• Why choose the Faculty of Music? 

I’m a saxophonist, flutist and composer. For several years I listened to and followed the careers of players doing incredible musical performances, and I noticed that a number of them had studied at the Université de Montréal Faculty of Music. That’s the reason I chose this institution! Knowing that its graduates were achieving success on the current scene, I wanted to follow in their path.

• What do you like most at the Faculty?

The community! 

One night when I was sitting watching a jazz concert in Montréal, the saxophonist on stage took a moment between two pieces to highlight the importance that Dany Roy (who heads the combos and teaches saxophone and solfège at the Faculty of Music) had had in helping him advance in his playing and in the sound he produced. And he talked about it with such passion! 

It was then that I understood that the teachers at the Faculty of Music really care about their students’ learning and progress. So I plunged into the adventure as quickly as I could, taking the auditions in order to join a community of enthusiasts where I knew I’d find my place. 

Today, in spite of the continuing pandemic, I’m very happy to be part of it!

• On that point, can you talk to us a little about the community in a pandemic period?

In jazz, we’re very active. Under the direction of Ron Di Lauro, the Big Band and the Jazz Chamber Orchestra present virtual concerts regularly. In addition, the Faculty of Music makes sure to offer a learning environment that’s healthy and safe, in compliance with health directives, and attaches a lot of importance to the well-being and health of its students. 

• What’s impressed you the most since your arrival at the Faculty?

The enormous multitrack studio! What a discovery! With my jazz performance bachelor’s degree  colleagues, we do recording sessions as though we were in a professional studio. Silence, three, four, and away we go ‒ we’re recording!

Portrait

This studio has so much equipment. We get to familiarize ourselves with different recording techniques and we play in all different jazz styles: bebop, hard bop, funk jazz, fusion, pop and swing, among others. And all of it in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, which also fosters different types of musical research.

• What gives the Université de Montréal Faculty of Music its special “color,” in your opinion? 

The Faculty’s in an elevated location, on Mount Royal. It’s such a treat to be able to practice way up high while looking down over the city. The view is wonderful and inspiring! Also, the Faculty of Music team coaches us and encourages us to give the best of ourselves. It’s a place where you feel good and where you create valuable relationships for the future.

February 2021