"Where Can I Go With a Music Degree...?"
Edition 2024
The inaugural edition of "Where Can I Go With A Music Degree...?" included a total of 25 guest speakers, spanning 5 roundtables, 2 workshops and a closing panel with CBC Radio Host Tom Allen.
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Workshop and roundtable topics varied from community music, career planning and development, and the real value of a music education to redefining "success" in the industry and normalizing a wider variety of career paths.
It is our hope that this event and initiative may inspire professionals to share their diverse experiences, engage in dialogue that bridges education and industry, and contribute to a broader understanding of the myriad of possibilities a music education can offer.
Learn more about our past speakers and panels below.
Our Sponsors
LEADING IN THE INDUSTRY
2024 Speakers
FEATURED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
Amahl Arulanandam
Workshop Clinicians
FEATURED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
In our evolving artistic landscape, how does one find and define one's own artistic voice? This workshop is an opportunity to discuss strategies to chart your own artistic path based on your individual identity, interests and values.
Dr. Dinuk Wijeratne will lead participants using tools and strategies from his own how-to guide "for creators across disciplines." Jan Bottomer, McGill University's Music & Arts Career Advisor will share insights gained from her 10+ years of career development work with music students.
Workshop #1 – Feb. 3, 12:30 EST
"Finding Your Artistic Voice"
Workshop #2 – Feb. 4, 12:30 EST
"What Is Community Music?"
This workshop will serve as an introduction to Community Music led by Dr. Amy Hillis of
York University. How can music be used as a tool for empowering communities and facilitating social change?
To illustrate Community Music in action, the workshop will showcase two community leaders and community music organizations unique to Canada: Carole Bestvater of Strong Harbour Strings in St. John's, NL and
Dr. Richard Marsella of Community Music
Schools of Toronto.
Closing Panel – Special Guest
This closing panel is a conversation between the event hosts and guest speaker Tom Allen, centered around the value of a music education and the power of music as a tool for human connection.
Closing Panel – Feb. 4, 4:00 pm (EST)
"The Real Value of a Music Education"
Schedule Day 1
February 3, 2024
All roundtables will be 90 minutes; workshops will be 75 minutes. Times in EST.
10:00
Roundtable #1
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"What I Wish I Had Learned in Music School"
For this opening discussion of the weekend, guest panellists will be reflecting on the most important takeaways from their professional experience thus far and what they wish they had known about careers in the music industry while they were in school.
Panelists: Dr. Carson Becke, Brandyn Lewis, Janna Sailor, Aria Umezawa
11:30
Lunch Break
12:30
Clinicians: Jan Bottomer, Dr. Dinuk Wijeratne
14:15
Round Table #2
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"How to Create Your Own Work & Fund Your Projects"
This roundtable features guests who have founded and sustained their own ensembles and musical organizations. The discussion will centre around the entrepreneurial skills required to develop your own projects (such as fundraising, networking, marketing, and more).
Panelists: Amahl Arulanandam & Dr. Bryan Holt (VC2), Vincent Lauzer, Rory McLeod, Dr. Andrea Stewart
16:00
Virtual Meet & Greet
An opportunity for participants to meet our hosts & panelists, and to ask them questions in a more informal setting. Bring a drink, a snack, and your curiosity!
Schedule Day 2
February 4, 2024
All roundtables will be 90 minutes; workshops will be 75 minutes. Times in EST.
10:00
Roundtable #3
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"Multidisciplinary Careers"
This roundtable features guests who have performing arts careers while working simultaneously in other disciplines. We'll find out what led them to embark on multidisciplinary career paths and the steps they took to achieve those goals.
Panelists: Amelia Lyon, Beth McKenna, Melissa Scott, Kristan Toczko
11:30
Lunch Break
12:30
Clinicians: Carole Bestvater, Dr. Amy Hillis, Dr. Richard Marsella
14:15
Round Table #4
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"Using Your Music Degree as a Foundation"
In this final roundtable discussion, panelists will discuss their experiences pivoting to music-related fields which do not necessarily centre around public performance (e.g. instrument repair, sound engineering, music therapy, arts administration, and portfolio careers).
Panelists: Diana Lam, Jenna Richards, Melissa Tan, Jeremy VanSlyke
16:00
Special Guest: Tom Allen
In conversation with event hosts, Lara Deutsch, Dr. Amy Hillis and Dr. Cindy Thong
17:00
Virtual Meet & Greet
An opportunity for participants to meet our hosts & panelists, and to ask them questions in a more informal setting. Bring a drink, a snack, and your curiosity!
Meet the Event Organizers
Acadia University
Carleton University
Our Sponsors
Generously supported by:
