Applied study: Euphonium

[Submitted by Susan Banfield]

Our dad often told us about his experiences with various ensembles, particularly the chamber choir and the jazz ensemble (when he was a trumpet major). While a student (with the first group to begin at the brand-new School of Music) he had some of his arrangements performed by both these groups. Initially leaving the program before finishing his degree, he returned a few years later, completing the final year of his conjoint program with a new instrument (euphonium) and three children under two years old. Dad’s years at the School of Music not only reinforced his disciplin, it encouraged his whimsical musical creativity. This shaped not only our family life - through improvised layered games involving modes, crunchy chords, and on-the-spot transposition - it enriched the lives of so many people around him. He was known for (among many musical Pete-isms) walking into a room with an odd chord progression in his head, quickly dividing the room into voice types, and minutes later debuting a four-part-harmony micro-piece.

Pete passed away in January of 2025, but not without leaving a legacy in Central Newfoundland. For over twenty years, he guided beginner musicians in the school system and advanced students during the summer at Salvation Army Music Camps. He also held various music leadership positions in churches throughout Central NL. Several of the students he taught as young children, either through school or camp, returned for private theory tutoring in preparation for their own music degrees.

MUN Chamber Choir - Vancouver trip, May 1978

MUN Chamber Choir, late 1970s.

Major: General Music Studies
Applied study: Piano

My major instrument was piano, which was mostly a solo instrument. But I also really enjoyed opportunities to make music with others, as a piano accompanist, by playing clarinet and oboe in the MUN Concert Band, and in the community with the Gower Youth Band. I treasure the lifelong friendships I made with my classmates, and with many of my professors. Being a student at Memorial University’s School of Music taught me to show up - for myself, for my fellow students and musicians, and for my community. I learned from everyone that becoming a better musician requires a work ethic, self-motivation and a belief in yourself. By watching others, I learned how to juggle rehearsals with different groups, meet the school’s high academic standards, and squeeze in a few hours each week at various part time jobs. Getting a Bachelor of Music degree feels kind of like getting a Bachelor of Multitasking!

Over the years, I have watched the School of Music evolve and widen its scope to include the study of not only classical, but many genres of music. Its academic focus on music and music education has widened to include many areas of learning. It’s been wonderful to see the School of Music, its faculty, and its students, involved in many parts of music and life in Newfoundland and Labrador. One of my activities when I was a music student happened across the campus, at CHMR-FM, where I created and hosted a classical music show called Go For Baroque. Using my academic knowledge and access to the School of Music’s large library of vinyl records, I realized I really liked talking about music! That led me to pursue a Master of Arts in Journalism at Western University in London, Ontario. Journalism uses many of the skills I worked on in music school, such as being a self starter and meeting deadlines, and effectively performing and communicating. And of course, having a music background is very helpful while working in radio and audio!

I have had a long and interesting career with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), based mostly in St. John’s, where I feel like I learn something every day. I was a reporter in rural Newfoundland in the years after the cod moratorium, I produced programs for CBC Music, made documentaries and produced programs for national CBC Radio, and produced and hosted many of the current affairs radio programs in Newfoundland and Labrador, with my home program being Weekend AM. It just goes to show that you never know how your studies at the School of Music might directly or indirectly shape your life. And remember, never B Sharp or B Flat. Always B Natural.

Major: Performance
Applied study: Trombone

As a 17-year-old teenager from rural Newfoundland, I arrived at MUN Music having no idea about the world of professional musicianship and never imagined myself pursuing the career I currently have. My years of study that followed changed all that for me — I was infinitely inspired by the professors and community at MUN Music, and was able to unlock potential both as a musician and human that I did not know I had.

I currently maintain a dual career as a conductor and educator in Toronto, ON. In June 2025 I made my Southam Hall debut at the National Arts Center in Ottawa as part of the NACO Mentorship program. In 2024 I became the inaugural Artistic Director of Wilfrid Laurier University's "NextGen" Youth Orchestra program. I have been an instrumental music teacher at the Sterling Hall School in North York, ON since 2022.

www.shawnbennettconductor.ca

Major: Composition
Minor: Jazz

Memorial is a school with an incredibly strong sense of community, a value which I believe is very important in music industry! I continually work with people I met at MUN and hope to continue to do so in the future!

I am a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto in Composition!

www.luke-blackmore.com 

Applied study: Violin

Studying music at Memorial prepared me for a life of rewarding career and personal experiences. People often ask me how I manage my very full schedule as a mom of four and a busy member of my community. The answer is always: while at music school, I learned how to balance my time while practicing long hours and finding time to study. In my second year of my undergrad when I was 20, I had a baby, Jack. The faculty in the School of Music provided a nurturing environment for me as a young mom while still challenging me to be the best version of myself. Their support gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams after graduation.

When I graduated in 2013, I worked as a professional musician and violin teacher with the Suzuki Talent Education Program before running for election for municipal government in 2017. I am about to complete my second term as a Councillor-at-Large for the City of St. John's and begin my journey to become a doctor at Memorial this fall in the Faculty of Medicine. I am also a writer. In 2024 I won the prestigious Griffin Canadian First Book Prize for my book of poetry called Chores and I will publish a debut book of short fiction in 2026, both with Breakwater Books. I am an active volunteer in the community and I manage a busy household. I am still playing my violin and am teaching my toddlers how to play, too.

I have many fond memories of my student years at the School of Music: the inspiring mentorship of an outstanding group of professors, the camaraderie of an amazing circle of classmates and friends, and the opportunity to grow as a musician and scholar in one of the finest facilities of its kind in Canada during the early years of the newly minted M.O. Morgan Music Building. The School of Music has profoundly shaped the trajectory of my career in music.

