Bill Rolfe joined the faculty of the Guelph School of Music in 2022. He has an extensive background as a woodwind private instructor, clinician and music director. Bill embraces many genres of music, and works with students of all ages and skill levels, including beginners. He is committed to providing engaging and stimulating instruction to anyone with a passion for pursuing private music studies.

Bill has been associated with several teaching studios. Most notably he formerly served as a faculty member at the Oakville Branch of the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto. Other former private teaching activities have included providing services for independent schools in Oakville and Hamilton. Bill also directed a private school band programme for several years. He continues to offer private lessons for woodwind instruments in the Burlington and Hamilton area.

Bill once served on the Faculty of the National Music Camp of Canada. He was also an instructor for a series of Summer Concert Band Workshops offered by McMaster University for high school students. Bill has worked as a coach and clinician for local community-based programmes and ensembles. This includes sectionals and workshops for school band programmes throughout the Halton and Hamilton regions. He has also served as an advisor to music festivals in Hamilton and Burlington.

Bill’s music career started while he was still in high school. While a student, Bill began teaching privately and performing for several orchestras and bands in the Hamilton area. These freelance activities also included playing for numerous local theatre companies, Big Bands and smaller combo groups that covered all styles of music. He has continued these activities throughout his career.

Bill earned his B.Mus. degree from McMaster University. He received awards including McMaster Senate and Graduate Scholarships during his time as a university student. While at McMaster University, Bill became a teaching assistant while pursuing postgraduate studies. Other awards include an Ontario Arts Council Scholarship for private studies.  

Bill’s interest in music and technology involves him in activities that simultaneously embrace both fields. These interests have included his past work as an engraver in the music publishing industry. Bill continues to actively offer his services as a recording engineer. He has done highly sophisticated multi-track recordings as well as stereo recordings. He has recorded audio projects for various local ensembles of all styles and sizes.  

Bill has served as Music Director for various ensembles. Past appointments have included the Dundas Concert Band, Associate Conductor for the Lincoln Concert Band, as well as the Music Director / Band Officer for the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 735 Firebird Squadron in Dundas. As a Civilian Instructor he was the Officer In Charge of the squadron’s band programme. Bill has also offered a band programme that utilized synthesizers and sampled audio backing tracks to accompany and interact with the musicians in the band.  

Bill has many interests outside of his music career including astronomy, photography and computer technology.