Royal Conservatory of Music Certificates:
- Harp – RCM Level 10
- Piano – RCM ARCT
- Violin – RCM Level 9
- Music Theory – RCM ARCT
Thanks to my music teachers who inspired me not only to love music but to share music with others!
Jennifer Swartz,
Professor of Harp
Harpist Jennifer Swartz is principal harp for l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and professor of harp at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University. She graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music, and while still studying at McGill University, won the position of Principal Harp with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, where she remained for a year before becoming Principal Harp of the OSM. Schwartz performs as a soloist and in chamber groups across Canada, including the Four Seasons Harp Quartet. She has recorded many CDs, predominantly with Atma Classique.
Lori Gemmell,
Harp Teacher
Lori Gemmell has been the principal harpist with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony since 1999. She previously performed with Orchestra London and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. A graduate of the University of Toronto, she studied with Judy Loman, as well as Catherine Michel in Paris and Alice Chalifoux in Maine. Lori has appeared as a soloist with major Canadian orchestras and toured internationally with Le NEM. She records with popular artists, including Feist, and performs regularly at chamber festivals.
I would also like to thank Professor Arash Noori, who made me believe in my dream and encouraged me to go for my musical adventure.
I would like to express my deepest and heartfelt gratitude to all my former music teachers, whose invaluable guidance, unwavering support, and profound inspiration have shaped my musical journey and contributed immeasurably to who I am as a musician today:
– Music Theory teacher: Irina Kapran
– Piano teachers: Roman Cooperman and Artem Kopylov
– Violin teachers: Vira Burmenko and Svetlana Filippova