Music at Laurier

A world-class, diverse and inclusive program that encompasses experiential learning, caring relationships and engagement with the wider community requires a building that welcomes everyone in.

Together, we can create more musical space needed for this special learning environment to flourish. The Faculty of Music will become a hub for students, faculty, alumni, and musicians in Waterloo Region and beyond. Learn more

Lobby full of light and space

Full of natural light and equipped with relaxed seating, sound equipment and a grand piano, this contemporary, glassed-in space will become the site for impromptu concerts by students and faculty, as well as for small musical events in Waterloo. Learn more

Front view of the Savvas Chamberlain Music Building

Inside the Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation Lobby

Fourth-year Music student Sarah Stapleton on why she’s Making Space for Music

"During my first visit to the Laurier Waterloo campus for my audition, I was approached by five people, all of whom offered help (I guess I must have looked a bit lost!). That’s when I realized that this is where I wanted to be. That feeling only increased as I entered the Music building. I found a home there even before I became a student. The welcoming culture in the Music Faculty, and across campus, inspired me to grow into the person that I wanted to become. For me, that’s really important in a university – maybe the most important thing. Through four years of my Music Education degree, I experienced unwavering support from friends, professors, colleagues – and of course, Dr. Glen Carruthers ..." Read more.



Our deep gratitude to all of the over 250 donors who raised more than $780,000 to name this studio through a gift in honour of Dr. Glen Carruthers, former dean of the Faculty of Music, who was the driving force behind Making Space for Music. Dr. Carruthers retired in the fall of 2020, and passed away on December 24. The beautiful, new Carruthers Practice Studios will create a bank of high-quality, light-filled practice and rehearsal rooms with superb acoustics. Each room will have floor-to-ceiling windows with a view onto University Avenue. Read more.

Robert and Judith Astley support the Carruthers Practice Studios and a state-of-the-art practice studio with a generous gift of $500,000 to the Making Space for Music Campaign.

Savvas Chamberlain Music Building Groundbreaking, April 21, 2022

Faculty of Music supporters are the cornerstone of this campaign. With donor support, we have already raised $11.25 million of our $15 million goal.

Your gift now brings us even closer to campaign success, and the realization of a wonderful new space for students to connect, practise and grow as musicians.

Savvas Chamberlain Family Foundation gives $4 million to boost Laurier’s Making Space for Music campaign.

Read more

Performance by the Laurier Community Music Ensemble 2020/21

"Somebody to Love"

By Freddie Mercury. Arrangements from Glee.

Enjoy more performances on the Laurier Faculty of Music Youtube channel.

“I credit my time at Laurier - the experiences and support I received while there - as being the main reason I am finding success, finding alternative opportunities to make things happen, and have the confidence to be entrepreneurial and build community within the arts. I feel like I truly understand the nature of what one can manifest with an education at Laurier.”

Chery Duvall (BMus ’05, Dip. Chamber Music ‘06)