We are thrilled to introduce you to our amazing team of student ambassadors! Speaking with a current student is one of the best ways to learn more about the Schulich School of Music. Our ambassadors can provide a candid, firsthand perspective on the school, and life at Schulich.
Connect with an Ambassador!
Meet Paige
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Voice Performance - Soprano
MY TEACHER IS: Tracy Smith-Bessette
HOMETOWN: Calgary, Alberta, CA
More about Paige
Hello! I’m Paige, I'm in the second year of my undergraduate degree in Voice Performance. I've been singing classically for over 12 years, through private lessons, choirs, and various competitions. I have so many good things to say about how much Schulich has affected me positively as a performer. It has drastically enhanced my love and understanding of music and my drive to work for my goals. On top of that, I’ve made amazing friends in Montreal…and the food here is really good too. I'm currently in Opera McGill and I'll be in Schulich's production of Cendrillon this year along with an internship working with a professional opera company this spring. I’m more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our program here at Schulich!
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR Rock Climbing, Skiing, Cooking, Puzzles, and bodybuilding.
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Meet Will
MY PROGRAM: M.Mus. Composition
MY TEACHER IS: Chris Paul Harman
HOMETOWN: Colorado, USA
More about Will
Hello friends! My name is Will, I came to McGill in 2018 to study music composition and classical guitar. I received my bachelor’s degree in 2022 and am now working towards a master’s degree. I have also been involved in the McGill community outside of Schulich through SSMU services (Walk Safe and Nightline) and through work with the Student Wellness Hub (where I currently run the Shag Shop). I have loved having the opportunity to get to know the school and city these past five years and I am excited to be able to share what I have learned.
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR: Walk Safe 2018 – 2021, McGill Students' Nightline 2021 – Present
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Meet Ingrid
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Jazz Performance, Alto Saxophone
MY TEACHER IS: Remi Bolduc
HOMETOWN:Vancouver, BC, CA
More about Ingrid
Hey, I'm Ingrid! I'm in my undergraduate second year studying Jazz Performance with a minor in Political Science. I began playing the saxophone in high school and now, I'm so lucky to have found a wonderful family at Schulich of amazing friends and mentors. Being an active bandleader and sidewoman on the Montreal jazz scene, I've gotten to know the wider jazz community and beautiful city. Outside of music I love to trail-run, make jewelry, and play board games. I'd absolutely love to chat with you about the jazz program and greater Schulich!
Meet Katie
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Voice Performance, Soprano
MY TEACHER IS:Dominique Labelle
HOMETOWN:Burlington, Massachusetts
More about Katie
Hi there! My name is Katie, and I am a third year undergraduate student in Vocal Performance here at Schulich! I have been studying voice for about four years, and I got my start in classical voice from my high school, Walnut Hill School for the Arts. I am originally from right outside of Boston, and I decided to come to McGill because I love everything that Montréal has to offer!
The experiences and opportunities I have received here have been nothing short of incredible and have given me so much perspective on what it means to be a collaborator, an artist, and a storyteller through music. Schulich has truly ignited my passion for music and has shaped me into a well rounded musician. I couldn’t ask for a better place to discover who I am as a musician and support system to grow alongside.
This year, I am in the Vocal Chamber Ensemble where we perform duets from the Art Song repertoire. I am also a Stagehand here at Schulich, where I assist in the backstage operations of performances, such as setting the stage, recording events, and serving as a communicator and messenger between musicians and the Stage Manager. Outside of Schulich, I am a member of McGill’s Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society where I will be vocal directing Stephen Sondheim’s Company this year! When I am not singing, I love baking, crocheting, hanging out with my friends, and exploring the city! I am here to answer any of your questions about Schulich, Montréal, or if you would like to chat!
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR: Arts Undergraduate Theatre Society (Vocal Director)
I Speak: English and a little bit of French and Italian! :)
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Meet Jayden
MY PROGRAM: M. Mus. Performance - Flute
MY TEACHER IS: Joanna G’froerer
HOMETOWN: Mesa, Arizona, USA
More about Jayden
Hi, my name is Jayden! I'm a first-year master's flute performance student studying with Joanna G'froerer of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. Though starting my master's degree, I'm a veteran Schulich student as I completed my undergraduate degree here in May 2023. I'm originally from Arizona, but I have dual citizenship with familial ties to Montréal, leading me to move here permanently in 2019. I'm a Haynes Young Artist as well as principal flute of Ensemble Obiora here in Montréal. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about life at Schulich, the audition process, opportunities for dual citizens regarding McGill, as well as any other questions you might have about the city. Je suis disponible en français également pour ceux qui en ont besoin. Very excited to meet you!
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Meet Gemma
MY PROGRAM: BMus Classical Saxophone Performance
MY TEACHER IS: Marie-Chantal Leclair
HOMETOWN: France
More about Gemma
I am in the last year of my undergraduate degree at Schulich. I transferred here from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. I grew up in France and started playing saxophone when I was 7. Since moving to Montreal, I have had wonderful performance opportunities, both as a part of McGill and outside. I hope to pursue a master's degree specializing in contemporary works for saxophone. Outside of the saxophone I love to read, hike, ski and write music. I would love to help answer your questions about Schulich or Montreal!
