A Pitch Perfect Musical Journey
Enhancing Creativity and Imagination Through Music
"My first experience at the U of R was performing as a dog who was the sidekick to a supervillian," laughs University of Regina alum Katherine Mutschler. “I was in Grade 5 and in a Conservatory drama program where I got to stand on the stage, figure out how to project my voice and learn a short dance. It was so much fun.”
For Mutschler, that early introduction to the performing arts sparked a lifelong passion for music and the arts. “I began singing in a choir and then started taking piano lessons. It was at that point that I really started to dive into music and I continued taking piano lessons at the Conservatory through grade 12.”
Erika Folnović, Program Coordinator at the Conservatory of Performing Arts believes one of the advantages of the Conservatory is there are entry points at any age. “From kids to seniors, you can just jump right into a program. For instance, in musical theatre, everyone gets a part and gets to enjoy that experience. There are no prerequisites.”
When Mutschler was in high school, Folnović hired her as a camp assistant, a position she continued to enjoy over the next eight years. “Katherine was a star employee. She was always so passionate about music and working with kids that I kept hiring her year after year until she went off to grad school.”
These programs encourage creativity and imagination and provide a space where kids can slow down and unplug.—Katherine Mutschler, Conservatory Instructor
For Mutschler, the role allowed her to introduce other kids to the world she loved. “These programs encourage creativity and imagination and provide a space where kids can slow down and unplug. I also noticed many of the students found learning math, spelling and reading got easier after they were introduced to the arts. For instance, in music, you have to learn to read, count and do fractions and the kids were then able to apply those skills back in the classroom.”
Folnović also sees the broader benefits exposure to the arts provides. “Having an outlet to express creative thoughts and also having a group of people around you supporting those thoughts, ideas and dreams is so important.”
While participation in the Conservatory’s programs was severely affected by the pandemic, enrolment has now fully recovered and surpassed pre-pandemic levels. “We’re seeing a lot of growth,” notes Folnović. “Parents understand how helpful these types of programs can be for their child’s development. We’ll have parents tell us that their child had never been able to get up in front of their class but now they’re up on stage performing. It’s a great confidence builder.”
Once students have been introduced to the arts, it’s common for them to want to do more. Some become volunteers while others like Mutschler venture into creative career paths.
Learn more about all the programs offered by the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
“I graduated with my Piano Performance Degree in 2022 from the University of Regina and then I moved to Ottawa for two years to complete my Master’s in Music Theory. I’m now settling back in Regina to pursue a career in music and the arts because this is where I have so many connections,” says Mutschler. “Starting this winter, I’ll be a private lesson piano instructor at the Conservatory. I’m really looking forward to that!”
For Mutschler and many others, an appreciation of the arts begins at a young age, but Folnović notes there’s never a wrong age at which to engage in music and theatre. “We offer programs for every age from newborns through to seniors. Through these programs we see people develop skills, engage with other people who have similar interests and ultimately create a deep connection to the University that can last a lifetime.”
Banner photo credit: University of Regina