Program Overview
Supported by courses in music theory, technology, and history, the program fosters an inclusive learning environment with a focus on nurturing performance skills. Graduates pursue diverse careers in music, including performance, education, and the music industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Algoma University's Music program is a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree. It takes a holistic approach to music instruction, balancing ensemble playing, solo skill refinement, technical, artistic, and aural growth. The program is supported by courses in music technology, audio, theory, and history. The program strives to create an inclusive, learning-centered experience at a comfortable level for all students. Development of reliable performance skills is nurtured through weekly performance classes designed to help students discover and develop their musical voice. The program aims to train young musicians to embrace their chosen art specialty as a vital, living language, emphasizing music's essential role in the human experience.
Outline:
The program offers courses in performance, audio arts, conducting, and a variety of music theory courses, including an extensive selection of jazz-based courses. Performance courses cover piano, organ, guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba, percussion, jazz piano, and jazz guitar. Students participate in ensembles such as the Algoma University Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Music Theatre Ensemble, which offer opportunities for public performances within the local community. The program also includes the study of iconic historical figures and their musical influence on society, including Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart.
Teaching:
The music faculty are described as demonstrating a profound commitment to their craft through active national and international recording, teaching, and research careers. The program emphasizes one-on-one interactions and support from professors. Small class sizes foster strong bonds between classmates and teachers. The faculty listed includes: Dr. Edward Turgeon, Frank Deresti, Dr. Anne Louise-Turgeon, Matt Warnock, Agnes McCarthy, Paul Dingle, Bobbi-Leigh McLean-Gasparelli, Joshua Norling, Dr. Robert Ollikkala, Stephen Mallinger, and Ken Piirtoniemi. Detailed biographies of each faculty member are provided, highlighting their extensive experience and accomplishments in the field.
Careers:
Graduates of the program have pursued various career paths, including arranger, arts administrator/arts management, composer, copyist, transcriber, cruise ship entertainer, educator, entrepreneur, film/TV/video game scoring, freelancing, lyricist, music industry professional, music therapist, musical theatre performer, musicologist, orchestrator, performer, pit orchestra musician, religious music/sacred music professional, songwriter, and summer camp music director/staff.
Other:
The program shares the Mill Square, an elegant performance space with excellent acoustics and equipment, with the Algoma Conservatory of Music. The Algoma Conservatory of Music is a non-profit music school affiliated with Algoma U, hosting a high-quality concert series attracting top performers. The Great Lakes International Summer Music Experience (GLISME) is a related two-week summer program for high school musicians, tuition-free and featuring world-class faculty.
Algoma University, established in 1965, is a distinctive institution dedicated to academic excellence, personal growth, and cross-cultural learning. Located on the historic site of the former Shingwauk Indian Residential School, the university embraces a special mission to foster cross-cultural learning between Anishinaabe (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) communities and the world.
Special Mission and Values
At the heart of Algoma University's ethos is its commitment to cross-cultural learning, particularly between Anishinaabe communities and global perspectives. This mission permeates every aspect of campus life, offering students invaluable insights and unique leadership opportunities.
The university celebrates diversity, recognizing and respecting the varied experiences, skills, and talents of its community members.
Campuses
Algoma University operates three campuses, each offering unique experiences:
- Sault Ste. Marie: Known as "The Soo," this campus provides a northern experience with all the amenities of a big city, including shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities.
- Brampton: Situated in one of Canada's fastest-growing cities within the Greater Toronto Area, the Brampton campus offers an urban experience with access to numerous businesses and services.
- Timmins: Known as the "city with a heart of gold," the Timmins campus caters to diploma-to-degree and university transfer students, emphasizing a northern context for those living and working in Northern Ontario.
Academic and Student Life
Algoma University offers a personalized, hands-on learning experience, with small class sizes that foster close interactions between students and faculty. The diverse student body—nearly 50% international—provides a rich environment for cultural exchange.
Students have access to a wide range of cultural, academic, and social activities, contributing to a transformative university experience.
Leadership
The university's senior leadership team includes:
- Dr. Asima Vezina: President and Vice-Chancellor
- Mario Turco: Chancellor
- Kelli-Ann Lemieux: Chair, External Member
- Dr. Michele Piercey-Normore: Special Advisor to the President
- Patty Chabbert: Interim VP, Nyaagaaniid - Anishinaabe Initiatives, Equity & Decolonization
- Craig Fowler: Vice-President of Growth, International, & External Relations
- Kramer Rousseau: Interim VP, Finance & Operations
Through its unique mission, diverse campuses, and commitment to inclusive education, Algoma University strives to create a supportive and dynamic learning environment that prepares students for global opportunities.
Audition requirements vary greatly by instrument. for either domestic or international students are provided.