Dear Editor,
I agree that the success of students is extremely important, and that the music program at Kwantlen Polytenic University is valued all over B.C. and other provinces is beneficial for anyone wanting to pursue music, yet the inability for the university to run music courses without a loss and without being able to create any growth is a problem [re Sour notes sounded…].
I do not disagree with the idea that music is beneficial to students in everyday life. However, the higher powers of KPU believe that the program is ineffectively preparing students, and Dr. Sal Ferreras, KPU provost and vice president, referred to “the unsustainability of the music department’s delivery model in its current format,” and stated that the university arts faculty is planning a “thorough review of the music degree and diploma programs to seek a more sustainable model.”
The music program can argue its students “have a 100 per cent acceptance rate to graduate programs and current students are in the community performing, teaching and freelancing.”
I do not disagree with how impressive that is, but universities aren’t just there to affect the lives of students. They need to be profitable so that they can grow and help all facilities become successful.
Cancelling the Bachelor of Music program will not let “the heart of art in our city die out.” I have lived in Langley City my whole life and have never heard of the contributions made by the music department at KPU.
I have never seen nor heard of the KPU music program affect society in such a way that I would describe it as “the heart of Langley, the hearth of creativity, the home of artists and expression.”
The program is not “crucial for musicians.” While I agree that other schools can be very expensive, many in BC offer music programs, including UBC, SFU, UVIC, Douglas College, and Capilano University. They are all in the greater Vancouver area, and some are even in the same ball park financially.
KPU’s music program does affect the lives of people going for a music degree, but the program needs to become sustainable. Hopefully, with the review, the KPU music program with be able to take applicants once again.
Nathan Bowick, Langley
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