NEWS
The Creative Strings Institute

Developed by Gwen Laster, this teaching method brings together traditionally trained string players in nurturing Composition and Improvisation skills. Jazz and Global music repertoire are also used to emphasize individuality of sound, music theory and ear training. All students record their own CD's of the music they've composed, arranged and/or studied as an end session activity. Creative Strings was the first non traditional string workshop welcomed by the Interlochen Arts Academy in the summer of 08' with an overwhelming success. Gwen will be returning in the summer of 09' to lead the Creative Strings Workshop at Interlochen. She is presenting this workshop to numerous schools, colleges, universities and arts camps across the globe. Gwen teaches group and private sessions to her students in Cold Spring and Brooklyn Heights, New York. She will publish her first method book 'Music for the Creative String Player" in September 09'.

"School Girl"
Gwen Laster featured in: Chamber Music America publication
Click here to download article

Creative Strings Connection Newsletter

Gwen Laster publishes an online newsletter featuring artists, composers, producers, performances, ensembles, and arts funding information for the arts community. To be added to this list, go to the contact page of this site.

Upcoming Performances and Workshops

Tuesday, January 20. 2009
Obama Inauguration
PM. ABC
The Neighborhood Ball
Gwen performs with Columbian singer/songwriter Shakira

Saturday, Jan. 30
New York City
Global Music Double Fundraiser for:
Fabian Alsutany and Doctors Without Borders
Le Poission Rouge 11p-4a

Monday, Feb. 1
Levey Middle School. Southfield MIchigan
Creative Strings Workshop

Tuesday, Feb. 2
Orchard Lake Middle School, Orchard Lake Michigan
Creative Strings Workshop

Sunday, Feb. 7
Sphinx Symphony Orchestra
Max Fischer Center, Detroit, Michigan

Thursday, Feb. 25
Beacon, New York
Jazz Trio with Gwen, Bassist Ron Figueroa and Pianist Doug Correllus

Friday, Feb. 26
Woodstock, New York
Woodstock Arts Museum
Esopus Musicalia Chamber Ensemble. 7p

April 20
New York, New York
Museum of Modern Art 6-10p
Gwen's 3 piece Ensemble with Damon Banks - Bass, TBA 3rd musician
Citizens Committee for Children

June 19-24
Creative Strings Institute
Interlochen Arts Academy

July 25- August 8
Singer Songwrtier Workshop
Interlochen Arts Academy

CD's I've recorded on...