AMPD Testimonials

What I remember most about my time at York was the incredible faculty and some of the most amazing teachers that I’ve ever come into contact with. People who really shaped my journey as a musician and showed me what the options were in this industry. The advice I would give students today is to just keep going – focus on the things that excite you, and don’t lose sight of the reason that you got into playing music in the first place.

Jeremy Ledbetter (BFA Music ’02)

Juno Award-winning pianist and composer

I chose AMPD because York has the oldest film production program in Canada, so I knew I could trust the quality of the education and the resources offered throughout my four years. One of the biggest advantages is that our professors are deeply connected to the industry and are actively working in the field.

Kush, Fourth-year Production Student

I have nothing but amazing memories of my time at York. I met so many fantastic professors who mentored me and helped guide my career. They introduced me to people in the business who have truly supported me throughout my journey.

Natalie Bartello (BFA Theatre ‘04)

Partner and Producer at Yonge Street Theatricals

Tony, Olivier, and Dora Award–winner, Broadway League member and Tony voter

As an undergraduate, I was able to watch films—and eventually tried my hand at making them. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was life changing. Then, as a graduate student, I was given the space to think more deeply about media arts and to make my film The Urge to Run a Lap. AMPD influenced how I think about filmmaking, and how to see images, myself and others.

Lesley Loksi Chan (BFA ‘08, MFA ‘18)

Canadian Artist and Filmmaker

The support of my peers and the guidance of my professors provided me with a strong foundation to step into the real world and on set with confidence. Through my time at AMPD, I gained valuable skills that I’m still building on, and it gave me a growth mindset to stay open and always be learning. My advice to future students is to be open to any pathway. You never know where each opportunity might lead.

Mikaela Cordero (Theatre BFA ‘24)

CineCares Electric Trainee, ‘Devil in Disguise’

Studying in AMPD's Music program deepened my passion for music and provided me with skills that I continue to use in both performance and life. One of my most cherished memories is Tuesday nights with the Gospel Choir, where I made lifelong friends who I now consider family.

Angelina (Gulla) De Paola (Music, '10)

York University (Administration), Private Voice teacher and Performer

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

My education at York University’s music program provided a strong foundation for my career by enhancing my versatility, improvisation and composition skills. Being able to take courses in jazz performance, theory and technology helped shape my unique fusion sound while equipping me with the technical and production knowledge needed as an independent artist. Performance opportunities and networking connections strengthened my stage presence and industry awareness, while my studies also prepared me for leadership roles, including teaching, mentorship and music direction. York’s program played a key role in shaping my artistry, creativity and ability to navigate the music industry.

Desarae Dee (BFA ’12)

Instrumental Jazz Fusion Artist & 2022 Recipient of the SiriusXM Black Canadian Award

Throughout my program, I found my AMPD peers to be exceptionally talented, collaborative and inspiring, and I had incredible support from the faculty, particularly my final semester adviser Carol Anna McBride, who constantly inspired us students to think we could leverage our creative skills to bring meaningful change once we stepped out into the world.

Bhabna Banerjee (BFA ‘20)

Production