Jean Lyons School of Music was founded in 1963 and is Vancouver's longest established music school,
Jean Lyons School of Music grew from 3 teachers and now boasts a faculty of 19 with a student body of nearly 300. It was founder Jean Lyons' goal to provide music education to children within an atmosphere of enjoyment, appreciation, and nurturing support. As a result of her philosophy and hard work, the School has built an enviable reputation of excellence in teaching and has fostered an interest
in each student's abilities and goals whether it be Grade 8 or Diploma level. Throughout the years, Jean Lyons was continually urged to start other branches of her School, but she kept it small to allow each student to participate in classes and recitals instead of just a presentation of the exceptional few. Students at Jean Lyons School of Music have been consistent winners in various music competitions held throughout the Lower Mainland and across Canada. In addition, many of the School's graduate students are now music teachers themselves, while others have pursued careers in performance, accompanying and composing. Alumna Alexina Louie, who was named Composer of the Year by the Canadian Music Council, also went on to become a Composer in Residence at the Canadian Opera Company and the National Arts Centre, a winner of multiple JUNO awards, and a recipient of one of Canada's most prestigious honours as she was named to the Order of Canada in 2005. We are fortunate to be situated in the heart of a community with a vibrant performing arts scene, where the fostering of musical education and development is taken just as seriously as professional performances. We therefore encourage our students to attend concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Opera Society, Vancouver Recital Society, and the Chopin Society. These organizations offer tickets to students at discounted rates. Jean Lyons School of Music complements these events with regular activities, recitals and concerts for our students. We provide students with recital opportunities each month in our Chopin Room with a supportive audience. These recitals help to ease students into the more competitive city-wide festivals and exams. Performing can be seen as a stepping stone in life, preparing one to have confidence and grace under pressure. The music education we provide not only helps students in examinations and competitions, but also increases self-esteem, poise, social skills, and memory. But above all, we believe that, by cultivating musical sensibility and an understanding of the arts, one gains an awareness for culture and ultimately what makes us human. Music and culture are not merely activities that we do; they are a way we live. We encourage our students to take advantage of the School’s valuable resource pool of knowledge, talent, and guidance through a dynamic combination of private lessons, masterclasses, theory and history classes, recitals and concerts, and other opportunities for musical enrichment.
03/03/2026
To celebrate Chopin’s birthday on March 1st, The Vancouver Chopin Society hosted their 3rd annual Chopin Marathon, held at Tom Lee Recital Hall. JLSM teachers Jean Brown, Leslie Nip, and Holly Duff, and their students, had a wonderful time participating!
06/14/2025
Congratulations to our Class of 2025 graduating students!
05/17/2025
From our Annual Scholarship Honour Recital last Fall, held at the beautiful St. Philip's Anglican Church.
11/17/2024
07/07/2024
For our junior learners, join us this summer for three ensemble classes - learn ensemble skills and have the opportunity to collaborate with other students on duets, trios, and more! Sign up for one, two, or all three classes.
July 13, 27, August 10.
Details: jeanlyonsmusic.com
05/10/2024
On Sunday, May 12, hear wonderful pianist and Jean Lyons School of Music faculty, Christine Ngai, perform at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver. She joins violinist Domagoj Ivanovic and cellist Jonathan Lo in performing the season finale concert of West Coast Chamber Music.
Titled 'Romantic Music for Mother’s Day', the program features beautiful music of the Romantic Era with works by composers: Halvorsen, Franck and Saint-Saens.
Details West Coast Chamber Music
Join us for some beautiful music this ~ our concerts are family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Tickets available at the door and on our website. If cost is a barrier for anyone, please reach out to us as we have a limited number of guest-list tickets.
On Sunday, May 12, hear wonderful pianist and Jean Lyons School of Music faculty, Christine Ngai, perform at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver. She joins violinist Domagoj Ivanovic and cellist Jonathan Lo in performing the season finale concert of West Coast Chamber Music.
Titled 'Romantic Music for Mother’s Day', the program features beautiful music of the Romantic Era with works by composers: Halvorsen, Franck and Saint-Saens.
Tickets: $25/20/& 10 for children, online or at the door
On April 28th, spend the afternoon at Chan Centre for the Performing Arts for a fun, family friendly concert, 'Carnival of the Animals Reimagined'. Arrive early to visit the instrument petting zoo prior to the concert! Tickets and more info here, free for kids 12 and under:
Carnival of the Animals Reimagined - Chan Centre
Squawk, stamp, and splash with Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals! The beloved classic gets a whimsical update with creative new elements for each animal including narration, choregraphed movement, dance, and artwork. Plus, George Gershwin’s Walking the Dog will open the show. A roari...
03/12/2024
Our students and faculty had fun participating in the Vanouver Chopin Society's Chopin Piano Marathon on March 3rd, held at Tom Lee Music, Vancouver.
The three-day marathon, in celebration of Chopin's birthday on March 1st, featured nearly 200 participants performing the music of Chopin! Performers received a Certificate of Appreciation as well as pair of tickets to hear the great Yefim Bronfman at his upcoming concert at The Orpheum.
Pictured: participants Tamara T, Vanessa N, Lydia M, Olivia J, faculty member Leslie N; faculty members Holly Duff, Jean Brown, and principal Susan Wong Lim, were also in attendance.
02/14/2024
Join the VWMS for their upcoming concert featuring classical guitarist (and JLSM guitar teacher) Alexander Comninos - Feb 14 @ 11AM, 949 W. 49th Ave 🎶
11/27/2023
Last week, we celebrated JLSM's 60th Anniversary with an Open House and our annual Scholarship Honour Recital. We welcomed current and former students for an afternoon of music, musical games, reconnecting and catching up, and, of course, cake! Thank you all for joining us.