Queen's University DAN School of Drama and Music

The DAN School of Drama and Music, affiliated with Queen's University, is an esteemed institution dedicated to the advancement of drama and music education. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a new Bachelor of Music (BMus) set to commence in the 2024-25 academic year. Prospective students can find comprehensive information on how to apply and audition for various programs on the school's website. The DAN School is staffed by a diverse and talented faculty, committed to fostering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigeneity (EDII) within its community. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is governed by an advisory board that oversees its strategic direction and ensures that it continues to provide top-tier educational opportunities. Employment opportunities at the school attract professionals who wish to contribute to its vibrant academic environment. Current students at the DAN School have access to a variety of courses, ensemble and production auditions, thesis and directed studies, practicums, and internships that enrich their learning experience. Graduate students can also benefit from specialized courses of instruction and internship opportunities, as well as guidance from the Arts Leadership Faculty. The school places a strong emphasis on student health and well-being, providing comprehensive student services and a range of scholarships and awards, including the prestigious Concerto Aria Competition. Community engagement is a cornerstone of the DAN School's philosophy. The institution offers facility and equipment rentals and hosts several events and competitions, such as The Voaden Prize, Barefoot Players, Queen’s High School Music Festivals, and the Andrina McCulloch Public Speaking Competition. The school also contributes to the cultural vibrancy of Downtown Kingston through window displays. Research is a critical component of the school's mission. Faculty research spans various fields, and the school houses the Centre for Spectatorship and Audience Research, RENOMAD, and the Accessible & Inclusive Music Theatre (AIMT). Lectures, masterclasses, and workshops (LMW) are regularly held to further knowledge in the field. Student research initiatives like FOLDA showcase the innovative work of the school's students. Performance is at the heart of the DAN School, with a focus on concerts and productions that reflect its priorities. The Isabel Quartet, Faculty Artist Series, MAPP Final Showcase, Drama Major Productions, and the Watershed Festival are among the many opportunities for students to showcase their talents. Alumni of the DAN School are celebrated through various events, and the institution maintains an open line of communication with its graduates, recognizing their achievements and contributions to the arts. In recent scholarly contributions, faculty member Margaret Walker has addressed the need for antiracist pedagogy in post-secondary music history. Her article, "Ethnicize and Historicize: Thoughts on Antiracist Pedagogy and Post-Secondary Music History," published in MUSICultures, advocates for the identification, description, and dismantling of racism in music education, promoting an approach to musicultural anti-racism. Overall, the DAN School of Drama and Music is a dynamic and inclusive institution that is dedicated to excellence in education, research, and performance in the arts.