Making Music: From MacEwan to Fringe’s Music Series
Alumni Lindsey Walker is a fierce advocate for Music Education
MacEwan University grads are everywhere in our midst at Fringe Theatre, from our arts administrators to our theatre technicians, from actors to show producers, and more.
Perhaps one of the most cheerful faces at Fringe headquarters is Lindsey Walker — a MacEwan Music diploma alumnus, singer/songwriter, comedienne, and music programmer extraordinaire.
We caught up with her to talk about her time as a student, her career trajectory ‘til now, and what she’s got on tap for this year’s Fringe — including her work as Curator of Fringe’s Music Series, playing nightly at ATB Stage.
Fringe: What were some of your favourite things about being a MacEwan Music student?
LW: It was back in the old orange building, which had its own energy to it. It was very much art central. We had visual artists above us and we shared the basement floor with the theatre arts students, so there was always some sort of artistic inspiration happening around you, and you could hear it and see it in real time.
Fringe: What made you decide to enroll in the Music program?
LW: I had received a Bachelor of Arts in Winnipeg for Theatre, and I love theatre, but I also wanted to really hone my skills in music. In Manitoba, the music programs were geared towards more classically-based training, and MacEwan was the only one at its time that offered a jazz-based or more contemporary approach. So, I drove out here and auditioned — and thought I didn’t do well and drove home and felt kind of dejected. But then, I got in!
Fringe: Did you grow up in Winnipeg then?
LW: Born and raised in Winnipeg. Yes.
So now you’re here with us!
LW: Yeah. Never left! This fall will be my 20-year anniversary of moving here to go to school. I was planning on leaving to go back either to Winnipeg or to go to BC afterwards and I never did. I really love so many of the people here. Edmonton and Winnipeg are very similar — they’re larger cities but have a small-town kind of vibe and energy about them, which I really love. And the art scenes are really similar, too, where it’s diverse and also supportive, so that’s what kept me sticking around.
Fringe: How does your Music diploma lend into the work that you’re doing now?
LW: I went into the program with not a real understanding of a lot of different genres of music. I heard them but I didn’t really fully understand the depth of what they were. The program was inclusive of so many different styles and genres and really studying those for their uniqueness helped me become a better Artist. Now, in the role as a Music Curator I’m able to look at all styles of music — even if it’s not music that I listen to primarily. I’m able to listen with a bit more of an objective ear to see what other audiences will take from these performances. And I think that helps create a really unique music program.
Fringe: Very cool! How do you feel about the importance of education in the arts?
LW: I think it’s so incredible — from elementary age until adulthood. I think it is imperative to have arts education at every level, whether that is classroom or large group setting, music or theatre or dance or small one-on-one private lessons. We’re all Artists, no matter what we may define that as, we’re all creative. And in order to be in touch with that and to view the world through the eyes of others, I feel art is such an incredible way to do that, to learn about others and also learn about ourselves. I think that helps deepen our understanding of each other. I can’t speak enough about how important I think arts education is.
Fringe: How do you survive Fringe when you are the Music Series Curator, but also in two Fringe shows?
LW: [laughs] I make peace with the fact that sleep is going to be not a necessity, but a benefit when I can get it.
Fringe: Do you have any tips for music or theatre students on careers and moving forward after post-secondary?
LW: I think there’s two sects of the students that go through MacEwan: those who stay in Edmonton after they’re done their time at MacEwan, and those that move on. I think for both of those groups, making connections and valuing those connections that you make, not just with students, but with the instructors and other people in the community, is so beneficial. It really helps to strengthen the culture and the community. Even if people leave to go somewhere else, it really helps make the culture of the art scene so much more exciting and wonderful. And also, just take as many risks as you can.
You can also catch Lindsey in action throughout Fringe this summer in Sketchy Broads: Easy Bake Coven at the Rapid Fire Exchange (Venue 12), or in DieNasty at the Varscona Theatre (Venue 11).