Music & Sound Program History

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1936-present

Music has a long history at The Banff Centre, starting with the first summer piano master class in 1936. Over the years, several expansions in programming took place, including the addition of string classes in 1951; the appointment of violinist Tom Rolston as head of the strings program in 1965; the first brass workshop in 1966; and woodwind instruction beginning in 1971. In 1979, the music program began operating year-round, and chamber-music specialist Isobel Moore Rolston was appointed full-time head of keyboard studies. Tom and Isobel Rolston were instrumental in developing The Banff Centre into one of the most respected training grounds in the world for musicians at all levels in their careers. The Rolstons retired from their roles of artistic directors in 2004. Barry Shiffman, co-founder and member of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, was appointed director of music programs in 2006. More…

Jazz Program History

1974-present

For over 30 years, The Banff Centre’s jazz programs have been the catalyst for jazz in Canada. The jazz program debuted in 1974 when jazz legends Oscar Peterson and Phil Nimmons came to The Banff Centre to put their ideas on jazz education into practise. More…