Third Horn, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal | NYO Canada Alum: 2015 & 2016 | Faculty: Horn, Summer 2025 

For Florence Rousseau, NYO Canada was where everything clicked. It wasn’t just another summer program—it was a turning point. A moment of clarity. A feeling of home. 

“I definitely remember a moment during NYO where I came to the realization that I really wanted to move back to Canada,” she says. “There was an overwhelming feeling of coming home and of being around the people I loved and understood.” 

Florence first joined NYO Canada while studying abroad in London, England, pursuing her undergraduate degree at the Royal College of Music. She was still early in her musical journey, but the experience helped shape her future

“I remember my time at NYO as being a whirlwind of information, motivation, excellent people, and squash 🎾,” she laughs. “As a young musician, you’re given so much that stays with you and shapes your entire outlook on playing music professionally.” 

That whirlwind set the tone for what came next. 

Now Third Horn with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Florence is a soloist, chamber musician, and proud member of the True North Brass Quintet. She’s performed as guest principal horn with top orchestras across Canada and holds advanced degrees from both McGill University and the Université de Montréal. 

She credits NYO for giving her more than just world-class training. “You learn about orchestral etiquette, about collaboration and ensemble playing—things that are sometimes hard to teach in a classroom. There’s something different about spending weeks playing alongside the same people every single day. It really shows you what being a full-time musician feels like.” 

Her passion for growth—both artistic and personal—has also made teaching a natural and meaningful part of her life. 

“I feel like most of my colleagues are nerds—and I say that with so much affection and respect!” she says. “You kind of need to be a nerd to stay interested, to have fun practicing, and to improve. Teaching is just an extension of the joy of sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what we’re all still figuring out.” 

It’s also about those moments of connection. “It’s so exciting to be a part of someone else’s journey. I love that moment when things click.” 

What excites her most about working with the 2025 NYO Canada cohort? 

“I’m really excited to share my love of finding characters or roles to inhabit while playing music. I take great pleasure in helping students find reasons they can love playing a certain passage. It changes everything.” 

Asked about advice she wishes she’d taken more seriously earlier in her career; she doesn’t hesitate: “Record yourself. Very often. There’s no other way to know what you actually sound like.” 

And when it comes to her favorite composers to work on with students? 

“Strauss and Mahler,” she says without hesitation. “They write gloriously for the horn. You can feel the excitement students have about working on that repertoire. It’s just fun.” 

Whether performing, teaching, or coaching, Florence brings a contagious energy to her work—one that her students will no doubt feel when they meet her this summer.