For many students at the post-secondary level across Manitoba, music is a primary focus –a degree in which they can develop their skills for a career in the arts. At the University of Winnipeg, which does not offer such a degree program, music takes on a different role as it enhances learning in other areas as well as student life experience.
“We hear all the time about all these benefits that music provides – literacy, numeracy, et cetera,” says instructor Michelle Styles. “But I think that more and more, music is a way that we as a society can express ourselves, and whether that’s for positive things or negative things, it doesn’t matter. I think it’s such a powerful medium for expression and a powerful medium for bringing people together.”
An addition to university education
The University of Winnipeg offers three entry-level music courses for credit: a music appreciation course, a choral ensemble called the Lux et Veritas Choir and the Floreamus Wind Ensemble (both of which are named after the school’s Latin motto). Students are also able to access individual and group music lessons through the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts which operates on campus.
Styles notes that these courses can add a lot to the undergraduate programs that students are enrolled in, ranging from theatre and film studies to education to criminal justice.
“I was intentional in making sure that there was an opportunity for students, even if they’re not taking things for credit, to be a part of our campus community in that way,” says Styles. “It’s something that I value, and I hope that my students take that and spread it amongst the student body.”
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Open to all
Both ensembles in the University of Winnipeg’s music community and the music appreciation course are non-auditioned and are open to anyone who might want to take them. Although the music appreciation course dwells on Western art music as a base, Styles notes that she lets the class guide itself as it progresses through the academic year.
“The students investigate a certain genre that they’re interested in, taking those skills that we learned earlier in the year, breaking down that music in theoretical and historical ways to explain to the class more in detail about their chosen genre,” says Styles.
In fostering a larger community of music appreciation on campus, Styles sees a culture of welcoming and acceptance developing. “The biggest complaint I hear from undergrads is that it’s so hard to meet people. It’s so hard to make friends because everybody’s coming from everywhere and the number one thing is, ‘How do I make a friend?’” she shares. “I make sure at the very beginning to allow students to take that time to meet each other, because when you make music with friends, it’s a) more fun, and b) a lot easier to progress more quickly.”
Students and community members can learn more about the University of Winnipeg’s musical offerings through their website or their Instagram page.