by Lisa Chaufty & Elizabeth Craft

As part of a significant new student success initiative funded through the Dee Foundation and private donations, the School of Music is soliciting proposals focusing on student success, student wellness, and social justice from students and faculty. The McKay Music Library Committee will review and support these proposals.

 Over the past seven months we all have had to cope with additional stresses in our lives, as we have explored new ways of working and performing together under various levels of quarantine and have witnessed events of racial and social injustice. As we have come together to begin this new and unique academic year, we need healing. We are also presented with an opportunity to seize the moment and reflect on our art and creative aspirations, and to open ourselves to innovative thoughts, ideas, and experiences. This reality inspires the School of Music to expand the student experience through events that contribute to student wellness and success and that lead to a deeper understanding of our place and our art in a diverse world.

These events, on a wide range of topics, are already well underway. In September, music theorist Lissa Reed gave a talk “On White Supremacy and Antiracism in Music Theory,” discussing the history of music theory as a discipline and sharing strategies for integrating anti-racist ideas and policies into the classroom and curriculum. In “So What’s Next?” flutist Lindsey Goodman talked with performance students from across the School of Music about portfolio careers and music entrepreneurship. Upcoming events include panel discussions and a masterclass on African American art song and opera and also a series of workshops with Luc Vanier, Director of the School of Dance, on the Alexander Technique, which teaches improved posture and movement. Many of these events have been recorded and catalogued in the School of Music’s new Music Online Resources and Enrichment (MORE) Canvas Library, allowing for access beyond the date of the event. One exciting part of this initiative is a student wellness microgrants program. Students are encouraged to submit proposals for events or activities with an aim toward increasing the wellness of their School of Music peers. Proposals should address one or more of the multiple dimensions of wellness, such as emotional, intellectual, physical, professional, and social wellness. The deadline for student microgrant proposals is October 30 and is fast approaching! We encourage music students to submit proposals here.

Upcoming Student Success Initiative Events

Sept. 17-Oct. 30 
Student Wellness Microgrants applications open

Oct. 15 | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 1: The body and mind as habitual patterns
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Nov. 2 | 5-7 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Dr. Louise Toppin, Professor Darryl Taylor, Dr. Marquese Carter and Dr. Naomi André.
A panel discussion on diversity in the arts, including but not limited to the topics of allyship, music theory, music history, composition and performance (i.e. through art song, opera and casting).
More details to come.

Nov. 6 | 5-7 p.m.
Panel Discussion
Dr. Louise Toppin, Professor Darryl Taylor, Dr. Marquese Carter and Dr. Naomi André.A panel discussion on diversity in the arts, including but not limited to the topics of allyship, music theory, music history, composition and performance (i.e. through art song, opera and casting).
More details to come.

Nov. 7 | TBD
Masterclass with Dr. Louise Toppin and Darryl Taylor
More details to come.

Nov. 12 | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 2: Alexander Technique basic principles part 1
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Dec. 3 -11
McKay Library End-of-Semester Stress Buster events
More details to come.

TBD | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 3: Alexander Technique basic principles part 2
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
More details to come.

TBD | 4:10 p.m.
Alexander Technique and Developmental Movement for Musicians, Session 4: Your instrument and your questions
Presented by Luc Vanier, Director, School of Dance
More details to come.