Hana Hubley, Bachelor of Music graduate, got practical learning with work experience

Bachelor of Music alumna Hana Hubley (BMus '23) wasn't sure she wanted to study music when she started at the University of Lethbridge. However, with the support of music professor Dr. Nick Sullivan (BMus ’04), Hana found their calling.

Hana’s high school band teacher, also a ULethbridge alum, highlighted Nick’s expertise in low-brass instruments and encouraged them to apply. Hana plays the tuba, which she grew to tolerate, then love, as she refined her music practice.

When I started middle-school band, I didn't want to play the tuba, so I wasn't expecting to get stuck with it. I was so miserable sitting in band class having to play the tuba. I stuck with it because of the band trip to Disneyland. The Disneyland experience, combined with the honour bands I played with that year, really showed me music was something I should take seriously.” ~ Hana Hubley (BMus '23)

Hana flourished at ULethbridge, performing in the Wind Orchestra and the Lethbridge Community Brass Choir in addition to working with Music Conservatory students and ULethbridge summer camp participants. Thanks to these experiential learning opportunities, she grew to love playing the tuba more while refining her skills and gaining new ones.

“If I played another instrument, I truly believe I wouldn't have pursued a music . I just fell in love with the less common parts of tuba-playing because it's commonly known as a big, silly instrument. It plays low notes so doesn't always sound the prettiest. But when I got to solo and try more advanced material, I realized tuba is actually a beautiful instrument that really fills up a room when it sings.”

Hana also took part in the Domaine Forget de Charlevoix music academy and festival in Quebec. For two weeks, she enjoyed intensive workshops aimed at expanding players' repertoires and solo practices.

Hana met musicians and instructors from all over the world, opening her eyes to the many the paths she could take with music.

“The whole experience at Domaine Forget boosted my confidence, because I was so nervous to go. I realized I definitely want to go for a master's in performance, and hopefully I can play in an orchestra or teach at the university level. I'm also really interested in community outreach.”

Hana adds they were able to build their confidence in their musical abilities and network with other tuba players while attending the program.

“I learned I am capable of putting myself into these more vulnerable positions of exposing my skills to other people. I think an inherent fault of musicians is that we're so hard on ourselves and nothing we ever do is good enough. That can become such a toxic way to approach this, especially if we're supposed to love it. Being put into that position of, oh, it's okay if they hear my mistakes, I'm going to live, they're not going to be mean, it really boosted my confidence in my abilities.”

She credits Nick as the reason why she has participated in numerous experiential opportunities, as he encourages students to apply for workshops and programs to enhance their skill and practice. Hana says being able to partake in these programs is humbling.

“At ULethbridge, there is a very small pool of brass musicians. We get to know each other quite well. What I've found is that I got very comfortable performing around them, so when I got out of that comfort zone, it really pushed me to be at my best. You're representing your university and your instructor, so you want to put your best foot forward. Opportunities like Domaine Forget really helped to push what I'm already doing at university, because what I learned at Domaine Forget, I'll apply to my practice here.”

As Hana prepares for her graduation recital in the fall, she reflects on her practice and says she is thankful for the freedom she is given to explore her musical and pedagogical interests. For example, Hana says they learned some breathing techniques while at Domaine Forget that completely changed their playing.

For students just beginning their musical journey at ULethbridge, Hana says it’s important to not be afraid to saying yes to new experiences.

“It's pretty scary being a first-year student performing in front of your peers. But the more you do it, the more comfortable you'll get. The more opportunities you say yes to, in turn, you'll get better. So, don't overwork yourself, but don't be afraid to say yes either and have fun!”