Piano Forum

Piano Board => Performance => Topic started by: diabola on December 16, 2008, 06:07:42 AM

Title: Difference in each Canadian music university
Post by: diabola on December 16, 2008, 06:07:42 AM

I am wondering if anyone can please tell me what are the pros and cons/info of the following music school/university:

McGill
University of Toronto
University of British Columbia

PS:is there any other good music university for piano in Canada other then above?

thank you in advance

Title: Re: Difference in each Canadian music university
Post by: borealis on December 16, 2008, 12:48:26 PM

I'm applying to Western in London, Ontario for next September.  Their music library is top-notch.

Title: Re: Difference in each Canadian music university
Post by: quantum on December 16, 2008, 03:39:48 PM

You may also wish to consider the Glenn Gould professional school in Toronto.  Some great teachers here, many of these pianists are legendary.  Recently they've been showcasing GG students at the weekly free recitals at the Four Seasons Centre (Toronto's opera house).  The rep selection at these recitals is very professional.


U of Toronto is very conservatoryish.  Excellent library, probably one of the best in the country.  It is not for everyone though.  Some people do not like to be constrained to a rigid approach with their education.  If you are one of these people, you may not enjoy U of T.  It is also very competitive, being a A+ student and having an excellent audition does not guarantee they will offer you admission.  Entrance is a bit of hit and miss, some people who really want to go here will try a couple times before they are offered admission.  Performance level is very consistent for student's here. 

If you like smaller classes you may wish to look at Wilfred Laurier.  It's in a small town.  I got a scholarship there, but turned it down.  Wanted to be closer to family and friends.  Nice place, and I would have considered it otherwise. 

If you are one of those independent types, try York University.  Brand new 108 mil $ facility.  You are more able to choose your education path here.  If you want to mix it up and do performance / composition / theory, that's no prob.  A lot of variety for piano - there are experts in 20th cen classical, free improvisation, ragtime/blues, and jazz.  Good for independent  forward thinking people who don't always go with the flow.