Brass Overview
Learn from practicing professional brass musicians whose resumés include performing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO), Canadian Opera Company, and the National Ballet of Canada. U of T Brass Students study with accomplished, highly experienced instructors and perform in ensembles such as the TSO Youth Orchestra and the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra.
Expect an Immersive Experience
Classes
Weekly coaching and rehearsal sessions augmented by three to four guest-led masterclasses per term and an end-of-term public concert comprise the rhythms of the Brass studies year. Masterclasses focus on chamber music for smaller brass ensembles or playing specific instruments in the brass family. As well as coaching, guest artists of significant distinction provide inspirational recitals demonstrating the possibilities of their instruments.
Performance
Performance options include participating in the Faculty of Music’s Oasis Series, free concerts presented in non-traditional venues across the university. They also include playing in the concerts held regularly in the lobby of the Music Faculty building. Hart House has a jazz band, a concert band, and an orchestra in which Brass students play. Performing concerts at high schools throughout the Greater Toronto Area is an essential part of the curriculum of Brass chamber class.
Programs
Learn from Exceptional Teachers
Strengths
The strengths of U of T Brass begin with the quality of its instructors and visiting artists. These are highly accomplished musicians who have forged highly successful careers outside and inside the classroom. They have the skills and experience to help students develop their capabilities and set out on promising career paths.
Expertise
Faculty provide expert instruction in the trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, euphonium, and extended instruments such as the bass trombone. Drawing on the Faculty of Music instrument library resources, they also instruct interested students in using early brass instruments such as natural trumpets and sackbuts. Distinguished guest artists are sometimes invited to conduct masterclasses on these lesser-known instruments.
Breadth
U of T Brass provides graduate and undergraduate teaching for students across Music Faculty areas. Bachelor of Music in Performance students pursue brass orchestral studies in their third and fourth years. Music Education students also have options for Brass-focused study.
Benefit from Big City Opportunities
Connections
Studying in Toronto offers Brass students exceptional opportunities to experience a vibrant Brass music scene, perform publicly in numerous venues and events, and build a professional network of career significance. U of T Brass has connections with the Hannaford Street Silver Band (the only professional ensemble of its kind in Canada), Bloor-Annex Brass Ensemble (a student-led group exploring the brass ensemble repertoire in a high-level setting), and the Saturday morning music education events at the Church of the Redeemer.
Events
The Faculty of Music hosts major annual Toronto brass festivals and events. The Great Canadian Brass Band Festival and the Canadian Women’s Brass Collective conference feature concerts, workshops, seminars, and competitions open to students as participants and spectators.
Jobs
Toronto offers a variety of Brass studies-related job and volunteer opportunities. These include working in concert halls and venues, for cultural institutions such as the Canadian Music Centre, and in music schools providing private lessons.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
My studies at U of T provided me with a diverse set of skills and experiences that have set me up with the confidence to explore my greatest musical ambitions. I believe that everything I learned while studying both music education and trumpet performance contribute to my development as multi-faceted musician, as well as a person. Though I am now mainly pursuing performance, I don't think I would change anything about the programs of study that I chose. I will be forever grateful for the amazing faculty members who went above and beyond to give their students the best possible education. Even after graduating, I still feel attached to the wonderful community that I found there.
– Charlotte McIntoshBachelor of Music 2022 - Music Education (Trumpet)
Advanced Certificate in Performance 2023 - Trumpet
Attending the University of Toronto Faculty of Music was the best decision I made for my music career. Toronto, as a super vibrant musical city, provided the perfect backdrop for my studies. Throughout my time at U of T Music, I not only honed my technical skills and proficiency on my instrument but also developed essential soft skills crucial for my future career, such as consistency, leadership, teamwork, and attention to detail. I participated in a wide range of ensembles—from orchestra and wind ensemble to big band and the hybrid ensemble—which prepared me for a diverse music career encompassing freelance and commercial opportunities. Additionally, the Faculty provided numerous work-study opportunities that have greatly supported my pursuit of arts administration.
– Ilinca StafieBachelor of Music in Performance 2019 - French horn
Advanced Certificate in Performance 2020 - French horn
Have a question?
Contact our Brass Area Head for more information about our Brass area and programs.