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Testimonials

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Testimonials

"I came to The Glenn Gould School because I knew the teaching here would put me over the top, allowing me to become the best player I could possibly be."

Alexander Seredenko
Alumnus, pianist, Rebanks Fellow 2016-17, Hamamatsu Academy Competition winner, Ihnatowycz Scholarship recipient



“What attracted me to The Glenn Gould School was the faculty — they are second to none. It’s a small school...so you get to know everyone and there’s lots of individual attention. The newly renovated heritage building and Koerner Hall are inspiring. How much better can it get than performing in a world-class concert hall where Midori or Yo-Yo Ma performed the night before? I’m incredibly lucky to be here.”

Melissa Wilmot
Alumna, violinist
James Ehnes, violinist
The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of Canada’s most treasured and enriching cultural institutions... and the facilities and level of instruction at The Glenn Gould School in Toronto are truly world class.
James Ehnes, violinist

“Mastery of your instrument or voice comes first. It is why you get 90 minutes a week with your studio teacher every year. From there we add the other pieces you need to be successful in your career: knowing the repertoire, collaborating with other musicians, and most of all, learning the importance of thorough, detailed preparation.”

James Anagnoson
Dean, The Glenn Gould School

 

“An orchestra is really a collection of ensembles – that’s why great orchestras have always encouraged their members to participate actively in chamber music. The sense of ensemble and musical collaboration musicians develop through playing in quartets and trios is ultimately what makes them successful orchestral players. And of course, chamber music can also be a viable career option for some students.“

Barry Shiffman
Associate Dean and Director of Chamber Music, faculty member, violinist; Director of the Banff International String Quartet Competition; Artistic Director of Rockport Music; and founding member, St. Lawrence String Quartet

 

“The most important thing for me when I was at The Glenn Gould School was that I was given the freedom and flexibility to pursue my goals in the way that was best for me. When I presented ideas or projects to faculty or administration, they were supportive and willing to help me.”

Adam Zinatelli
Alumnus, Principal Trumpet, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

[The Royal Conservatory] is a leading centre of excellence offering an extraordinary program of professional training and education.

Leon Fleisher, Ihnatowycz Chair in Piano, Faculty and Master Class Artist

“What I enjoy about teaching is the interaction and energy between the student and myself. That energy then transforms into a ‘make music’ and ‘let’s sing’ phenomenon that allows the student to enter a place outside of themselves, which is really important in projecting the vocal instrument.”

Jean MacPhail
Faculty, Mezzo-soprano

 

“Anyone who wants to log the hours practicing can always find a room.”

Rory McLeod
Alumnus, Violist, former Glenn Gould School Student Council President

 

“The most valuable part of studying at The Glenn Gould School for me was the way our education was integrated with developing a career outside of school, so that when we graduate, if we have taken advantage of the opportunities given to us, we already have the groundwork laid to begin performing professionally.”

Wallis Giunta
Alumna, Mezzo-soprano, Canadian Opera Company Studio Ensemble

 

“I like the fact that The Glenn Gould School is all about performance and that students get multiple performing opportunities each year. Through The Glenn Gould School, I have had the chance to perform in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Canadian Opera Company and in Walter Hall as part of the Mooredale Concert Series. I get to use the wonderful facilities in The Conservatory for my solo recitals and chamber performances. Our school orchestra performs numerous orchestral concerts a year in Koerner Hall. I also love studying in the new building.

Emily Belvedere
Alumnus, Harpist

 

“Koerner Hall has a full concert season featuring some of the greatest performers from around the world. This year, we received comps to concerts such as the Emerson String Quartet with Menahem Pressler, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and violinists Christian Tetzlaff and James Ehnes, to name just a few.”

Keith Hamm
Alumnus, Principal Viola, Canadian Opera Company Orchestra

 

“When you leave here you will play in all sorts of halls, but very few will be as good as Koerner Hall.”

Zubin Mehta
Guest Conductor