Graduate Research Assistant

McGill University

Stephanie Khoury is a guitarist and teacher, currently pursuing her PhD in music research at McGill University. Her primary research interest is music pedagogy, specifically dealing with improvisation, creativity, and global music practices. As a researcher for ICASP (Improvisation, Community and Social Practice), Stephanie is working on a policy paper for the implementation of mandatory improvisation in higher music education across Canada. Her research also includes filming a series of videos focusing on pedagogical techniques of renowned improvisers.

Originally from Texas, Stephanie became interested in non-traditional modes of music making and teaching after undertaking studies in classical guitar and music education at the University of Texas at Austin. Her passion for alternative models of conceiving music has led her to study and perform in various regions of the world including Mexico, Canada, USA, Central America, Belgium, France, Italy and Spain. Now based in Montreal, she maintains a private guitar studio, leads workshops and performance groups, performs in a wide range of projects, hosts a radio show (Jazz Euphorium on CKUT), and dedicates time to understanding more about innovative music pedagogy and philosophy.