Convocation

Carleton University will be awarding an honorary doctorate to a member of the wider Carleton community during Convocation in November 2024.

For a list of past honorary degree recipients, please visit the Senate website.

Tina Fedeski, M.S.M.

Tina Fedeski, M.S.M. (Photo credit: Greg Allison Photography)

Tina Fedeski will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa, at the 9 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 9, in recognition of her visionary leadership and extraordinary dedication to fostering positive change for youth through the power of music.

After a life-transforming youth orchestra experience, Fedeski studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England, and then played principal flute in the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra for four seasons. Following a six-month sabbatical in the Banff Centre for the Arts, she moved to Ottawa, where she played with all the established local orchestras and festivals.

In 1999, in partnership with her husband Gary McMillen, she opened The Leading Note print music store. Until its sale in 2020, it was recognized nationally and became a hub of the classical music scene in Ottawa.

In 2007, motivated by her passionate belief in the transformative power of youth music, she and co-founders Gary McMillen and Margaret Maria launched OrKidstra, a Sistema-inspired social development program delivered through music. From its inaugural class of 27 students, over 750 children and youth from 62 linguistic and cultural backgrounds currently participate in OrKidstra’s free programs. OrKidstra’s students demonstrate how the power of music gives them a voice that transcends differences and celebrates love, courage, excellence and belonging.

For over a decade, Fedeski has been dedicated to advancing music and education initiatives at Carleton. She has led music practicum courses, taught flute as an adjunct professor and mentored many Carleton students throughout the history of OrKidstra.

As the leader of OrKidstra, Fedeski has proudly accepted many awards including a Peace Award from the Mayor of Ottawa and a Leadership Award from the Canadian Institute for Child Health. In 2016, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada for creating the OrKidstra program.