Violin & Viola teacher & performer with over 30 yrs professional experience and Top String Teacher of Province Award. All levels of theory/harmony & music history also offered.

Well, Martina has inspired me to practice more! I needed direction and a plan on how to improve, which I haven’t been able to do on my own. Great.

My 13yr-son and 7yr-daughter have been learning violin with Ms Smazal for a period, so we are able to see how Ms Smazal customizes her teaching methods for different students to help them achieve their best. She has a great ability to make classes interesting, so my kids are always expecting to have their classes. Ms Smazal shows great professionalism, setting a wonderful professional example for the children.

Martina has taught me for over 10 years, she is a teacher who genuinely cares about her students. Her attention and efforts for her students stretches far beyond our 60 minutes every weekend.

She has a great balance of inspiration and discipline: when I wanted to be better but lacked the work ethic, she made it her mission to make me the best violinist I can be.

Martina had vast resources and a great network as well. When she knew we had financial trouble she helped find scholarship opportunities. When I lacked experience performing she would organize dedicated recitals.

Martina is truly a great teacher!

Martina has been my violin teacher for many years. She is an incredibly talented musician, capable teacher, and pleasant person. I took in person lessons with her at first, and later switched to online lessons due to location changes. Both forms of lessons have been very effective.

Martina’s expertise and her ability in providing high-quality, informative, structured and detailed lessons is the reason why I am currently actively working as a symphony violinist myself.
I had the privilege of studying under Martina’s tutelage for six consecutive years. From then onward, she has been an excellent coach to me while I have trained for university education and professional symphony orchestra auditions.
In addition to her highly efficient methods for learning, understanding and presenting a piece of music, specifically, when preparing for performances: recitals, chamber music, live and virtual auditions, exams, and solo concert appearances - Martina’s dedication to instilling a passion of bringing out the very best in each of her students is what makes her the best instructor for any level of study.

Martina is a wonderful violin teacher. She continues to provide challenging yet fun lessons that push one to excel. Martina is patient, gentle, and kind, which makes lessons with Martina very enjoyable! If you are looking for an instructor, I would recommend Martina!

Martina is an amazing teacher. I've been struggling with tension in my playing, and from our very first online lesson, she has pinpointed adjustments that are making a huge difference. She has brought new awareness to my bow hand, left hand posture, shifting and finger placement, all tension-filled movements that are more free and relaxed.

Martina is an exceptionally perceptive teacher, and I am constantly impressed by her ability to assess my playing over video, then patiently guide me to greater freedom and musicality. I feel very lucky to have connected with her!

Martina is an outstanding teacher, passionate for music and for the success of her students. She is the teacher I wish I had from day one. Under her guidance, I did my RCM grade 10 and ARCT in Violin performance, and my confidence and understanding flourished. She always knew when I could do even better, and brought out that potential in me. Her understanding of both musicality and the physics of the instrument are invaluable when learning at any age or level, allowing you to play naturally, effortlessly and without injury. Music isn't just notes; it expresses what words cannot, the deepest feelings of the heart. And this is the world Martina opened for me.

Martina is a wonderful teacher and mentor. I have taken lessons from her for over a year and a half now. I started as a beginner. She has put me on the path to success, corrected my stance, bowing and fingering hand. I am enjoying playing in church, at festivals and Duets with Martina. Excited about being able to vibrate notes on the violin. Even on extended vacations, we have on line lessons.

Martina is my violin teacher and has been for around 9 years. She explains instructions clearly and in many different ways, accommodating to your learning style. She makes learning fun and engaging. She has set me up for success and growth with genuine comments that can be applied in practice. She also alerts me about good opportunities I have the option to participate in. Martina teaches not only music but determination and discipline for your future path.

Martina is an amazing teacher and person. She is very kind and patient. She teaches my 14 year old son violin and he really loves learning from her. My son is on the spectrum and sometimes grasping a concept is difficult for him and he gets very frustrated. Martina very patiently explains/shows him what to do (multiple times) and he eventually understands it.
He loves learning from Martina and looks forward to lesson time.
If you are thinking of taking lessons from this amazing lady, do it! You won’t regret it!

