28 Years in Grebel’s Music Landscape
After 28 years teaching music at Grebel, Professor Laura Gray will retire in December. Laura joined the Grebel faculty in 1998 after studying music at Western, UBC, and Yale. Her enduring interest as a musicologist has been the music of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and the connections between landscape and music.
Her interests found their way into the classroom, most notably in Laura’s multidisciplinary course Music and Landscape. Former Music student Marina Gallagher (BA 2015) credits the course with influencing her career trajectory. “It first sparked my interest in how music can create a sense of place both within and outside of video games,” Marina said. “In her classes, I developed my academic writing skills and learned how to conduct rigorous research, and her encouragement to be curious and to explore interdisciplinary possibilities when researching a topic continues to inform how I approach my work.”
“Laura is a gifted teacher and generous colleague who has embodied Grebel’s values of inspired teaching, creativity, and compassionate service for nearly three decades,” noted Troy Osborne, who recently served as Grebel’s Dean. “Laura was nominated for teaching awards multiple times, and her students always commented on her passion for the course. She cared deeply for her students while she expected high academic standards from them.”
“Throughout her time at Grebel, Laura has been passionate about teaching,” shared Music Professor Emeritus Ken Hull. “That passion is based on her commitment to her students—not just in her courses, but as human beings. She keeps in touch with many of them, years after they have left the university.”
Leadership of the Music Department was another important part of Laura’s contribution to Grebel. “During Laura’s nine years as Music Department Chair, she oversaw the hiring and mentorship of all of the current faculty,” said Mark Vuorinen, who is the current Chair. “I think I can speak for my colleagues in saying, we are grateful for her kind leadership and mentorship as we navigated our early years as faculty members in Grebel’s Music Department.”
“Laura has been a tireless advocate for the music program at Grebel,” said Music Professor Kate Kennedy Steiner. “She worked to make the orchestra an official UWaterloo ensemble for credit. She chaired the department for many years establishing a really collegial and collaborative working relationship among faculty.”
“In departmental decision-making, I never saw her put her own interests ahead of the department’s or the College’s—a genuine team player,” recalled Ken. “It was always a pleasure to be Laura’s colleague.”
Beyond Grebel, Laura served for five years on the Board of Directors of the Canadian University Music Society, including as Vice-President, President, and Past President. She concluded her tenure by organizing the 2025 MusCan Conference at Grebel. “Laura has always been supportive of colleagues and students in the society,” said Margaret Walker, who worked with Laura on the board. “Her ability to foster and maintain relationships well beyond the classroom … has gained her great respect and affection in the university music community of Canada.”
Although Laura will soon retire from the classroom, her influence will continue through the many students she has taught and mentored. Marina shared that “Laura’s supportive teaching style, commitment to showing up authentically for her students, and her infectious enthusiasm for music are all aspects of her teaching that I remember fondly and strive to emulate in my courses.”
“Not only has she designed key multidisciplinary courses like Music and Landscape, she has inspired countless students over decades towards a love and passion for music and music history,” added Mark. “Laura’s legacy at Grebel and her imprint on the Music Department will last long into the future. I wish Laura and Daniel a long, happy, and healthy retirement!”
