About
There is something magical about creativity - it allows us to imagine possibilities, express our thoughts and feelings, and weave connections in unexpected ways. 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 to be discovered.
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 took nine years of ballet training and participated in academic and community theatre, including stage and chorus roles and serving as choreographer for several productions. 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 background continues to shape her 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 students often achieve high marks on exams, including regional gold medal recognition, and place well in festivals and competitions.
Carmen has presented at the American String Teachers Association National Conference where her session, Awakening Intuitive Communication: Exploring Theater Improv Games for Studio Teachers was recognized by The Strad Magazine. She currently serves as Vice Chair of ASTA’s National Studio Committee and on the Executive Team of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association Toronto Central Branch.
Additionally, Carmen has presented educational masterclasses and workshops, served as festival adjudicator, and written for The Strad Magazine and violinist.com.