In recognition of Edmund Paquin’s (µþ²Ñ³Ü²õ’25) exceptional academic performance across disciplines, heÌýwas awarded the Governor General’s Silver Medal, presented annually to the undergraduate student with the highest academic standing in a Bachelor's degree program across the university. He is only the second Schulich School of Music student to receive this honour, following Mia-Lin Gromko in 2023.Ìý
Edmund completed two concurrentÌýµþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s degrees: a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Drums, Jazz Concentration) and a Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). He also completed a Minor in Musical Applications in Technology and was named to the Dean’s Honour List.Ìý
In this In Conversation, Edmund reflects on his experiences balancing two rigorous programs, the importance of stepping back to move forward, and his plans to continue composing, performing and programming.Ìý
You are only the second Schulich School of Music (SSoM) student to receive the Governor General's Silver Medal, awarded to the undergraduate student with the highest academic standing in a Bachelor's degree program across ºÚÁÏÍø. How does it feel to receive such a prestigious honour? Ìý
Above all, ±õ’m very grateful to have had so much support in order to be able to receive this award. This support came from family, friends, and professors, in manners both direct and indirect. Specifically, ±õ’d like to recognize all my fellow students in both the music and science faculties. There are so many brilliant and motivated students that it is impossible not to be inspired by peers when studying at ºÚÁÏÍø. Classmates come from all over the world, build complex projects on their own, accomplish athletic feats I could never imagine, exert remarkable command over their instruments, speak three times as many languages as I do, and the list goes on. Every day, I was reminded how high of a level a ºÚÁÏÍø student can attain, and this is what motivated me during my studies. Ìý
Was there anything during your studies at the SSoM that helped prepare for this achievement, whether in or outside of the classroom? Ìý
One transformative experience I had during my music degree was performing in ºÚÁÏÍø’s Jazz Orchestra I under the direction of Marianne Trudel. My first month in this ensemble was probably the most stressful period that I experienced during any course at ºÚÁÏÍø. The number of hours demanded and level of performance expected were very high, and by the fourth week I questioned if I was ever going to truly fit into the ensemble. I never had any chairs thrown my way as in Whiplash, but at times I felt like that was only a few steps away. Gradually, I began to understand what I needed to work on (and still work on to this day). Over the course of the year, I improved my instrumental technique, sight-reading, communication, consistency of practice, memorization, critical listening, knowledge of repertoire, and self-reflection––all skills that have served me in other areas of life. The ensemble culminated in a performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival in June of 2024, which I will not soon forget! Ìý
³Û´Ç³Ü’v±ð completed two undergraduate degrees—a BMus in the Jazz Faculty Program and a BSc in Computer Science—with a minor in Musical Applications of Technology. What were some motivating factors that pushed you to pursue both paths simultaneously? Ìý
I always tell people that the main reason for doing both degrees was that I ³¦´Ç³Ü±ô»å²Ô’t get into a practice room when I was a science student. This is true (I started at ºÚÁÏÍø in 2020 exclusively in the BSc program). I decided to audition and add the music degree in 2021––probably the single most complicated way to get a key to a drum room (which I ended up losing anyway). Fortunately, there was a lot more drawing me to the double degree. The two fields are closely linked by mathematics, which ±õ’v±ð always been interested in. The thought processes that lead to success in solving a math problem are just as useful in analyzing the form of a classical concerto, writing a smooth-sounding chord progression, and even structuring an effective practice session. So, in my mind the two fields just made sense to go together.
Then, ³Ù³ó±ð°ù±ð’s the fact that most recorded music today passes through a computer at some point, and I wanted to learn more about how that works from a technical perspective. °Õ³ó²¹³Ù’s where the MAT minor came in, and it counted toward my BSc. Finally, I liked how the two subjects served as a break from each other. The science and music faculties at ºÚÁÏÍø deliver courses in very different styles: science is mostly lecture-based, and music is more interactive. I enjoyed being able to switch between these class types on a daily basis. To walk across campus from a 1-on-1 private drum lesson to a 200-person discrete math lecture, for example, ensured that my time at ºÚÁÏÍø never became monotonous. Ìý
Looking back on your undergraduate studies, what advice would you offer to incoming or current students at the SSoM? Ìý
There is intense pressure to be the student who performs the most, listens to the most music, and spends the greatest number of hours in the practice room. Some people thrive from this pursuit. However, for many, including me, it can lead to stress and burnout. So, to current and future students, I want to remind you that there is no shame in taking time away from practice, performance, and even listening. To do so can be rejuvenating and an excellent reminder of why you fell in love with the art form in the first place.
Of course, you may rightfully be worried that you will lose musical progress if you are not practicing during every spare hour. To this, ±õ’l±ô say that some of the greatest musicians I can name spent years where they »å¾±»å²Ô’t engage in music full-time. Herbie Hancock earned an electrical engineering degree. Ivan Lins studied chemical engineering. Duke Ellington was a sign painter by day. Carole King worked as a secretary. Zubin Mehta studied medicine before conducting. Donald Fagen studied English. Rob Araujo got an Ivy League degree in biology. One of my musical mentors, Eric Tagg, spent 10 years working as a full-time landscaper and still has one of the greatest voices to emerge from the 1980s. So, »å´Ç²Ô’t worry! Time away from the instrument ·É´Ç²Ô’t break your career; in fact, it could help make it. Ìý
This award marks the end of your undergraduate studies. What are your upcoming plans (academically, professionally, or personally)? Ìý
I plan on continuing to use what ±õ’v±ð learned in both my fields of study! Recently, I started a job in software development at a company based in Maine, where I grew up. The position will allow me the flexibility to work from Montreal part of the time. ±õ’m extremely fortunate to have found this balance: I love the puzzle-solvingÌýnature of programming, and after work, I can focus on music (and »å´Ç²Ô’t have to worry about homework)! Needless to say, ±õ’l±ô be continuing to compose and perform as I did throughout my time at ºÚÁÏÍø. My plan for 2025 is to refine and record an album of compositions that I wrote during my final semester at SSoM, and to share that music at live shows. So, stay tuned!Ìý
