Contemporary Strings Lab with Marlene CruzLozano
Contemporary Strings Lab is a weekly creative ensemble program for adult string players who want todevelop both strong musicianship and creative confidence in a supportive group setting.
Students explore ensemble playing, groove and rhythm, ear training and playing by ear, improvisation,contemporary accompaniment (comping), and creative musicianship while continuing to strengthen theirtechnical foundations.
Whether you're returning to your instrument or looking to expand beyond traditional lessons, Contemporary Strings Lab offers a welcoming musical community where creativity and technique develop together.
Guiding string players toward creative and musical independence.
Contemporary Strings Lab offers a fun and engaging learning experience for adult violin, viola, and cello players who want to expand their musical skills in a supportive group setting. These are semester-based instructional ensemble classes, not drop-in sessions. Students register per semester, with payment due at the beginning of each month.
The program is open to advanced beginners through intermediate players who are comfortable reading simple music and playing basic repertoire. Through ensemble playing, rhythm, ear training, playing by ear, improvisation, contemporary accompaniment (comping), and creative musicianship, participants develop greater confidence, versatility, and musical independence.
A variety of musical concepts are explored each week to strengthen individual playing while building the listening and collaborative skills needed to perform as an ensemble.
Whether you're returning to your instrument or looking to expand beyond traditional lessons, Contemporary Strings Lab offers a welcoming musical community where creativity and technique develop together.
Prerequisite
Participants should be comfortable reading simple music and playing in first position. Previous ensemble experience is helpful but not required. This is a multilevel program, and players of varying experience levels are welcome.
Throughout the semester, all participants will explore contemporary string techniques—including groove based playing, accompaniment patterns (comping), ear training, playing by ear, improvisation, and other creative approaches to the instrument.
Activities and repertoire are adapted to each player's experience level, allowing everyone to build strong technical foundations while developing creativity and confidence together.
What You'll Explore
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Ensemble playing
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Groove and rhythm
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Ear training and playing by ear
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Guided improvisation
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Contemporary string techniques
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Accompaniment (comping)
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Creativity and arranging
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Musical independence
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Optional informal performance
Start Date: September 14, 2026
Location: Alcorn Music Studios, 953 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, Ontario
Day: Monday evenings, 7:00–8:15 pm
These are semester-based instructional ensemble classes, not drop-in sessions.
Semester Schedule
Fall Semester
September – December
Winter Semester
February – June
Summer Session
To be announced
Tuition $150 per month
Students register by semester, with payment due at the beginning of each month. Monthly tuition is processed through automatic payments for
consistency and ease.
Group Class Policy
Please note that there are no refunds, credits, or prorated payments offered for missed group classes
Questions & Registration
To learn more or pre-register, please visit: https://www.cruzlozano.com/contemporary-strings