As of September 2011, Julia is an IS 2B pre-thesis student with a focus on Music Pedagogy and Composition. She tells us:
"I began my studies as a Music major at uWaterloo, transferring to Independent Studies when I realized that IS could give me greater flexibility in following specific interests within music."
"Currently, I am taking private lessons in music pedagogy, following aspects of the curriculum as outlined by the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as doing independent work on re-training my piano technique."
"For my thesis, I intend to write a large-scale musical composition, integrating this project into exploration of literature and Fine Art while continuing my work within music pedagogy.
"Independent Studies allows me to pursue these varied interests at my own pace, and enables me to work towards a university degree doing what I love. I would recommend this program to anyone with diverse interests, who enjoys a challenging, stimulating learning experience."