Dr. Peter Simon Appointed To Board Of National Guild For Community Arts Education

The National Guild for Community Arts Education (Guild) - an organization that supports the field of arts education - has elected Dr. Peter Simon, President and CEO of The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), to its Board of Trustees.

Dr. Simon was voted in as a trustee by the Guild's membership at the 2018 Conference for Community Arts Education, the Guild's signature annual event. The event took place in Baltimore from November 14-17, 2018.

"The RCM and the Guild share a belief that arts education plays a critical role in strengthening societies because of its unparalleled ability to maximize the potential of individuals," says Dr. Simon. "I look forward to supporting the Guild in its mission to ensure that the many powerful benefits of music education are accessible to all."

About Dr. Peter Simon

Dr. Simon has served as President and CEO of The Royal Conservatory since 1991. Under his leadership, the venerable Canadian institution has undergone a dynamic and dramatic transformation, culminating in the completion of the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, the opening of Koerner Hall in 2009, and the formation of a new Performing Arts Division.

Dr. Simon also created Learning Through the Arts in 1994, an acclaimed program used in hundreds of schools nationwide to advance the effectiveness of public education and to offer youth at risk a more meaningful learning environment. In 1997, he founded The Glenn Gould School, an internationally recognized training centre for gifted young musicians and in 2002, the ARC Ensemble, the RCM's Grammy Award-nominated ensemble-in-residence. Most recently, The Marilyn Thomson Early Childhood Education Centre was inaugurated with the aim of designing developmental programs in conjunction with the RCM's neuroscience Research Centre.

Dr. Simon began his musical studies at the RCM as a student of Boris Berlin. He subsequently studied at the Juilliard School; in London, England; and at the University of Michigan with the legendary pianist Leon Fleisher. Dr. Simon is married to Canadian pianist Dianne Werner. They have two children, Nicole and Justin.

About the National Guild for Community Arts Education

The National Guild strives to ensure that all people have opportunities to maximize their creative potential. We accomplish this by developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and advocating for community arts education. Through our Annual Conference, Community Arts Education Leadership Institute (CAELI), Online Learning Series, and numerous other learning and networking initiatives, we ensure that our members have the support and resources necessary to strengthen their communities through the arts. The Guild believes in the power of the arts to transform lives. Our work helps realize that transformation every day. For more information, please visit nationalguild.org.

About The Royal Conservatory of Music

Founded in 1886, The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music and arts education institutions in the world. Providing the definitive standard of excellence in music education through its curriculum, assessment, performances, and teacher education programs, The Conservatory has had a substantial impact on the lives of millions of people globally. In addition, the organization has helped to train a number of internationally celebrated artists including Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Angela Hewitt, and Diana Krall. Motivated by its powerful mission to develop human potential through leadership in music and arts education, The Royal Conservatory has emerged over the last two decades as a leader in the development of arts-based programs that address a wide range of social issues. For more information, please visit rcmusic.com.

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