THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Lucie Gelinas, a French-Canadian violinist-violist, was born in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. In 1985, Ms. Gelinas moved to Montreal to attend the Conservatory of Montreal's Performance Degree Program in violin. Throughout her years of study, she assisted her teachers, including Raymond Dessaints et Johanne Arel during their summer festivals.
In 1990, she moved to New York City, heard a recording of Emanuel Vardi, had an opportunity to speak with him and consequently took up the viola at the Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Gelinas also studied conducting, formed the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra and received a conducting fellowship to the Brevard Summer Music Festival.
After her completion of a Bachelor Degree at the Manhattan School of Music, Ms. Gelinas was hired by the Westchester Conservatory, teaching private violin lessons and group lessons for the outreach programs in Westchester County Public Schools. The Westchester Conservatory spontaneously offered her the opportunity to attend the teacher's training program at the School for Strings in Manhattan. There, she met and trained with Ms. Louise Behrend, the founder of the School for Strings and a disciple of Dr. Suzuki who brought his method to New York and United States. Upon completion of her training, she was immediately hired by the School for Strings.
Music School authorities, parents, and students all praise Ms. Gelinas for her brilliance in teaching, her talent and wide experience. Her innate abilities to motivate and understand her students are enhanced by her obsession for good work, and above all her contagious passion for music.
Over the past two decades, Ms. Gelinas has performed as violinist and violist on storied stages, including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Town Hall, Merkin Hall, CAMI Hall, Place des Arts in Montreal, as well as at the White House for President Clinton.
In addition to her continuing involvement at the School for Strings, Ms. Gelinas is currently teaching at the Allen-Stevenson School and the MAP division of The Juilliard School. She also maintains a private studio.
While some members of the musical performing community might consider teaching as a humble way to "get by" Ms. Gelinas, in conjunction with becoming an accomplished musician, has always believed that teaching is an invigorating experience and ultimately, an act of love and creation.
Her Conservatory experience combined with her study of the Dr. Suzuki approach makes her an irresistible teacher who loves getting on her knees for the youngsters and inspiring dedication in the students preparing for college. For those students fortunate enough to have Ms. Gelinas as a teacher, the habits of study, passion and dedication, conveyed to them through Ms. Gelinas' infectious energy have inspired her students to make music a lifetime habit.