Helen Jacob-Stein pursued her musical training in the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at York University, as well as Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Toronto. She undertook Suzuki Teacher Development under Kay Collier Slone, Carrie Reuning, Linda Case, Helen Brunner Spira, and Linda Fiore, and has given master class performances for Yehudi Menuhin, Oscar Shumsky, and Natalie McMaster. Helen has studied privately with Elisabeth Tomosvary, Victor Martin, Lorna Glover, Steven Staryk, Nancy Mathis Di Novo, and Arkady Yanivker.
Helen was full-time violinist with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra and has played with many other ensembles, including CJRT Orchestra. This recital soloist and chamber musician is also music director and arranger for Gatherings, a music/drama production company.
Formerly an instructor at Lakehead University (on the basis of the professional equivalent of a master’s degree) and Seneca College Suzuki School, Helen has taught privately in Toronto, Thunder Bay, and London and Birmingham in England. Helen has taught at the RCM continuously since 1989..
Helen is a Silver medalist, won as 1st violinist in string quartet at Northfield Music Festival (Birmingham, UK). She is Chair of Suzuki Department at RCM; her students have won Gold and Silver medals.She has received Suzuki Teacher Training to Book 8.
Languages Spoken in Addition to English: French
Minimum Age of Student: 3
Musical Styles: Celtic, Classical, Contemporary, Folk, Jazz
Professional Designations / Associations:
Active Member, Suzuki Association of the Americas, and Suzuki Association of Ontario.
Teaching & Professional Experience:
Ms. Jacob-Stein was previously a full-time violinist with Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, and played with many other ensembles, including the Hamilton Philharmonic, Niagara Symphony, National Ballet Orchestra Royal Winnipeg Ballet and CJRT Orchestra.