Hello!
My name is Laura Gorden and I am currently a masters student at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the Masters of Arts Music Education and Performance program in London, United Kingdom.
Background
Before attending Trinity Laban, I was an orchestra teacher for three years where I taught 5th and 6th grade (ages 10-12) and 9th-12th grade (ages 14-18). The 5th grade students were beginners on violin, viola, cello and bass. All of the students participated in a daily or two times a week orchestra ensemble setting with weekly lessons. These ensembles and lessons all took place within the school day and were a part of a grade curriculum.
After school hours, I had a private studio where I taught private lessons on violin, viola, and cello to beginner and intermediate players. We worked on finding the best posture, specific string techniques, and developing their confidence as a string player.
From 2011-2015, I attended UW-Eau Claire for my undergrad bachelor’s of Music Education-Instrumental/General. Halfway through my undergrad, I decided to add special education as a part of my major because of a few very rewarding experiences I had working with students with disabilities in a music classroom. I added an Adaptive Music Certificate which provided me with specific skills on how to work with students with disabilities.
Now
Currently I live in London (Greenwich area) to attend school at Trinity Laban. I am enjoying living abroad and learning a new culture! Before moving to London, I lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in Stoughton, Wisconsin. My main hobbies include: traveling, playing strategic board games, reading, and playing Irish music in local pubs.
Outside of teaching, I love to perform on viola and violin for various activities. In the past I was a substitute violist for the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Beloit/Janesville Symphony Orchestra and I performed regularly for weddings, church services, funerals, and musicals for theater companies in the area.