Acadia University School of Music

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Acadia University School of Music The Acadia University School of Music (AUSOM) is a dynamic, community-oriented music school in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

The School of Music offers a comprehensive music curriculum where students develop expertise in a chosen area of specialization while being encouraged to broaden their horizons within our many diverse course offerings. At Acadia University we believe an undergraduate school of music in a liberal arts university should be more of a laboratory than a conservatory. We strive to create versatile, confident, and well-rounded musicians who are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Moreover we believe our program provides an essential foundation for success in any career of life path by focusing on these five key pillars of any classical contemporary music education. AWARENESS – Students will become more self-aware by learning to hear themselves, find their own voice and develop their own inner critic. They will also discover their own place in the larger historical, theoretical, an socio-cultural world of music. PERFORMANCE – Students develop the confidence to become effective in front of audiences of all sorts: as musical performers, teachers, therapists, presenters, writers, composers, and as dynamic leaders. COLLABORATION – Whether in one on one settings such as a lesson or therapy practicum, in small chamber ensembles or seminars, or in large ensembles, students develop the interpersonal skills to be able to contribute to a team environment and recognize and value the contributions of others. CREATIVITY – At Acadia, students are not only grounded in the rich tradition of music, but are active in shaping the future. Through composition, improvisation and performance of classical contemporary music, students learn to channel that creative impulse towards solving problems. We believe that creativity should be a cornerstone of a liberal arts education in recognition that all of the problems of the future will require creative solutions that have not yet been considered. DISCIPLINE – Sustained disciplinary practice is at the heart of the university music degree. Students learn to identify goals and create the pathways to achieving them through regimented and productive practice routines that is the key to success in an profession or pursuit. The Acadia School of Music welcomes the opportunity to nurture young musicians and we look forward to getting to know you!

The Acadia University Wind Ensemble is kicking of its 20th Anniversary Season with a concert featuring works from the pa...
10/14/2026

The Acadia University Wind Ensemble is kicking of its 20th Anniversary Season with a concert featuring works from the past alongside new masterworks. Of particular interest is the performance of the Arutiunian Trumpet Concerto played by Acadia University fourth year trumpet player Mattingly Lunn, and a rare performance of John Estacio's epic work Frenergy. Admission is by freewill donation at the door.

On Friday, November 6 and Saturday November 7, the Acadia University Singers will perform “Sing You Home” – a concert of...
10/14/2026

On Friday, November 6 and Saturday November 7, the Acadia University Singers will perform “Sing You Home” – a concert of choral music for Remembrance – in Mahone Bay and Wolfville.
With choral music by Eleanor Daley, Frank Tichelli, Kim André Arneson, Peter-Anthony Togni, and more, “Sing You Home” will take listeners on a musical journey from war to the return home – and from desolation to hope. Woven together with poetry and letters written by Acadia University veterans, this program provides a contemplative space to reflect on the weight of war and to remember those who have given their lives in service of the pursuit of piece. “There is music in the midst of desolation,” wrote WWI poet Laurence Binyon in his famous poem, “For the Fallen” – a poignant reminder of the important role of music in Remembrance, and the power of music to uplift the human soul in the midst of our darkest hours.
Special guests on the program will be CONDUIT Chamber Choir: a community-based upper-voice chamber choir, directed by Andrew Cranston, comprised of singers from across the Annapolis Valley. The Acadia University Singers and CONDUIT are excited to be performing together in celebration of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation’s 50th anniversary.
The performance on Friday, November 6 will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mahone Bay (89 Edgewater Street). A portion of the proceeds from that concert will go to support the St. John’s Piano Fundraiser.
The performance on Saturday, November 7 will be at Acadia University in Denton Hall Auditorium.
Both concerts will begin at 7:00pm; admission is by free-will donation at the door.

On Thursday, October 8, the Acadia School of Music Concert & Lecture Series presents “See the Sound: An Exploration into...
10/07/2026

On Thursday, October 8, the Acadia School of Music Concert & Lecture Series presents “See the Sound: An Exploration into Visual Inspirations in Piano Music” with pianist Edward Enman.

