About Tricia
Tricia Arden Caldwell is a Métis bilingual composer, author, educator, and performer whose work lives at the intersection of music, literature, and emotional truth.
An honours with distinction graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music (Classical Voice, Piano, and Music Theory Level 10, 2005), University of Manitoba (BA, English Literature and Music, 2009) and Université Laval (MA, Music, 2022), Tricia's creative identity is rooted in classical training and a deep engagement with narrative, culture, and erōs—the conceptual and relational force that animates much of her work.
"In my compositions, I seek to build an acoustic world that turns the saddest stories into the sweetest songs."
— Tricia Arden Caldwell
Her compositions are intimate and emotionally charged, often transforming sorrow into sonic beauty. This guiding principle is evident in her full-length musicals WAKE UP (2023) and soul crushing love (2025), as well as in her original score for an upcoming television series.
A dynamic creator across genres and formats, Tricia is also the author of the musical children's book What Would You Do If a Friend Laughed at You? (2017) and creator of Tunes for Tots (2015). Her earlier poetic and conceptual works include contributions to FAQ Collective (2010), Nolens Volens (2009), and The Manitoban (2006).
She has presented her original work at conferences including the University of Regina's Trash Talkin' Pop Culture Conference (2009) and the Symposium on Manitoba Writing (2012), and continues to draw on language, narrative, and emotion in her musical storytelling.
🏆 Recognition & Awards
Tricia's artistry has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Marjorie Hoole Scholarship for Creative Writing (2009), twice recipient of the George Taylor Memorial Prize for Literary Arts (2007, 2008), and creative writing grants from the Manitoba Arts Council (2008, 2009). She was also an invited artist and program creator for Art City, where she developed Build-a-Book, a unique literary workshop series for children.
With over two decades of experience as a performer and music educator, Tricia brings a spirit of mentorship, collaboration, and care to her creative practice. Her stage work includes lead and supporting roles in The Rocky Horror Show (Janet, 2023), Wake Up (Vixen, 2023), Big Fish (Jenny, 2020), The Fantasticks (Luisa, 2006), The Snow Queen (Gerda, 2001), Godspell (Peggy, 2000), and many more.
Now focused full-time on composition, Tricia continues to explore new creative landscapes—blending heart, history, and harmony in every project she undertakes.