After receiving my B.Mus. from Memorial, I completed graduate degrees from McMaster University (M.A., Music Criticism) and the University of Victoria (Ph.D., Musicology). From 1998 to 2023, I served as a music professor at Lakehead University, including 10 years as Chair of the Department of Music and a 2-year term as President of the Canadian University Music Society. As a university teacher, I have always cherished the opportunity to mentor students of music history and taken special joy in instilling in students the richness and diversity of Canada’s musical traditions. My research has focused on aspects of music in Canada, with an emphasis on the musical traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2007, I co-edited (with Dr. Beverley Diamond of Memorial University) a special issue of the journal "Newfoundland and Labrador Studies" devoted to music, while my book "Newfoundland Rhapsody: Frederick R. Emerson and the Musical Culture of the Island" was published by McGill-Queen’s University Press in 2014. Other published contributions include articles in the "Canadian University Music Review," the "International Alliance for Women in Music Journal," "The Phenomenon of Singing," "Newfoundland Quarterly," and the "Encyclopedia of Music in Canada," among others. One of the most rewarding outcomes of the Newfoundland Rhapsody project was partnering with Maestro Marc David and the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra to facilitate the long-awaited world premiere of Emerson’s Newfoundland Rhapsody for orchestra (a piece composed for the NSO and harpist Carla Emerson Furlong) as part of the orchestra’s 2015-16 Masterworks Series. Since moving back to St. John’s as an emeritus professor in 2023, I’ve been delighted to serve on the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra (2024-) in support of an incredible group of musicians and an organization that continues to be a dynamic presence in the cultural life of the province. My most recent project is a forthcoming book on the Newfoundland folk song collections of Maud Karpeles (co-authored with Dr. Anna Kearney Guigné of Memorial University).

Applied study: Tuba

My favourite memories of the school of music are rehearsals with various brass ensembles. We would work hard for rehearsal and then completely goof off during the breaks. We also did some performances with an organist (Stephen Candow, I think was his name), and to this day, brass and organ is one of my favourite combinations. The brass band I am in does a Christmas show every year with an organist, and it always reminds me of my time at MUN.

I work in communications and public engagement on an infrastructure project to create a new mouth for the Don River in Toronto (among a few other smaller projects). The new river mouth alleviates a flood risk for a large swath of the city and at the same time is revitalizing the river and creating a new ecosystem in post-industrial land. My role has involved a lot of skills I developed through music: most obviously things like editing audio when creating video content, but also soft skills like listening and collaboration. I also play with the Weston Silver Band, a British-style brass band that competes internationally.

Major: Performance and Composition
Applied Study: Piano

There are so many great experiences to reminisce on from my excellent experiences at Memorial. One of my most impactful memories was having the incredible opportunity to perform the Liszt Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat Major under Dr. Regehr’s baton surrounded with my awesome music friends forming the chamber orchestra. If music could give you a hug, that experience was it! The students I studied along-side with became a tight-knit supportive family. The MUN Music professors are great passionate educators, a quality that is not only inspiring but left a lasting positive impression. I had an incredible time studying piano with Professor Timothy Steeves. To this day, he is a mentor that I highly value and keep in touch with. I always looked forward to my weekly piano lessons with Tim. We worked hard but most of all many laughs were regularly shared in my piano lessons serving as a constant reminder to keep music fun. These positive lasting impressions and having a welcoming learning environment fostered by the many passionate MUN Music educators is something I’ve aimed to carry over into my own private piano school. Keep it fun, positive, welcoming and engaging while simultaneously working hard to make the absolute best out of it. Memorial University’s Music Department will always hold a special place in my heart and has strongly shaped my path and approach in working as a music educator/business owner. The skills I’ve learned through my studies and employment opportunities at MUN has given me invaluable assets allowing me to thrive in my field.

I have proudly returned to my hometown of Chapleau, Ontario. Recognizing the continued need for music education in my isolated community I opened my business the Chapleau Piano Academy in 2019. To my knowledge, it is the first fully equipped private piano school occupying a commercial space to have ever existed in Chapleau. To paint a better picture, the youth in my community often do not have the opportunity to formerly study music in the primary and secondary school curriculums due to lack of resources and qualified music educators willing to stay in the community. Aside from growing up in a passionate, hardworking musically talented family, I myself come from a largely self-taught background due to the minimal opportunities available in the small town of Chapleau. Being able to return to my community and offer these services means the world to me and holds great importance. There are little pieces of all my amazing experiences acquired through a decade of rigorous post-secondary classical music studies resonating through my students and my business. My students and I successfully fundraised and acquired a brand-new Yamaha U1 acoustic piano and 4 digital pianos during the height of the global pandemic. This equipment allowed our studio to host private and group piano lessons on high quality and responsive instruments. We additionally produce free virtual concerts yearly to spread positive waves of music reaching audiences beyond our small community. The Chapleau Piano Academy is thriving with over 30+ students of all ages studying in-person and online reaping the many benefits of what music education naturally offers. Additionally, to assure the continued maintenance and proper care of our acoustic pianos I’ve pursued online education in acquiring my certification in piano tuning and repairs. The learning and constant pursuit of evolving is a never-ending wonderful journey.

