AMPD Testimonials
Wondering what it's like to study at York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design? Our students and alumni share their inspiring stories, career wins and how AMPD shaped their path across film, theatre, media, art, design and other creative fields. Get a glimpse of the experiences that could await you!
- All AMPD Testimonials
- Production
- Screenwriting
- Cinema & Media Arts
- Media Arts
- Integrative Art
- Digital Media
- Design
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Visual Art & Art History
- Alumni
- International Students

Dulce Martinez
My experience in the Music program these last four years has been a rewarding one. Being able to study under highly accomplished instructors who also cared for my professional development was encouraging and pushed me to challenge myself in new ways. With the connections and friendships, I made at this institution, I can confidently say there was no program that could have been a more perfect fit for me.
Dulce Martinez
Fourth-year Music Student

Bill Bannerman
The theory and fundamental skills I gained at York for creative movie-making through development and production prepared me for my career. I would suggest that students absorb the experience and learn by forcing mistakes, pushing the limits and networking. As one of my third-year professors said, ‘When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’
Bill Bannerman (BFA ’83)
Executive Producer, known for The Twilight Saga, The Predator, Masters of the Universe and more.

Brian G
I chose the Visual Arts – Studio program at York not only for it’s exceptional studio spaces but for the incorporation of art history into the program. In these Art History classes, I’m allowed to learn historical references and methodologies that I incorporate in my own body of work. With the help of professors, I’m able to better my skills and create a cohesive body of work that I can take outside of the university
Brian G,
Third-year Visual Art – Studio Student
Karina M
AMPD has really helped me grow as both a painter and an artist. I’ve learned so much from professors who are actively working in the field, so they’re up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry. I feel really prepared to create my portfolio and apply for future job opportunities.
Karina M
Fourth-year student, Visual Arts - Art History (BA)

Aurora Matrix
My time at York taught me so much about working in the industry, not only as an actor, but as a well-rounded artist. Stepping into my professional career now, I often find myself going back to the basics I learned when starting new projects. Having the opportunity to work with and learn from professionals in their specialized fields allowed me to experience first-hand what goes into the creative process.
Aurora Matrix (BFA ’21)
runner-up on Canada’s Drag Race

Jade Silman
I was drawn to York’s variety and offering of hands-on courses. My education was experiential, engaging, and most importantly, it was self-driven. Various connections with alumni, professors and other students have since created monumental impacts on my career success. remain deeply inspired by the powerful artists that I met during my time here.
Jade Silman (BFA ’20)
Kaitlyn Wood
There are so many things that I love about the Dance program, but I'd say my favourite thing is being able to work so closely with other artists my age and our teachers. It's just so incredible to be able to work every single day with the same people and get see growth in each other. It's such a tight knit program!
Kaitlyn Wood
A Fourth-Year Dance Student

Ori Dagan
All these years later – in addition to singing and recording – I am still producing concerts, showcases and festivals, and all because of York, which truly did inspire me to redefine the possible.
Ori Dagan (BFA Music ‘07)
Photo: What A Difference O’Day Made: a celebratory concert honouring Anita O’Day that he produced at Burton Auditorium in 2005. Read more in The York University Magazine.
Gabi Barros
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