STU Alumnus Zachary Greer Wins Canadian Screen Music Award

St. Thomas University alumnus Zachary Greer, BA ’16, is an award-winning composer.

 

Greer recently took home the Canadian Screen Music Award (CASMA) for Best Original Score (Documentary, Factual, Reality Series or Special) for his work on Into the Fray – All the Quiet Voices: Episode 3.

 

“It was an amazing surprise to get the win,” said Greer.

 

“I was so grateful because the awards are juried by members of the Screen Composers Guild, so to be recognized by my fellow composers and colleagues was truly an honour.”

 

Into the Fray is an independent documentary series created by Greer's brother, with Greer composing the original score. The series is currently available on Bell Fibe TV1.

 

Since graduating from STU, Greer earned his Master of Music in Composition from the University of Ottawa and built a career as a multi-instrumentalist and composer for film, television, and digital media. His work has been featured at major international festivals such as TIFF and SXSW, with broadcasts on CBC, APTN, Crave, and Super Channel.

 

Returning to STU

 

Now, Greer is returning to STU—as a part-time instructor in Fine Arts, bringing with him a decade of experience in composition and production.

 

“I’m excited to offer a fresh perspective, one that combines current, practical experience with traditional and contemporary theoretical knowledge,” he said.

 

“I believe that film and television music can be used as a cultural entry point, one that resonates with students across disciplines.”

 

Greer describes the opportunity to teach at STU as a “full-circle feeling.”

 

“I came to St. Thomas in 2012 with the goal of becoming a composer, and my peers and I were so fortunate to have Dr. Martin Kutnowski encourage and push us to achieve our potential,” he said.

 

“His mentorship was integral to my development. He set an example that I hope to replicate, and I’m excited to give back to the school that helped get me where I am today.”

 

Greer will be teaching Music in Film and Television in the upcoming winter semester.