Woodwinds Overview
Be inspired! Develop your woodwind talents by playing with exceptional peers in a great music city. U of T Woodwinds nurtures individual artistic growth in a stimulating, mutually supportive learning community.
Play to Learn
Learning
Weekly performance classes organized by instrument anchor the graduate and undergraduate U of T Woodwinds experience. Intensive, personalized coaching is available for flute, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon. Uniquely, instruction is also available in classical saxophone.
Period Study
Students may choose to study period instruments such as the Baroque flute and recorder. Our instrument library holds many auxiliary (doubling) woodwind instruments. A wide selection of variants with a different range, register, or native key than familiar woodwinds are available for borrowing.
Performance
Public performance in large and small ensembles is essential to a U of T Woodwinds education. Woodwinds students are members of the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Hart House Orchestra, and the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble. They also perform as members of various faculty-coached chamber ensembles and as soloists.
Programs
Find Your Mentor
Teaching is provided by highly accomplished musicians with conspicuous records of performing with renowned orchestras and recording for major labels. Students benefit from their music-making expertise as well as their professional experience as performers, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Supplementing regular teaching, frequently scheduled masterclasses offer students opportunities to learn from and perform with visiting artists of national and international reputation.
Study in a Music City
Concert Going
Toronto is a city of opportunity for woodwind students. They have myriad options for hearing exceptional woodwind musicians playing extraordinary music. The city is home to orchestras and companies of international distinction, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Tafelmusik, the Canadian Opera Company, and the National Ballet. It also supports numerous smaller groups and ensembles, offering a range of music-making few North American cities can match.
Concert Performing
Opportunities extend to off-campus music making. Students can work as section players or guest soloists with community orchestras. The Faculty of Music’s Music Booking Office facilitates paid professional work. Some students have their own teaching studios.
Upcoming Events
Past Events
What I value the most about studying at the University of Toronto is its commitment to providing a diverse range of experiences. From performing with various ensembles to working with world-renowned artists has expanded my knowledge to different kinds of music styles. These opportunities have significantly enhanced my skills as a musician and developed a professional mindset, preparing me for a successful career. Aside from learning, the meaningful connections with talented individuals have greatly contributed to my personal growth. By making music together, I have built lifelong relationships with colleagues and mentors who always make me feel supported and inspired, which enriched my music journey both professionally and personally.
– Rita RenBachelor of Music in Performance 2025 - Bassoon
As a student at U of T, you get access the the unparalleled resources and opportunities of the largest university and city in Canada. At the same time, you get the atmosphere and support of a close-knit family in the Faculty of Music, where the Faculty and staff know you by name and a friend is always nearby. My professors have been an unwavering source of positivity, inspiration, and encouragement. We are so lucky to have such caring professors. U of T Music is the best of both worlds.
– Sophia WangBachelor of Music 2018 - Music Education (Flute)
Have a question?
Contact our Woodwinds Area Head for more information about our Woodwinds area and programs.