We know that applying and auditioning for post-secondary music programs is no easy feat. There’s a lot that goes into this process, like researching different programs, filling out application forms, and preparing for auditions. In order to help students who are currently applying to music programs (or thinking about it for the future), we spoke
When James Suknundun, 17, found out he was one of six 2020 NUFSICISUM Youth Leadership Award winners he was completely shocked. “I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry,” he told us in an interview earlier this year. Though the win came as a shock to James, it certainly didn’t surprise anyone who’d been
According to 11-year-old Lily Hefford, leadership is all about taking charge and getting involved to help others. This is at the heart of who Lily is, and one of the reasons her music teacher chose to nominate her for the 2020 NUFSICISUM Youth Leadership Award. Lily’s musical education began in kindergarten, and according to her
For Kara Heckford, a Grade 12 student and clarinettist from Winnipeg, MB, one of the most difficult things about life during the pandemic has been not being able to make music with other people. Prior to the closure of schools in the spring of 2020, Kara was a member of her high school’s concert band,
My name is Shania Raina and my number one passion is music. I’m fourteen years old and I am now in grade 9. Since I was young, I have found music as an escape. When I say this, I mean that when I play an instrument and/or sing, it feels as if all my worries
On May 4, 2020, during the Coalition for Music Education’s Music Monday @ Home broadcast, Noah Elliott Deptuck was announced as one of six 2020 NUFSICISUM Youth Leadership Award winners. With his NUFSICISUM Award in the Elementary Division, Noah, a 10-year-old student from Wellington, NS, earned the distinction of being the youngest ever NUFSICISUM winner!
My name is Irina Babayan and I have been this year’s Coalition for Music Education summer intern. This year more than any other, good work demands incredible strength of spirit, unwavering determination and, in this case, a true passion for music. My job demanded such qualities time and time again as I navigated the uncharted
Naomi Klassen, 23, had a rich musical education growing up in Winnipeg, MB; she joined every ensemble offered at her small high school, and took piano lessons outside of school, earning her Grade 8 Piano certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music. She first learned about music therapy when she was given a pamphlet from
Growing up in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Ben Macdonald’s earliest musical influence was his dad. “I got involved in music because my Dad has always had a huge passion and talent in music,” Ben told us in a recent interview. “My whole life he would always be playing/singing music and he passed that same passion on to
Born and raised in Toronto, Irene Harrett has come a long way since beginning the Humber College Community Music School’s Performing Orff program at age three. Now, at the age of 24, Irene is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Jazz Performance program, and an accomplished bass player with new and exciting projects on