GET READY FOR THE BEST SUMMER EVER!!

This year Larsen School of Music is offering a collection of unique and innovative programs , to make your summer unforgettable!

Presenting 3 new programs for summer of 2013: 

1. Musical Theatre- July 8-12

2. IndieBand Bootcamp - July 15-19

3. JazzJazz Time Machine™ - July 22-26 

All programs run 9-4pm | Early Bird - $300, After May 15^th.  - $330.

Grades 7 through 12.

Registration is easy!

By phone at the school: 250-389-1988 ex. 3201

On-line here

Or by email us at school@larsenmusic.ca

Musical Theatre:

July 8-12 | 9-4pm |  $330.

Grades 7 through 12.

Get to experience the world of Musical Theatre during the summer on our week long camps. We are honored to have Theatre director Terry Rowsell (4 Seasons theatre) as the artistic director on the camp, together with Anabel Wind as music director and Deanna Callander as the camp choreographer.

This camp is packed full of drama, singing and dancing. The students will engage in a stimulating week of fun and hard but rewarding work, which lead to a final performance or presentation on Saturday- to which family and friends are invited.

Register today : online or by phone: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

IndieBand Bootcamp:

July 15-19 | 9-4pm | $330.

Grades 7 through 12.

IndieBand Bootcamp is the only program that is designed to encourage teens to explore musical self-expression by focusing on band creation of original music and writing their own songs for an end-of-the-week performance!  We are thrilled to have band-leader vocalist/guitarist/bassist/drummer and music educator, Scott McGill, artistically directing the camp, collaborating with pianist/composer/producer Thomas Kinzel to provide you with the best Musical experience.

Together we’ll explore a variety of styles while composing and performing, from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. You’ll will also enjoy learning about gear and set up, stage presence, and of course all the important ins and outs of crafting a killer song!

Register today : online or by phone: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

JazzJazz Time Machine™:

July 22-26 | 9-4pm | $330.

Grades 7* through 12.

JazzJazz Time Machine™ is our new experiential jazz program, led by Berklee alumni and saxophonist/pianist/composer/teacher Brooke Maxwell. He will be joined by Joey Smith on bass/guitar, and Matt Pease  on drums. A quick historically-framed music experience, zipping from Africa to Cuba to New Orleans to the lands of Louis, Duke and Miles, finally arriving in the present day! Suitable for grades 8-12. [*Hotshot grade 7's if recommended by teacher.] Students should be comfortable with the keys of F, Bb and Eb major, and know their darned chromatic scales by memory. [“Full range is the key to all happiness” - the Buddha.]

Yes there will be jamming, there will be singing, there will be dancing, and there will be percussing! Only *15 spots available. Sign up and start practicing now. Tinfoil helmets optional.

*An orientation meeting will be held on Saturday July 20^th. at the Victoria West Community Centre.

Register today : online or by phone: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

We are very excited to present what very well might be the only Eastman EBJ-WL1 Banjo available in western Canada!

Rim Dimensions:  3/8” thick and 10-3/4” in diameter
Hoop: Maple
Neck: 3 Piece Maple/Ebony
Head: Coated
Finish: Varnish
Fretboard: Ebony
Inlay: Custom Pearl
Tuning Machines: Chrome Planetary
Nut: Bone
Case: Hardshell Case Included

$1250

Come in and try it today! 

Larsen Music is having a massive pedal sale right now to make room for our new lineup of boutique brands soon to be in stock.
So right now if you purchase any pedal you can take home a second for half price*.
If you purchase two pedals the third is absolutely free*.
We have awesome fuzz, OD, flanger, chorus, delay and reverb pedals waiting to be part of your killer rig and much more.
The sale starts today and goes to May 18th.
Stop by Larsen Music at 1833 Cook St and test them out!



*With the purchase of pedals of equal or greater value
*Excluding Boss Pedals
*All purchases will be final sale

Larsen Music and School of Music will be closed on Monday, May 20th for the Victoria Day holiday. Have a great long weekend! See you on Tuesday.

We now carry Play On Air shoulder rests for Violin and Viola! We also carry junior Play On Air as well.

$29.70 plus tax

We have two beautiful 16.5" strad copy violas for sale. One comes with hard case, and has center mounted chin rest. The other comes with a bow and a hard case.

$1350.00, & $1250.00

Larsen Music is proud to present the annual Victoria Ukulele Week!

