Who We Are

OSME 2009 combines the talents of Heather Thomson and Klaudia Mirossayova, both of whom have established music studios in the Oakville area. Klaudia's Music Studio was founded in 2001 and offers private instruction for stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar) and piano/keyboard as well as string orchestra training. Raised in eastern Europe where the classical arts play a more prominent role in local culture, Ms. Mirossayova has experienced first hand the power of musical training in shaping the artistic, physical, emotional and academic development of the child. Recognizing the importance of a musical ensemble experience Klaudia is excited to offer both small-group and orchestral training as part of the camp program.

Heather Thomson has been directing summer arts programs for 24 years. New to the Oakville area in the summer of 2008, she established The Noisy Cricket Music Studio last fall. Her studio offers private piano and voice instruction as well as early childhood music and movement classes in the South Oakville area. "Musical training shouldn't stop when school gets out," she reports. "Summer is the ideal time to stretch and grow artistically with camp opportunities which build upon the basic skills learned throughout the academic season. Music and movement classes help musicians explore rhythm with their whole bodies, handbells, recorder and string groups strengthen ensemble skills and dramatic and artistic workshops offer fresh venues for creative exploration. Students can also bulk up on their theory knowledge, a very necessary skill set which is often all but ignored throughout the year due to the time constraints of the private lesson. It's a fabulous opportunity for students to have fun doing what they love!"

Klaudia Mirossayova graduated from the University of Presov, Slovakia in 2001. She holds a Master's Degree in Social Sciences and Musical Education with violin as the main instrument. The daughter of a violin teacher, Klaudia has been playing violin since the age of five. Her performing and conducting experience included participation in the slovak Folk Ensemble (Sarisan), a national music and dance company, which traveled world-wide.

Since moving to Canada she has performed with a variety of local string ensembles including the Oakville Symphony orchestra and the Hollier String Quartet. A caring and compassionate teacher, she is beloved by all the students in her string studio.

Heather Thomson holds a Bachelor of Music Degree cum laude from Mount Allison University. A professional piano teacher and accompanist, Ms. Thomson has owned and operated private music studios in seven city centres across Canada over the past twenty-six years. A skilled speaker and teacher, Ms. Thomson has developed a reputation in her field for innovative teaching methods. She has authored a wide variety of teaching curriculum and has served as a clinician at teacher conferences and student workshops throughout the Atlantic region. She is a member of ORMTA, the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association and a trained Kindermusik teacher. Her passion for children has led her to involvement in youth choirs, musical theatre, arts camps, dance accompaniment, early childhood music and movement and handbell ensembles. Her skilful teaching style and motivating techniques have led over a thousand children to personal success with their instrument.