Applied study: Trumpet

Favourite Memory — That’s a tough one to pin down. Was it the impromptu late-night jam sessions? The always-entertaining wind ensemble rehearsals? Maybe the unforgettable brass weeks, or the countless performances shared with incredible musicians and friends. Of course, I can’t forget the post-concert gatherings at the Duke of Duckworth. But no—my favourite memory has to be the moment I got to play dress-up as Papagena in Mozart’s Magic Flute during my MMus graduate recital! Although my time at the MUN School of Music was only two years, they were among the most formative of my life. I was fortunate to study with an incredible teacher and mentor—dedicated, patient, and generous with his time—who tailored his guidance to my needs as a developing performer. He consistently challenged me to push past self-doubt and trust the potential I didn’t always see in myself. Beyond the lessons, I also found a community of wonderful people, many of whom remain close friends to this day. It’s truly the people who make the MUN School of Music such a safe, supportive, and inspiring place—one that fosters both personal growth and musical excellence.

Applied study: Voice

My time at the School of Music strongly developed my discipline, as well as time management skills. Studying music teaches you the importance of teamwork, how important it is to listen to those around you, and to pay attention to the finer details. These are all skills and lessons that have paid dividends since I've graduated.

I just finished my Naval Warfare Officer training with the Royal Canadian Navy in British Columbia, and have returned home (for now) to explore other interests of mine, and continue my pursuit of medical school.

Major: Performance
Applied study: Saxophone

The School of Music set the foundation for my career - in no other institution have I found the same level of rigour, commitment to excellence and appreciation for hard work. I am eternally grateful to the School and its faculty for endowing me with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

I am an entertainment and media lawyer in Toronto - I also own and run an AI start-up and serve as Chair of the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors. In my spare time, I still love teaching (though now it is less "saxophone" and more "law").

Major: Performance
Applied study: Flute

MUN Music began creating memories for me even before classes began in my freshman year. The famous scavenger hunts followed by Dr. Paul Rice's special chili were a great way for us to get to know each other! What followed were years of intense music making, learning at the highest level, laughter, tears and everything in between! No-one could have convinced me that 7 AM practice sessions on orchestral excerpts would lead to performances everywhere from Austria to Australia. But being able to channel wisdom like Dr. Dunsmore's "Music is 90 percent brains and 10 percent talent" or "Talk less, play more", Dr. Don Buell's quiet, brilliant leadership on and off the podium, or Joanne's Lowe's boundless generosity in lessons helped me develop a career which I hope does them proud.

I am the Principal Flute of the National Orchestra of Malta (Malta Philharmonic Orchestra), Visiting Senior Lecturer in Music and Baroque Studies at University of Malta and the Flute tutor for the Malta Youth Orchestra.

Major: Composition
Applied study: Tuba

I have too many great memories from my time at MUN to list, and most of them involved goofing off with a crew of goofy musicians, staying up into the wee hours of the night studying for a History exam, or the daily ritual of walking to the Aquarena Tim Horton's between classes. If you've been to any other university, you'll know that MUN Music is special. Everybody knows everybody, and there is a real sense of warmth that encapsulated my time there. Music has shaped virtually every aspect of my life. It is how I connect, how I cope with the world, how I make most of my living, and it's what I'm dreaming about every day. MUN gave me the tools to clearly express myself artistically, which is a gift that I don't take for granted. If I never made another cent from music in my life, I still wouldn't regret what those years of study gave me. I also met my wife there, so that's pretty cool too.

I am a composer, singer-songwriter (under the name R Sheaves), producer and music teacher. In the past several years, I've been lucky enough to work with many talented people, from symphony orchestras to ballet companies to folk bands to painters. Choosing this path was never going to be easy, and there are major ups and down, but with incredibly hard work, dedication and perseverance, it can work out. And there's an undeniable joy in doing something you've wanted to do since you were a little kid.

www.roberthumber.com 

Major: Performance
Applied study: Trombone

I have nothing but amazing memories of my time at Memorial. The School of Music help set me on an incredible professional journey. From the faculty to the facilities and the friends I met across my time in the program, I am nothing but grateful. My favorite memory, though, is a late night recording in DF Cook Recital Hall, one of Aiden Hartery's new pieces with the Paddywagon Trombone Quartet!

After my time at Memorial, I completed a Master of Music at the Yale School of Music and a Doctor of Music at Florida State University. After 7 years of teaching at Florida State University, East Carolina University, and California State University, Fresno, as well as performing and recording around the world, I recently pivoted out of the arts and now lead Global Leadership Development at Marriott International.

My favourite memories of the School of Music are the countless hours that I spent talking with Kati Szego, whose patience and kindness seemed infinite. My artistic and academic horizons were continually broadened, being surrounded by faculty and colleagues with such a breadth of interests, from Faroese metal to Persian classical music. I'll never forget my time there.

I live on PEI now, and I've been working as a full-time musician for many years, with my band The Burning Hell and as a collaborator on other projects. I run a music business program for Music PEI, focused on helping working artists navigate our changing industry. I've also spent time building mobile, solar-powered recording studios with Idlefield Art Lab, producing records for other artists in unconventional studio spaces, and I'm currently collaborating on several theatre and music projects related to climate change and post-human futures.

www.theburninghell.com 

Major: Music Theory and Composition
Applied study: Trumpet

My favourite memory was having all of my close friends and family from all walks of life come see my recital. We packed Cook Hall and it was one of the most powerful feelings of love and support I have ever experienced. It gave me a creative way of thinking that has helped me in other journeys along the way. It introduced me to my love of film and the world of sound design and film composing which is what I do today. The School of Music has always been about the people for me. I went through it with a solid group of folks that ended up being some of my best of friends. I even had two of my best friends stand in my wedding in 2024 and couldn't be happier to have met these people. We shared our love of music and struggles in life together during the degree and it made it all worthwhile no matter what.

I am a sound designer and film composer working through my freelance company, Ranger Sound. I also teach private piano lessons through Meraki Music.

