LAUREL GAGNON
Violinist

I'm a concert violinist and dedicated teacher offering personalized, high-level violin instruction through weekly one-on-one Zoom lessons. Based in New York City, I currently serve as a fellow with Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect program and bring over a decade of teaching experience to my online studio.

​

I’ve had the privilege of studying with renowned artists and pedagogues such as Augustin Hadelich, Mauricio Fuks, and Ben Sayevich, with performance degrees from the Yale School of Music and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. As a performer, I’ve won awards at international competitions such as the Dallas International Violin Competition, Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition, and Singapore International Violin Competition; I perform actively around the United States as a soloist and chamber musician. My teaching draws from this rich experience, combining rigorous technique with deep musical understanding.

​

In teaching, I aim to develop technically fluent, expressive, and independent young artists. My approach combines rigorous technical training with a deep dive into the expressive language of music—helping each student find their unique voice and the tools to communicate it clearly. I emphasize independent problem-solving and artistic confidence, helping students become self-reliant musicians who can continue to grow long after each lesson. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, competitions, or long-term musical growth, lessons are thoughtfully designed and tailored to your needs.

I have over a decade of teaching experience, working with violin and viola students of all ages—from young beginners to advanced university-level musicians. My teaching spans a wide range of settings, including private lessons, community music schools, university studios, and public school outreach programs.

​

At the university level, I have served as a secondary violin instructor at the Yale School of Music and as a studio assistant to both Mauricio Fuks at Indiana University and Ben Sayevich at Park University. I’ve also led guest chamber music masterclasses at institutions such as the Boston Conservatory and Truman State University. I have taught in community music studios across several states, working with violin and viola students in both individual and group settings; additionally, I have maintained an active private teaching practice—both online and in person—for over ten years. 

As a faculty member, I have coached chamber music and worked closely with developing young musicians at Yale’s Morse Summer Music Academy, and was invited to serve as junior faculty at the Vivace International Music Festival. My outreach experience includes working as a teaching artist with Yale’s Music in Schools Initiative, where I provided classical music instruction in public school classrooms, as well as working with the Bridges Musical Arts Youth Organization to lead chamber music masterclasses. I also participated in Indiana University’s Fairview Violin Project, introducing violin to elementary school students through in-school group instruction.

​

I work with a small number of motivated students who are ready to commit to their musical progress. If you’re interested in studying with me, please reach out to learn more or schedule a trial lesson.