Lorena López Olarte

Instrument(s): Violin, Viola

Levels Taught: Children, pre-teens, teenagers, and adults (beginner to advanced levels)

Education:
Maestro en Música (Major in Violin) – Universidad Juan N. Corpas, Bogotá, Colombia
Master of Music in Violin Performance (in progress) – University of Texas at San Antonio, USA
Postgraduate Studies in Anthroposophical Music Therapy(in progress) – Program in collaboration with institutions in Colombia and the Goetheanum, Switzerland
Training in Waldorf Education and its application to music pedagogy Experience preparing students for London College of Music (LCM) examinations (since 2020)

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that each student is a unique individual who requires a thoughtful and flexible approach to learning. I integrate different pedagogical perspectives, including elements of Waldorf education, to create a holistic and
responsive learning environment.

I guide students to develop a deep and reflective understanding of their instrument. Rather than focusing only on repetition, I encourage them to think critically, explore, and discover the principles behind technique and sound production. This process allows students to build meaningful connections between their body and the instrument, fostering awareness, autonomy, and long-term growth.
A central aspect of my teaching is the mind-muscle connection. I help students, especially pre-teens and teenagers; understand how the brain learns, how memory works, and how to practice efficiently. This empowers them to take ownership of their progress, improve their practice habits, and develop creativity and confidence.

Ultimately, my goal is not only to train musicians, but to support the development of thoughtful, self-aware individuals who can apply what they learn in music to other aspects of their lives.

Biography:

Myriam Lorena López Olarte is a violinist, and music educator from Colombia with an international academic and pedagogical background. She holds a degree in Music with a major in violin from Universidad Juan N. Corpas in Bogotá, Colombia, and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she has been awarded a full scholarship and a teaching assistantship.

Since 2018, she has worked as Head of Studies and instructor at a music school in Arequipa, Peru, teaching violin and piano to children and young musicians. Her teaching experience includes preparing students for international examinations such as the London College of Music.

Her pedagogical approach is enriched by her training in Waldorf education and her ongoing postgraduate studies in Anthroposophical Music Therapy, developed in collaboration with institutions in Colombia and the Goetheanum in Switzerland. Her work explores the relationship between music, body awareness, and well-being, with a particular interest in salutogenesis.

In addition to teaching, she is an active performer as part of a Latin American duo, promoting the cultural richness and expressive power of live music.