Major: Performance
Applied study: French Horn

I have a lot of cherished memories from my time at the School of Music. I met so many lifelong friends, and even fell in love there, but my favourite memory is of preparing and performing for a tour that never was in my first year. We were a joint brass quintet and saxophone quintet. We played some great new music. There were students from different stages of their degrees in the group, and I really learned so much about ensemble playing and effective chamber music coaching. Even without having the tour go ahead, I really cherished the experience of playing that music and learning from some incredible teachers so early in my time at the school. My time at the School of Music helped me to learn how to push myself. I was so hungry to learn and was able to take part in so many learning opportunities, exploring all the many facets of a formal education in music - history, counterpoint, performance practice, musicology, composition, conducting, choral experiences - it truly allowed me to see all the ways my skills could be applied to the real world, and these encounters have been foundational in where I am now. I also felt so supported to spread my wings and try new things thanks to teachers and coaches in private lessons and chamber music experiences. I'm so grateful for that time and the support I received during my education.

Currently, I live in Montreal with my husband (also a School of Music graduate). I work as a program manager at a non-profit serving people over 50. We have a social services department, robust volunteer services, and a program department, which is where I work. I went back to school to study music therapy in 2012, and fell in love with community work as I bounced around Montreal on many different contracts. Right now, I oversee music education programs for our members as well as therapeutic arts and music programs for people with a range of health issues, along with social programs that foster inclusion. Our mandate is to improve the quality of life of people over 50 through meaningful programming. We aim to help our members maintain social connections and continued learning as a preventative measure for many health issues that we face as we age, which can be traced back to isolation.

Applied study: Flute

Studying my MMus at Memorial gave me the time and space to explore the many things I was interested in. My flute teacher, now friend and colleague, was supportive of both my performance and academic interests, providing me with (and supporting me to find) many opportunities to explore both avenues. The School of Music continues to champion its students and support our endeavors even post-graduation, and I am grateful for that continued commitment through all my different projects and ventures over the years. I love coming back to the School to perform, take in concerts and events, and to give back to the next generation of students in any way that I can.

After graduating from Memorial, I pursued an Artist Diploma at the Royal College of Music in London UK, followed by a Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University in Toronto, both in piccolo! I freelanced in the St. John’s area for some time, running my own social enterprises Project Grace (a community music program modelled after el Sistema) and the Bethany Centre for Arts and Community, as well as teaching in my private music studio “Tutti Flutey”, and doing plenty of gigging. I joined Memorial’s Faculty of Business Administration in 2019 and have been the manager of Memorial's Centre for Social Enterprise since 2021. Here I lead a dynamic team that offers extra- and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities to all of Memorials students, exploring the creation of a better future for our communities and province through social enterprise and social innovation. After joining the Faculty of Business Administration, I also pursued a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and currently hold a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social Enterprise. I am delighted to continue to share my passion for performance, pedagogy and entrepreneurship through teaching at the university as well. I teach an array of courses in both the School of Music and Faculty of Business Administration, including flute techniques, pedagogy, music business, social enterprise and research methods. Beyond that I still manage to maintain a performing career, playing flute and piccolo with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Kittiwake Dance Theatre, Atlantic Light Theatre, and other companies here in St. John’s.

Minor: French
Applied study: Piano

My favourite memory of my time at the School of Music was in my fourth year, during a one-on-one piano lesson with the late, great Dr. Kristina Szutor. It was my last term, I had just got back from completing the Frecker Program in St. Pierre et Miquelon in semester 1, and she said something like "you have a varied skill set, you'll be fine." A vivid memory I have, that might not be a favourite, is during a masterclass, I was playing Danza de la Moza Donosa by Ginastera and I broke down into tears, like sobbing tears. I couldn't explain it. I was inconsolable but Dr. Szutor did her best to put her hand on my shoulder and assure me it was no big deal. It wasn't until much later in life that I recognised how much care the instrumental (in both terms of the word!) professors have for their students. The relationships they build watching someone in their formative years, week after week, commit to such a task as learning the great masterpieces of western classical art music.

My experience at Memorial's School of Music shaped me personally by pushing myself beyond my expectations, maybe one would say 'to the limit', while having a good backup plan in the case that the show cannot go on. Artistically, I've absolutely blossomed, especially when I could actually read music and headed back for a round two, a Masters Degree under Dr. Maureen Volk who I still have the privilege of enjoying some sushi with every time I'm in St. John's. I've had the opportunity to work as a session touring musician in Australia and I think it's the combination of that solid foundation of attention to detail as a Classical pianist with the later life skills of improvisation that lets me be a key and sought after asset for many projects. I transcribed note-for-note the 'Poor Boy' piano solo by M. Ward before my first tour with him. Necessary? Maybe not. But I got asked back for a second tour!

Professionally, I've recently stepped into the role of Senior Music Therapist at Calvary Healthcare Bethlehem, a public hospital here in Melbourne Australia that offers music therapy to palliative care patients and offers the statewide progressive neurologic disease service in Victoria. Having lost my darling Mom - who proudly attended every piano recital at the D.F. Cook Hall and even the Vagina Monologues there too! - back in 2019, I had to take a break from working in palliative care when the grief compounded. Recently, knowing how Dr. Szutor lived the last months of her life with facing such a heart-breaking diagnosis, I've been inspired to re-enter that specialty and do my best to bring to life the healing power of music. One thing is for certain - there's a curtain call for us all but we can play every note with a fierce passion that is unforgettable and inspiring to our fellow humans. Dr. Tim Steeves used to have a nice quote on his wall I enjoyed during advanced keyboard harmony. I remember it being something along the lines as "God's greatest gift to humans is music to ease their suffering." I wonder if it's still there on his wall today.... The School of Music has an enormous place in my heart and I look forward to travelling halfway across the world to join the celebrations in person!

