Our Story
About Colourstrings Conservatory of Music
At Colourstrings Conservatory of Music, we're dedicated to providing innovative and child-centered music education in Vancouver, Canada. Founded by Laura Hasthorpe, an accomplished musician with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Certificate of Postgraduate Studies in performance from the Royal Academy of Music & Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, we've been a trusted institution for over two decades.
Laura's journey in music education has been enriched with numerous prizes and scholarships, including an opportunity to continue her postgraduate studies under the guidance of the world-renowned Gerald Stanick at UBC, Canada.
As a Certified Music Specialist for over 20 years, Laura is the Director of the Colourstrings Conservatory. She's also a Certified Early Childhood Music Specialist, having introduced the Colourstrings method to Vancouver in 2004.
Our Approach to Music Education
Colourstrings Conservatory of Music offers a unique approach to music education, drawing inspiration from the best of various renowned music-learning methods, including Kodály, Orff, and Dalcroze. Our programs cater to children aged 0 to 18+ years, ensuring that every age group finds a tailored and enriching musical experience.
Music & Movement Group Classes (Ages 3 Months to 6 Years)
Our Music & Movement classes are designed to provide a solid musical foundation for children aged 3 months to 6 years. Through songs and games, children explore rhythm, melody, and coordination. As they progress, they delve into music reading, writing, and ear training, building a strong musical base.
Instrumental Lessons (Ages 5 and Up)
For children aged 5 and above, we offer instrumental lessons in violin, viola, piano, percussion, flute, cello, and acoustic guitar. Our expert instructors guide students through their musical journey, from beginners to advanced players.
Choir & Musicianship (Ages 6 to 10)
Our choir and musicianship programs offer various levels of training, fostering a deep appreciation for vocal music and musical theory. We also provide adult lessons in voice, guitar, and piano for those eager to explore their musical talents.
What Sets Colourstrings Apart
Colourstrings is an internationally renowned music teaching approach hailing from Finland. It seamlessly combines elements from Kodály, Orff, and Dalcroze methods, creating a holistic and effective approach to music education. Our journey begins with music and movement classes for children aged 3 months to 6 years, guiding them towards music literacy and instrumental proficiency.
The Colourstrings Legacy
Developed by renowned string pedagogue Geza Szilvay in the 1970s, Colourstrings has been an integral part of Finland's esteemed state education system for over four decades. Our school proudly brings this remarkable curriculum to Canada.
Our Unique Approach
At Colourstrings Conservatory, we provide child-centered teaching delivered by professional, enthusiastic specialists trained in early years pedagogy. We are not a franchise but an independent, family-run music school closely connected with Colourstrings colleagues in the UK and Finland.
Our training caters to all levels of musical ability, ensuring that every child can progress at their own pace and develop their innate musical talent. The core Colourstrings song repertoire is woven into our music and movement classes, instrumental lessons, and orchestral ensembles, fostering a deep musical understanding.
A color-coded system of notation simplifies the process of learning to read music, making children musically literate before they even start learning an instrument. This unique approach has garnered recognition worldwide:
"Colourstrings is an exceptional method in the training of young musicians, and I have yet to experience a more successful approach to developing musicianship, aural awareness, and solid musical principles in the very young." - Derek Aviss, Principal, Trinity College of Music, London.
Join Colourstrings Conservatory of Music
Our address is 129 East 8th Avenue, and you can reach us at admin@colourstringsvan.com or by phone at 778-846-0127. Join us in unlocking the magic of music, nurturing confident, creative, and musically literate individuals for life.