Faces
By Manus Hopkins
SAMIA O ' DAY
Samia O ’ Day describes herself as a “ world citizen ,” saying she lived in various parts of the world growing up , as her father was a journalist who worked at BBC World Service when he was younger , before starting to work in TV in other countries . He was also a singer , and his voice can be heard in the movie Lawrence of Arabia . O ’ Day herself grew up as a musician as well , training as a pianist and singer-songwriter .
“ Music is my oxygen and my life ,” O ’ Day tells Canadian Music Trade . “ From a young age , music was my escape , as well as my connection and communication with others when words were not enough .”
O ’ Day is known in the Canadian MI industry as the founder and director of Canada Music Academy , a Brockville , ONbased music school , and its store , All You Need Music .
“ I established the Montreal Academy of Music over 25 years ago and the Canada Music Academy , serving Ontario and Canada , over 15 years ago ,” O ’ Day says , looking back on her long career . “ Establishing and growing these schools was a true labour of love .”
Originally starting with a team of six music teachers , O ’ Day now has over 300 , whom she says were all handpicked for a mix of their quality and professionalism , as well as their care , kindness , and sense of welcome .
It is important to me that every student that walks through our doors feels welcome ,” O ’ Day continues , “ and that they are able to explore the music they love and learn with teachers who inspire them , and who can help them expand their knowledge and who can share their true joy of music .”
O ’ Day says she and her team are honoured to have supported over 21,000 students with their musical journeys , adding that many alumni have entered careers in music , and many have had used music to support them in other career paths . O ’ Day herself is an award-winning musician , having won the McGill Concerto Competition in her first year at McGill University in Montreal , and a FACTOR independent grant a few years later .
“ The natural progress from music education to MI came about with the start-up of All You Need Music in 2008 ,” O ’ Day explains . “ We are able to help professional musicians , teachers . students , and hobby musicians , with their musical needs and rentals . We have also provided communities , places of worship , small halls and large school boards with the musical and pro audio equipment they need .”
O ’ Day believes her experience in the education and MI industries was built on her lived experience as a professional and community musician , and the same goes for the rest of Canada Music Academy and All You Need Music ’ s teachers and staff . With a consistently busy schedule , O ’ Day still takes time out of each day to reflect and be thankful for her continued success .
“ My current day usually begins with taking a moment to listen to music and try to consider something that I am grateful for ,” she says . “ Some days , it is gratitude for simply being alive , and living in a peaceful country . I ’ m not always successful , but I try to keep gratitude close to me when I start and end my day .”
O ’ Day will typically start her week with a check in meeting with her school and store managers . She usually has several teacher interviews lined up , and touches base with team leads regularly . Other parts of her week will include working with her web design team , as well as marketing and SEO strategy . When she ’ s off from her official work at the school and store , she works as Music Director at Wall Street United Church in Brockville , where she enjoys seeing the products she sells in action .
“ From a personal perspective , this is where I get to connect with my community in a whole other way ,” O ’ Day says . “ All my musical jobs are rewarding , intense , and demanding , but because it is about music , about sharing music , and about helping change lives , I love it most of the time !”
Outside of work , O ’ Day ’ s life is just as
busy . She hosts international students who live with her family as they attend a local high school and is glad to act as a “ Canadian parent ” to them . O ’ Day loves to discover new places in Canada , but also finds joy in taking staycations and connecting with the beauty all around her for free .
“ I love writing original music as a singer-songwriter , and have released a few albums over the years ,” she adds . “ We visit friends and enjoy jamming with other musicians and love travelling — though that I would love to do more of !”
O ’ Day is looking forward to hosting special anniversary events to celebrate in various cities in Canada . She is also involved in planning a series of free music workshops hosted by some of her teachers over the next year .
One of the simple aspects O ’ Day enjoys most in her work is seeing the faces of happy customers leaving her store with their new instruments and sharing their excitement about going home to play them .
“ Everyone is truly welcome at All You Need Music and the Canada Music Academy ,” says O ’ Day . “ We live diversity , and we speak over 40 languages between our teachers and staff . We believe deeply that diversity is strength and beauty !”
18 CANADIAN MUSIC TRADE