Click on the poster to check out this year's program

Tickets purchasing and registration for the workshops can be done over the phone at: 250-389-1988 Ext. 3201

We're very proud to announce that we are dealers for Lollar pickups! We've a bunch of models in stock, and have big plans for some. Watch for details!

http://www.lollarguitars.com

Kamaka, founded in 1916 by Samuel Kaialiilii Kamaka,  are a world-renowned ukulele manufacturer with a wide range of ukuleles — including the world’s very first pineapple ukulele — and their vintage ukuleles, while not exceedingly rare, have still become a sought after item in the ukulele world .

Ukulele week is now  under way and we thought it would be a good idea to show off a few of our more unique instruments. The first one we have for you is this fine tenor ukulele from the Moodyville company in North Vancouver.

Shelly D. Parker has been well known as a builder of Selmer Maccaferri style guitars for many years with a healthy waiting list and a roster of professional players using her instruments.

http://www.parkguitars.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MoodyvilleUkuleleCompany

Please click through to find out more about this exceptional ukulele

Please join us for Spring term beginner and intermediate/advance ukulele class with Paul Laverick!  You will surprise and delight yourself with how many incredible things you will be able to do on this wonderful little instrument!

May 9-June 27, 2013 + final concert date TBD

$125

Beginners : 5:30-6:30

Intermediate: 6:45-7:45

Register at the school: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

Our second season of The Choir with Anne Schaefer starts tomorrow! Call now to join.

This Shen Quinoil solo Bass has a carved spruce top with a solid maple side and back. It comes with the pickup installed and is perfect for either the performing jazz bass player or bluegrass player. 

$5895.00

This beautiful old  Bela Truppel Cello was made in 1915. It has a nice tone with high action strings. It is perfect for the solo classical musician.

$6500.00

This Eastman cello has a proffesional quality sound to it. Its sweet tones are perfect for the intermediate to professional player.

$2995.00

Nice warm deep tone, two piece back, great for intermediate students, looking for that perfect carrying voice.

Spruce top maple back.

$950.00

We have some new bows from the bow maker Reid Hudson that just came into our stock! These bows include German bass bows, cello bows and several violin bows. You can also check out his website at: www.reidhudson.com

Herold Mueller 16.5” viola

This wonderful Viola was made in Kelowna by Herold Mueller in 1997. Its softer deep tone carries well and is perfect for the well adjusted musician.

$2500.00

This plug in and play Barcus Berry Vibrato-ae is made in Romania. Its unique color going from black to red makes it stand out. Whether playing fiddle or classical this is the perfect instrument for the in a band musician.

$800.00

Klaus Heffler Violin

This violin comes to us all the way from Germany, where it was handmade in the master atelier. Made of Norway spruce, it’s the perfect violin for an intermediate player.

Price: $1895.00

Made in Germany in 1979, this violin was originally bought by a collector on Pender Island BC.  This violin has a brilliant tone and two piece maple back.  This violin would be perfect for the advanced player. Model number 501

Price $5000.00 

The Larsen Music family is crossing figures and congratulates our faculty member, Jeff Poynter and his band, West My Friend, for their Vancouver Island Music Awards nomination!!!


The group, is nominated in the Island Roots Album or EP of the Year, category.

Here is just a small selection of the many stringed insruments at Larsen Music. Each week we will be featuring three different stringed instruments, so take a look, and come back often.

Click here to Explore Our Spring Break Opportunities

Spring Break (dates and opportunities)

This year, Larsen School of Music will be closed for lesson for the first week of Spring Break, March 10-17 (including). The school will reopen for lessons on March 18th.

Read more for workshop overview

Please check out a great article in the March 2013 issue of Boulevard Magazine. Thanks to Alisa Gordaneer and Boulevard Magazine for their support!

Our beautiful, and one-of-a-kind in Victoria Choir will be performing its first concert this coming Sunday. Don't miss it!!

When: Sunday, March 10, 7:30-9pm
Where: The First Church of Christ Scientist (1205 Pandora Av. at Chambers)
How much: $10. Kids under 12 with no admission fee.

Tickets are available at the Larsen Music store in advance, or at the door.

(Choir members will be asked to come earlier for sound check and final touches!)

February - Our new Family Month!
Inspired by the new 'Family Day' stat holiday, Larsen School of Music presents our new Family Month!
What's included?

1. Our new FAMILY RATES for February - Each family that registers more than one member is eligible for the lower day-rates, regardless of their lesson-time. 
$22/half an hour, $33/45minutes, and $44/hour!!!

