The Professional Music program celebrates its inaugural year with an exclusive industry event
To celebrate the inaugural year of the one-of-a-kind Professional Music BFA program (opens in new window) , The Creative School hosted an exclusive in-person industry party for students, faculty and music industry stakeholders. The event featured live music performances from students in the program, including Sessions 'Rising Star' Ashley Sienna and Juno-award nominated Carina Bianchini, Ali, Motel '67, Selah Weekes, and Natali Rachel.
Students of the inaugural Professional Music program cohort. Image Courtesy of Andy Nguyen
A multi-faceted approach that underpins the program's success
As the Professional Music program wraps up a productive first year preparing tomorrow’s music professionals, entrepreneurs and fostering emerging Canadian talent, a year-end event was the perfect way to celebrate the first cohort.
A standout feature of the program is its unique interdisciplinary approach to the study of the rapidly changing music industry. By concentrating on three core elements of the modern music industry, studio production, live entertainment and the business of music, the program provides students with the hands-on skills and experience necessary to accelerate turning their musical passions into sustainable careers.
"We are looking forward to publicly celebrating this program which is unique to TMU and Canada. It is an interdisciplinary program that caters to the modern music professional, with the goal of creating leaders and innovators in the ever-changing music industry landscape," says Dr. Steven Ehrlick, associate professor at the RTA School of Media and director of the Professional Music program.
Ushering in a new year of creative talent
Sessions ‘Rising Star’ Ashley Sienna. Image courtesy of Andy Nguyen
Juno-award nominated Carina Bianchini. Image courtesy of Andy Nguyen
The industry party held earlier last week, showcased talent from within the school with performances from Professional Music students, including Ashley Sienna, who was named 'Rising Star' on the Sessions streaming platform, Juno-award nominated Carina Bianchini and singer-songwriter, Natali Rachel, alongside local artists like Toronto's DJ Me Time.
The Creative School Dean Charles Falzon makes remarks during industry event. Image Courtesy of Andy Nguyen
We at The Creative School are committed to the future of this program, we are committed to the future of the industry and we are committed to the future of these talented students
The latter half of the event began with opening remarks from some of the faculty members that played an integral role in the creation of the program including Charles Falzon, Dean of The Creative School. “We at The Creative School are committed to the future of this program, we are committed to the future of the industry and we are committed to the future of these talented students,” remarked Falzon. “To the students, keep that dream, keep [up] the hard work and never let anyone tell you that you can’t get there.”
"It is an exciting time to celebrate the Professional Music program - the first year cohort of students have been busy creating exciting new work both in and outside the classroom! There is an incredible amount of talent around us and this is an excellent time to celebrate this year and what is to come in the program," says Professional Music Professor Dr. Norah Lorway.
Image courtesy of Andy Nguyen
Capitalising on one of the largest music markets
The Canadian music industry has seen tremendous growth due to innovations in production, streaming and distribution technologies and the meteoric rise of social media platforms such as TikTok. The leading-edge Professional Music BFA degree program located in the heart of Canada’s music and entertainment capital prepares the next generation of impactful musical artists, changemakers and leaders with skills in analytics, audience intelligence, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Image courtesy of Andy Nguyen
This one-of-a-kind program is designed to let students tap into their passion for music and equip them with the skills to thrive in the modern music industry. Created to support careers in digital audio recording, live entertainment, entrepreneurship and other roles across the music industry, students are exposed to a range of specialisations to help launch a myriad of careers as music professionals and entrepreneurs. Located in the heart of the Canadian music industry, students gain access to modern studios and facilities as well as exciting internship possibilities with industry stakeholders and cutting-edge startups.
Interested in learning more about the Professional Music program and last week's event? Read all the details of the program's inaugural year and learn more about what the program has to offer. (opens in new window)
About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto. https://www.torontomu.ca/the-creative-school/ (opens in new window)