Gwen Laster: Violinist, Recording Artist, Author.

Gwen's upbringing in Urban and Classical music was inspired by her mother's love for Rhythm and Blues, the Motown sound and Jazz. Her motivation blossomed from her Detroit high school orchestra teacher Anderson White. In addition to teaching traditional Orchestral and Chamber music repertoire, Andy also introduced Gwen to the Electric Violin one day when she came to her daily high school orchestra rehearsal. His organic approach to Improvisation was to point, then shout "Stand up, Take a Solo" using string arrangements of Dr. David Baker.  Anderson White introduced Gwen to playing Classical music on Electric Violin, professional recording sessions and her first experiences of summer music camps.
 
After earning her BM and MM from the University of Michigan School of Music, Gwen relocated to New York City. She emerged herself in recording as a Solo Artist, recording, touring and collaborating with other artists, playing Broadway shows, Jazz clubs, Traditional and Non Traditional Chamber Ensembles and Teaching Improvisation to String Players.

She has recorded two Solo recordings "Sneak Preview"(EP) and "I Hear You Smiling" that feature her original compositions and arrangements. The track "Send Love to the Equation" from the "Smiling" CD was selected for a very successful radio airplay campaign on AC Radio throughout the mid west. Her next solo recording "The Gameboard" will be released in February 2010. It is based on the readings of Steve Rother's book "Re-member"; A Handbook for Human Evolution on how to purposefully craft your own reality.  The Gameboard is a World Music recording using Violin, Vocals, Electronics, Western and non Western Strings and Percussion. Motivated by her interest in Environmental Sustainability and her love for Yoga, Gwen will present a multi media concert; Eco Chamber Music in Spring 2010. It is based on the Eastern Philosophy Ahimsa (Non Violence and Compassion) and will use original music, yogic arts dancers and footage of the environment to convey the message of saving our planet. She most recently performed at the Obama Inauguration at the Neighborhood Ball with Columbian singer/songwriter Shakira.   

Gwen publishes her first educational method book; "Music for the Creative String Player" in September '09. This comprehensive method includes technical studies, songs composed by Gwen, beginning Improvisation skills and a practice CD.