2. The same lower prices would apply to any trial lesson that is scheduled on a February Saturday!!

3. Our referral program is still on , so if you tell about us to your friends and they sign up for 3 months of lesson and mention your name, you will get 25% off your next month's lessons fee, and your friend will also get 25% of the third month of lessons with us!

So, how can you enjoy all these goodies? Simply call us at the school and we'll take care of the rest: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

The adult saxophone group, Saxamaphone, is running on Friday evenings!

When: 7:15-8:45pm|  $10/session

Read more for details!

Our winter 2013 Thursday Ukulele workshops with Paul Laverick are full, so we have added a third class on Saturday morning just for you!

Mar 9-April 27, 2013 + final concert TBD

$125/8 sessions | Class maximum 15

10:30-11:30am

Register now: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

All eastwood guitars are on sale (including the Eastwood Tuxedo pictured in today's post). Email us at info@larsenmusic.ca for specific model and price information, or come drop by the store and check them out for yourself!

Larsen School of Music's Indie Band has been having a blast  working on awesome music, in a friendly and supportive environment.

Rehearsals start again THIS FRIDAY (March 22), so give us a call if you would like to join this fun group!

Fridays (on-going) at 5:30 at the school (1808 Cook St.)

$10/session

Call us today to register! 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

Business of Music- Artists Development Series

Join us in the exploration of the opportunities and challenges inherent in this changing industry with a particular emphasis and focus on the understanding that the future will no longer be about the ‘music business’ – but about the ‘business of music’. Among the topics explored: Musician’s Professional Association (A.F.M./C.F.M.), Making a Recording, Networking, Finance, PR, Performing for living.

This is the first course in the series of the ‘Artist Development’ to be offered at Larsen School of Music. This course puts a full semester into one day!!

Facilitated by Gordon Clements

Hosted and Sponsored by Larsen Music

When: Saturday, Mar 2^nd. 2013 | 10:30-17:00

Where: Larsen School of Music

Cost: $125/ 6 hour workshop

Saturday, Feb 16th, 2013 1-2:30pm | $20 |

THE WORKSHOP:
Saturday JAN 26, 2013 11- 1 at Hermann's Jazz Club.
$15

THE PERFORMANCE:

SATURDAY , JAN 26, 2013 | 8:00 pm, $20/18/15 at Hermann's Jazz Club.

We've recently become dealers of the fabulous guitars and ukuleles from Cordoba Guitars. We're really excited, as these instruments are really great! 

Pop in and have a play.

Christmas Caroling at Larsen School of Music AND the Larsen Music Store!

Please join us for a festive, stereophonic, Christmas Caroling afternoon, on Saturday, December 15, 2013, 2-4pm. You are invited to enjoy singing, playing, hot cocoa, and most of all, lots of Christmas spirit with us.

All ages, and levels are welcome!

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to the Mustard Seed bin located at the school.- Thank you for your generous donation!

Come join the 'Larsen School of Music' Glee Club!

Starting January 18, 2013, we will be running The Larsen Glee Club for students aged 13-17.

If you play an instrument and/or love singing and would like to have fun collaborating with other performers, this club is exactly what you're looking for!

The placement auditions for the Larsen Glee Club are scheduled for December 8^th, from 2:30-4:30. Everyone is welcome! Auditions are held to help the facilitators assess the musical level of players, from beginner to advanced, in order for us to help you maximize your development and enjoyment of playing and singing!

Please make sure to register in advance for the placement-auditions by contacting us by e-mail http://www.larsenmusic.ca/contact or by phone at 250-389-1988 ext. 3201.

What to prepare:

1. If you are singing: please prepare one slow song (Ballad) and one up beat/Rock song.

2. If you are playing: Please prepare a song and expect to play from a simple chord sheet that we will give you.

Following your requests, we are delighted to offer a new Ukulele workshop, with our amazing Paul Laverick this winter!

Feb 7-March 21, 2013 + final concert on March 25

$125/8 sessions | Class maximum 15

Beginners : 5:00-6:00

Intermediate: 6:15-7:15

Register now: 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

If you love singing new music, and are interested in a unique singing experience, you are going to LOVE 'The Choir'.

Not only you would enjoy working with the wonderful musician and esteemed music educator Ms. Anne Schaefer, but you would also be the first ever to sing her original compositions and arrangements, created especially for 'The Choir'.

The Choir's first rehearsal would take place on January 8, 2013 at 7:30pm, right here, at the Larsen School of Music, so make sure not to miss it!!!

Please call us at the school for more details and for registration, we're here to help!

