Creating Music is a Joyful Experience

Peace and Conflict Studies, with Music Minor 

“I love music. Creating music is a joyful experience for me, but it is also a meaningful connection point in my life,” shared Selah Woelk. She is a second-year student at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies with a minor in Music. Selah finds a sense of community in creating music with others and is part of various music groups such as the Grebel musical and UW choirs and ensembles. “The act of making music with my friends is one of my very favourite things to do,” said Selah. Studying music and living at Conrad Grebel has provided wonderful opportunities for both!”

Along with being a creative student, Selah is a peer leader in the Music Living-Learning Community. “I have really enjoyed being a peer leader,” expressed Selah. “It has provided me a chance to connect with fellow students, have good discussions about music, and collaborate with faculty and staff.” Sharing her love of music with others helped her make deeper connections and allowed her to have a valuable university experience. “The Music-Living Learning Community provides a unique opportunity for students from different faculties to connect over their shared love of music,” said Selah. “It is a wonderful environment to connect, learn, and grow together through music.”

“Studying music at Grebel has been a delightful experience,” shared Selah. “The small program and the chance to interact with professors regularly provide a community feeling at a world-class institution.” A Music degree can be combined with almost any other program at UWaterloo, and this allows for a richer and more interdisciplinary education. “Getting to study a variety of subjects makes me excited about my learning,” she said. “I can combine my studies in Music and Peace and Conflict Studies by taking a Music and Peace course, learn about styles of music around the world, or about the interaction between psychology and music.”

As Selah continues her journey in music, she has some useful advice for future students. “Audition!” she said. “Although you do not need to audition to begin studying Music in your first year at Waterloo, it allows you to be eligible for many different scholarships and provides an opportunity to meet professors and get a sense of the program.”

By Ashitha Mantrawadi