A Bit About Me
Laurel Gagnon is a violinist and music educator currently based in New Haven, Connecticut. Performing across the United States, Europe, and Asia, she has won top prizes at several international violin competitions. Ms. Gagnon has been teaching since 2013; with extensive experience teaching beginning students spanning ages from three to sixty-three, she is equally at home preparing high school students for auditions, competitions, and college applications.
Teaching privately in Connecticut, she has previously taught an the Kansas City Music Academy, Bloomington Indiana's Melody Music Shop, and Indiana University’s “Fairview Project.” She is currently a teaching artist with the Yale School of Music’s “Music in Schools” community music project. Working with young student ensembles of Bloomington’s MAYO Bridges Foundation, Gagnon was also invited to teach masterclasses at Truman State University in 2024.
Laurel is currently continuing graduate studies at the Yale School of Music, where she holds the position of secondary violin instructor; previously she assisted violin professors teaching secondary lessons to violin performance majors at Indiana University and Park University.
"Our daughter learned so much from Laurel and also enjoyed the lessons immensely. Laurel was patient and easy-going, but also pushed our daughter; this balance was impressive and so appreciated! We would highly recommend her as a teacher."
What My Students are Saying
"I took private violin lessons from Laurel for 3 years, and she is a wonderful teacher for students of all ages and skill levels--very patient and easygoing, yet she definitely makes sure things get done during lesson time! You'd be hard-pressed to find a better instructor than Laurel."
"Amazing teacher, with grace, humility, and infinite patience. Like any great teacher, Laurel has the innate ability to understand, and tailor, each student's needs, basic (in my case) or advanced. I feel very fortunate being able to get as many teaching sessions within 3 months. Will sorely miss her."
"Ms. Gagnon is a wonderful teacher and musician! I have learned so much from her and would highly recommend her as a teacher!"
"Laurel made me feel comfortable on the very first lesson even though I didn’t knew much about violin. She has always been patient and guided me through all kinds of difficulties. She is full of energy and knew how to give me a push in the back when necessary. Best violin teacher I ever had, I highly recommend her !"
"Laurel is a phenomenal player and teacher. She works well with students of all ages/levels and leads them toward excellence in both technique and musicality. I highly recommend her as an instructor!"