Lily Yan MacDonald is a talented multi-instrumentalist and dedicated student at the Music & Arts School and an invaluable member of the Music & Arts School’s Youth Chamber Ensemble. Over the past four years, she has studied piano and violin, impressing her piano teacher, Miguel Brito-Lopez, with her progress from Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) level 5 to level 10.

Lily’s musical achievements include receiving the Laraine Herzog Scholarship and the Marshal Adam Golden Music Award at University Settlement. Outside of University Settlement, she has excelled in piano performances at the YIP’s Music Festival, earning first place in the Piano Level 10 List E class. Lily’s high school string ensemble won a silver award at the National Music Fest competition in Canada.

However, music is not her sole passion. Lily also excels in sports, particularly field hockey, and she has a remarkable talent for mathematics.

Beyond her musical achievements, Lily is a dedicated volunteer at University Settlement’s Music & Arts School, and generously contributes her time to assist ballet classes on Sunday afternoons.

Lily’s first ballet class was at University Settlement when she was just four years old. With over seven years of ballet experience, she finds joy in using her skills to benefit the children, reflecting on her own journey and relishing the role reversal.

Lily acknowledges the pivotal role that University Settlement’s Music & Arts School has played in nurturing her passion for piano. Her gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Music & Arts School shines through in her words and actions. Lily’s journey is truly an inspiration, demonstrating not only her remarkable musical talent but also her dedication to giving back and her well-rounded excellence in various areas of her life.

“I think taking piano at the Music & Arts School has brought out my passion for piano and without it I would not be the pianist and musician I am today.”

– Lily