André J. Roy

André J. Roy is an Associate Professor and Area Coordinator (Strings) at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University. He previously served as Chair of the Department of Performance. His roles include teaching viola, chamber music, and orchestral studies, alongside leading the McGill International String Quartet Academy (MISQA) as its creator, General, and Artistic Director. He graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music and held the position of 1st Assistant Solo Viola with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

Prof. Roy’s expertise spans viola performance, string quartet training, and orchestral studies. His pedagogical work has produced students in leading orchestras worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and La Scala Opera di Milano. He authored String Quartet Technique, a seminal text on quartet training, and is a sought-after guest teacher at institutions like the Colburn School and Royal Conservatory of Music.

• Research & Pedagogy: Specializes in viola techniques, ensemble coordination, and orchestral training.
• Awards: McGill’s President’s Prize for Teaching (2008), three Canada Council of the Arts awards.
• Global Reach: Performs and teaches across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

His chamber music training has guided quartets to international competitions, including Fischoff, Banff, and Wigmore Hall laureates. He mentors ensembles at festivals like Aldeburgh and Morningside Music Bridge.