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Although Matthew has played piano since he was a young child, it wasn’t until he was able to try his cousin’s drum set that he really connected to music. Since then his love for music has only grown.  Despite this when he first came to Waterloo Matthew was enrolled in Math, although it didn’t take too long before he realized this was not for him. Wanting to keep his co-op Matthew switched to Arts and Business, which allowed him to focus on his music while still keeping his co-op program.

Gabe Guerra started to love music at an early age. He grew up in a Central American household, where music filled every corner of the house and inspired him to begin his musical journey. “When I was 8 years old, my dad bought me my first electric guitar, and that’s what really kickstarted my journey as a musician,” shared Gabe.

We regret to inform you that we have decided to postpone the February 2022 Concerto & Aria Competition to February 2023.  The first Covid shutdown occurred shortly after the 2020 competition, so we have not had a chance for the winners from that competition to perform with the orchestra.  Given the uncertainty surrounding the current covid situation, the Music Department in

For Kathryn Ladano becoming a Musician and Music teacher was never a question, she had started lessons at eleven and a natural affinity for the subject. Encouraged by her teachers, she knew this was the path of her destiny, and she began to plan how to get there. When it came time for Kathryn to start her post-secondary studies, she had originally looked at Wilfred Laurier but the school did not offer classes to students wanting to major in the Bass Clarinet, which is Kathryn’s main interest.

If you want to see a Grebel musical like no other, this is definitely your chance to do so. So many members of the community have come together to put together a show that will exceed what many would think possible during a pandemic.

Virtual ensembles give students a unique opportunity to closely examine their own performance through recordings, and to learn to work with others online.   Five available ensembles will emphasize collaboration, team-work, and instrumental and vocal technique.  Guest artists and speakers will give presentations, and there will be small group instruction as well. 

Music plays an important role in the Conrad Grebel University College community, allowing audiences and musicians to share and experience stories told through song and the hearts of passionate artists. After a successful Noon Hour Concert Series@Home in the fall, Grebel’s concerts will continue in the same format this winter 2021 term. Grebel is very thankful to Staebler Insurance for sponsoring this series.

Good mental health is achieved through many habits like a healthy diet, exercise, connecting with others, expressing emotions in constructive ways, and the list goes on. Many of these habits can involve creating or listening to music. Of the many benefits music has on mental health, the most noticeable is the release of stress and emotions. 

One of the core contributors to the Music program and its welcoming atmosphere over the past two decades has been Catherine Robertson. Catherine retired from her role as Piano Studio and Piano Literature instructor after her last lesson this summer. The warmth and humour she brings to her interactions with students and co-workers will be missed.

The Music Department at the University of Waterloo is using the Covid-19 situation as a unique opportunity to focus on the fundamentals through an online music performance experience that will use technology to bring students together.