Lauren McDonald

Lauren McDonald was born in Cape Town and started violin lessons from a young age, participating in many competitions, eisteddfods, ABRSM and Trinity exams. She became a member of the Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra during her high school years, stirring her passion for playing orchestral music. Through the orchestra, she received mentorship from members of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra and had opportunities to perform around South Africa.

Lauren pursued her violin studies further and graduated from the University of Cape Town with a BMus in 2018, and a PGCE specialising in Music Education in 2019. Throughout her studies, she received growing opportunities to teach the violin to young children and she very soon gained a love for it.
Lauren now works as a part-time music teacher at various schools in addition to Beau Soleil Music Centre, including Beau Soleil’s development projects – Ifidyoli and Ottery Road Methodist School. These development projects are very close to her heart.
When she is not teaching, Lauren freelances as an orchestral violinist in the Cape Town Pops Orchestra. She also plays in smaller ensembles for weddings and other events when the opportunity arises.