250-389-1988 ext. 3201 or contact us by email.

Looking for a cool x-mas gift idea that would warm someone’s heart?

Trying to fulfill that new years’ resolution, to do something for you this year?

Let us be a part of your life, and take a look at our new

                            WINTER 2013 PROGRAM

It is diverse, interesting, filled with amazing musicians, and affordable!

(Spring Break workshops will be posted soon as well)

Feel free to call us at 250-389-1988, ext. 3201 if you'd rather sign up over the phone, or email us and let us know your desired program. We're here to help!

LOOK INSIDE FOR JANUARY-MARCH 2013 OPPORTUNITIES....

Following its great success during our fall term, the Larsen Swing Extravaganza workshop returns!

This is where musicians of different levels and backgrounds can come together and explore the fundamentals and intricacies of this profound and exciting art form. All instruments are welcome.

When: Jan 15- Mar 5, 2013 | 5:30-7pm

Limit: 12 people

Level: Intermediate – must have the basics down.

Cost: $150/8 sessions (+$25 for the half hour pre-workshop lesson- optional)

Register now : 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

The Choir

The Choir is a vocal reinvention approaching fresh arrangements, original writing and innovative repertoire. Dedicated to people who want to sing, have an amazing time and explore music of this time, this day, this age. From Bjork to Radiohead and everything in between…come sing and be reinvented…now.

Directed by Anne Schaefer

Hosted and Sponsored by Larsen Music

When:  Tuesdays 7:30-9:30 Jan 8-Mar 10, 2013 (Last session, which is a Sunday, would be a concert)

Where: Larsen School of Music

Cost: $125/10 sessions

LARSEN MUSIC, AND LARSEN SCHOOL OF MUSIC, WOULD LIKE TO WISH OUR CLIENTS AND STUDENTS HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Please note: Lessons are taught as usual tonight. We look forward to see your great costumes (as long as you can play while wearing them!)

Please make sure you keep safe tonight, and do not eat unwrapped candies!!!

Check out what is in store for you in November!!!

Registration for the Winter term Workshops begins!!

During the Jan-April term , we will be offering some new amazing workshops such as :

1. 'Business of music'

2. 'Young Musician'

3. 'The Choir'

4. 'Licence to Compose'- Unique Songwriting/Composing classes particularly for adults

4. Violin workshop

5. Bands and Combos

6. Uke workshops

7. Swing extravaganza

8. Artist Development series workshops

9. 'GLEE Club'

Dates will be posted on Nov 1st :)

Registration begins on Nov 1, and classes fill up quickly !!

Contact us to secure your spot!!

250-389-1988 ext. 3201 or register online

It's hard to imagine being excited about hold music, but here I am. We commissioned store alumni, teacher on leave and good friend Colin Nealis to create some new on-hold music for our phone system. What a treat! 

And the contest: 

the first person to email us (send to the Music Shop) and successfully identify three instruments that Colin used in the recording will receive a $25 gift certificate. What fun! Just call us at 250-389-1988 and ask to be put on hold. Seriously.

Colin is just about to release his first CD under his new project, Pocket Orchestra (check out a preview here)  He is also a big part of Aidan Knight's sound, and is about to head out on tour with Aidan to release their new record Small Reveal.

We’ve heard about the Mozart Effect: the theory that listening to classical music can make our kids smarter. Well, move over, Mozart. Learning to play an instrument, even if it’s to jam with Justin Bieber’s CD, has broader benefits. A University of Toronto study found that six- to 11-year-olds who took music lessons had higher IQs and better grades.

Read about the 3 tips that would help YOU make the most of your music lesson!!!

Dear Students and parents!

I am delighted to take over the role of School Director at Larsen School of Music!

Providing the best musical and learning experiences for our students is my first priority, and with our amazing faculty of teachers, I am confident that you or your child will indeed enjoy private lessons, workshops, and all the musical events we will offer this year!

Please feel free to contact me with any question or concern,

May we have a wonderful academic year together!

Anabel Wind, M.Ed, B.Mus

Director

Larsen School of Music

250-389-1988 ext. 3202

What if you could choose any workshop in the world?

The workshop fairy of Larsen School of Music would love to hear from YOU what kinds of workshops interest you!

If you would like us to offer a particular workshop that we do not offer yet, please let us know!
We know the right people and we will try to accommodate any serious idea that you might have

So drop us a line and tell us , what's on your mind?

The Larsen Swing Extravaganza is an eight week workshop where musicians of different levels and backgrounds can come together and explore the fundamentals and intricacies of this profound and exciting art form. All instruments are welcome.

