About
There is something intrinsic about creativity - an extraordinary force that allows us to imagine untold possibilities, express our thoughts and feelings in limitless ways, and weave connections through the most unexpected channels. For as long as I can remember, the pull of creativity has shaped my life - leading me to explore many outlets, dreaming of ideas and bringing them to life.
Through twists and turns, this journey has shaped my work and brought me to where I am today - passionate about helping others develop their skills and find a creative voice through my educational work, expressing myself and bringing joy to others through music, and exploring how we can take ideas from one discipline to create new thoughts and solutions for another.
As the journey unfolds creativity is there - leading the way to new possibilities yet untold.
Formal Biography
Early Years
Toronto-based violinist, vocalist and educator Carmen Lasceski-Custers has worked in a diverse range of settings with a repertoire spanning many genres.
Originally from the rolling hills of South-Central Wisconsin, Carmen spent her early years immersed in the performing arts. She began violin lessons at the age of three, and soon after joined her mother, musician Diane Michaels, on stage in concert, singing and playing violin. The two went on to form the mother-daughter folk duo, Side by Side, releasing a self-titled studio album and touring extensively throughout the Midwest, presenting a variety of musical, storytelling, and educational concert programs for a wide range of audiences and venues.
In addition to her musical studies and performance work, Carmen trained in ballet for nine years and participated in academic and community theatre throughout her youth, including stage and chorus roles in several productions and serving as choreographer for My Fair Lady. Her passion for teaching, entrepreneurship, and creative projects led her to open and run her own small dance studio, Studio One Dance, for four years during high school.
Education & Training
Carmen went on to pursue four years of drama, violin, and voice studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville before completing her bachelor's degree in violin performance at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She earned her master's degree in violin performance and literature from Western University in London, Ontario.
Throughout her academic studies, Carmen received several scholarships for violin, voice, and drama, placed well in violin, music and composition competitions, and performed lead roles including Laurey (Oklahoma!), Rizzo (Grease), and the Nurse (The Death of Bessie Smith).
She has studied violin with Jaime Weisenblum, Annette-Barbara Vogel, and Klara Fenyö Bahcall, voice with Barbara Burdick, Ron Shetler, Rebekah Demaree, and Sacha Williamson, and drama with Mike O'Brien, John McCaslin-Doyle, and Bob Luke.
Professional Experience
Carmen's diverse artistic foundation, built throughout her formative years, continues to shape her current multifaceted approach to teaching, performance, and creative projects. Throughout her career, she has worked across many areas of the performing arts as a chamber and orchestral musician, soloist, actress, choreographer, dance teacher, and choral singer.
Her unique concert programs featuring classical violin and jazz vocals have received positive audience reviews. Carmen has arranged, recorded, and released three singles for voice and piano, producing accompanying performance videos and visual campaigns for each release. Her single "The Christmas Song" was premiered on Australia's 4CRM 107.5FM Community Radio.
Teaching Work
A dedicated pedagogue, Carmen established Cavatina Violin Studio in 2016, where she teaches students of all ages and levels of study in Midtown Toronto. Her teaching reach extends globally through remote lessons across North America, China, and Saudi Arabia. She is a Certified Advanced Specialist (violin) with the Royal Conservatory of Music and maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including serving on the American String Teachers Association's National Studio Committee and National Conference Masterclass Review Subcommittee. Her pedagogical approach is informed by specialized training including Paul Rolland String Pedagogy, studies with Mel Martin, and participation in ASTA's mentorship program with Dr. Robert Gillespie.
Her students often achieve high marks on exams and place well at festivals and competitions. Carmen has presented university masterclasses, worked as a festival clinician and adjudicator, and written pedagogical articles for violinist.com.