DMA (candidate), MMus, RMT

Ms. Swinden brings a wealth of experience to her private studio. She has taught students of various levels, ranging from beginner through to advanced, including university undergraduate music majors. In 2008, Laurel joined the faculty of the University of Guelph as an Adjunct Instructor of Applied Flute.

Laurel is a member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Branch of ORMTA. She is an adjudicator/examiner for Conservatory Canada, and holds a Recorder-Orff Level 1 certificate; Laurel offers recorder-Orff classes through Kindermusik Cambridge. Her private flute students have won many honours, including winning first place standings and scholarships in Kiwanis solo compeitions, First Class Honours on RCM Examinations, scholarships to state band workshops, top ratings in solo and ensemble contests and entrance to New York University's music program. Ms. Swinden was an adjudicator for the Mid-South Flute Festival’s Solo and Ensemble Contest (3 years) a competition judge for the Junior High School Masterclass Competition. She has presented workshops on “Improving Your Tone” at the 2002 Mid-South Flute Festival in Jackson, Tennessee and "Breathing Bag Techniques" at the 2005 meeting of the Madison Flute Club in Wisconsin. Ms. Swinden is also a Licensed Kindermusik Educator.

In addition to teaching, Laurel Swinden maintains an active performing career in chamber music, orchestral music and as a recitalist. She is the  Principal Flute of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra. She has performed as a guest principal flute of the Kingston and Oakville Symphonies and has performed as a flutist or in the piccolo chair with Orchestra London, Oakville Symphony, Memphis, Tupelo and Mississippi Symphonies.

Laurel has performed on chamber music series throughout Ontario with pianist Stephanie Mara, guitar duo partner Kevin Ramessar and others.

Ms. Swinden directs two community flute ensembles, and has coached chamber ensembles at the University of Toronto.

Laurel is currently a candidate for a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto, where she studies with Nora Shulman. She also began traverso study with Alison Melville as part of her Doctoral study, continued study at the Tafelmusik Summer Academy and now performs in period instrument ensembles regionally.