Welcome to Mahrmusic
Over Twenty Years of Teaching Experience
I am accepting students from age five and older at two different locations in the southwest. My students have held positions in the Edmonton Youth Orchestra and in Bachelor of Music programs. They are prepared for Royal Conservatory Exams and the Edmonton Kiwanis Festival. Students also perform twice annually in my studio recitals held in December and June in Stencel Hall at Taylor College.
Lessons I Provide
Choose From Three Instruments
Violin Lessons
Students are expected to practice 5 days per week. I use the Suzuki Method book but I incorporate the reading of music right from the very beginning of learning this instrument. I also use the Royal Conservatory graded exam books. You must rent or purchase your own violin.
Viola Lessons
The viola has a lower pitch than the violin and is a larger instrument to hold. It is best suited to taller children with long arms and bigger hands. It is also possible to switch to viola after several years of violin lessons. The viola reads in alto clef.
Beginner Piano Lessons
IÂ teach beginner piano up to Royal Conservatory grade 6. I learned piano from my mother who studied in Paris, and I continued with private lessons at university. My students have scored honours in Royal Conservatory Exams. I use the Faber Method but also incorporate chording and playing by ear early on. Scales are learned by memory.
String Quartet Camp
Whether you play violin, viola or cello this will introduce you to the intricacies of string quartet playing. The minimum level for attending the camp is RCM grade 5. The camp takes place in Edmonton in July. It includes both private lessons and string quartet coaching. The camp concludes with a concert.
Leslie Mahr M.Mus
Your Teacher is also a Performer
This is a photo of me performing with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at their annual Symphony Under the Sky concert. I have performed with the Calgary Philharmonic, the Richmond (VA) Symphony and Symphony Nova Scotia. I've won auditions in several orchestras. My Bachelor of Music degree is in violin performance and my Master of Music degree is in viola performance. I've also been a founding member of the Taylor String Quartet and Trio Aria.
Music Around the World
Music has taken me on a fascinating journey around the world. In the U.S. I was a finalist in the Rutgers Summerfest Concerto Competition and I performed at the Wilmington (DE) Chamber Music Festival.
A summer spent touring across Canada with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada was matched by another at the Banff Centre of Fine Arts. I've held principal positions in the Opera Lyra in Ottawa and Opera Nuova in Edmonton and played Principal Viola in the Prince George Symphony and the orchestra in Madeira. A whirlwind tour of Europe with the American Sinfonietta culminated with a concert in the famous Musikverein in Vienna.
Apart from performing, I've written arts reviews for the Kingston Whig-Standard and have been a broadcaster on CBC Radio. I can get you started on your own journey.
When it comes to violin, there are many teachers, but among them Leslie cares immensely for her students, and guides them step by step in order to help them achieve their goals. Leslie was the violin teacher that was able to let me achieve my goals in violin, and I can't thank her enough for all the things that she did for me.
Andy Xia
Contact Me
Leslie Mahr M.Mus
3412 Carnation Drive
Trail, British Columbia
Canada
778 456-0668
Mrs. Leslie Mahr showed her professional teaching experiences in my son's learning. She always be patient and willing to help. As parent I am so glad to have Mrs. Leslie Mahr as my son's violin teacher and all her great teaching will be very appreciated.