Appointment of new Dean of the Schulich School of Music

Professor Sean Ferguson has been appointed as the next Dean of the Schulich School of Music. Prof. Ferguson’s five-year, renewable term will begin on July 1, 2022, and end June 30, 2027. 

Prof. Ferguson is an experienced senior administrator with a deep understanding of the Schulich School of Music, having previously served as Dean from 2011 to 2016. Prior to this, he was Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT) from 2009-2011, and its Associate Director (Artistic) from 2006-09.  

“I’m delighted to be handing over leadership of the School to someone with such a strong track record," says current Dean Brenda Ravenscroft, "and am confident that Sean will continue to build on the School’s strengths to realize its vision for the future.” 

Prof. Ferguson earned his Bachelor of Music at the University of Alberta, and his Master and Doctorate of Music in Composition at McGill. He joined the McGill faculty as an Assistant Professor of Composition in 2003, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2009. He currently teaches composition and co-directs the Digital Composition Studios. 

As a researcher, Prof. Ferguson focuses on computer-assisted composition, psychoacoustics applied to musical harmony, live electronics, and digital musical instruments. 

His recent compositions include Fataí Bána, Carraig Dubh (2020) for Uilleann pipes and live electronics, Bean Dubh A' Ghleanna (2019) for Baroque flute and live electronics, and Wandering Aengus (2019) for flute, violin, cello and piano. His music has been performed by ensembles that include the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec, Les Temps modernes de Lyon, I Musici de Montreal and the Ensemble contemporain de Montréal. 

We look forward to continuing to bring music to life at the Schulich School of Music with Prof. Sean Ferguson in his new role as Dean.