I have been living in Melbourne since 2017 and studied the Masters of Music Therapy program at the University of Melbourne between 2018-2019. I work as a Senior Music therapist at a palliative care hospital and I also work at a neurorehabilitation hospital. I adore being part of the RAMSR team (Rhythm and Movement for Self Regulation) where I get to travel around Australia providing professional development to early childhood educators. Our mission statement is that workers, internationally, have the skills and resources to lead evidence-based rhythm and movement activities to support childhood development in self-regulation. I still gig professionally but more rarely as my favourite thing to do is play for my husband and rescue greyhound Tara.

Major: Performance and Musicologies
Applied study: Trumpet

My experience at the School of Music was transformational. I began my studies with a love of music, but not with much certainty about which direction my path would take. I graduated with confidence in my musicianship; a confidence transferrable to all other parts of my life. During my time at the School, I was encouraged to be interdisciplinary in my approach to education and to step outside my comfort zone musically and otherwise. I have carried these lessons forward and continue to think of the School's world class professors and the mentorship they offer as I forge my career. The School’s faculty and staff offer students a truly unique level of attention and care - their teaching rivals that of any comprehensive music school, anywhere. Favourite memories are far too numerous to count: playing with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra; starting a trumpet ensemble with friends and colleagues in Dr. Klaus’ studio; taking the show on the road for outreach tours around the province; studying in England at the Harlow Campus; discovering an academic passion for international diplomacy (yes, at music school); and having a beer at the Duke after countless performances over four years. I could go on… My experience at the School of Music is not unique - it has had a transformational impact on students time and time again. The School is a critical piece of our University and our province, where music has long formed an indispensable facet of our education and our culture.

Since graduating from the School of Music, I have completed further degrees in music performance, public policy, and law at the University of Oxford, where I studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and at the University of Toronto. In addition to continued musical pursuits, I have worked at the House of Commons in Ottawa, in the Office of the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and at national and Atlantic Canadian law firms.

Major: Performance
Minor: Composition
Applied study: Trombone

Favourite memory: Playing Christmas carols in the Music School lobby with Paddywagon Trombone Quartet. Personally: Some of the people I worked alongside at MUN music are still my closest friends today. I met my wife at Music School and we just welcomed our first child a few weeks ago.
Artistically: MUN Music helped shape me into the musician I am today. I had opportunities to play in all types of ensembles, from jazz bands to orchestras, chamber groups to solo settings. Once working as a professional musician, I was well equipped to apply the skills I learned to every musical situation I was put in.
What does the School of Music mean to me? Some of my fondest memories were at the School of Music. Whether it was playing music with friends or hanging out in the student lounge, the School of Music was a perfect fit for me as a young musician and adult. It provided as much musical opportunity as I was able to handle and gave me the necessary skills to have a wonderful career as a professional military musician.

I left MUN Music in 2016 when I won a position with the Canadian Armed Forces, Regular Force Music Branch. I was posted to Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2016 and paraded with the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy for 7 years. In 2020, while serving in the Regular Force, I finished my music degree. In 2023, I left the military and enrolled at Dalhousie's Schulich School of Law. I'm currently in my final year of study and I will graduate in the spring of 2026. Following graduation, I'll be working towards being licensed as a lawyer and plan to practice in the areas of Labour and Employment law.

One of my most cherished memories from my time at the MUN School of Music was attending and presenting at the 50th annual meeting of the Society for Ethnomusicology in Atlanta, Georgia in 2005, alongside my professors and classmates. I’ll never forget the thrill of shaking hands with esteemed ethnomusicologists such as Timothy Rice, Patricia Campbell, Philip Bohlman, and Deborah Wong. Hearing the wise words of Bruno Nettl, one of the field’s key leaders, was truly inspiring. My friends and I were honoured to present our own research at the conference, engaging in thoughtful dialogue and receiving support from our colleagues in the field. A standout moment was the music-sharing event, where talented MUN ethnomusicology student and violist Judith Klassen performed, accompanied by Dr. Beverley Diamond on piano. It was a privilege to be part of such a world-class event—huge kudos to Dr. Beverley Diamond and the MUN School of Music Ethnomusicology program for making it all possible. The Ethnomusicology Program at the Memorial University School of Music—especially under the guidance of Dr. Beverley Diamond and Dr. Kati Szego—gave me the mindset and skills to help pave the way for music education in Nunavut. Their teachings helped me understand the vital relationship between ethnomusicologist and music educator, and the importance of intercultural collaboration and multiple worldviews in music education. My Ph.D. research has contributed to the growing body of literature on Inuit music and culture and is actively informing the development of a new Music Education Curriculum for Nunavut. I am currently collaborating with Darlene Nuqingaq, William Tiktak, and Nowdlak Chislett to create a K–12 music curriculum that centers Inuit music and emphasizes the inclusion of Inuit tradition-bearers—singer/songwriters, drum makers, throat singers, and storytellers—in the classroom. My work as a music educator in Iqaluit is deeply shaped by my research in Arviat. Many of the songs I collected, transcribed, and analyzed during my Ph.D. now form the core repertoire I teach in choral, band, and guitar classes at Inuksuk High School—often in collaboration with the original Inuit musicians. I have also published two volumes of Inuit Inngiusingit: A Collection of Inuit Choral Music (Inhabit Media, 2016 & 2022), designed for students, teachers, and musicians interested in learning Inuit music. These songbooks feature transcriptions from Inuit musicians and are accompanied by four albums recorded by my choir, the Inuksuk Drum Dancers. My teaching philosophy has evolved to embrace “music education as social justice”—a means to promote youth leadership, cultural pride, and social activism. As an Inuit music education consultant, I work with multicultural teams to design and implement curricula that promote Inuit identity and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit through music. This work has been recognized nationally. In 2021, I received the Juno Award for Music Teacher of the Year and the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence. In 2025, I was honored with the King Charles Coronation Medal from the Governor General of Canada for my contributions to music education in Nunavut. I remain deeply grateful to the Ethnomusicology Program at MUN, and especially to Dr. Beverley Diamond and Dr. Kati Szego, for providing a stellar education that continues to shape my work and vision.