When: 8 weeks beginning Tuesday Oct 16^th from 6:30-8pm.

Limit: 12 people

Level: Intermediate – must have the basics down.

Cost: $125/8 sessions (+$25 for the half hour pre-workshop lesson- optional)

Register now : 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

Following our costumer inquiries Larsen School of Music now offers Ukulele workshops for the young musicians, to take on Pro-D days!

Our amazing Paul Laverick will guide the group (see following details) of students, while exploring this fun little instrument !

You could register for one Pro-D day or to all 4 of them :)

When: Fridays, Oct 19, Nov 23, (2012),  Feb 15 , and Mar 8(2013)

Who: Ages 5-10: 10:00am - 13:00 (with 30 min break for lunch)

Where : Larsen School of Music - 1808 Cook Street

How much: $30 for one Pro-d Day OR $100 for all 4 days of the workshop

Class maximum: 7 children.

Register now! 250-389-1988 ext. 3201

Trumpets get messy! It’s a fact of life, but a clean trumpet is much

more fun to play! Does it smell a little funky after a long summer in

its case? Does it make a weird buzzing noise? That might be the

sandwich you ate before your last jazz band practice in June. We can

fix it with a little soap and water and I'll show you how!

When: October 14th 2-3pm

+ 15 min crash course with the addition of only $5 (Start at 1:45)

Cost: $15

Required Cleaning Equipment:

Mouthpiece Brush ($1.95),

Cleaning Snake ($6.95),

Selmer Slide Grease ($2.75),

and an old bath towel from home.

How to Register:

1. Contact our friendly and efficient School Administrators.

You can call us at 250.389.1988 ext. 3201 or Toll Free at 1.877.472.1907, or you can email us here.

2. Tell us a little bit about the students' learning style, past musical experience and musical goals. We'll recommend a teacher and schedule a lesson time that is convenient for you.

3. When you come in we will have you sign the registration form.

There are no registration fees at Larsen School of Music!

Three main reasons to choose Larsen School of Music

Or

What makes Larsen School of Music so different than other schools?

1. We hand-pick our instructors to assure the best learning experience possible for our students.

At Larsen School of Music, we regularly evaluate our instructors, and we are the only music school in Victoria to provide in-house Professional Development to our teachers, to constantly improve our esteemed faculty for your benefit!

2. We offer a wide range of teaching styles, for diverse learning styles and musical aspirations. You name the time, and the desired instrument, and we will make it happen!

It's that simple.

3. We are a privately owned school, as such we take it personally. We will walk the extra mile to provide excellent service and education to our students and clients

How to Register:

1. Contact our friendly and efficient School Administrators.

You can call us at 250.389.1988 ext. 3201 or Toll Free at 1.877.472.1907, or you can email us here.

2. Tell us a little bit about the students' learning style, past musical experience and musical goals. We'll recommend a teacher and schedule a lesson time that is convenient for you.

3. When you come in we will have you sign the registration form.

There are no registration fees at Larsen School of Music!

See you soon!

If you don't already have a Folkwest ticket come to Larsen Music and get one for this coming weekend. Then you can come and visit the Larsen Music tent. There'll be an instrument Valet service again this year but we are also introducing the Larsen Music instrument petting zoo. Instead of goats and rabbits you'll find banjo's and mandolins. We'll be holding jam sessions and workshops all weekend long so see you there.

For more info about Folkwest check out their website here.

Larsen Music & Larsen School of Music will be closed Saturday, August 4th through Monday, August 6th for the BC Day long weekend. We'll be back on Tuesday at 10:00 am. Have a great long weekend from all of us at Larsen Music!

Please join us for this special Tango music workshop with Seattle based Tangabrazo!

All skill levels and instruments welcome

Saturday, August 11

Larsen School of Music

1808 Cook Street

2:00pm to 4:00pm

$35

Don't miss this fabulous opportunity to learn about the mesmerizing and melancholy music of Argentina!

Count down to Indie Band Boot Camp...3 days!!!

We are so excited to have special guests, Aidan Knight and his friendly friends and Lucas Renshaw of Jets Overhead! Incredible!

Please call us to register, know more or inquire about scholarship possibilities!

Indie Band Boot Camp

Monday July 23rd to Friday July 27th

9am to 3pm

Gordon Head United Church

Summer  Band – age 12 to 17

Monday July 9th to Friday July 13^th

Summer Jazz – age 13 to 110

Monday July 16^th through Saturday July 21^st

Indie Band Boot Camp

Monday July 23^rd to Friday July 27^th

Click Here Register!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER, HOT DOG SALE, ALL DAY CONCERT GOODNESS ON OUR MAJESTIC FRONT LAWN!

