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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.

As many do, Alicia Turman discovered that the program she was in was something she actually wasn’t interested in learning. She had been highly involved in music in high school, but once she came to university she focused on other subjects. “I spent the first semester in courses that weren’t really speaking to me and I thought to myself I have to take a music course next semester.” Once she had music back in her life, starting first with an interest in joining choirs, she felt complete again.

Music has been an important part of Stephanie Collings’ life for as long as she can remember. As a child, she was quite shy, and preferred activities where she was not a part of a group or team. Piano lessons were the perfect solution. They were a place where Stephanie could be herself and pour her thoughts and feelings into the music she played. “For me, music means connecting with myself on a deeper level,” Stephanie explained. 

The high value Laura Gray places on her students is obvious inside the classroom and out. Laura is associate professor of Music at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo, serving as chair of the Music Department for nine of her 22 years at Grebel.

Nicholas Wong graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2020 with a joint degree in Statistics and Music, studying two subjects with “very different study styles.” Though he always dreamed of becoming a conductor, statistics was an area of expertise for Nicholas, and a skill he thought would be useful regardless of his future plans. Throughout his studies, Nicholas enjoyed every moment, especially “taking part in different ensemble rehearsals.”

Music has always been an important part of Emily Yarascavitch’s life. As a toddler, she took an immediate interest in the fiddle after attending her brother’s lessons, and at age four, she began lessons of her own. Soon after, she was competing in fiddle competitions across Ontario, which further led to North America-wide competitions, Royal Conservatory of Music Violin examinations, church choir performances, weekly fiddle clubs, and performing anywhere from nursing homes to big stage events.

Helen Martens, Conrad Grebel University College’s first music faculty member, passed away on Thursday, April 9 at the age of 92, surrounded by family in Winnipeg. She last visited Grebel in 2013 during the College’s 50th anniversary.

Grebel staff and faculty remember Helen Martens for her extensive contributions to the Music Department and the College community.