Careers in music
Alumnus Kelby MacNayr (BMus ‘04) performs original music and soulful swinging jazz. He engages and inspires his audiences with a blend of innovative contemporary music and traditional music from around the world. Photo: Jim Levitt.
Eve Egoyan (BMus 1985) is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) and one of 50 Canadian performers and conductors given a designation of "CMC Ambassador" by the Canadian Music Centre.
Jonathon Govias (BMus ‘98) is a leading international consultant on organizational, strategic, entrepreneurial and pedagogical practices for social music initiatives, with an emphasis on programs inspired by Venezuela’s "el Sistema."
Eden Oliver (BMus ‘08), Jeff Poynter (BMus ‘11) and Alex Rempel (BMus ‘12) formed the chamber-folk band West My Friend with their friend Nick Mintenko.
Carli and Julie Kennedy (BMus 2008) perform as Twin Kennedy and have been nominated three times for the Canadian Country Music Awards.
Jason Stasiuk competed the combined degree in Music and Computer Science in 2012. As an audio engineer, he has worked closely with world-renowned classical and pop artists on live concerts, demo sessions and CD projects.
What can I do with a degree in music?
Studying music can prepare you for a career as a performer, a teacher, a creative entrepreneur—the possibilities are endless.
Our alumni perform in the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Victoria Symphony, the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble and others here and abroad. Some work as university instructors; others teach elementary or high school. Our alumni include active, high-profile composers, successful studio teachers, arts administrators, and performers in chamber groups, bands and choirs.
Career options for graduates
- Academia
- Arts administration
- Composer
- Conductor
- Instrument design
- Instrument sales
- Music production
- Performing musician
- Recording engineer
- Singer/songwriter
- Software developer
- Entrepreneur
- Teacher
More information from UVic Co-op + Careers (pdf)
Develop your career
- Attend career development workshops
- Explore résumé, cover letter and interview resources
- Meet with a career educator
- Work with community through volunteer opportunities
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Meet our alumni
Composer, librettist and singer
Isaiah has been an ensemble member in the Young Artist Program of Pacific Opera Victoria, Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Program, and l’Atelier lyrique de l’Opéra de Montréal. As well as being a composer, librettist and active performer in song literature, Bell has appeared as a soloist in concert with l’Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, l’Orchestre Métropolitain, the Winnipeg Symphony, among others. He has held lead roles in several operas. Read more
BMus (2008)
Pianist
Pianist Eve Egoyan is renowned for her specialization in new works for the piano. Her ongoing performance interests encompass extremely contrasting sensibilities, from the rigorous interpretation of a score to free improvisation. Egoyan also explores other art forms and technologies in relation to the piano and has appeared as a recitalist in Canada, England, France, Germany, Portugal, Japan, and the United States. Read more
BMus (1985)
Associate Professor of Music Anthropology
Klisala Harrison has held positions at Columbia University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Helsinki, and is now Associate Professor of Music Anthropology at Aarhus University in Denmark. Klisala is a scholar of music in crises, for example, of health, climate change, poverty and human rights. Read more
BMus (1997)
Resident Conductor
Karl was named Resident Conductor for the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra's 2016/17 season. He previously acted as Assistant Conductor for the National Academy Orchestra of Canada, and the McGill Contemporary Music Ensemble. A diverse musician and collaborator, he has performed with numerous renowned soloists such as Evelyn Glennie, Chris Botti, and Jonathan Crow. Read more
BMus (2012)
Performers
Canadian powerhouse duo Carli and Julie Kennedy have been making music together for as long as they can remember. In their youth, the twins took piano, guitar and violin lessons and honed their skills in a family band, playing country music and fiddle tunes at community events. Read more
BMus (2008)
Director
As a fiddler, jazz trumpeter and singer/songwriter, Daniel has played on over 100 albums and performed across Canada, United States, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Finland and Germany with some of the world's most renowned folk and jazz musicians. He's recipient of the BC Fiddle Championship and has appeared as a soloist with the CBC Chamber Orchestra as well as the Prince George, Victoria, and Vancouver Symphonies. Read more
BMus
Composer
Cassandra is former Artistic Director of Innovations en concert, a not-for-profit presenter of experimental chamber music in Montreal. She led the organization into a new era where it became known for its unusual programming, its support of young freelancers, the commissioning of monumental works and the building of international connections for Quebec artists. Read more
BMus (2005)
Director of Bands & Choirs
Highly praised for his work as an educator, Mark received the award for the 2013 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year—presented to him by Shania Twain—and was named to the 2014 Varkey GEMS Global Teacher Prize Top 50. Mark serves as President of the Canadian Music Educators' Association. Read more
BMus (2003)
Composer
Rodney is one of Canada's most frequently performed composers and has been Composer-in-Residence with the Victoria Symphony, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.In addition to concert music, he writes music for cabaret, opera and dance. Read more
BMus (1980)