Saturday, July 7th

11am to 4pm

Larsen Retail Store Lawn

1833 Cook Street

by donation and all proceeds go to sponsoring kids in music summer camp!

Performances by:

WEST MY FRIEND

BUCAN BUCAN

PAUL LAVERICK'S "ENSEMBLELE"

ANDREW SLADE

ANNE SCHAEFER

and more!!!

PLEASE JOIN US AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS!!!

Check them out by clicking here, they are fabuloso!!!

Check it out...what a treat! Click here

For your convenience, you rental instrument may be returned at the following locations to a Larsen representative:

Do you live in Victoria? Return your instrument anytime to Larsen Music at 1833 Cook St

Up island pick up times and locations:

Mon June 11th 3-4pm Wickaninnish Elem School 431 Gibson Rd Tofino & 5-6pm Ucluelet Sec School 1450 Peninsula Rd Ucluelet

Tues June 19th 3-4pm George Bonner 3060 Cobble Hill Rd Mill Bay & 5-6pm Chemainus Elem 3172 Garner St Chemainus

Thur June 21th 4-6pm Mark Isfeld Sec 1551 Lerwick Rd Courtenay

Fri June 22nd 4-6pm Mt Prevost School 6177 Somenos Rd Duncan

Mon June 25th 3-4pm Ej Dunn 3500 Argyle St Port Alberni & 5-6pm Neill Middle School 5055 Compton Rd Port Alberni

Tues June 26th 3-5pm Southgate Middle School 740 Holm Rd Campbell River

Two celebrity judges!!! Great fun!!! Everyone welcome!!!

Brooke Maxwell - musician/composer - The Gnu Standards and "Ride the Cyclone" 

www.brookemaxwell.com

Sarah Kramer - best selling Vegan Cookbook Author

www.govegan.net

Don't miss it!!!

$5 at the door - dinner not included.

Check out photos from the Mass Uke Love-In at Market Square on Sunday!

Please come and join us for an exciting week of Ukulele Adventures!

Uke Brunch

Uke Love In

Beginner Uke Workshop

Uke Dinner Party and Contest

Hawaiian Uke Showcase

Scientist meets artist meets uke player workshop

Shelley O'Brien CD Release party

Register now!!!

Live the dream and join us for a new session of Ensemblele with Paul Laverick!!!

Starts Saturday, April 28th and runs through July 7th!

For more information and to register call us at: 250.389.1988 ext 3201

Join us for two fabulous workshops with Seattle's Canote Brothers!

Saturday, March 31st

11:30 to 12:45 - Orange Hall - Old Time Back up Guitar!

Fancy up that old boom chuck rhythm while we learn how to back up an old time fiddler or singer.

We'll cover bass notes, bass runs, pick direction, playing in A and D without a capo, making good chord choices and keeping a fiddler happy!

$35

11:30 to 12:45 - Orange Hall - Old Time Fiddle!

The Drone and Pulse using the medium of actual tunes.

We'll explore some of the elements that make it old time fiddling such as: drones, double stops, simple bowing patterns and bow licks.

Bring a working fiddle and a recording device!

$35

2:30 to 3:45 - Larsen Retail Store - Old Time Ukulele!

Discover why this curvy little instrument is enjoying so much popularity.

We'll start with right hand strumming technique: the basic strum, the freight train rhythm, the roll and triplet strum and waltz strum. Then, we'll survey old time banjo skills on the ukulele including clawhammer and two finger picking. Handouts provided! Bring a concert or soprano uke tuned to GCEA.

$35

Adlrine Guerrero came to Victoria in early March and stopped into our store to give us a workshop on ukulele strumming techniques. It sold out and we had a blast!! We hope to have Aldrine here again very soon.

Have a look at the pictures on our Facebook page. 

Aldrine's website

APRIL 15TH THROUGH 21ST. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON...

We just received a nice selection of vintage violins and higher-end used bows on consignment. They're begging to be played!

Just a remider that as per our school policies...the Larsen School of Music remains open for regular lessons during spring break. 

Congratulations to several members of the Larsen School of Music faculty for their Vancouver Island Music Awards nominations!!!

