Finding a Balance Between Song and Engineering

Mechanical 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. 

Jared found his motivation through his sister, who shares his love of music. Witnessing her enjoyment of music nudged him to join the University Choir at Waterloo. “I was so moved by songs such as Ke Na Le Modisa by the Soweto Gospel Choir and Serenity (O Magnum Mysterium) by Ola Gjielo, that I was inspired to join.” Jared said. Just a few weeks in, he rediscovered how joyful it can be to sing with others. Preparing and performing new pieces each term has become something he looks forward to. “Getting to perform it for friends, family, and the community has been deeply fulfilling,” he added. “Singing alongside the friends I’ve made has also become one of the biggest draws to returning for another term.”

For Jared, music is more than just a hobby. “Our brains thrive on variety,” he explained. “Music allows me to exercise creative thought in a mentally refreshing way, keeping life more enjoyable and sustainable.” That creative break helps him recharge, making the heavy workload of engineering feel more manageable. 

Jared’s musical life extends well beyond campus, too. He sings on his church’s worship team in Waterloo—a family tradition. During a recent co-op term, he performed with the Grand Philharmonic Choir under conductor Mark Vuorinen, who is also the Chair of the Music Department. Taking on Bach’s St. Matthew Passion was no small feat, but it was one he loved. “I can easily see myself staying involved with the GPC—or a similar ensemble—wherever I land after finishing my degree.”

his term, he’s also exploring new territory through a for-credit Studio course with Grebel’s Vocal Techniques Ensemble Director and Studio Co-ordinator, Stephanie Kramer. This is his first real experience with solo classical singing. “Shifting from choral to solo work has really pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “It’s helped me grow as a musician.” He’s especially grateful for the personalized instruction. “Stephanie tailors her feedback perfectly to my level. Her expertise and encouragement have improved both my technique and confidence in solo singing.” 

What keeps Jared rooted at Grebel is how easy it is to stay musically engaged. “Through Grebel alone, I’ve sung with the University Choir, Chamber Choir, Vocal Studio, and Tuesday Night Worship,” he explained. “With that many opportunities, along with having so many friends who are musically involved in some capacity, music is almost impossible to avoid!” 

Originally from St. Catharine's, Ontario, Jared is working toward an Honours Mechanical Engineering degree and expects to graduate in 2026. His experience is a reminder that students don’t have to choose between technical excellence and artistic expression. At Waterloo, they can thrive in both. 

— By Audrey Whitman