There is no doubt that the life of Corey Walden was destined from a very early age to be centered around music. A by-chance demonstration of stringed classical music by local music students in his Kindergarten class initiated his love affair with the violin from almost before he can remember. Before he had grown enough to handle the smallest of violins, he studied recorder – then he was allowed to pursue violin studies, and soon distinguished himself with rapid advancement through the Suzuki Violin Method. Soon he joined the Kensington Classical Quartet as First/Second Violin, all the while continuing lessons with well-known classical instructors. Over time he was a Violinist for the Halton Youth Symphony, the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, and a student guest violinist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
He then studied Applied Music at Mohawk College, after which he began his successful career teaching private classical violin lessons using the Suzuki Method of violin instruction to students ranging in age from pre-school to retired adults. Subsequently, he completed Suzuki Pedagogy at the Suzuki String School of Guelph, and then went on to obtain Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Suzuki Teacher Training Program at Queens University, Kingston, Ontario. He has performed with the Oakville Symphony and also served as Principal Second for the Guelph Chamber Orchestra.
But, classical music was never his complete interest. While still in school, he studied the Bass Guitar and performed in both the Oakville heavy metal rock group REDRUM and the Black Satin Jazz Quintet (Oakville) which, incidentally won the right to represent Ontario at the Banff Jazz Festival. He was violinist and backup vocalist with Painted Horse, a four-decades pop-rock cover band. He has also performed as a guest violinist for various weddings, churches, corporate functions, dinner parties and special events.
But Celtic Rock has, in recent years, become his passion. He is a founding member of Hunting McLeod, a premier performing group within the Celtic Rock genre. In this group, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada and is recognized for his energy, polish and passion for this music - music which excites audiences of all ages. The opportunity to write, arrange, and perform in the Celtic tradition - while still enjoying the fruits of the true classical background of his instrument - provides Corey the ideal mix around which he centers his life.
And he believes many more good things are yet to come!
Instruments: Violin, Mandolin, Vocals, Electric Bass, Recorder
Corey is a: * Member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas * Member of the Suzuki Association of Ontario * Member of the Hamilton Musicians Guild