My son, Samuel, has been learning violin with Ms. Martina for over two years, and we feel incredibly fortunate to have her as his teacher.

Martina is one of the most professional, responsible, and dedicated teachers we have ever met. She truly puts her heart into teaching, and it is clear that she cares deeply about her students and their development. She is patient, encouraging, and attentive to every detail. She always tries different approaches and methods to help Samuel improve, finding what works best for him.

We would wholeheartedly recommend Martina to any student looking for an outstanding violin teacher. She is truly a Super Tutor!

I am truly fortunate to have had the privilege of studying under Martina Smazal. From the moment I started lessons, it was immediately clear that I was in the hands of someone not only deeply skilled but also genuinely passionate about teaching. Thanks to her guidance, I have built a stronger technical foundation, gained a deeper sense of confidence in my playing, and developed a true appreciation for the art of music. It is because of Martina's mentorship that I have been able to pursue a career that continues to center around music.
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, Martina’s expertise, warmth, and unwavering dedication make her an invaluable resource. I am incredibly grateful for all that I’ve learned under her tutelage and for the joy she has helped me find in playing the violin.

Martina has been teaching my daughter Emily violin for 7 years. She is very patient, organized, dedicated and follows the children’s personal needs in music. She’s an accomplished violin and viola player and just an amazing teacher.

I can’t recommend Martina enough! From the very first lesson, her passion for teaching and expertise in violin truly shone through. Martina has a knack for explaining complex techniques in ways that are easy to understand, making the learning process feel natural and engaging. Not only does she bring a wealth of knowledge to every session, but she is incredibly patient and encouraging with my daughter.

Martina is a high caliber and dedicated teacher with very extensive experience. She taught our daughter violin for four fantastic years. Our daughter achieved ARCT depolma with Conservatory Canada. We highly recommend Martina to everyone who wants to take on violin and piano challenges.

Martina is an amazing teacher and warm person. I had learned so many things from her. I truly recommend her!

Martina was my first violin teacher in Ottawa, over 20 years ago. She was kind, patient and incredibly skillful at teaching and imparting enthusiasm and knowledge. A recent reconnection with Martina confirms she is as enthusiastic and immersed in music than ever! I am a trained luthier now and am exceedingly grateful to have the skill to play and assess my own instruments - thank you, Martina!

Martina truly cares about each individual student under her wing of musical care. Her enduring patience with my son and other students is only one of her many deeming qualities as a teacher. She is also dedicated, encouraging and enthusiastic about a students' every stage of development and this shows through in her detailed teaching. We have been with Martina for 3 -4 years and are very happy with her as my son's violin teacher.

For many years, Martina and I have had exciting times playing music together. She is such a kind, inspirational, knowledgeable person with precise musical ideas displayed with enthusiasm. Her joyful character is contagious , and her love of children shines. I would highly recommend her as a teacher for all ages.

Martina is professional, competent, and the most passionate teacher I have met. She makes the ideal violin teacher for students at any level and age.

Martina is a very attentive teacher and patient with her students. My son has been with her for a few years now and I am confident in saying that Martina has played a large role in his growth in playing.

I have been studying with Ms. Smazal for the past two years and I wholeheartedly recommend her for students of all ages and levels. Besides being a splendid musician and pedagogue, she is very devoted to her students. Ms. Smazal is very knowledgeable and excellent at teaching repertoire and building violin/viola technique, no matter what your starting point is. Beyond this, Ms. Smazal has been exceedingly helpful in teaching ear training. Her instruction has been invaluable!

Martina is an incredible teacher, very knowledgeable and understanding. If a student has trouble, she finds different approaches and guides them until they improve their playing. Would definitely recommend!

My daughter has been a student of Martina’s for 6 years now and we couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and honest teacher. She is passionate about her craft and truly cares about the progress of her students. Over the years we have seen many of her students being recognized for their skill and talent. Although her students are truly talented, her support and hard work is what always gives them that extra competitive edge when they participate in various festivals and musical events. I have recommended her many times over the years to friends and family.