I am currently the Director of Music at Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, Nunavut, where I have been teaching for over twenty-five years. My teaching philosophy centers on the intersection of artistry and social activism—music education as a form of social justice. In my classroom, music serves as a gateway to Inuit culture, language, and identity. Students develop musical skills on a variety of instruments—including concert band instruments, guitar, Inuit drum, and voice—through collaboration with Inuit musicians and language specialists, private lessons with instructors in flute, clarinet, guitar, Inuit throat singing, and drum dancing, and regular classroom instruction. Unlike many music programs in southern Canada, my curriculum honors the music of Nunavut, allowing students to connect with elders, the land, Inuktitut, Inuit culture, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (traditional Indigenous knowledge), and each other. The performance and study of music by Inuit artists spark discussions on contemporary issues important to Inuit communities. Students explore how music relates to Inuit identity and how it can be a powerful tool for conveying meaningful messages to a broad audience. Themes explored include: 1. Music as Political Resistance: Challenging stereotypes, resisting cultural oppression, reinforcing rooted traditions and values, and navigating dual cultural identities. 2. Connection to Land and Place 3. Music as Social Action: Healing, recounting history from an Indigenous perspective, fostering pride and empowerment, and nurturing relationships with people, animals, the spiritual world, and the environment. This philosophy is put into practice by engaging students in social activism through discussion, performance, and the creation of Inuit music, contributing to the decolonization process. For example, my students and I co-wrote the song Uqausira Asiujijara—“I Lost My Talk”, based on interviews with elders about their experiences in Canada’s residential school system. This project fostered connection, learning, mental wellness, reconciliation, and activism within the community. [See: Uqausira Asiujijara | Rita Joe Song Project | National Arts Centre (nac-cna.ca)]. The vast majority of students at Inuksuk High School are Inuit. Many are third- generation survivors of the residential school system and continue to experience the lasting effects of colonialism. Issues of identity and belonging are common among Nunavut youth, many of whom face mental health challenges and lack access to professional support due to limited resources. Our current education system is not fully equipped to meet these needs. However, music education at Inuksuk High School provides a space where these challenges are addressed, and students, educators, and the community work together toward healing and reconciliation. Hundreds of students have participated in my music program and gone on to thrive in their communities. Some are studying law; others perform with the Qaggiavuut Centre for the Performing Arts, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and the Alianait Arts Festival. Many have become successful parents, politicians, hunters, healthcare providers, teachers, and leaders. The program helps students discover themselves, express creativity, build confidence, support one another, and collaborate. This program continues to break down barriers and foster Inuit identity. It promotes Inuktitut, collaborates with Inuit musicians and tradition bearers, and produces engaged, musical, motivated, proud, and confident students. After two decades of collaboration with Inuit musicians, I compiled the textbook Inuit Inngiusingit: A Collection of Inuit Choral Music (Inhabit Media, 2016), followed by a second songbook in 2022. Four albums by my choir, the Inuksuk Drum Dancers, accompany these texts. I also created unpublished guitar textbooks based on Inuit music for classroom use and have shared these resources with educators, co-leading workshops on their implementation in Nunavut classrooms. In 2018, I introduced a music leadership component to my choral courses. This includes pedagogy training, where singers learn to lead rehearsals and scaffold musical concepts. Real-life teaching opportunities are provided through a mentorship program with Nanook School. This leadership initiative is rooted in Inuit music, culture, and language, with the goal of developing future community music leaders in Nunavut. My ensembles regularly perform throughout Iqaluit, showcasing the benefits of music education. We are frequently invited to perform for dignitaries, government functions, and conferences. The program has been featured in both national and territorial media. Last year, the Inuksuk Drum Dancers were a featured ensemble at HarbourVOICES in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. I am also an active member of several community music groups and currently serve as Vice-President of the Iqaluit Music Society (IMS). IMS applied for the Arctic Inspiration Prize, with hopes of securing funding to deliver comprehensive, high-quality music education across Nunavut. I help train local music instructors and lead ongoing workshops for territorial music educators on: 1. Practical strategies for primary and elementary music education in Nunavut. 2. Meaningful collaboration with tradition bearers and local musicians in the classroom.

Major: Performance
Minor: Jazz Studies
Applied Study: Saxophone

My time at the School of Music allowed me to grow my skills in music across many disciplines, from performance and pedagogy to composition and arranging. Studying with Dr. Christine Carter helped me shape my personal voice on the saxophone and perform in ways meaningful to both audiences and myself. I also had the opportunity to study jazz composition and arranging with Florian Hoefner and Dr. Andrew Staniland, developing these skills from the ground up to a point where I have been able to pursue professional jazz composition and arranging for several ensembles in the community. Memorial’s School of Music has truly shaped me into the musician I am today, allowing me to pursue a variety of musical avenues and ultimately create the music I want to make. My favourite memories of my time at Memorial’s School of Music are centred around the ensembles that I formed during my studies, from the Quintots jazz combo, which got to perform across the province, to the electroacoustic duo Sonic Playgrounds I formed alongside fellow musician Andrew Gosse. I have had the opportunity to perform alongside many talented musicians during my time at Memorial, forming meaningful musical connections that have stayed with me to this day.

