“This collaboration has allowed us to strengthen our programs in Edmonton – we now serve over 200 students,” says Sarah McLachlan, who has won numerous awards, including three Grammys. “We are so appreciative, and we want you to know that none of what we do in Edmonton would have been possible without the support of MacEwan University.”

Since January 2023, SoM has offered free musical instruction for Edmonton children, youth and adults aged 55 and older. Fully funded by McLachlan’s foundation, the school also offers students connection and a safe space to find their own voices – something that McLachlan says was critical to her when she was young.

“For more than a year now, our halls have been filled with local children and youth who are at home within MacEwan,” says Dr. Annette Trimbee, president and vice-chancellor. “This powerful connection goes beyond just physical space – most notably with MacEwan alumni as faculty. This partnership is another way we can honour our place in O’day-min and welcome more people into our university community."

Students from SoM perform a song on stage during the concert. 

Faculty members at SoM are musicians from a wide variety of genres, including MacEwan alumni like Reid Contreras Woelfle (BMus ’23) who hold positions at the Edmonton location. 

“My favourite moment in teaching is granting students the chance to have the ‘Aha’ moment of being good at something,” says Contreras Woelfle. “I love teaching and providing students with these opportunities they wouldn’t typically get. I'm casting a wide net and hoping that my ideas stick with these students – even just a little bit.”

Students from around Edmonton can to apply to attend SoM and there are no prerequisites. They offer specific programming for different age groups and a variety of instruments, including voice, to people who would otherwise not be able to access this type of opportunity.