It takes a community to grow a professional musician
In a recent conversation with Stephen Green, Dean of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, three talented VCM postsecondary diploma jazz students described how their unique paths of learning music led them all to the VCM musical community of learning and to impressive “ear-opening” revelations.
Matt Bawtinheimer studies jazz trumpet with Daniel Lapp, VCM’s Artistic Director for the new Chwyl Family School of Contemporary Music. Matt reflects on his learning experience at the VCM as having given him that “kick over the hill” he needed, that “opened my eyes to a whole bunch of new things I previously hadn’t been aware of.” Before coming to the VCM, Matt felt his trumpet playing had plateaued. However, rediscovering the instrument with Daniel Lapp ignited his creativity and pushed his boundaries.
When pianist Julian Mulhall started his diploma studies at the VCM last September, he had also felt at a standstill in his musical development. “To me, music means connecting and building trust with other people – it’s amazing playing with other people!” This just wasn’t happening. Now that he studies jazz piano with Louise Rose and can jam and improvise daily with fellow VCM students, including his new friends Matt and bassist Noah Monckton, he feels he’s in a whole new world. Noah studies jazz bass with Joey Smith, and has discovered through him just how much more there is to learn about music.
Nurturing a welcoming and supporting musical community is what the VCM is all about. With expanded program offerings in the contemporary genres, and a new satellite location serving the Westhills area of Langford, connecting with the VCM’s musical community is easier than ever. VCM’s expert faculty offer instruction for all ages and levels, including highly acclaimed Summer Academy programs in keyboard, strings, voice, guitar and theory, as well as Early Childhood Explorer and Music Therapy Camps. VCM’s musical community is there for all, to inspire and support the growth of future professional musicians such as Matt, Julian, and Noah.