Best Music Schools in Canada – Part 1 – McGill Schulich School of Music
Are you able to discern tone, pitch, rhythm and timbre perfectly? Can you reflect on the meaning of music – and create a piece or two with relative ease? Then you have what Harvard educator Howard Gardener calls as “Musical Intelligence.”
Only a few people are musically smart; as such, don’t let your musical proficiency go to waste. Hone your talent in singing, musical composing or instrument playing by enrolling at one of the best music schools of Canada: McGill University’s Schulich School of Music.
In this article series, MyCanadianUniversity.com will present to you the Best Music Schools in Canada. These schools were chosen based on a number of factors: student experience, overall quality of education, and student
feedback. The schools presented to you here are in no particular order. Therefore, if they are on this list you can assume that these Canadian Music Schools are doing something right.
About the McGill Schulich School of Music
The McGill Schulich School of Music is also known as the Ecole de Musique Schulich. McGill’s School simple beginnings was inspired by the late 18th-century musical teaching that was previously reserved for women.
With much demand from wannabe-musicians, the school formally opened its doors in the Workman House in September 21, 1904 with a total 426 students under 23 teachers. First known as the McGill Conservatorium of Music, the faculty initially offered a licentiate diploma, bachelor’s degree and doctorate degree in music.
After celebrating its centenary in 2004 as the Faculty of Music and the Conservatorium of Music, the institution was renamed as Schulich School of Music after generous benefactor Seymour Schulich.
Programs Offered at the McGill Schulich School of Music
The Schulich School of Music offers a variety of comprehensive degree programs for undergraduates and graduates alike.
The conservatory, divided into the Department of Music Research and the Department of Performance, helps groom musicians, composers and theorists to the path to success.
Performers get to immerse in programs such as Early Music Performance, Jazz Performance, Voice, Piano, Orchestral Instruments and Guitar and Professional Performance. Budding researchers, on the other hand, can develop their skills with degrees in Music History, Music Theory, Music Composition, Sound Recording and Music Education.
Why the McGill Schulich School of Music is one of the Best of the Best
So why is the McGill Schulich School of Music considered as one of Canada’s foremost institutions? Here are several reasons why:
International Standards in Professional Training and Excellence
Truly a leader in Music Education, the McGill Schulich School of Music is known as one of the best institutions in North America – even the whole world.
In fact, it is touted as the tenth-best music school in the globe, according to the Princeton Review. As per the Maclean Rankings, McGill University dominates all other Canadian institutions, taking in the top spot of as the country’s best destination for education – for several years now.
So how does the Schulich School of Music make this possible? The institution manages to uphold the international
standards in professional training and excellence with its conservatory-style education and humanities-based curriculum. Of course, this is made possible with the help of the school’s dedicated faculty members.
Outstanding Research Pursuits
Like any other field of study, the world of music is awaiting for the unlocking of its full potential. The Schulich School of Music makes the discovery of new technologies and techiques possible through its Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Music, Media and Technology (CIRMMT). True to its name, this hub sponsors numerous technological researches that foster the development of the multiple fields of music.
Apart from this research center, the Schulich School of Music also works with other study institutes in the University and other parts of globe in order to successfully marry music in other aspects of research.
Leader in Sound Recording and Music Technology
At the McGill Schulich School of Music, you can hone your skills with the use of the best music and sound recording technology available. Apart from 100 practice rooms and 4 performing arts halls, the School plays home to a music library with a comprehensive collection of Canadian academic music (the Marvin Duchow Music Library), a Digital Composition Studio, a Music Multimedia Room and the Wirth Opera Studio.
With these modern facilities, the McGill Schulich School of Music can help you improve your theoretical and practical knowledge as if you were operating the top centers in the country.
Esteemed Faculty Members
The Schulich School of Music is home to 240 professors who are leaders in their own respective fields – all dedicated to helping their students achieve the knowledge and prestige that they embody.
The faculty board of the Schulich School of Music is spearheaded by Dean Sean Ferguson, former director of the CIRMMT. Under his helm are equally-notable educators, including tenor Stefano Algieri, baritone Sanford Sylvan, composer Brian Cherney, conductor Alexis Hauser, Theodore Baskin (Oboe), Edward Carroll (Trumpet), Kenneth Gilbert (Harpsichord), to name a few.
Hundreds of School-Sponsored Concert and Events
What is education if you don’t put your skills to the test? At McGill, you can prove your talent and worth by participating in any of the school’s 700 annual concert and events. You can showcase your vocal prowess, as well as your expertise in playing a musical instrument. With an average of 2 exhibitions per day, you can demonstrate your skills in front of your teachers, as well as Canada’s discerning public. Don’t forget to take a bow!
International Students
The McGill Schulich School of Music is not just about honing Canadian musicians, it is dedicated to educating international students as well. As home to the largest percentage of foreign learners, McGill offers a fulfilling study environment – no matter what your nationality might be.
As an international student, you are subject to the usual application and admission requirements of McGill University. Documents you need to submit include a completed online application form, transcripts of record, letters of recommendation, personal statement, writing portfolio and test scores in GMAT or GRE, as well as the required application fee. You also need to prove your proficiency in English by submitting passing results in TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB.
The tuition fee for international students as of last publication is CAD 19,806.80. While this might be a little expensive, you will be glad to know that international students are also entitled to scholarship programs, such as those by the China Scholarship Council, Trudeau Foundation Scholarships and Vanier CGS, to name a few.
Another great thing about studying at the McGill Schulich School of Music is you can work as well in order to fund your education, given the new and relaxed visa laws governing the country today.
With a community of students from more than 150 countries, McGill offers welcoming services such as a free airport greeting service and a buddy program that connects new foreign students with already-enrolled international pupils. At McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, you will not feel like you ever left home at all!
Hone your musical intelligence – and become the next soprano star such as Michèle Losier or a world-class composer such as Taylor Brook, then gear up for admission at McGill’s prestigious Schulich School of Music.
