Working in conjunction with Trafalgar School, the new institute will offer services to the shuttered McGill Conservatory

The leadership team of Trafalgar School for Girls, donors, music lovers and world-renowned cellist Denis Brott recently gathered at Hotel Vogue to announce the launch of the Montreal Music Institute, which will occupy space in the school’s new location in the repurposed Purvis Hall on the McGill Campus. Katherine Nikidis, Trafalgar Head of School was joined by Thomas Leslie, Executive Director of the MacDonald Stewart Foundation, who are the newly appointed Co-Chairs of the Montreal Music Institute and its donors.

The McGill Conservatory had been an institution in Montreal for over 100 years. Its closure in 2022 left a void in the music education landscape of Montreal. However, the outstanding faculty of the former institute is passionate about continuing to teach in a milieu that promotes excellence in music. The location of the new institute, in the heart of downtown Montreal, on the new Trafalgar School campus, at the foot of Mount Royal and adjacent to McGill University provides a unique and inspirational setting for students to learn and grow.

In her remarks, Katherine Nikidis noted that Trafalgar also has a deep history, going back 150 years to its original mandate to provide an education for girls and while partnering with the downtown community.

While there are several traditional music schools and conservatories, they often lack the necessary resources to keep up with the ever-evolving industry demands and technological advancements. This collaborative music institute will seek to bridge this gap by bringing together leading research institutions, industry experts, and talented musicians. This community music institute aims to fill this gap by offering a diverse range of music programs that will cater to individuals of all ages and levels of musical education and experience.

Denis Brott

World-renowned cellist Denis Brott performed and spoke eloquently about the value of music education for students of all ages

Vision Statement

The Institute’s vision is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to explore, learn, and share their love of music. The objective is to be the go-to bilingual destination for community music education in Montreal; and to attract students with high aspirations and to provide a quality program that prepares them for university level musicianship.

In recent years, the cultural landscape has witnessed a decline in the availability of comprehensive and high-quality music education. While there are several traditional music schools and conservatories, they often lack the necessary resources to keep up with the ever-evolving industry demands and technological advancements. The MMI collaborative music institute seeks to bridge this gap by bringing together leading research institutions, industry experts, and talented musicians. Our community Music institute aims to fill this gap by offering a diverse range of music programs that cater to individuals of all ages and levels of musical education and experience.

Academic Operational Model and Specialized Programs

The MMI will be located in the heart of downtown Montreal, easily accessible by public transport. The institute will operate every weekday from 4:30-10pm, weekends from 9am-7pm and full day summer programs for 8 weeks. Programs will be designed for individuals of all ages, encouraging a diverse community of music lovers to participate in learning more.

The music programs will cover a wide range of genres, including classical, chamber, opera, jazz, rock, pop, digital and world music. In addition, unique programs, such as indigenous education programs and specialized workshops for neurodiverse students will be offered. Master classes will also provide an opportunity for lifelong learning and skill development.

We will provide two streams throughout our program courses to provide adequate service for a wide range of students, to support talented, hard working students and to encourage the recreational learners;

‘To ensure the success of the programs, the institute will hire experienced and qualified music educators who share the school’s vision and mission. There will be an investment in quality equipment and facilities, including instruments, recording equipment, and practice rooms,” said Mr. Leslie.

MMI will offer an examination system which will allow students to commit to ongoing development with documented levels of achievement.

Montreal Music Institute will offer classes beginning with students aged 4–6, 7 to 12, 13–18, 18+ and 55+. All age groups will have weekly classes, individual or small group lessons. Older students will have more sophisticated theory and performance education. Orchestra and/or big band participation will be offered starting in the 13-18 age group. Students will learn music theory in all age categories to provide a solid knowledge foundation for whatever discipline they choose, from classical to jazz.

Many readers of The Montrealer may be interested in the 55+ program. Students (Ages 55+)
Music Appreciation: Weekly group classes that explore different genres of music and provide an opportunity for seniors to socialize and engage with music in a supportive environment.

Instrumental Lessons: Weekly private or small group lessons on a chosen instrument, with a focus on developing playing skills and technique.

Ensemble Playing: Weekly group classes that allow seniors to play together in small groups and develop their ensemble skills.

The Montreal Music Institute foundational pillars

1-Partnerships:  MMI proposes to establish strategic partnerhips with renowned research facilities, industry and artists and universities to foster innovation, research, and artistic exploration. These partnerships will provide access to cutting-edge technology, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the latest advancements in music-related fields. By aligning with these institutions, and through renowned artists’ master classes the institute will be at the forefront of innovation, offering unique learning experiences for its students.

2-Curriculum and Training Opportunities: MMI will offer a comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional music education with contemporary approaches and interdisciplinary studies. The curriculum will be designed by a team of diverse expert musicians, educators, and industry professionals, ensuring that our students receive a well-rounded education. To provide an array of training opportunities, partnerships will be established with renowned orchestras, opera companies, recording studios, and music festivals.

3-Research and Innovation: The field of sound and frequencies is a vast and rapidly evolving area of research. Scientists, engineers, and artists are continuously experimenting with sound and frequencies to explore new possibilities and applications. Through collaborations with research facilities, faculty and students will be encouraged to explore new techniques, methodologies, and technologies in music composition, performance, production, and music therapy.

4-Access to Music through Scholarships and Financial Assistance: Recognizing that access to quality education should not be limited by financial constraints, the institute will establish a robust scholarship and financial assistance program.

5-Community Engagement: The institute will actively engage with the local community by offering outreach programs, workshops, master classes and performances. The aim is to inspire a love for music among people of all ages and backgrounds.