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"Where Can I Go With a Music Degree...? " Online Conference 
 

January 25-26, 2026 – Free Virtual Event 

Join us for an online webinar series that will highlight a wide range of career options in the ever-changing music landscape. Our all-star lineup of panelists have represented a diverse cross-section of industry leaders, including ensemble founders, artistic directors, freelance performers, small business owners, recording artists, music therapists, arts administrators, sound engineers, community music facilitators, instrument repair technicians, and more. 

 

Whether you’re a prospective music student, currently enrolled in a post-secondary program, or a recent graduate, this event is for you!

About

Where Music Leads (WML) is an arts organization that believes there are many pathways towards "success" with a music education. We recognize that the music industry has shifted drastically in the last decades, from the internet boom to social media, and even artificial intelligence. These changes have influenced the ways in which we can create, communicate, and thrive in the musical world. Thus, we seek to promote dialogue that bridges education and industry, facilitating events where professionals can share their diverse experiences, while also providing professional development resources for young musicians along the way.

To this end, our annual "Where Can I Go With a Music Degree...?" online conference as developed out of our desire to help normalize a greater range of career options beyond the traditional musical career paths and to emphasize the range of skills involved in developing a sustainable career in music. After reflecting on our own professional journeys, we asked the question: “What do we wish we could go back in time and tell our eighteen year-old selves about becoming a musician?” We’ve put together a group of colleagues whose expertise we know will inspire the next generations to be creative and flexible in their career paths. Above all, we hope to empower young musicians to envision a future based on their own artistic identities and definitions of success.

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We are thrilled to be collaborating with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO) in presentation of this third edition.

For more information about our past editions, please consult our archives here.
About

2026 Edition 

This year's edition comprises four roundtable discussions, a pedagogy workshop and an interactive "job fair".

Each event features panelists with a range of dynamic careers, sharing their insights about
 cultivating a sustainable career in music, as well as discuss the value of a musical education both within and outside the music industry.

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An overview of topics can be found below; further details available below.

2025 Event
Speakers

The Speakers

FEATURED INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

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Artistic Director (Coastal Recital Society), Music Producer (CBC Radio), Writer 

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Patrick Beauchemin

Engineer and President of VISIONx Inc., Member of Ensemble Philharmonique de la Coopérative des professeurs de musique de Montréal

LEADING IN THE INDUSTRY

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Fiddle strings, vocal strings, and heart strings. The Bombadils

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President of Rose Orchestra (Brampton, ON)

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Founder & Artistic Director (Bicycle Opera Project)

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Sean Mayes

Worldwide Music Supervisor for The Lion King 

Pops of Color, Founder & Artistic Director

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Associate Producer (CBC Music), Composer, Conductor 

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            Broadway Music Director

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Shaun Brodie

Founder & Artistic Director (Queer Songbook Orchestra)

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Assistant Professor of Sound Recording (McGill University)

Schedule
Session 1

Session Two

February 1, 2025

All roundtables will be 90 minutes. Times in EST.

11:00

Roundtable #2

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"Musical Entrepreneurship: Building Your Own Projects

  and Organizations"

This roundtable will feature panelists who have developed their own dynamic projects and organizations from the ground up, driven by their individual goals of addressing existing gaps in the classical music scene for both artists and listeners. We’ll discuss what inspired them to embark on these projects, how they’ve been able to grow them, and their advice for creating your own sustainable career in music.

Panelists: Dr. Michael Bridge, Miki Sawada, Aria Umezawa

Session Three

February 8, 2025

All roundtables will be 90 minutes. Times in EST.

11:00

Roundtable #3

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"A Day in the Life: Navigating the Demands of a Music Career"

In this roundtable, our panel of musicians will discuss the realities of their work behind the music, including the balance of creative time with administration, financial planning, and travel management. This discussion provides an open look at the routines, responsibilities, and dedication required to build and sustain a career in music. From time spent practicing, to securing engagements and managing finances, join us in an exploration of the artistry and business that goes into managing a career. 
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Whether you’re interested in freelance work, solo performance or other creative avenues, this discussion will provide a candid look at the behind-the-scenes realities that go beyond the practice room.

Panelists: Philip Chiu, Dr. Adam Cicchillitti, Naomi Woo

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9

3

DAYS
SPEAKERS
ROUNDTABLES

Special Guest: Tom Allen

In conversation with event hosts, Lara Deutsch, Dr. Amy Hillis and Dr. Cindy Thong 

17:00

Virtual Meet & Greet 

Meet the Event Organizers

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Acadia University

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Carleton University

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The National Youth Orchestra of Canada (NYO Canada) is one of the country’s leading training institutes for young orchestral musicians. For over 60 years, NYO Canada has prepared young musicians aged 16 to 28 for professional careers through intensive training, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

 

Internationally recognized for fostering excellence and leadership, NYO Canada empowers young artists to make a lasting impact in the global music community. As a collaborative partner of this event , NYO Canada continues to celebrate learning, collaboration, and the transformative power of music.

In Collaboration With

Session 2
Session 3
Meet The Organizers

Schedule Day 1

January 24, 2026

All roundtables will be 90 minutes; workshops will be 75 minutes. Times in EST.

10:00

Roundtable #1

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"Musicians with a Dream: From Vision to Reality"

Panelists: Shaun Brodie, Larissa Koniuk, Sean Mayes

11:30

Lunch Break

12:30

Speakers: To be announced.

14:15

Round Table #2

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"Presenting Music: Broadcasters, Recording Engineers and Artistic Directors"

Panelists: Denise Ball, James Clemens-Seely, Isaac Page

Schedule Day 2

January 25, 2026

All roundtables will be 90 minutes; workshops will be 75 minutes. Times in EST.

10:00

Roundtable #3

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"It Didn't Go According to Plan: When Detours Become the Destination"

Panelists: Peter Eratostene, Sarah Frank, John Yun

11:30

Lunch Break

12:30

Workshop #2 

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"Career Fair: Working in the Music Industry" 

Presenters: Katherine Carleton (Orchestras Canada), Chelsey Hiebert (Sistema Canada) Adam Stokholm (Long & McQuade)

14:15

Round Table #4

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"The Role of Music in the Lives of Adult Amateurs" 

Panelists: Kristen Aiello, Patrick Beauchemin, Helen Graham 

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4

2

Registration Open Soon
DAYS
SPEAKERS
ROUNDTABLES
WORKSHOPS
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Our Supporters

Generously supported by:

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Contact Us

"Where Can I Go With a Music Degree...?

INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

What

An online roundtable series engaging conversation with a diverse cross-section of industry professionals about a life in music and the value of a musical education.

When

Sessions taking place:

 

January 24-25, 2026

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10 AM - 3:45 PM (EST) 

Registration Available Soon

Where

Virtual Webinar

Contact Us

To learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch

Thanks for submitting!

© 2025 Cindy Thong. All Rights Reserved.

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