Dean's Greetings

Dean Betty Anne Younker provides an update on school and faculty news, reflects on recent alumni and donor gatherings, and looks forward to a busy audition and interview season to welcome outstanding graduate and undergraduate students to Western.

Bringing the real world into the classroom

Canadian Music Hall of Famer Bob Wiseman brought a lifetime of expertise to his Popular Music Songwriting course in the Don Wright Faculty of Music last term.

News and Announcements

• Recent Music Education grad Siobhan Waldock wins CMEA/ACME Undergraduate Essay Contest
• Maritsa Brookes Concerto Competition 2020
• Remembering and celebrating 20 years of New Horizons Band
• Western welcomes NATS - Ontario Chapter Vocal Showcase 2019
• Alumnus Francesco Milioto named Opera San Antonio music director
• Ryan McCaul, BMus’17, harnesses 'power of music' for all
• Assistant Professor Kate Helsen revolutionizes the study of medieval music
• Alumna Genevieve Fisher named among 2019 20 Under 40 Award recipients
• Musicologist James Grier awarded prestigious Margaret Wade Labarge Prize
• Alumna Vicki St. Pierre heads Ontario Youth Choir in residence at Western
• Annual Graduate Symposium on Music celebrates 20 years
• Musical meet up in Lucca, Italy for Western's AEDO and London's Amabile Choir
• Colleen Richardson begins role as President Elect of World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles
• Western University Singers finalist in National Choir Competition
• DMA piano student Connor O’Kane earns semi-final spot in 2019 Stepping Stone
• Soundscape Composition project premiere
• Western hosts ISPME biennial Music Education conference
• Interview with Kate Helsen on PBnJ - Professors Beyond Jobs
• Interview with Emily Ansari on PBnJ - Professors Beyond Jobs
• Interview with Patrick Schmidt on PBnJ - Professors Beyond Jobs
• Research News

Summer Workshop Opportunities

"The Kodály certification program empowered me with knowledge and material that compels me to evaluate and reevaluate my teaching pedagogy on a daily basis. Taught by an outstanding faculty, the focus of this course is intergenerational and interdisciplinary in a welcoming and thoroughly encouraging environment."
- Brent Fifield

Now entering its fourth year at Western, the Kodály certification program (Levels I, II & III) at Western is just one of several professional development opportunities offered at the Don Wright Faculty of Music. In particular, music educators can benefit from short but intensive programming in July and still enjoy a break in August before heading back to the class or rehearsal room.

• Music Education workshops and open rehearsals
• Kodály Certification Program - July 6-17
• Choral Conducting: Gesture, Pedagogy, and Leadership - July 20-31
• Progressive Methods in Popular Music - July 20-31
• Oboe Intensive - July 21-24
• AEDO (Accademia Europea Dell'Opera) - June 28-August 10
• See all outreach opportunities

Concerts and Special Events

As you know from your student days, our events calendar is packed with concerts and special events during the academic year, and we're heading into our busiest season! If you're planning a trip back to campus, please join us. Current students greatly appreciate your support.

> View all types of events

> See us in action! View photos

> Sign up for our monthly events email

> Want to receive a copy of the printed concert brochure or view online?

Giving to Music

Deral Johnson was an influential professor in the Faculty of Music for 22 years, who changed the landscape of choral music at Western. He passed away March 24, 2010 at the age of 83. Established in his honour in 2018, the Deral Johnson Legacy Award in Choral Conducting is given to an undergrad or graduate student at Western who has academic achievement and excels in choral music leadership.

GIVING TO MUSIC

For more information about the Faculty's philanthropic priorities, please contact:
Allison Price
Senior Development Officer
519-661-2111 x85695