Sign up to speak one-on-one with a student ambassador!
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.
Meet Alexander
MY PROGRAM: M.Mus. Performance - Cello
MY TEACHER IS: Matt Haimovitz
HOMETOWN: Seattle, Washington, USA
More about Alexander
Hi! My name is Alex, and I am in my first year of master's studies at Schulich. I completed my undergraduate studies with cellist Horacio Contreras at Lawrence University. Born and raised in Seattle, I'm happy to be living in another thriving city! Montreal and McGill both have so much to offer. I would love to chat with you, tell you about McGill, and answer any questions you have!
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!
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!
Meet Keianna
MY PROGRAM: M.Mus. Performance - French Horn
MY TEACHER IS Denys Derome
HOMETOWN: Tuxedo, NY, USA
More about Keianna
Hi! Before studying at McGill, I received my bachelor's degree from Boston University, where I studied with Eric Ruske. I’ve participated in the National Academy Orchestra, Orford Winds Workshop, Kent Blossom Music Festival, and Atlantic Brass Music Festival. I also attended the Manhattan School of Music Precollege in 2018, where I studied with Sharon Moe. Outside of horn, I have worked as a Sales and Marketing intern for the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre. I enjoy cooking, baking, and reading in my free time.
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)
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
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 John
MY PROGRAM B.Mus. Performance – Trombone
MY TEACHER IS: Trevor Dix
HOMETOWN: Queens New York, USA
More about John
Hi there! My name is John and I am in my 3rd year at McGill. I’ve been playing trombone for close to 10 years now and Bass Trombone for 6. I came to McGill with the goal of being be an educator. When I arrived, I was thrown into countless musical groups spanning every genre imaginable. I have played in klezmer groups, and Dixieland combos and even sang in my fair share of accapella shows. During my first 2 years I realized that although I want to teach, I really love playing and creating music. I’ve been able to switch into the performance degree and continue taking Music Education classes to fulfill a my minor.
Over the past 2 years at McGill I’ve been able to really find out how I want to interact with music and where I stand as a musician/educator. This year at McGill I’ve performed with multiple large ensembles! From the Symphony Orchestra to the Jazz Orchestra, I play it all and love every minute of it. If you have questions about playing in both the Jazz and Classical areas or questions about the education degree please reach out!
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR
Ultimate frisbee. Work at CPE McGill 9daycare) and Cafe St. Barth
Meet Julian
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Jazz Performance - Jazz Drums
MY TEACHER IS: Darrell Green
HOMETOWN Vancouver, British Columbia, CA
More about Julian
Hi! My name is Julian, and I’m a U3 Jazz Performance student studying drums. As a younger musician, I developed my skills around the Vancouver music scene playing a wide variety of music styles. Seeking new horizons, I now find myself in Montreal, immersing myself in its unique blend of city life, culture, and dynamic music scenes. My decision to come to McGill was driven by a desire to not only enhance my musical prowess but also to immerse myself in a fresh cultural experience. Through my experiences, I have learned my way around music school and learned countless valuable lessons that I am willing to share with people who need help. Feel free to contact me with any questions, I am happy to help!
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 Galilei
MY PROGRAM: B.Mus. Voice Performance - Tenor, Minor in Composition
MY TEACHER IS: Stefano Algieri
HOMETOWN: Windhoek, Namibia (Southern Africa)
More about Galilei
I am a black and queer semi-professional (tenor) opera singer completing my final year at the Schulich School of Music. I've performed as a soloist in Opera and Concert in Germany, Canada, Mexico, Namibia, and South Africa. Outside of my passion for music, I can be an absolute caffeine addict and gym bro - your average fitness fanatic. I enjoy working out, hiking, running, and swimming, as much as I enjoy taking naps on weekend (and some weekday) afternoons. Food frequently occupies my mind, and I enjoy eating good food, unfortunately, not as much as I love cooking it. I am still a wiz in the kitchen, despite the effort and time it sometimes requires.
CLUBS/EXTRACURRICULAR: Founder of the Namibian Music Ensemble; Regular Soloist/Chorus Member in various gigs