Alumni Feature: Jennifer Del Duca, BMus ’12

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For Jennifer Del Duca, BMus ’12, a career in music has come full circle. Now serving as Associate Director of Operations at Oscar Peterson School of Music within The Royal Conservatory of Music, Jennifer has built a career that blends music, leadership, operations, and community-building.

A pianist with composition specialization graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University, her career reflects the versatility of a music degree and the wide range of pathways available to Laurier graduates.

In her role, Jennifer helps oversee the daily operations of the school, including student registration and academic scheduling, financial oversight, faculty and staff support, and program coordination.

Since graduating from Laurier, her path has included roles in conference and event management, executive operations, client services, and organizational leadership across both corporate and community settings. Together, those experiences helped shape the collaborative and people-focused approach she brings to her work today.

Having begun her own musical journey at The Royal Conservatory of Music, returning to the organization in a leadership role carries special meaning.

A full-circle moment

Working at The Royal Conservatory of Music represents a meaningful milestone in her journey.

“What excites me most about working at The Royal Conservatory of Music is the opportunity to help carry forward the tradition of classical music for future generations. Having started my own musical journey with the RCM, this feels like a full-circle moment.”

“On a more personal level, there is something incredibly special about being in an environment where music is constantly alive. Hearing a piano concerto echo through the halls, a vocalist warming up, or a violinist practicing scales. These moments are a daily reminder of the joy and creativity that music brings.”

Finding a path beyond performance

After graduating with a Bachelor of Music, Jennifer explored roles across non-profit organizations and corporate environments, building a career that blends music, operations, and strategic leadership.

“After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University, I took on a variety of roles across non-profit organizations and companies, navigating the uncertainty that often comes after finishing school. One of the most formative periods was working at a community centre, where I found both stability and a sense of purpose.”

“Later, experiences in corporate roles helped me refine my skills in communication, project management, and organizational strategy. While my path wasn’t entirely linear, each role and experience contributed to the growth and perspective I carry with me today.”

“Working across different organizations and sectors has allowed me to collaborate with a wide range of people. These experiences helped me understand the importance of building strong relationships and working toward shared impact.”

“Over time, this shaped my philosophy that leadership is ultimately about support. The people within an organization are what drive its success and fostering those connections while building community is what matters most.”

The Laurier experience

Jennifer credits her time at Laurier with shaping both her mindset and approach to her career.

“Looking back, my time at Laurier instilled in me the importance of routine, but above all, the value of networking and building community. The shared experiences and different perspectives you encounter enrich your life in ways you may not fully realize at the time.”

“The faculty at Laurier fostered a strong sense of community and a genuine love for learning. There was an environment that made you want to engage, grow, and enjoy the process.”

One moment that stands out is hearing her own work come to life.

“Sitting in the Maureen Forrester Recital Hall during the final rehearsal of my film score, watching the film play while hearing my interpretation performed live, felt like a dream come to life. It was an experience I will always cherish.”

Where a music degree can take you

For students considering their future, Jennifer’s story is a reminder that a music degree can open more doors than they might expect.

“Beyond performance, the career paths available to music graduates may not always seem obvious at first. However, the ability to balance rehearsals, performances, academic work, and a life outside of school is an achievement.”

“Music students develop strong skills in time management, collaboration, and relationship building. At its core, a music education instills curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning. These qualities stay with you long after graduation.”