I have recently moved back to St. John's following the completion of a Master of Music degree at McGill University in Montreal. I remain an active performer and arranger in the classical, contemporary, jazz, and improvised music scenes in the province.

Minor: Psychology

I look back on my time at the School of Music as a time of fun, creativity and exploration. While it didn't feel like it at the time, getting to play, write, think and talk about music for the better part of four years was a breeze before diving into the world of research and the academy as a career! I made lifelong friends and even returned to MUN as a postdoc in the Faculty of Medicine. The School of Music and the people I worked and played with during my studies will always hold a special place in my heart.

I am now a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Lincoln in the UK. On the way here, I completed an MSc in Music, Mind and Brain at Goldsmiths University and a PhD in Electronic Engineering at Queen Mary University, both in London, UK. I ended up at Goldsmiths on the recommendation of the then-Dean of the School of Music, Dr. Ellen Waterman. Her support has been invaluable throughout my career and I probably would not have ended up in the UK without her suggestion. I came back to MUN for a postdoc in the Faculty of Medicine for four years before landing my first permanent job here in Lincoln! I direct the Feminist Music Science (FeMS) Lab and am interested in both how our brains process music and how we go about doing science, thinking about how we can do science that is more inclusive and just.

Applied study: Voice

My favourite memory of my time at the School of Music was my trip to the Harlow Campus in my fourth year. Being immersed in the musical culture of London for a month, while also spending time with some of my closest friends, was an experience that I will always treasure. My experience at the School of Music helped me grow both personally and professionally. Not only did I receive outstanding musical training, but I also had so many opportunities that allowed me to develop qualities such as confidence, leadership, discipline, and interpersonal skills. I am positive that the foundations I built at the School of Music will benefit me as I progress through my career.

I’m currently going into my second year at MUN School of Medicine. In my spare time, I continue to teach Kindermusik and musical theatre classes at Intervals Music Studio.

Favourite memory? I have too many memories to list. Playing in the ensembles. Great professors. Great classes and many lifelong friends. Met my life-long partner, number one.

Major: Performance
Minor: Composition
Applied study: Voice

My favourite memory from the School of Music would definitely be singing the Caterpillar in Will Todd’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 2019. The show was my first time performing a role in an opera and taking the show on tour to local schools was such an enriching experience. Funnily enough I’ve now worked multiple times with the opera company who premiered the show, Opera Holland Park, in London, England. That was a very full circle experience for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the training and experience I got at MUN. Another special moment to me would be my time with MUN Music during my Harlow trip in 2017. Getting the opportunity to see performances with MUN Music at the Royal Opera House and English National Opera, as well as Brindley Sherrat’s Masterclass at the Royal Academy of Music helped me decide to go into performance at MUN and eventually move to London and attend the Royal Academy in 2020. Another full circle moment for me was Brindley Sherratt speaking at my graduation from the Royal Academy and he has now become an artist I have worked with on multiple occasions, an inspiration that would have never come without my experience with MUN Music at the Harlow campus that Summer.

Since leaving the MUN School of Music I attended the Royal Academy of Music in London for my MMus and Advanced Operatic Diploma degrees. I earned another Diploma from the Academy for my MMus Dissertation on Canadian Art and Folk Song. I have worked with numerous opera companies in the UK including, Garsington Opera, Opera Holland Park, Longborough Opera, and Hurn Court Opera. Currently, I am a member of the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio program in Toronto as well as a Resident Artist with the Glimmerglass Opera Festival in New York. I’ve been fortunate to sing operas by some of my favourite composers including Berg, Britten, Dvořák, Gounod, Mozart, Offenbach, Puccini, Rossini, Strauss, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, and Verdi. I’ve also sung a number of new operas which is very important to me being a composer myself.

Major: Music History & Literature
Applied study: Voice

I loved my time at the School of Music. I remain close with my studio teacher (Jane) and friends from those times. One of my favorite memories is when Mary, Deirdre, Kim and I took over one of the grand piano practice rooms to have a mini birthday party for Brooke. I'm sure we annoyed the other piano majors, but we were 4th years so we felt untouchable. Words fail to describe the connection I feel with the School of Music. I carried on to law school, and that experience paled in comparison to the joy, fun, and educational experiences at music school. I love to go back and have a little walk around whenever I'm in St. John's. I love hearing the sounds of people rehearsing in the practice rooms. I have been so grateful to Jane who has given me lessons over the years - whenever I am back in that space, I feel distinctly like I am at home.

I became a lawyer after music school. I practiced in St. John's, Iqaluit and now in Vancouver. I currently work at an Indigenous-led organization that focuses on building financial capacity for First Nations. I am quite proud of some of the work I've gotten to do. I also teach yoga, Pilates, fitness and meditation. Every musician should be doing all of these! There is so much precision and focus on breath in yoga and Pilates - all the singers and winds/brass instruments would benefit. Someone once told me "you can be a professional lawyer and an amateur opera singer, but not the other way around". That has rung true for me, and I remain (and always will!) an avid student of music.

