Sweet Stringsters

This beginner violin program is being generously subsidized by the Meaford Culture Foundation and culturally supported by Sweetwater. The program is designed for students with little or no previous experience with the violin. Professional violinist Matthew Hayes will be the primary instructor, with  mentoring from members of the Sweetwater Music Festival’s Community String ensemble; Sweet Strings. Students will participate in a weekly group lesson, will have opportunities to sit in on Sweet Strings rehearsals, and may participate in a community concert if ready!

• Date/Time: Lessons will be held at Meaford United Church, 7 Boucher St. E, from 4:30-5:30 on Thursdays.
• Term One: Sept 18- Dec 11
• Term Two: Jan 15- June 18
• Age/Cost: Open to ages 7+, lessons will cost $15/wk. Should a family require further subsidy, please contact Angela Forder, Community Outreach Director, at info@meafordculture.ca.
• Instruments: There are some violins available for free loan. Rentals are also an option or families may be able to borrow or may have an existing instrument!

The program is limited to 10 students. To give everyone a chance to learn about the program, applications will be considered beginning on June 1st. Should there be a large number of applications then a lottery draw will determine the successful candidates. This draw will take place on June 15 if it is necessary. All applicants will be notified on June 15th.

To apply, please fill out the application below:

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Student's Age & Grade: *

Parent or Guardian's Name: *

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How enthusiastic is our child about learning the violin? *SomewhatModeratelyFairlyVeryExtremely

How well is your child able to focus for 45-60 minutes at a time? *SomewhatModeratelyFairlyVeryExtremely

Is your child comfortable committing to 15 minutes of practice a day? *YesMaybeNo

A limited number of violins are available for use. Are you comfortable renting a violin ($25 monthly), or do you have one already? *YesMaybeNo

Student, please write a short paragraph about why you would like learn the violin (Parents may scribe):

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About the Instructor – Matthew Hayes

Matthew received his Bachelor of Music degree with Honours from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2004, studying modern and baroque violin with Jeremy Bell (Penderecki String Quartet) and Julie Baumgartel (Tafelmusik, Nota Bene). As a violinist Matthew has performed with the Georgian Bay Symphony, Laurier Alumni Chamber Orchestra, National Academy Orchestra, Mississauga Symphony, Guelph Symphony, Waterloo Chamber Players, Chestnut Hall Camerata, Spiritus Ensemble, Oakville Chamber Orchestra, Royal City Musical Productions, Community Players of New Hamburg (as concertmaster and string coach). 

He has participated in festivals such as the Windsor Canadian New Music Festival and the Spoleto USA Festival (Charleston, South Carolina). Matthew has toured with Video Games Live and performed and contracted chamber ensembles for tours and engagements across Canada, through his company Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets. As a teacher, Matthew has taught group/individual and online lessons with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, with The Centre for String Playing (Hamilton, ON), with Meaford Singing Strings, and The Big Sound (Owen Sound, ON). Matthew also teaches violin from his home studio in Meaford.

For more information on the program, please contact Program Coordinator, Jen Burak, at jenburak1@gmail.com