VCC Music

Meet our students! Michael Soule is a Vancouver-based classical guitarist specializing in solo and chamber music, with a focus on technical precision and expressive depth. He began his studies on electric guitar in his early teens before being drawn to the classical guitar for its versatility and contrapuntal textures.

Michael studied at the Vancouver Music Academy under Hanh Nguyen and later continued his training at Vancouver Community College as a student of Michael Kolk, where he is currently completing his music diploma. His repertoire spans a wide range of styles and periods from Renaissance to contemporary works. He has participated in competitions and is a recipient of a VCC jury award.

An active performer, Michael appears regularly as a soloist and has also collaborated in small ensemble settings, including a flute guitar duo with Jessica Crawford.

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]!

Benji Geen is a singer-songwriter from Lake Country, BC, currently based in Vancouver. He started playing piano at age 16 and singing at 18. In 2025 he completed his preparatory Music Certificate from VCC and is currently a first year singer-songwriter major working towards his Music diploma. His sound and style take inspiration from pop and classic rock. Benji has been a part of 3 different student ensembles at VCC including Gamelan, new music and concert choir. Continuing writing original material and completing his studies at VCC he hopes to record his material and perform covers as well as his original music live.

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]!

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]!

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]!

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]!

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]!

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]!

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]!

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]!

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]!