Toronto School for Strings

Norman Burgess Memorial Page

Dr. Norman Burgess was a noted musician, educator, consultant and administrator in Canada and the USA who had a passion for fostering innovation, creativity and excellence. As an educator, Dr. Burgess was Music Director at Sheldon Williams Collegiate, Assistant Professor of Music at Emporia State University and for over 15 years was Director of the Conservatory at Mount Royal College. Drawing on his professional experience as both performer and educator, he instituted a number of internationally recognized new programs including Mount Royal College's successful Academy for Gifted Children and the Calgary Fiddlers. At the Royal Conservatory of Music, Dr. Burgess initially consulted and advised on the national examination system, subsequently served as Dean and founded the highly recognized Learning Through the Arts program.

Norm was particularly known at the Canadian Music Centre for his excellent work as Chair of the Ontario Regional Council and as a national board member. Here, he displayed all the qualities for which he is to be remembered: unlimited energy, optimism, perseverance, intelligence, patience and compassion.

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