Strings Music Program

The University of Windsor Lab School offers music instruction for students who wish to study the violin, viola, cello, string bass (ages 4-17) or flute (ages 12-17) through a curriculum that includes group class instruction, theory and master classes, chamber music, and performance opportunities at the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts. 

Students will be grouped based on age and skill level, and will participate in 12 group lessons per semester and a concert. They will engage with leading pedagogues associated with the University of Windsor. The classes are 60 minutes in length and are structured to develop technical/musical skills, ensemble and ear training, concert etiquette, and participation in master class performance experiences, all of which encourage social interactions with their peers. As part of the curriculum, students will have the opportunity to perform in a concert at the Capitol Theatre. 

In the early stages of music study, students establish the technical/musical foundation on which all future artistry develops. In addition, students become engaged in their learning, set personal goals, acquire an increased sense of self-efficacy, and develop lasting friendships with peers who share similar interests. In essence, a priority of the University of Windsor Lab School is to nurture the overall well-being of every student. 

Students can bring their own instrument or use an instrument provided by the Lab School.

Lab School 2025-2026 Dates and Policies:

Class Dates

October 25, 2025

November 8, 2025

November 22, 2025

December 6, 2025

January 17, 2026

January 31, 2026

February 14, 2026

February 28, 2026

March 14, 2026

March 28, 2026

April 11, 2026

April 25, 2026 – Dress Rehearsal

May 2, 2026 – Concert

Classes are held on Saturdays at 2:00pm and 3:00pm at the School of Creative Arts. Please see the Registration Form for more details regarding playing levels and age. Students will be placed in groups at the discretion of the program director.

New strings students with no previous experience are expected to be enrolled in private music lessons. If participants do not currently have a private instructor, they are free to find an instructor on their own or contact Dr. Vanessa Mio-Quiring for more information.

Lab School Students are expected to bring their own instrument to each class. Instruments can be borrowed through the Lab School for the duration of the program for a small fee. Please see the Registration Form for more details.

Regular attendance is highly encouraged to help students reach collective goals and foster team-work within the groups.

If a student decides to discontinue, they are entitled to a full refund one week after the first class.

Jazz Mentorship Program

This program provides students with an opportunity to develop their technical skills in jazz performance.  Students will receive individual attention in small group jazz combo sessions from distinguished University of Windsor music faculty, learning side by side with our University of Windsor Music students. High School students will learn and perform together with our University of Windsor Bachelor of Music students, those who are striving to become professional musicians.    

What you can expect: 

• Masterclasses in improvisation, jazz theory and jazz harmony 
• Small group jazz combo rehearsals 
• Jazz performance opportunities 
• Music instruction from distinguished University of Windsor music faculty 
• Mentorship from current University of Windsor music students 
• Opportunity to collaborate with exceptional like-minded young musicians

Approved Instruments:

• Saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone) 
• Clarinet 
• Trumpet 
• Trombone 
• Strings (violin/cello) 
• Piano 
• Guitar 
• Bass 
• Drums 

An audition video is a mandatory part of the application process for this program.

Please email vmio@uwindsor.ca for more information.

Location

All music programs will take place at the wonderful Windsor Armouries – School of Creative Arts, located in Downtown Windsor.