Jessica Benini - Best Live Act

The Sweet Lowdown(Shanti Bremer) - Album of the Year

West My Friend(Jeffrey Poynter) - Song of the Year

Anne Schaefer - Album of the Year

Two New Workshops for amateur and career minded musicians!

Adult Workshop ages 19 and over

Saturday, February 18th

12noon to 6pm

Larsen School of Music

$40

Teen Workshop ages 13 through 18

Saturday, February 25th

12noon to 6pm

Larsen School of Music

$40

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

Larsen Music is pleased to be involved with this workshop.

Music educators are welcome to join the greater Victoria Music Teachers Music Specialist Association for a day of exciting Professional Development.
The pro D event is organized by music teachers for music teachers. We extend a warm welcome to any teacher, future teacher or educator who wants to join us!

This concert band reading session will be led by Jeff Weaver and assisted by his band students from Oak Bay Band. Please bring your instrument and be prepared to read along with us! Students welcome too!

This workshop is presented at no charge and will be held at Oak Bay Secondary School - West Building, 2101 Cadboro Bay Road from 10:00 am till noon. Parking is available behind the building in the staff parking lot.

For more information about this session, please contact Ann at ext. 208 or via our contact page.

Level 1

Mondays, February 6/13/20/27

6:45 to 9pm

$145

Level 2

Mondays, March 5/12/19/26

6:45 to 9pm

Larsen School of Music – 1808 Cook Street

$145

Victoria's first Ukulele Orchestra strikes again with it's new session.

January 7th and 28th, February 4th and 18th and March 3rd and 10th.

Saturdays, 10am to 12noon.

Join us for another rousing session of Ukulele fun!

Beginner Class

Thursdays, 6:30pm to 7:30pm *

January 12th through March 8th.

* January 19th from 6pm to 7pm

 CLASS IS FULL!

David Sohn, builder of Sohn String Instruments, was in today. And he brought some new toys for us! Now on our shop floor, in addition to the mandolins we got earlier in the year:

- SG-000M slot-head, 12-fret 000 with all solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides

- SG-DHR dreadnaught, all solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides

- SG-DHSR slope-shoulder dreadnaught, all solid spruce sunburst-finished top and rosewood back and sides

Drop in and play them. Please enjoy!

Banjo/Uke Class Performance

Sunday November 27th 6pm at the Fernwood Inn

Diamond Tooth Molly Uke Strumalong

Monday Nov 28^th 6pm at the Fernwood Inn

Cook St Light Up & Carolling

Saturday Dec 3rd 5pm, meet at Polish Deli parking lot

Santa will be in attendance!

Swing Thing Class Performance

Saturday Dec. 5th 7:30 at the Fernwood Inn

Ukes and Caroling

Thursday Dec. 15th 3 to 5pm at the James Bay Community Centre

Larsen School of Music Student Recietal

Saturday Dec. 18th 1 to 7pm at the Victoria Truth Centre

We just received a new shipment of Kanile'a ukuleles. So lovely! We have three in stock: a K1 Concert/gloss, a K1 Concert/satin and a K1 Tenor/satin. These are not lasting long in the shop, so hurry in if you want to play one!

This is an ongoing ensemble that will have you playing fabulous songs that span an array of exciting genres and keep you all interested with parted playing and singing PLUS amazing arrangements just for you!!! Yes, I know! Dreams really DO come true! The sensational, Paul Laverick heads this up with some guest appearances to surprise and delight you. A special seasonal Ukulele flash mob is also scheduled for the last December class…YES…I KNOW!!!  

Ensemblele…a ukulele orchestra.

Every second Saturday starting October 15^th…

10am to 12noon

6 session registration - $90

Drop in - $20

October 15^th/29^th, November 12^th/ 26^th, December 10^th/ 17^th

WE ARE NOW TAKING REGISTRATIONS!!!

Beginner Ukulele Class with Paul Laverick!

October 6^th through November 24^th- Final performance Monday, November 28^th

Thursdays - 6:30 to 7:30 - $125

Maximum 15 students

Swing Class with Avram Devon McCagherty!

October 16^th through 27^th- final performance Monday, November 28^th

Sundays - 4:30 to 6:00pm - $150

Bonus swing guitar tutor – 4:00 to 4:30pm - $25

Maximum 12 students

Jazz Combo Course with Kelby MacNayr!

October 15^th through December 17^th – final performance December 17^th

Saturdays – 3 :00 to 4:30pm - $300

Maximum 5 students

Bluegrass Jam Class with Shanti Bremer!