Major: Performance
Minor: Composition
Applied study: Tuba

From finding like-minded musicians who became lifelong friends, to the unique and inspiring performances and experiences that filled my life with joy and wonder, to providing me the solid foundation of knowledge and skills to become successful in the field of music, my time at the School of Music was nothing short of life changing. Time spent learning tuba with Karen Bulmer ensured I had the necessary toolbox to diagnose and tackle any playing or musical issue I encounter, and performing in wind ensemble under Jason Caslor's baton developed my love and appreciation for wind band music, among the many more excellent professors who helped shape me musically. I've got too many favourite memories to pin down one. Recording Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus on an unassuming morning in my first year with Hayride Brass Quintet and Paddywagon Trombone Quartet, the electronics crashing during the wind ensemble's performance of Bryant's Ecstatic Waters and everyone's concentration dialing in to hold it together, only for the electronics to boot back in for the climax, the wind ensemble trip to Twillingate, running Tuba Noel fundraisers with the School's help, final recitals with my studio mates Shawn and Aaron (Czardas!), Bolero everywhere, and even all the normal things like practice room heart-to-hearts, silliness during breaks and studio classes, hanging together in the lounge (Olympics!), or just running to Roasters. It truly was never a dull moment, and every year and month was filled with great memories and wonderful people. The School of Music means having a space for young musicians to undertake the life experiences to enrich themselves personally and musically. It means hosting the opportunities for those young musicians to grow and challenge themselves in new ways.

Applied study: Trumpet

The School of Music is where we (Emily Finch, Katherine Moffatt, and Michael O'Keefe) began performing as a trio. With the School of Music's emphasis on chamber music performance, and with Dr. Alan Klaus' guidance, we were able to work within our studio to shine a light on chamber music for trumpet. This remains our mission as a trio. In attempting to expand the repertoire for trumpet ensemble, we have commissioned six new pieces, all composed by fellow School of Music alumni. In short, our trajectory as trio - and the strength of our friendship - continues to be shaped by our experience at the School. Congratulations on 50 years, and here's to the next 50!

Since graduating from the School of Music, we have all lived in different cities, including St. John's, Halifax, Toronto, and in the UK. Today, in addition to our musical pursuits across time zones as a trio, Emily is an audiologist, Katherine is a speech language pathologist, and Michael is a lawyer.

Major: History and Literature of Music
Applied study: Voice

One of my favourite memories from my undergraduate program comes from a sight-singing exam. After completing the test piece with accurate rhythm, pitch, and solfege (and feeling rather proud of myself), the incomparable Kjellrun Hestekin looked at me and said, "Ok, now sing it like it's a piece of music and you're performing it." A little taken aback, I wasn't sure if she was serious and her request struck me as funny, but once I realized she meant it, I did as requested paying attention to phrasing, dynamics, and timbre. I can still remember the smile that appeared on her face and the joy in her eyes as she genuinely appreciated my "performance." It was a good lesson that technical accuracy is important, but connection is the true mark of musicianship. Another memory comes from my doctoral program. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a creature of habit. For the four years of my undergraduate program, if I had a class in the big classroom (MU2025) I sat in the same spot -- the last desk in the second row right of the door. So when I returned to the School of Music in 2008 for my PhD and attended a session in that same classroom, I went right back to "my" desk. A music history prof (who will remain nameless) looked at me and, exasperated, insisted that I get out of that desk and move up to the front of the room. I think we were both shocked by their outburst, but then we both started laughing -- and I relocated to the second desk of a middle row, never to return to my "comfort zone."

Upon completion of my PhD, I received a two-year SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship to engage in research based at Unama'ki College (Cape Breton University). From there, I accepted a position as Visiting Assistant Professor in Folklore at Memorial University, before returning to Cape Breton University as Senior Research Associate for the Purdy Crawford Chair in Aboriginal Business Studies and Unama'ki College. In 2019, I applied my research skills to fundraising, serving as CBU's first Senior Researcher, Prospect & Development. After cultivating skills for institutional research, I became Senior Research & Policy Advisor, Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the President. I've been involved in the creation of the institution's first Strategic Enrolment Management Plan, the renewal of the institution's strategic plan, and the implementation of a strategic healthcare initiative. I'm proud to have been the lead author on proposals that led to transformational government funding for CBU's new science building, the Centre for Discovery and Innovation, and the new medical sciences building, which will house the recently established Cape Breton Medical Campus.

Major: Performance
Applied study: Voice

My favourite memories are all from the weekly masterclasses we had. It was an incredible opportunity to get to perform so often and with a group of people that are all studying with the same singing teacher. There were many laughs, lots of collaboration and comradery, and so many opportunities for inspiration. There are performances from those masterclasses I will never forget, and hearing other singers succeed have me the drive to as well. The program as a whole gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and make educated musical and artistic decisions. I felt I left with a well-rounded basis of music past and present. The voice department in particular are a very supportive group of educators. I left every lesson with Dr. Leibel feeling supported, and confident to tackle new technical shifts we were working on. Her positivity and love of singing is absolutely infectious. She is the reason my love of music flourished.

I am currently performing in The Phantom of the Opera on London’s West End. After completing my B. Mus. I went on to complete a Master of Music focusing on opera performance in Manchester, UK. I then auditioned for Phantom and am now performing 8 shows a week and covering a lead role (Carlotta Giudicelli) for which I go on for approximately 30 shows per contract.

Major: Composition
Applied study: Piano

I have so many great memories during my time at MUN's School of Music! My top 3 favourites would be the inspiring Masterclass's with Jared Dunn and another with Megumi Masaki in which I played my solo piece, "Falling Star," and pulling off my graduating composition recital "A Night at the Art Gallery." The faculty at the School are incredibly supportive and nurturing. With their guidance and the support from friends made during my undergrad, I have been able to become so much more confident in myself as a person and musician. Looking back at where I was when I started my degree and comparing it to where I am now, going into my undergrad at the School of Music felt like training for a marathon. The last couple of years felt like walking up to the starting line, getting ready to run. Now that I've graduated and will be starting my Master's degree in the Fall, I feel well prepared for what is to come! :)

Since graduating back in May, I have participated in the ICEBERG Institute's Festival for New Music and am super excited that I will be starting my Master's Degree in Composition at the University of Toronto in September!