profile pic: Will holding a violin and viola

Hi, I'm Will!

I'm a classically-trained violinist based in Montréal, with a wide variety of musical interests. I spend my time performing, teaching, and at times writing/arranging music.

Here you can see a bit of what I do, and find out about booking me for performances, private lessons for all ages, and more.

Recent and upcoming:

  • May 3, 2026: "American Portraits" @ Glens Falls Symphony

  • May 1, 2025: "Violin and": Final Master's recital @ McGill Music Multimedia Room
    Featuring works by Prokofiev, Penderecki, George Walker, Alan Ridout, Nina Young and Leo Purich

  • June 7, 2025: American Music Festival @ Albany Symphony

  • June 21, 2025: Martín Palmeri's "Misatango" @ Montreal Summer Choral Academy

  • August–September 2025: Lucerne Festival Academy/Contemporary Orchestra

  • October 5, 2025: "Sound + Shakespeare" @ Glens Falls Symphony

  • October 11: Alex Berko + Firebird + Dvorak Cello Concerto @ Albany Symphony

  • November 1, 2025: DREA XÙ EP release show @ Le Ministère

  • November 8: Bobby Ge + Holst's The Planets @ Albany Symphony

  • November 9: "Sound Canvasses" @ Glens Falls Symphony

  • December 7: "Celtic Holiday" @ Glens Falls Symphony

  • December 13 + 14: "Isaac Thomas + Haydn's Surprise Symphony" @ Albany Symphony

Bio

Headshot

Originally from Albany, New York, William Peltz Smalley has been based in Montréal since 2023. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Boston University where he studied with Bayla Keyes, and completed his Master of Music at McGill University with Catherine Cosbey.A versatile solo, chamber, and orchestral musician, Will has performed internationally with a variety of ensembles and repertoire. While at BU, he received the String Department's Undergraduate Prize in the Solo Bach Competition for his performance of the Sonata No. 3 in C Major, and earned praise from violinist and composer Gregory Walker for his performance of George Walker's "Bleu" for Unaccompanied Violin. Since coming to Montréal, he has been an orchestra member and soloist with the McGill Contemporary Music Ensemble and the McGill Baroque Orchestra.An enthusiastic interpreter of contemporary music, Will has twice attended the Lucerne Festival Academy in Switzerland, and his final Master's recital at McGill was composed entirely of modern and contemporary works for "violin and": piano, electronics, narration, and more.

What I do

  • Modern violin, baroque violin, and a little bit of viola

  • Chamber music: string quartets, piano ensembles

  • Solo projects

  • New work premieres and recordings

  • Orchestral engagements in QC and upstate NY

  • Violin lessons in Montreal

  • Weddings in the Montreal area, upstate NY, and more

Weddings/Events

Being a part of someone’s special day is one of my favorite things about being a musician. I am available as a solo violinist but most often bring friends to form a string duo, trio, or quartet (the more the merrier, and a warmer sound!)

I enjoy finding the right mix of music to set the atmosphere for each event; from baroque and classical, to your favorite pop and rock songs, to nostalgic movie and video game soundtracks!

  • Different string ensembles available

  • Playlists suited to your event

  • Your favorite songs arranged for key moments (e.g. bridal entrance)

Lessons

I started on the violin as a little kid, and grew up on the Suzuki Method; but whatever your age, experience, and what you want to get out of lessons, I’m happy to work with you to get started or to keep growing!If affordability is any concern, I do my best to accommodate whatever your financial situation, because music should be accessible to everyone.

Contact

If you’re interested in private lessons, event booking, or want further information, write to me below and I’ll be in touch!