November 5^th through November 26^th – final performance November 28^th

Saturdays – 10:00 to 12:00pm – $125

Maximum 12 students

Vote for Larsen Music on CityHUB!

Please vote for Larsen Music as your most loved music store in Victoria. You can vote daily until October 15th.

New this week to the Larsen stable: Republic Guitars! These resonators and guitars are all set up in Dallas, Texas, and sound great! Check out the artist page on their website to see who is playing these fantastic yet very affordable instruments. We are the only dealer in B.C.

We have several pieces in stock. Ready to play!

Fall Term

Lesson registration for the fall term begins on Monday, August 22nd. Please call or e-mail the school with your availability for lessons. Requests will be handled in the order in which they are received. Due to the large volume of students, and in fairness to all, we will only respond to requests received on or after August 22nd.

Going to Folkwest? Show your Folkwest wristband this weekend at Larsen Music and get 10% off all regularly priced merchandise in the store.

We've just welcomed some lovely new Eastman guitars into the shop: an E20D, an E8OM, an E10P (pictured at left) and an AR605.

Please enjoy!

We have a new depot on Salt Spring Island to serve you. The Acoustic Planet at #120-109 McPhillips (back side) can handle all your rental needs. You can reach them by phone at (250) 537-9668 or e-mail at saltspring@larsenmusic.ca.

We are very excited to be Victoria's exclusive dealer for Genz Benz amplifiers! We have several acoustic amps, plus some fantastic bass amplifiers in stock. They sound great!

Don't miss this exciting four week session designed to kick your ukulele skills into overdrive while having maximum fun!!!

Please check out our Rocker Camp Videos on our Larsen Music facebook page! Everybody rocked and all the songs are originals!!! AMAZING!

We have an exciting new band method in stock now! From Bruce Pearson, who brought you Standard of Excellence, and Ryan Nolan, Kjos Music has released Tradition of Excellence. This exciting new method comes with an audio/video DVD which allows students to use Interactive Practice Studio and smartmusic.

Band teachers please contact Ann at the store at ext. 208 for your free review copy.

We will be closed from Friday July 1st and reopen on Monday July 4th at 10am. If you want to register for the Summer Band programs that start on Monday at 9am...please join us at 845am at Gordon Head United and we will take care of registration then!

Summer Band - Grade 7 to 12

Monday, July 4th to Friday, July 8^th

Rocker Band - Ages 8 to 12

Monday, July 11^th to Friday, July 15^th

Rocker Band - Ages 13 to 17

Monday, July 18^th to Friday, July 22^nd

Ukulele Boot Camp - Adults

Saturdays, August 6/13/20/27

Check out the Workshops area of the School page for full details!

Bluegrass Workshop with Shanti Bremer and James Whittall!!!

Have you ever wanted to participate in a bluegrass Jam?

Join us as Shanti Bremer and James Whittall sail us through the ins and outs of having a great time jamming with others!

Saturday, June 25^th

11am to 1pm

$20

We are now a dealer for Pickup Wizard custom electric guitar pickups. The Wizard makes great sounding, era-correct replicas of vintage Fender and Gibson style pickups. He also has custom order options and a rewinding service.

http://www.pickupwizard.com

Sohn Mandolins are now available at Larsen Music! We have two models available right now: The Classic 23 and the Cherry Blossom. For more information on these fine, hand-made instruments head to Sohn Stringed Instruments, or contact us here on our website.

We are the very proud owners of three beautiful Kanile'a ukes!  These are lovely instruments, hand-crafted in Hawaii. They have a very unique bracing system that allows the top to move freely. They really sing!

We have the K1 Concert Gloss, K1 Tenor Satin and K2 Deluxe Gloss in stock. Drop by and play them!

See http://kanileaukulele.com for details.

Some lovely ukes just arrived from Kiwaya!  These are lovely Japanese-made instruments, lovingly recreating 1930's Martins.  We have the KTS-4 and KTC-3 in stock, plus the Paulele bamboo soprano!

Get ready for a full week of incredible events and workshops inspired by the worlds sweetest and most delightful community building instruments! The fun begins at Market Square with a Mass Ukulele Love-In and wraps at the Fernwood Inn for a grand Uke party/concert/sing along!

Check out the full listings on our school page!

Monday, March 21st 6 to 8pm

Fernwood Inn

Everyone Welcome!

We are now a stocking dealer of Godin guitars.  Several instruments are in stock already, and more are on the way.  We're very excited to expand on our selection of Canadian-made instruments!

http://www.godinguitars.com/godinwhatsnewp.htm