Student Spotlights | School of Music | Memorial University of Newfoundland

Get a look at the daily life of current students! Here you will find the latest interviews, stories, and advice from the School of Music community.

Musicology Major - Cameron Bennett

Cameron Bennett (BMus '24, majoring in Musicology) spoke to CBC in Spring 2024 about his graduating essay: “I Bet You Think About Me”: Taylor Swift, Illusory Intimacy, and the Economization of Fandom.

Cameron’s essay asks a very timely question: how has Swift developed a persona and a fan-artist relationship which has led to the illusion of intimacy between her and her fans, and in what ways has Swift been successful in economizing this relationship? His paper analyzes two recent examples of Swift’s intimate fan relationship in action: The Eras Tour and the re-recording project.

Watch CBC's interview with Cameron at the link below.

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Comprehensive Major Anna Mercer recognized as 3M National Student Fellow

A Memorial University School of Music student has been recognized as a 2023 3M National Student Fellow by The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education.

Anna Mercer, from Coley’s Point, N.L., is the second student from Memorial University to receive the fellowship, and the first one since 2014.

The 3M National Student Fellowship honours up to 10 full-time diploma and undergraduate students at Canadian post-secondary institutions who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their programs and in their lives beyond their academic experience.

“I am honoured to have received the 3M national student fellowship award as an undergraduate student of Memorial University,” said Ms. Mercer. “This achievement would not have been possible without the knowledge and skills I have gained through the education and experiences provided by this institution. I am incredibly proud to represent Memorial University and look forward to using the skills I have learned here to pursue a successful career.”

Read more about it in the MUN Gazette at the link below.

Meet the Majors - Performance - Anna Rumbolt

Anna Rumbolt was born and raised in Gander, Newfoundland. She recently completed her Bachelor of Music degree (Honours) majoring in Vocal Performance at Memorial University’s School of Music, under the direction of Dr. Caroline Schiller. She is currently completing her Masters in Performance Pedagogy at MUN studying with Dr. Jane Leibel.

Read our interview with Anna Rumboldt, B.Mus. '21, M.Mus. '23!

Meet the Majors - Comprehensive - Kendra Sutton

Kendra Sutton grew up in Goulds, NL but is currently living in beautiful downtown St. John’s. She studied voice at Memorial University with the lovely Meghan Herder and graduated in April 2021. Kendra is now thoroughly enjoying the Music Ed. as a Second Degree program at Memorial. She is eager to complete her internship this coming September, and excited to graduate in December and dive into the wonderful world of teaching!

Read our interview with Kendra Sutton!

Meet the Majors - Composition - Jack Etchegary

Jack Etchegary graduated from Memorial University's School of Music in 2018 with a BMus (Hons) in Composition. He is currently finishing a MMus in Instrumental Conducting, graduating in April 2022! Jack is from St. John's, NL and upon graduation, he would like to teach post-secondary and create/lead some contemporary music ensembles!

Read our interview with Jack Etchegary!

Meet the Majors - Joint Major in Performance and Musicology - Hannah Sparkes

Hannah Sparkes is from Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and is a fourth-year student at Memorial University of Newfoundland’s School of Music, majoring in Euphonium Performance and Musicologies, and minoring in Psychology. This semester, she is researching the potential effects of music-based interventions on the mental health of prison inmates for her graduating essay. In the future, Hannah would like to work in the healthcare system, advocating for community-based programming that supports mental health and wellbeing. She will be graduating in the Spring of 2022 and plans to pursue graduate studies.

Meet the Majors - Performance, Minor in Jazz Studies - Matthew Roome

Matthew Roome is a third-year BMus saxophone student at Memorial University, majoring in performance and minoring in jazz studies. Originally from St. John's, Matthew is an active jazz performer and arranger in town, performing in smaller combos in the downtown scene as well as larger ensembles like the Jazz East Big Band.

Meet the Majors - Comprehensive - Vanessa Legge

Vanessa Legge is from St. John’s, Newfoundland and currently teaching Music, Art and French at Bay d’Espoir Academy in St. Albans, Newfoundland. A Memorial University graduate, she has a Bachelor of Music (B.Mus. 2016) and a Bachelor of Music Education (B.Mus.Ed 2021). Vanessa hopes to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive classroom for all of her students; teaching the importance of musical and artistic expression for the overall development and wellness of students.

Meet the Majors - Performance - Grace Nolan

Grace Nolan is a third year Voice Performance major from Paradise, currently studying with David Pomeroy. When not doing schoolwork, she is a private music teacher where she teaches young musicians about the endless possibilities that music has to offer. In the future, Grace hopes to get her Masters and study Law. Her favourite thing about studying at Memorial is the amazing faculty and hard-working peers that surround her each day.

Meet the Majors - Composition - Andrew Gosse

Andrew Gosse is a current B.Mus. Composition student at Memorial University of Newfoundland's School of Music studying with Dr. Andrew Staniland and Dr. Clark Ross. Gosse was born and grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland. His work explores and often connects the realms of contemporary classical, electronic, and improvisatory music.

Meet the Majors - Comprehensive - Jamie Moran

Jamie Moran is a B. Mus. (Honours) ’21 graduate from Memorial University’s School of Music, currently studying towards a B.Mus. Ed. As a Second Degree. He is from Pouch Cove, NL, and his career goal is to be a successful musician and teacher.