William Gatesh was born in Ottawa, Canada in 1916. His family moved to Toronto a few years later where he spent his youth and early adulthood. He was a concert violinist for the Toronto Conservatory of Musi

The Royal Conservatory of Music, also known as The Royal Conservatory, is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world. Providing the definitive standard in music education through its curriculum, assessment, performance, and teacher education, the programs of The Royal Conservatory have had a substantial impact on the lives of millions globally.

The Royal Conservatory has helped to train a number of great artists including Glenn Gould, Oscar Peterson, David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Angela Hewitt, and Diana Krall. Motivated by its powerful mission to develop human potential through music and the arts, The Royal Conservatory has emerged over the last two decades as a leader in the development of arts-based programs that address a wide range of social issues.

The Conservatory was founded by Edward Fisher in 1886 as The Toronto Conservatory of Music. In 1947, King George VI incorporated The Conservatory through royal charter. Michael Foulkes is the current Chair of the Board and Dr. Peter Simon is the President.

Headquartered in Toronto on Bloor Street West, the Conservatory building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1995 in recognition of the institution's significant influence on music education in Canada. In March 2011, Carnegie Hall and The Royal Conservatory announced their partnership to create the Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory Achievement Program (The Achievement Program), a national system of music study and assessment for students and teachers.