Mississauga studio teams up with university to offer music degree

Mississauga’s Metalworks Institute and Wilfrid Laurier University are joining forces to create a new program that could earn students a degree in music.

The agreement between the Waterloo-based university’s Faculty of Music and Metalworks will see an articulation agreement where students can blend a degree and a diploma from both institutions receiving state-of-the-art, hands-on audio engineering experience from Metalworks alongside the traditional and innovative music degree options at Laurier in as little as four years.

“Excelling in North American music education, Laurier and Metalworks will bring the strengths of their respective programs to each other’s students,” said Dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Music, Cynthia Johnston Turner. “Students are seeking opportunities that will set them apart and prepare them for unique, diverse and exciting careers in music. CEO Gil Moore and the impressive teacher/artists and innovators at Metalworks are fantastic. This initial pathway is only the beginning of an exciting future between Metalworks and Laurier. The possibilities are almost endless.”

Artists such as Drake, Tina Turner, Prince, Christina Aguilera, David Bowie, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato and Lil’ Wayne have recorded at Metalworks.

The partnership allows a reciprocal pathway for Metalworks Diploma graduates to receive two semesters of credits (one-year) toward a four-year Laurier Bachelor of Music degree. Laurier students can spend three terms at Metalworks and receive an Audio Production and Engineering Diploma that will be credited towards a year of their Laurier Bachelor of Music degree. Alternatively, Laurier music students can enroll in Metalworks’ unique courses on an ‘a-la-carte’ basis to supplement their university experience.

“It is with great enthusiasm that Metalworks Institute announces this partnership with Laurier’s esteemed Faculty of Music,” said Metalworks founder and CEO, Gil Moore. “With a global reputation for excellence, Laurier’s Faculty of Music’s diverse programming, rooted deeply in tradition, while focused intensely on innovation, will create limitless possibilities for collaboration now and into the future.”

Students must fulfill all admission requirements to be admitted to either program. Students pursuing either option will be eligible to receive scholarships that will offset tuition and fees.

To learn more email [email protected] or visit wlu.ca/music.