To many who live in the United States, Canada is the friendly neighbor to the north, known for hockey, fuzzy-hatted Mounties, and a vernacular that calls for frequent use of the word “eh.” What Americans often overlook, however, is the incredible pride Canadians have for the cultural riches that abound throughout the country.
This pride is reflected clearly in many of the vocal programs at universities across the nation. McGill University, the University of Toronto, the University of Western Ontario, and the University of British Columbia host the nation’s largest and most recognized vocal programs. All four have garnered attention, both nationally and internationally, for the caliber of graduates they produce.
But what value can U.S. citizens acquire if they look across the border for classical training? The most obvious: Thanks to the current exchange rate, the U.S. dollar stretches much farther in Canada than it does in the United States. This makes a significant difference in the amount you actually pay. For example, the estimate for tuition and fees as an international graduate student at the University of Western Ontario is C$4,500. With the exchange, you can estimate that your real costs will be closer to US$3,700. Savings are even greater for undergraduate fees, where the difference amounts to several thousand dollars.
Beyond the economic value, the benefits of studying in Canada are many, as members of these voice faculties are eager to explain.
“When you’re in Canada you have the access to the same concerts as in U.S. cities,” says Lorna MacDonald, head of the voice faculty at the University of Toronto. “The arts are strongly supported here, and I think the array of courses at Canadian universities is generally richer than at most American universities.”
“There are many advantages and no disadvantages for Americans choosing to study in Canada,” adds Sasha Gorbasew the University of Western Ontario. “If you look at what it costs to attend UWO as an international student, it’s less than what most Americans pay to attend a university out of state. Also, Americans can get an international experience, a different perspective, and still not be far from home. Canadian universities are recognized worldwide for having a very high standard of education.”
“Americans can come to McGill and receive a spectacular education from a major, internationally recognized university for much less than it would cost them to attend almost any school in the USA, including state universities,” says William Neill, head of Vocal Studies at McGill University. “Every year the percentage of applicants from the States rises. At this point, I suspect that almost 40 percent of our applicants are American.”
You must give ample time in the application process to submit a Study Permit visa request to the Canadian government. Each university can provide specific information on the requirements in place at the time of your application.
As for advice for those who are interested in applying to a vocal program, most specifically incoming freshmen, professors at all of these universities have words of wisdom.
Neill summarizes a common piece of advice.
“At the audition, sing your best repertoire with which you are most comfortable. Do not try to impress us with stuff that is too difficult and possibly beyond your age, vocal development and comfort level. We are looking for potential, not a finished product! Apply at schools where there is a teacher with whom you want to study, whom you can trust with your future. Doctors and lawyers need the name of the university on their diploma. You need to learn how to sing—and how to survive in the profession.”
MacDonald seconds this: “Be well prepared musically. Strong musical skills and a background in piano as well as voice will definitely be an asset.”
As the daunting task of choosing a university or vocal program looms, Nancy Hermiston, head of the Voice and Opera Divisions at the University of British Columbia, encourages prospective students to enjoy the process and take great care in exploring their options.
“Spend two or three days attending classes and shadowing a student and or a professor so that you see what the atmosphere and the quality of the university is really like,” she says. “It is an important choice and is well worth the time to take those few days to get to know … the university and its faculty, staff and students. … Take time to see what the city and the surrounding area are like. Whatever university you choose it should be a good fit, and then you will do well.”
Though Canada may be largely unknown to many American citizens, vocal programs at many Canadian universities are vibrant and well respected internationally. It would be a shame if Americans and other internationals ignored the riches Canada has to offer in the art of classical singing. As shown in the accompanying spotlight articles, these four universities offer fabulous opportunities, as well as economic value, for Canadian, American, and international students alike in the pursuit of excellence in classical training.
To apply to any of these universities, for full faculty listings and credentials, or for more information, please visit each university’s School of Music website:
• McGill University: www.music.mcgill.ca
• University of Toronto: www.music.utoronto.ca
• University of Western Ontario: www.music.uwo.ca
• University of British Columbia: www.music.ubc.ca
