Bel Canto Orchestra Program
Bel Canto Strings was founded in 2011 with the mandate of providing affordable violin lessons to learners of all ages & experience levels, from children beginning their musical journey, to continuing students, advanced musicians, and adult learners. With group programs costing only ~$15/week and the inclusion of a free instrument rental, learning to play strings has never been so accessible! The group programs at our music school are fun and educational, with students of all backgrounds coming together to learn a diverse variety of music including classics like Bach and Beethoven, a range of BIPOC composers, movie themes, pop radio hits, bluegrass and Celtic fiddling. Our ensembles perform throughout the year in the community, including free concerts at retirement homes, libraries, markets, sports games, churches, charity events, music festivals and competitions.
Sharing Our Passion
At Bel Canto, we strongly believe that everyone should be able to have a life of music. Whether you're a just a beginner or an advanced student needing guidance, let's explore music together! We believe that being part of something great helps build self-esteem and confidence, and that with commitment and motivation we can all experience personal success. Studying music is a great way to explore world cultures, history, art, math, physics, fine-motor skills, study habits, and your own emotions.
Some of our Past Special Events and Awards
-Performed for the Hamilton Black History Council's Black History Month launch party via a prerecorded student collab video of 'Lift Every Voice,' 2021
-Collaborated with Indigenous artist, Kevin Lamarr Jr., to create a video project of his Algonquin-inspired straight song, 2021
-Gold medal award at Hamilton Kiwanis Music Festival, 2021
-Hosted Strings Fest: Celebrating Black Composers at McIntyre Theatre alongside Mohawk College musicians and professional vocalists, including Hamilton-based recording artist AJ Harvey, aka Miss Fly 2020
-Performed for Hamilton Arts Week at the Cotton Factory, 2019
-Performance for the Hamilton Police Department's Christmas fundraiser, 2017, 2016
-Performed at the Royal Botanical Gardens Spring Lilac festival, 2017
-Gold medal award at Guelph Kiwanis Music Festival, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016
-Faculty string trio performance at the Grand Opening of the RBG Rock Garden, 2016
-Performed live at half-time for 2 McMaster basket-ball games and a football game, 2015
-Performed on-stage at the City of Hamilton Arts Awards alongside guitarist Emma Rush, 2014
-Performed in concert with singer-songwriter, Michael Gabriel, 2016, 2015
-Diamond Award for Best Music School and Music Teacher, Hamilton Spectator 2013
-Performed for the Art Gallery of Hamilton's Centennial Gala, 2014
-Performed for the Royal Botanical Gardens Holiday Traditions, 2012, 2013, 2014
About the Music Director
Jennifer Spleit-Landry began studying the violin at aged 3 under the tutelage of her mother, professional violinist and strings instructor, Mrs. Ilona Spleit, and earned her Bachelor of Music in Performance in 2005 from the University of Toronto studying under Scott St. John. She has performed with professional symphonies and in solo recitals, and has recorded with local bands and independent artists. She performs regularly at special events on solo violin, or as part of a string duo, trio or quartet with professional colleagues.
As an instructor, Jennifer has over 25 years of private teaching experience and holds an Advanced Specialist teaching certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music and part-time teaching positions at Mohawk College’s Applied Music program and for Southern Ontario Collegiate. At Bel Canto, her students range in level from beginners to advanced and regularly receive high honours at examinations and competitions. She is supported in the education and performances of the group class programs by the wonderful expertise of cellist Trina Nadeau and violinists Jaedon Daly and Adam Despinic who all have achieved post-secondary degrees in strings performance.
