Creative Ensemble for Adult String Players
Interested in joining Contemporary Strings Lab?
Join the interest list to receive program updates and information about upcoming enrolment opportunities.
Fall 2026 · Ottawa & Gatineau · $150 CAD/month
Our founding Fall group is now confirmed!
Join us Monday evenings at Alcorn Music Studios in Ottawa. Classes begin September 21, and registration is currently open.
Grow. Connect. Create
If you've ever wished there were a place to explore music beyond traditional lessons—while continuing to build strong technique—you've found it.
Contemporary Strings Lab is a weekly creative ensemble for adult violin, viola, and cello players who want to make music together, develop new skills, and become more confident, independent musicians.
Whether you're returning to your instrument or looking for new musical inspiration, you'll find a welcoming community where creativity and technique develop side by side.
Guiding string players toward creative and musical independence.
What You'll Explore
Throughout the semester, we'll explore a wide range of musical skills, including:
• Ensemble playing
• Groove and rhythm
• Ear training and playing by ear
• Guided improvisation
• Contemporary string techniques
• Accompaniment (comping)
• Creativity and arranging
• Musical independence
Activities are adapted to each player's experience level, allowing everyone to be challenged while contributing meaningfully to the ensemble.
Is This Program Right For Me?
Contemporary Strings Lab is designed for adult violin, viola, and cello players who:
• Are comfortable reading simple music
• Can play basic repertoire in first position (See pre-requisite below)
• Enjoy making music with others
• Are curious about playing beyond the written page
• Want to continue growing as musicians in a supportive environment.
Previous ensemble or improvisation experience is not required.
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.
Program Details
Fall Semester Begins: Week of September 21, 2026
Ottawa Location
Alcorn Music Studios
953 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa, ON
Mondays: 7:00–8:15 pm
First Class: September 14, 2026
Format: Semester-based instructional ensemble classes. These are not drop-in sessions.
Semester Schedule
Fall Semester: September–December
Winter Semester: January–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.
Prefer another payment option? Fall semester tuition can also be paid in full ($600) or in three payments of $200.
Group Class Policy
There are no refunds, credits, or prorated payments for missed group classes.
Gatineau Location— Coming Soon!
Boreal Arts Academy
157 Rue Laurier, Gatineau
Near the Canadian Museum of History, in the Portage area — just minutes from downtown Ottawa and Parliament Hill
Interested in Contemporary Strings activities in Gatineau? Workshops, lunchtime classes, and future ensemble opportunities are being explored. Join the interest list to receive updates.
Meet Marlene.
Hi! I'm Marlene Cruz Lozano.
I'm a violinist, teaching artist, and ensemble director with over 20 years of teaching experience.
Throughout my career, I've worked with beginners, advanced students, youth ensembles, and adult musicians. Along the way, I've become increasingly passionate about helping string players develop not only strong technique, but also the creativity, listening skills, and confidence that allow music to become truly personal.
Contemporary Strings Lab brings together many of the ideas I've been developing throughout my teaching, performing, and artistic journey into one welcoming musical community.
Interested in joining Contemporary Strings Lab?
Join the interest list to receive updates about upcoming enrolment opportunities, workshops, and future programs.