Andrew's music has been described as "beautiful and terrifying" (New Yorker Magazine) and he has been described as a composer who "will emerge as one of the most individual voices in this country" (National Arts Centre). He holds a doctorate in composition from the University of Toronto, and has received numerous accolades, including top prizes in the SOCAN young composers competition, and the 2004 Karen Keiser Prize in Canadian Music. His music has represented Canada at both the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers and the ISCM World Music Days. He is rapidly becoming one of Canada's most in demand composers. Staniland is currently Affiliate Composer with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.