When Sofia Fusco finished her diploma in performance, she wasn’t done with her music education. She left Nelson, BC, for Edmonton, to continue studying music through an interactive approach while earning her Bachelor of Music at MacEwan.
“I heard that they do pretty cool things in this program, like bringing in musicians for events,” she says.
She got to experience that firsthand in January, when country artists Hailey Benedict, Kalsey Kulyk and Taylor-Rae were on campus for Backstage Pass: Country in the Heart of the City. Part of the Distinguished Visiting Artist in Country Music initiative, Backstage Pass brings students and professionals together for a master class and a concert, giving music students unique insight into the industry from those who have been there.
For Fusco, the event was particularly enlightening. “My own music falls along the lines of country, with a little bit of pop, so this definitely brought inspiration,” she says.
The master class featured a songwriter’s round – an opportunity for songwriters to tell a story about a song before they play it for their audience – followed by a Q&A.
“The music industry is male-dominated, so hearing the stories of these Canadian women in music was really inspiring,” says Fusco. “I see myself in them, in my future as an artist.”
Though a lot of their stories and tips related to working after finishing school, Fusco is able to apply some of them now. She’s a vocalist in the Department of Music’s Country/Roots Ensemble, allowing her to join fellow students on stage in professional performances (interested in attending? Catch Fusco’s next performance on April 2).
She adds that events and workshops like this are what set her MacEwan education apart. Getting the opportunity to ask questions and speak with working professionals allows students like Fusco to understand industry issues and prepare themselves for their future careers.
“Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the education side of things – completing assignments, exams – whereas having artists that are actually working gives more insight into what a career looks like,” says Fusco. “All three of the visiting artists talked about how they got to where they are – performing regularly, hearing a lot of nos before they heard yeses. That gives me a little bit more hope and makes me feel a little less stressed.”
For now, though, Fusco isn’t planning on pursuing fame and fortune. Though she is planning to write and record music, her current career goal is to take an education program so she can teach music and vocals to future students.
To be considered for a future Student Snapshots story, or to suggest someone we should feature, please contact our communications team at communications@macewan.ca.