Dr. Terry Clark announced as new MRU Conservatory director
Mikaela Delos Santos, News Editor
Mount Royal University (MRU) has announced Dr. Terry Clark as the new director at The MRU Conservatory beginning fall semester 2022.
Having spent the past seven years as a research fellow at the Centre for Performance Science at the Royal College of Music in London, England, Clark found himself back at the Conservatory in MRU to oversee the acclaimed program.
Clark was an alumni of the Conservatory during his youth and is also a graduate of Bachelor of Music in flute performance in the University of Calgary.
His research in London focused primarily on performance psychology. According to Clark, while musical training is technical, there has been an increase in mental and physical well-being in the field.
“Musical training focuses a lot on technique… not recognizing that the environment on stage is very different and not the same sort of task compared to what is done in the practise room.” Clark quotes.
Clark hopes to bring forth a better focus on the teaching by broadening the musical education that is offered by the university. He also hopes to bring an interdisciplinary approach within the program.
“We’re looking at incorporating things from performance psychology and life skills to addressing health and well-being so we are able to offer more wholistic training and develop more rounded musicians and people.”
Interim dean of Continuing Education at MRU, Dr. Evan Cortens, says that Clark’s leadership is valuable for the MRU community.
“[Clark’s] a team builder and is someone who is passionate about what we do in the Conservatory. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on board.”
The MRU Conservatory has been around since 1911 and is home to more than 125 instructors with a range of different programming for all ages. The acclaimed program has built its reputation as one of the most trusted schools for musical education in Calgary.
