The School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD)

My education at AMPD played a vital role in shaping my career. It exposed me to a diverse range of genres and deepened my understanding between music and other art forms. One of my most memorable experiences was participating in the student-run Media Music Concert. It truly nurtured my passion for music in film and television while helping me develop essential skills in arranging and composing. In fact, hearing about this event before attending York was a key factor in my decision to choose this program.

Blair Smith-Herbert (BFA Music ’22)

Long & McQuade, Educational Services

I feel incredibly fortunate to have toured the world with artists like Do Make Say Think, Andy Shauf, and The Weather Station, while also co-founding festivals, serving on the Board of Directors at the Music Gallery and leading the Guelph Jazz Festival as Artistic Director. I am very grateful for the patience and openness from my teachers at York as I explored various aspects of music and eventually settled into performance and education as my career. This has gifted me with a profound humbleness in what it means to be part of a community and a human of the world.

Karen Ng (Music '06)

Toronto-based musician and curator

The Design program at York has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. The incredible variety of courses spanning both print and digital design, alongside the guidance of dedicated faculty, inspired me to grow as a multidisciplinary designer.

Andrea Abello

Digital Specialist, EUC, York University

York changed everything. My studies at AMPD reignited my curiosity, turning my confusion into exploration. The mentorship I received helped mend the invisible gap between me and my potential. My professors showed me that I didn’t need to be a virtuoso pianist to have a voice in music. I could shape my own path, create my own role and build a life in music that felt authentic to me.

Alokananda Dasgupta (BFA Music ’09)

Award-Winning Film Composer (Netflix, Amazon Prime)

Read our feature on Alokananda’s journey.

As a proud graduate of York University’s Design Program, I am deeply appreciative of the exceptional calibre of professors and coursework that have prepared me for a professional career in design. Transitioning from corporate roles at Samsung and Toshiba Canada to the non-profit sector at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, and presently, within the educational sector at York U, the design school has prepared me to seamlessly navigate across diverse professional environments.

Nesha Kumana

Marketing and Design Officer, AMPD, York University

As an international student, I feel that AMPD has a very welcoming community. Since my first year, I've learned things from screenwriting to film analysis to spending time on set. I like that I can choose what interests me.

Gabi Barros

Fourth-year Cinema & Media Arts student

International Student - Brazil

I was able to screen the rough cuts in class and get feedback from my peers and professors, and if it weren't for the criticism and advice I received, the film wouldn't be what it is.

Abraham D

Current student - Production

At AMPD, I learned how essential it is to stay organized, manage my time and approach each project with a clear method for breaking down a script. Acting taught me the importance of storytelling and understanding an audience.

Asha James (BFA Theatre, ’18)
Dora Award winning actor