

Masterclass Time: 6pm

Masterclass Location: Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Rd, Toronto ON M4G 1W4

Piano Accompanist Rehearsal Dates:

  • Sunday, April 14, 2024, 11am and onward at the Studio

Please note rehearsals are scheduled on a first-come basis.  I will send the finalized rehearsal schedules by the second week of April. If you cannot attend the rehearsal date above, let me know on the registration form. I can coordinate a rehearsal time with Christopher, the pianist, at his Studio.

Masterclass Registration Fee: $70

Piano Accompanist Fee:

  • 30-minute rehearsal and recital accompaniment - $45

    • RCM Grades 2 - 6

  • 45-minute rehearsal and recital accompaniment - $68

    • RCM Grades 6 - 8 

  • 60-minute rehearsal and recital accompaniment - $90

    • RCM Grades 8, 9 and up

  • 75-minute rehearsal and recital accompaniment - $113

    • RCM Grades 8, 9 and up

RCM levels are a general guide to rehearsal length. Rehearsals can be as long as needed, regardless of a student's level of study.

Masterclass Registration Requirement: The masterclass is open to any student at RCM Level 2 and above.

Masterclass Participant Limit: Due to the two-hour time constraint, the masterclass is limited to five participants and will be filled on a first-come basis.

Guest Artist Masterclass Registration Deadline:  Sunday, March 31, 2024

To register for the Guest Artist Masterclass, please click the link below to complete the registration form. All masterclass and rehearsal fees are non-refundable and will be reflected on the April 2024 lesson invoice.