Versatility of Application and Expression

Joint, Combinatorics & Optimization Honours Co-op, Computer Science Honours

Music is better together, and Lila adores violin for this very reason. She began playing the instrument in her city's Youth Orchestra throughout secondary school, and by the end of her high school years she taught both the violin and piano to fellow students. When Lila enrolled at the University of Waterloo for Computer Science and Combinatorics & Optimization double-major, she was happy to learn that Conrad Grebel University College offered a variety of ensembles for her to participate in for credit. 

Since enrolling at UWaterloo 4 years ago, Lila has played violin and viola in the orchestra@uwaterloo and instrumental chamber ensembles at Grebel. This was Lila’s first time playing chamber music—before her interests were more aligned with orchestral and solo violin works, but the chamber ensemble at Grebel introduced her to a new world of song. “I’ve found chamber to be especially fun, since I got to meet new people who share this common interest in music and work closely on exciting pieces with them,” Lila said. “The small group size makes it easier to plan around everyone’s schedule, hear each person’s opinions, and go more in depth on pieces.” Music will always hold a place in Lila’s heart. After graduation, she hopes to participate in community ensembles and continue to play music with her friends.

As a Math and Computer Science double-major, Lila has a very heavy workload. Music is far too important for her to let get buried under her code and proofs, so she makes sure that when she plans her schedule for each term to keep her ensembles in mind and plan around them. “Playing music is a great way to take a break from my courses and other commitments, which are all focused on math and computer science,” Lila explained. “Taking some time each week to shift my focus to a different field that’s also meaningful to me, helps me de-stress and become more well-rounded.” Music can be an effective way to improve one’s mental health.

During her countless hours spent programming and practicing her musical craft, Lila discovered a strong connection between computer science and music. “In both disciplines, a foundational skillset can be applied in numerous ways to produce a myriad of results,” she began. “For example, in western classical music, you learn instrumental technique and music theory, and then you can use what you learned in performances that vary broadly in sound and expressions. On the other hand, in programming, the same languages, frameworks, and principles underlie many of the software products and CS research advancements that we use and see in different areas. I think this versatility of application and expression is a great feature of both subjects.” Lila believes that having good foundations on a subject makes it much easier to use as a tool for expression, and she is passionate about helping people develop these skills. Since high school, she has taught and tutored both music and math/CS, which she finds to be a very rewarding experience.

Grebel’s welcoming environment helped Lila make the most of her musical passion. It gave her a place to find peace, de-stress, expand upon her skills, and make long-lasting bonds.