A trio of students, practices in the chapel before a concert. One plays piano, the other a violin, the last a cello.

Grebel Fund - Music

Creating music together in vocal and instrumental ensembles fosters a strong sense of community by bringing individuals together in a shared goal of artistic expression. 

Singing and playing together requires open ears to listen and respond to those near you, with the pursuit of creating something that is bigger than yourself. 

There is a special bond that starts when musicians breathe together, listen to each other, and create together, regardless of background, academic pursuits, or experience. There is a spirit of unity and belonging that extends beyond the music itself.

-  Mark Vuorinen, Associate Professor of Music, Chair of Music Department

44 Students Recieved scholarship awards
$46,925 Awarded in Music Scholarships
18 Concerts Including Orchestra, Choirs, Gamelan, Jazz, and Instrumental ensembles
14 Noon Hour Concerts

Support Music

Your support for the Music program will make it possible to:

  • Offer up to 16 free Noon Hour Concerts a year
  • Community concerts, seminars and workshops such as our Balinese Percussion Ensemble
  • Provide an excellent studio instruction program with outstanding instructors
  • Maintain our fleet of 17 pianos

Your support for the Grebel Fund will make it possible to:

  • Offer quality academic programs
  • Nurture leadership development

This year's goal is $380,000

Your donation helps fund performance experiences and opportunities for students.

Donate Online

Donate online using a Credit Card through the University of Waterloo Donation page.

  • Simply select the fund at Grebel you wish to support and fill in your details.
  • Your receipt for online donations will come from the University of Waterloo.

Questions?

To learn more about how your gift to the Music Department will impact Grebel students, contact Chris Brnjas, Director of Development.
519-885-0220 x24381

Donors directly impact how students connect with Music during university.

To learn more about how your gift to the Music Department will impact Grebel students, contact Chris Brnjas, Director of Development.
519-885-0220 x24381

Jared Dyck singing with the University Choir
Thursday, July 17, 2025

Finding a Balance Between Song and Engineering

For Conrad Grebel University College resident Jared Dyck, studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo hasn’t just been about equations and design; it also came with a soundtrack. Thanks to his love of music, Jared has meshed choral singing with university life, bringing creativity and balance to a demanding academic path. 

People in conversation and playing a violin and a guitar
Thursday, October 23, 2025

Young Voices in Worship

by Jen Konkle

Think about a time when you attended a worship service in a community that was new to you. What stood out as different? What is most important about worship for you? Now imagine you’re 13-29 years old. Would you answer differently? 

Two Grebel alumni, Sarah Kathleen Johnson (BA 2007, MTS 2008) and Mykayla Turner (BSC 2020, MTS 2024), are asking these very questions through a collaboration on the Young People and Christian Worship study. This research project aims to shape better conversations about teenagers, emerging adults, and Christian worship by valuing their experiences as an important theological voice. 

choir
Thursday, November 7, 2024

Music as a Serious Pursuit

“I've never considered music as a serious option for me until I gave it a try,” Michael Wu reflected. Michael is a third-year Math student at the University of Waterloo who is actively involved in the Music program at Conrad Grebel University College and also lives at Grebel.  

Michael’s interest lies in vocal music, which is why he has immersed himself in all the choirs that Grebel offers: Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, and University Choir. He was also involved in the production of “Something Rotten!,” a musical put on by Grebel students two years ago. “I enjoy singing much more than just listening to music,” he explained. “Part of that is because I love creating music; when I sing my part and hear it blend perfectly with the other voices to form chords, it feels incredible. Singing those notes myself adds to that joy; it makes the experience even more fulfilling."