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Meet Charlotte
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Performance – Violin, B.A. Psychology
MY TEACHER IS: Violaine Melançon
HOMETOWN: Ottawa, Ontario, CA
More about Charlotte
Hi! I’m a double-degree student in violin performance and psychology. For a long time, I had been exclusively focused on developing my career in violin, but this past year I have decided to expand my education to include my interest in Psychology in addition to my musical core. I love having a diverse range of topics to study, and McGill is a perfect environment to immerse yourself in such a variety of fields within and without music. Outside of school, I am a crochet grandma and roller-skating fiend, and love going to fiddle jams! I would love to help out with any questions you may have, or just to talk!
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR: Organizer of Fiddle club
Meet Grace
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Performance, Cello (Baroque cello, viola da gamba on the side)
MY TEACHER IS: Prof. Elizabeth Dolin
HOMETOWN: Toronto, ON
More about Grace
Hi, I’m Grace and I’m from Toronto. I’m in my second year at McGill and have been loving it so far. I am pursuing cello performance with Elizabeth Dolin. I chose McGill for a number of reasons: first, the program attracts lots of amazing players, and it’s very motivating and inspiring to play and work with great colleagues. Second, Montreal is an amazing city for arts and culture. As musicians, we have opportunities just by living in Montreal that many cities don’t offer, for example the jazz and early music scene. I hope I can help answer all your questions about McGill’s music program!
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Meet Nia
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Faculty Program – Piano, Minor in Composition, Minor Musical Applications of Technology
MY TEACHER IS: Julia Gavrilova
HOMETOWN: Born in London, England, but I grew up in Queens, New York City
More about Nia
Hi! I’m a classical pianist who has been playing for 15 years, and I am currently in my fourth year of my undergrad here at Schulich. In addition to piano, I also play guitar and bass (and played violin!) and am currently working on writing, producing, and releasing my own music with a producer! Being in the Musical Applications of Technology (sound recording) minor has allowed me to gain a lot of experience in the music studios at Schulich, and I am in the process of applying to the McGill sound recording masters program. Outside of music, I’m also a semi-professional photographer, and mostly do concert, portrait, studio, and creative photography. My love of all things creative led me to start a print magazine, Scatterbrain Magazine, that includes everything such as music, visual art, fashion, photography, writing – and much more! Being at McGill has given me numerous opportunities, and has enabled me to be a part of the creative arts scene in Montreal, where I get to work with so many multi-talented people! I was also on McGill Womens Varsity Track for a year, so for any musician-athletes, feel free to ask me any questions about McGill athletics!
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR: McGill Varsity Track & Field
Meet Seanne
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Piano Performance
MY TEACHER IS: Prof. Martin Karlicek
HOMETOWN: Winnipeg, Manitoba, CA
More about Seanne
Hi there! My name is Seanne (he/him/his) ---pronounced "shawn BWEH na fay"---and I am a student here at the Schulich School of Music working on my BMus Piano Performance degree. I am a proud Filipino-Canadian musician who is passionate about using music to share stories and amplify the voices of communities often underrepresented by the musical world. I am here to support you throughout your Schulich journey and lend a helping hand whenever you need one!
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR: Tonal Ecstasy McGill Acapella (tenor)
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Meet Stephen
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus Jazz Performance, Jazz Guitar
MY TEACHER IS: Prof. Carlos Jimenez
HOMETOWN: Toronto, Ontario
More about Stephen
Hi! I’m in my second year of university studies, and currently in my first year of jazz performance at McGill. I transferred here from York University in Toronto. I started playing electric guitar when I was 13 years old, playing lots of classic rock and r&b. In my short time in Montréal, but especially at Schulich, I’ve been able to grow so much, as both a person and musician. Being surrounded by like-minded, hardworking musicians is so valuable. In my spare time, I love producing music, filming/editing cinematic (Instagram) short films, and cooking. Feel free to reach out with any questions regarding this amazing school!
Meet MariaÌý
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Performance, Voice
MY TEACHER IS: Annamaria Popescu
HOMETOWN: Ottawa, Ontario, CA
More about Maria
Hello! I am currently in my second year of Voice Performance here at McGill. I grew up mostly in Ottawa, and have been singing for as long as I can remember, both in choirs and solo. I’ve been in the Ontario Youth Choir for the past 3 years, and here at McGill I am in 3 ensembles: Vocal Chamber Ensemble, Cappella Antica, and Early Music Ensemble. In my free time I am in an A cappella group called Chromatones. As you may guess, one of my favourite things about music is bringing people together. My most meaningful musical experiences are in collaboration with others. I have a lot of passion for this discipline and this wonderful school. I would love to answer any questions that you may have about McGill, Montreal and beyond!
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR: Chromatones McGill Acapella
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Meet Vanessa
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Faculty Program, French Horn
MY TEACHER IS: Catherine Turner
HOMETOWN: Toronto, ON
More about Vanessa
Hi everyone! I’m Vanessa, a second-year undergraduate student in the Faculty Program, specializing in French horn. I’ve been immersed in classical music for about 16 years, beginning with ballet and piano, and I've been playing the French horn for the past nine years. The Schulich School of Music has been incredibly impactful on my musical journey, constantly challenging and inspiring me with everything it has to offer! One of the things I love most about the Faculty Program is its flexibility—it allows me to explore a wide range of electives, so I can dive into all my musical interests. Thanks to this program, I’ve had the freedom to grow as a musician in ways I never expected. I’ve also met some of my closest friends here, who truly feel like family. And, of course, being in Montreal is amazing (even if I’m not the biggest fan of the cold!).
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Schulich—I’m happy to help!
Club/Extracurriculars: Photography, hiking, dancing, and reading
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