Visual inspirations can be found in all genres of music. Whether this inspiration be painting, photography, place, descriptive literature, or visual imagery, the wealth of expression these visual cues can evoke is far-reaching dramatically effective. Pianist Edward Enman will present piano music with a variety of visual inspirations by Amy Beach, Louise Farrenc, Jocelyn Morlock, Sarah Watson, Ann Southam, and some improvisation on visual story-telling cues.

This event begins at 1:00pm in DENTON HALL.

Concert & Lecture Series events are free and all are welcome to attend – please join us!

Alt text for image:
A poster for the event featuring a picture of Edward Enman wearing black.

On Thursday, October 1st, the Acadia School of Music Concert & Lecture Series presents “Imaginations” – with AUSOM facul...
09/30/2026

On Thursday, October 1st, the Acadia School of Music Concert & Lecture Series presents “Imaginations” – with AUSOM faculty members, Cindy Thong and Mary Castello
Pianists Cindy Thong and Mary Castello will perform a program of music written for piano four hands by Maurice Ravel, Martha Hill Duncan, Amy Beach, and Franz Schubert. Inspired by childhood, nature, folk traditions and play, these works explore the imagination in its many forms – from the whimsical and fantastical to the deeply personal.
This event begins at 1:00pm in DENTON HALL AUDITORIUM.
Concert & Lecture Series events are free and all are welcome to attend – please join us!

On Thursday, September 24, the Acadia School of Music’s Concert & Lecture Series presents “Making it New” with 2026 Deep...
09/24/2026

On Thursday, September 24, the Acadia School of Music’s Concert & Lecture Series presents “Making it New” with 2026 Deep Roots Artist in Residence, Nani Vazana.  

What does it mean to create within a living tradition - to honour the past without being imprisoned by it? In this lecture-performance, Nani Vazana traces her creative process as one of the world’s few artists composing original music in Ladino, the endangered Judeo-Spanish language carried across centuries and continents by the Sephardic diaspora. She’ll explore how she brings that ancient tradition into dialogue with contemporary jazz, flamenco, and North African rhythms - and where she draws the line between innovation and preservation.  

Featuring live performance on piano and trombone, Nani’s presentation will also offer a first look at material she will further develop during her Deep Roots Artist in Residence week at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, following the Festival.  

This presentation begins at 1:00pm in the FESTIVAL THEATRE, 504 Main St., Wolfville.

Concert & Lecture Series events are free and all are welcome to attend – please join us!

Check out the AUSOM things happening this term at Acadia University School of Music! Stay tuned for more information on ...
09/18/2026

Check out the AUSOM things happening this term at Acadia University School of Music! Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events, Concerts, and more as the term continues.

On Thursday, September 17, the School of Music Concert & Lecture Series presents “Surviving & Thriving in University as ...
09/17/2026

On Thursday, September 17, the School of Music Concert & Lecture Series presents “Surviving & Thriving in University as a Music Student: Core Skills for Success.”

Join Kate Johnstone, Learning Support & Accessibility Specialist for a session highlighting important skills to help you do more than survive your first year. Themes include managing your time, how to ask for help (and receive a positive response) and other skills to set yourself up for success at any stage of your program.

Kate’s presentation will begin at 1:00pm in the Festival Theatre.

As our ensembles are kicking off this week, this is just a reminder that it is not too late to join a band or ensemble h...
09/14/2026

As our ensembles are kicking off this week, this is just a reminder that it is not too late to join a band or ensemble here at Acadia! ❤️✨🎶

Hey Acadia students! Need an elective? Look no further than The School of Music! ✨🎶✨ This term, we are offering plenty o...
09/11/2026

Hey Acadia students! Need an elective? Look no further than The School of Music! ✨🎶✨
This term, we are offering plenty of courses open to students of all disciplines. Come and expand your knowledge!

Acadia University School of Music is proud to announce that Kris Chisholm has committed to our Bachelor of Music program...
06/26/2026

Acadia University School of Music is proud to announce that Kris Chisholm has committed to our Bachelor of Music program.
At Acadia, Kris looks forward to making music with classmates and working on performance goals. We can't wait to help you meet your goals, Kris! See you in September!

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Harvey Denton Hall, 12 Horton Avenue
Wolfville, NS
B4P2R6

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