Sweet Stringsters

This violin program is begin generously subsidized by the Meaford Culture Foundation and culturally supported by Sweetwater. The program offers a beginner class for children with no previous violin experience and a year two program for children who have completed the beginner class or have done at least one year of violin.

Professional violinist Matthew Hayes is the primary instructor, with mentoring from members of SweetStrings, the Sweetwater Community Ensemble. Students will participate in a weekly group lesson and will have opportunities to be part of SweetStrings concert events.

The lessons are held on Thursdays at Meaford United Church, 7 Boucher St. E.

Parents should enter via the parking lot door.

– Beginners: 4:00-4:30 pm (8 students max)

– 2nd Year Class: 4:40-5:30 pm (10 students max)

Class Schedule 2026-27

Term One: Sept. 17- Dec. 10

Term Two: Jan 14- March 11

Term Three: March 25- June 17

Cost

MCF subsidizes the lessons which are $15 a week per child.

Note: Should a family require a further subsidy please contact Susanne Scott, Community Outreach Director, MCF

Sj66scott@gmail.com or Program Coordinator Jen Burak at Jenniferburak@hotmail.com

Instruments

Renting a violin is generally the best option. Long and McQuade in Owen Sound can help.

The MCF has a limited number of instruments that can also be rented out or provided if.

Each class is limited to 8 students and applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis.

To apply, please fill out the application below:

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our one you

Student's Name:

First

Last

Student's Age & Grade:

Parent or Guardian's Name:

First

Last

Phone Number:

Home Address:

Emergency Contact's Name:

Emergency Contact's Phone Number:

How enthusiastic is our child about learning the violin?

How well is your child able to focus for 30-45 minutes at a time?

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

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

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

Parent, please write a short paragraph introducing your child and indicate if you are applying for.

Does your child have any physical challenges that could make learning the violin difficult?

Is your child a beginner or returning for their 2nd year?

Beginner
Second year

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