2025 Adjudicators

Olivia Adams is a pianist, teacher, researcher and author. She serves as the Director of Education at the Lotus Centre for Special Music Education, a music school dedicated to supporting musicians in the neurodivergent and disabled communities. In her role, she trains music teachers in adaptation methods for students with exceptionalities. Olivia is also a PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa, where she researches adaptations and accommodations in music performances for neurodivergent pianists. Her research has earned numerous federal, provincial and local awards, including the prestigious Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Fellowship. She has presented her work at academic conferences in Canada, the United States, Finland and Portugal.

Olivia holds an MA in Music and Feminist Studies from the University of Ottawa and an Honours BMus in Piano Performance from Western University. She published a portion of her master's research in 'Loud and Clear: A Guide to Levelled Piano Music by Women Composers in the 20th and 21st Centuries', released by Debra Wanless Music. The guide is widely used by festivals and conservatories across the country. Olivia also organizes Ottawa's Music by Women Marathon, a day of music-making dedicated to playing compositions by women, with proceeds benefitting women's shelters in Ottawa. Artistic advocacy has always been central to her work.

An award-winning adjudicator, Olivia received a 2022 award from the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association for her work with youth musicians across Saskatchewan. She also serves as an examiner with Conservatory Canada and the Canadian National Conservatory of Music.