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VCC Music

This page contains news about and information on the Vancouver Community College School of Music.

The VCC School of Music offers a two-year diploma and a subsequent two-year Bachelor of Applied Music Degree. Both credentials emphasize the development of skills and experience toward becoming a successful professional in music. VCC is highly regarded for its academic and skills curricula, as well as its emphasis on music and media, career opportunities and performance techniques courses. In addi

tion to classical and jazz studies, VCC welcomes instrumentalists and vocalists in rock and popular music, as well as music traditions from other cultures. This diversity is exemplified by our range of ensembles: Willan Choir, VCC Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, Jazz Orchestra, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Pre-Bop Jazz Ensemble, Classic Jazz Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Electric Jazz (Fusion and Funk) Ensemble, Gamelan Ensemble, New Music Ensemble and others. VCC faculty are among the finest artist-teachers in the province and, together with our alumni, continue to have significant critical and commercial success in the industry.

05/27/2026

Meet our students! Shyane Pokeda is a Canadian musician and songwriter who creates music grounded in real-life moments and insightful storytelling. Blending folk, indie, and contemporary sounds, she weaves emotive melodies with lyrics that explore connection, growth, and the quiet complexities of everyday life.

Her music comes to life on the streets and online, where busking and digital performances have shaped the honesty and raw connection that define her sound. Shyane connects directly with listeners, drawing inspiration from the people, experiences, and everyday moments that shape who we are and what it means to be human.

Travel, nature, and the small experiences of life feed her creativity, influencing both the stories she tells and the moods she creates. Each song reflects her curiosity, empathy, and desire to craft music that resonates long after the last note fades.

Shyane’s work is marked by authenticity and reflection, inviting listeners into a space where music is not just heard but felt. Where everyday moments become meaningful, and connection sits at the heart of every song.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

05/20/2026

Meet our students! Currently a tenor in training at the VCC music program, Kien Nyugen's fascination with the human voice started from a chance Youtube viewing of Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged concert at the age of 16. Ever since then, the art of singing has been his main focus, influenced by a diverse mosaic of classical, jazz, and pop. Born in Vietnam and educated in English, his work is rooted in storytelling, exploring the tension inherent between yearning and possessing, belonging and isolation, childhood and growing up. Kien is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ health and have done his undergraduate thesis on the topic at UBC. He believes that psychology and music are deeply intertwined, and that there is power in being personal and authentic in one's musical journey. He is currently singing with the Vancouver Men's Chorus, led by Willi Zwodzdesky, and is a soloist for their 'Big Gay Sing' summer show.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

05/13/2026

Meet our students! Catherine Abdelmalek .sonatas is an emerging musician and aspiring conductor currently pursuing a diploma in music at Vancouver Community College. She majors in classical piano under Dr. Emily Logan, minors in bass clarinet with James Danderfer , and studies voice with Bo Henrik, developing versatility across instruments and performance. Beginning piano at the age of three, Catherine has spent her life immersed in music, drawn to its ability to express emotion and connect with people. Her curiosity for different sounds and styles expanded her focus to woodwinds and voice, strengthening her understanding of phrasing, tone and musical expression. A turning point in her journey came through the Coquitlam Youth Orchestra, where her experiences as a bass clarinetist inspired her to pursue conducting. Observing how the conductor shaped sound and guided the ensemble, ignited her own vision of leading music with both artistry and collaboration. Catherine now aspires to create performances that are expressive, inclusive and inspiring, bringing musicians together in environments that are joyful, supportive, and creatively fulfilling. Through her dedication to continuous growth as a pianist, clarinetist, vocalist, and future conductor, she hopes to inspire others while contributing meaningfully to the world of music.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

05/06/2026

Meet our students! Saul Lavigne is a drummer based in Vancouver, currently studying in the VCC music program and playing shows with local bands. Under the tutelage of drummers including Craig Scott and Leon Power, Saul is building a versatile skillset and a strong foundation to embolden the tightness and freedom to the folk, funk, and soul influences that define his playing. Having grown up around songwriters Saul has developed keen instincts for how best to serve a song. Over the last year in school he has helped with more than 30 performances, playing covers and writing drum parts for a wide range of genres, from jazz fusion to mellow folk and everything in between. Outside of school, Saul has been part of a number of bands. His most recent collaboration, Siog, with the incredible voice of Seana O'Hanlon, mixes deep sparse grooves with a floaty spacy atmosphere, akin to artists like Sade or Fiona Apple. The project has gotten attention from artists like Frazey Ford, who commented on the tight playing and unique atmosphere. In his practice he spends time honing subtleties in groove, exploring new sounds on the kit, and practicing his singing for backup vocals. Going forward Siog will be spending time recording tracks that feel complete and releasing an EP.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

06/20/2025

Tom Au is a versatile musician with a deep passion for electric guitar, songwriting, composition, arrangement, lyric writing, and mixing. Born and raised in Hong Kong and now based in Vancouver, his musical journey is shaped by a rich blend of cultural influences, including Hong Kong, Japanese, Taiwanese, and British music. His sound is diverse, often incorporating elements of Funk, Jazz, and Rock, reflecting his broad musical tastes and expertise. Tom is an ambitious and dedicated artist who constantly seeks to grow and refine his craft. Although he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing to support his music career, his heart has always been devoted to his artistic pursuits. He is currently pursuing a Music Diploma in Jazz and Contemporary Guitar at Vancouver Community College, further honing his skills. He is the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for Sammo Fish, a fusion original band formed by jazz students from Vancouver Community College (VCC) and Capilano University (CapU), Tom brings a unique and innovative sound to the Vancouver music scene. His unwavering commitment to music, combined with his diverse influences and evolving expertise, continues to drive his journey as a musician.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

