News

Congratulations to the dozen music students who are finishing their UWaterloo degrees.

The University of Waterloo Music Department at Grebel was pleased to welcome small audiences back in person to enjoy end-of-term ensemble concerts this April. Also recorded for a broader audience, this treat for the ears showcased musical talent from the Chamber Choir, University Choir, Balinese Gamelan, Orchestra@UWaterloo, Jazz Ensemble, and small instrumental chamber ensembles. Participants include students from all faculties at UWaterloo, strengthening the connection between science, technology, engineering, math, and arts!

Music and Mathematics have been connected disciplines in the minds of psychologists and neuroscientists for years. An increasing number of studies have been carried out to link the effects of music on mathematical skills and vice versa. Many of these studies have found correlations between above-average musical abilities and above-average math performance.

Every two years, orchestra@uwaterloo holds a Concerto and Aria Competition that is open to University of Waterloo students and recent graduates, and is judged by a panel of professional musicians. Winners perform as soloists with the orchestra in a public concert.

2020 Concerto and Aria Competition: February 1, 2020.

Deadline for application: October 25, 2019.  See orchestra website for entry forms.

Competition sponsored by Professor David Taylor

Pursuing Music’s Healing Effects

The Music program at Grebel and the University of Waterloo consistently appeals to students who are looking for a balanced and broad music education. When searching for a program that fit him best, student Tyler Reidy immediately felt comfortable when he arrived at Grebel for his pre-enrolment studio audition. “The faculty was incredibly welcoming, the students were encouraging and excited to get to know me during my audition process, and Grebel was small enough that I was immediately drawn to the community.” Tyler maintained a strong link to the department through all four years of his university career, and he is now set to graduate this spring with a Major in Music and an Intensive Music Specialization.

Musicologist Dr. Katherine Kennedy Steiner will join Conrad Grebel University College’s faculty as Assistant Professor of Music, starting July 1, 2018. Teaching a range of courses from broad musicology surveys, to music of the Renaissance and medieval eras, to church music and worship, Steiner will engage with diverse groups of students across the University of Waterloo campus. She will also direct the College’s Chapel Choir.

It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we announce the winners of the orchestra@waterloo concerto and aria competition. 

Eric Liang performed spectacularly with Brahms 2nd piano concerto, winning him the 1st place position. Eric will be performing the 1st movement with the orchestra@waterloo at an upcoming concert.

New for Fall 2017, special topics course, Music 390 -  Music, Health and Healing with Professor Maisie Sum. Department consent required. Contact Professor.