The Arts and Culture of Montréal

Summer 2011: June 8 to July 7 (tentative dates)

Program Location

Montréal is Canada's most romantic metropolis, Québec's largest city, and an important port and financial center.  The city's four universities -- two English and two French -- and a host of junior colleges create a youthful zest.

Though Montréal (literally, “Mont-Réal:” Mount Royal) is an island surrounded by the St. Lawrence Seaway, the mountain in the center of the island dominates its geography and history, and is well known for Parc Mont Royal, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the same architect who designed Central Park in New York City.

Montréal is the only French-speaking metropolis in North America and the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, but it's a tolerant place that over the years has made room for millions of immigrants who speak dozens of languages. Today about 15% of the 3.1 million people who live in the metropolitan area claim English as their mother tongue, and another 15% claim a language that's neither English nor French. The city's gentle acceptance has made it one of the world's most livable cities.

Academic Program

Classes are held on the campus of McGill University in the heart of downtown Montréal (this is also the location of the student lodging), and are designed to let you experience the cultural scene in Montréal by immersing yourself in it, rather than by reading about it. We attend indoor and outdoor concerts at le Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, the world’s largest jazz festival, and also attend cultural events at the Fringe Festival and various museums.  We’ll also watch some of the World Cup soccer matches from venues in Little Italy or the Portuguese neighborhood—a unique experience that will not be forgotten.

The Jazz Improvisation class is designed for performers who are pursuing the Jazz Minor, and will involve daily playing and coaching from Professor Dotas as well as guest performers.  Each student has the option of taking up to three private lessons with professional jazz musicians living in Montréal.

A prominent component of all courses will be spending time in different districts of Montréal. It is an incredibly diverse city, with thriving Latino, Cuban, Italian, Jewish, Portuguese, north African, Asian, Caribbean, gay, and student communities. Each district has great restaurants, street festivals, and night clubs that each have their own "feel." I think it is important to experience these aspects of Montréal if we want to begin to understand the cultural life emanating from this amazing town.

Students will take coursework in music and general education, choosing two 3-credit courses from the list below. Instructional methods include lectures, guided tours, and daily performing (MUS 440) and/or attendance at concerts and other cultural performances (MUS 356, GHUM 251, GHUM 200)

Tentative course offerings:

• GHUM 200M—Music in General Culture: Montreal (3)
• GHUM 251M—The Arts and Culture in Montreal (3)
• MUS 356M—History of Jazz, Montreal (3)
• MUS 440M—Jazz Improvisation Montreal (3)
• MUS 492—- Internship in the Music Industry (3)

Accommodations

Participants will live in residence halls and meet each day in the Strathcona Music Building, both situated on the beautiful McGill University campus in the heart of downtown Montréal.  Excellent public transportation, dining, Parc Mont-Réal, the underground city, several museums, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal grounds, and many of the city’s other attractions are all within easy walking distance.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should inform the Summer Study in Montréal Session program director of your interest in the session. A personal interview will also be required. If you are considering going, but need further information, please email Professor Dotas with questions or to arrange a meeting.

Faculty

For further information please contact the Arts in Montréal program director:

Dr. Chuck Dotas
JMU School of Music
Tel: 540-568-6180
Email: dotascj@jmu.edu