06/13/2025

Sze Wai Chan .wai is a passionate guitarist currently studying music at Vancouver Community College, majoring in electric guitar and minoring in classical guitar. Specializing in jazz and contemporary guitar, Sze Wai's music journey began in high school, where he fell in love with his first instrument, the acoustic guitar. Throughout his teenage years, Sze Wai explored various instruments, including classical guitar, electric guitar, and bass. He joined different bands, participated in gigs, and busked, gaining valuable performance experience and honing his craft. These formative years were crucial in shaping Sze Wai's musical identity and broadening his understanding of different musical genres. In his first year at Vancouver Community College, Sze Wai expanded his musical horizons by joining both the choir and a jazz ensemble. These experiences have significantly enhanced his understanding of music theory and collaboration with other musicians. Being part of these groups not only sharpened his skills as a guitarist but also deepened his appreciation for the synergy that emerges when musicians come together to create. Sze Wai is committed to sharing his musical adventures and insights with others, fostering connections with fellow music enthusiasts. Through his journey, he aims to inspire and be inspired, exploring the vibrant world of sound, creativity, and expression.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

06/06/2025

Shane Terry is a BC singer/songwriter/guitarist currently emerging into the Vancouver music scene and studying jazz guitar at Vancouver Community College. As a finalist of the 2024 Shipyards Got Talent Solo Competition, Shane is comfortable taking the stage either on his own, or backed by the Shane Terry Band made up of bassist Lucas Drever and drummer Evan Turner. Following the singer/songwriter tradition, Shane intertwines his views on life with singable melodies, easy-listening jazz harmonies, and a touch of lyrical self-awareness. He performed at his local Dairy Queen (his first paid gig!) at 16 years of age, and has now moved onto larger venues, performing at The Cobalt, The Painted Ship and other various stages. The guitar-heavy pop music of Shane Terry is a testament to his love for the blues, jazz, and other American popular music. As a young teenager, Shane enjoyed practicing his guitar in his bedroom until his fingers could no longer take it, at times playing upwards of
ten hours in a single day. Currently, Shane is finishing his studies at VCC, and in the process of recording and releasing high quality professional compositions. He looks forward to creating music to inspire others, in the same way that his favourite music inspired him.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

05/30/2025

Sebastian Leal is a musician exploring the guitar, voice, piano, and creativity through both self-guided and formal education. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, he is now based in Vancouver, Canada. In 2021, he transitioned from seeing music as a hobby to pursuing it professionally, enrolling in music programs at Douglas College and Vancouver Community College. There, he continues to push his creative and performance boundaries, constantly striving for artistic growth.
Since 2023, he has been actively involved in local music jams and communities such as The Jam Portal and The East Cafe, where he has explored diverse musical styles and connected with diverse musicians. In these jams, he has performed as a singer, guitarist, and small percussionist. He has played alongside Juan David Betancour (bass, drums) and Raul Trejo (guitarist from Sacred Sol, The Paperboy Prophets), as well as in college ensembles. Additionally, he sang in the Douglas College Choir and the V4C Vancouver Community College choir and performed in John Siddall's Gamelan ensemble. Sebastian gravitates towards alternative rock but enjoys a broad spectrum of styles. He is discovering new genres, such as jazz and country, along with other North American cultural influences. His sound is also deeply influenced by Afro-Caribbean rhythms, which connect him to his childhood and adolescence.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

05/23/2025

Meet our students! Nelba Garcia is a classically-trained singer currently pursuing a first-year Classical Piano major under the tutelage of Dr. Emily Logan at Vancouver Community College. Originally from Venezuela, Nelba's musical approach began at a young age when her great-grandfather taught her to play the Venezuelan cuatro, a traditional string instrument. This early exposure to music ignited a lifelong passion for the art form. Before moving to VCC, Nelba studied classical voice with the renowned tenor Eduardo Melgar in Venezuela, refining her skills as a soprano. She is an active member of the West Vancouver United Church choir and Mis7tura, an academic Latin American choir, where she continues to expand her vocal abilities while exploring diverse musical traditions. With a deep passion for learning and professional growth, Nelba is excited to continue her musical journey at VCC and beyond. Her ultimate goal is to become a music therapist, combining her love for music with a desire to help others and make a positive impact on people's lives through the healing power of music.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

05/16/2025

Meet our students! Mercy Ma is a Canadian classical singer born in Taiwan. She is a soprano in training and is a current music student majoring in classical voice at Vancouver Community College. Her musical journey began at the age of 11 when she joined a classical children's choir, where she had the opportunity to perform with prestigious ensembles, including the Russian National Orchestra at the grand opening of the Zhuhai Opera House in China. Mercy is an emerging artist dedicated to developing her craft. She is currently on a path to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Voice Performance, where she is expanding her technical skills and musicality. While her early performances have been in choral settings, Mercy is now focused on transitioning to a solo career and is eager to share her artistry with a wider audience. With a solid foundation in classical choral music and her ongoing studies, Mercy continues to refine her voice and expand her repertoire.

These posts were created by students in our Social Media for Self-Employed Musicians course. To learn more about our programs, visit our bio link or email [email protected]!

Address

1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, BC

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm

Website

http://www.vcc.ca/music/

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