ALUMNI
Paniz Moslehi, 2023 CapilanoU Grad
I am very grateful for my 2 years experience at CapU music. I have just finished my courses for the music diploma program and I’m transferring to UBC third year Bachelor of music. Looking back on my journey here shows me how much the incredible professors have pushed me to grow as a musician. The professors in this program are very caring for the students and they will make sure to give you all the best advice and lead you to success. There are also a number of performing opportunities that you can participate in that will definitely better your performance skills. Also because of the smaller community it is very easy to connect with others and make friends. Another great thing about the program is the staff that works in the offices because they will make you feel welcomed. I would definitely suggest studying in this program if you are passionate about music andwant to have an amazing experience!
Kelsey Zhong, 2020 CapilanoU Grad
I’m incredibly grateful for choosing CapU Music as my post-secondary choice after high school; not only did it give me many unforgettable memories and learning experiences, but it also led me to love and connect with music from the bottom of my heart. The Music Program at CapU offers a variety of music courses, in which I was given opportunities to learn different instruments, as well as to further develop my knowledge in different genres of music throughout the decades. The courses in this program have motivated me to expand and improve upon my own musical skillsets. Through these two years of studying at CapU, I was accepted into the UBC School of Music and I’m confident to say that without the help of my professors, I would not have dreamed to achieve or even continue down the musical path. CapU Music gave me a sense of belonging, where I learned to grow through the support of close friends, a peaceful environment, and alongside with an elite team of professors.
Arthur Lo, 2020 CapilanoU Grad
I am a music student at Capilano University at the end of my second year, transferring to third year piano performance at UBC. From my experience, the Capilano Music program starts from the most basic material, building a very strong musical foundation that prepares students very well for a transfer to another university for the completion of a Bachelor of Music. The program also does well as a standalone diploma program. The professors are very supportive of students and will go out of their way to ensure their students' success. I feel sufficiently prepared to enter into UBC Piano Performance thanks to the Capilano Music program and the professors there.
Jenny Lim, 2020 CapilanoU Grad
As a piano major student of Capilano Music program, I have received a great education, worth while experiences, and precious memories with the most intelligent group of colleagues. Choosing music as your post-secondary major is mostly considered especially competitive and tough to pursue your goal; however, I can certainly say that I do not regret coming to Capilano to learn not just about music; how to be wise, how to love and support people, and how to make the best of our moments. I sincerely would like to thank all the professors who provided genuine interest, support, and advices deeply enough to nurture their students. Through their endeavour, I am accepted into UBC School of Music as third year piano student and I’m ready to step outside to explore the bigger world that we haven’t experienced yet.
Amy Cheung, 2020 CapilanoU Grad
To all the hopeful musical students considering where to enroll – I implore you to cling to your goal and muster up the work ethic to get there. Capilano University and its programs offer an environment in which guidance is provided and hard work doesn’t go unrewarded. As a student who was rejected upon her first audition at UBC, I can confidently say that I don’t regret coming to Capilano; the relationships and lessons I've received here (both in class and out) were, pardon the cliché, priceless. In this small university, I’ve made close friends for whom I have nothing but love, respect and support for, and they for me; we’d often meet at school early in the morning together just to practice, nudging each other to be the best we can be. I’ve had the honour of learning from professors who genuinely care about their students, often offering advice and guidance well beyond their job descriptions. My professors were able to see through to my potential and wouldn’t let me settle for being any less. Many people view an education in music as a rigorously competitive process to get to the top, but what I experienced in my two years in Capilano’s Music program was nothing short of family. Thanks to Capilano, I’m now two steps closer to my goal and have a group of outstanding people to help me the rest of the way.
Annie Huang, pianist, UBC Music student
As a Music Diploma student looking back on my two years at Capilano University, it was definitely a worthwhile and precious experience. The professors really pushed me to become the best version of myself both musically and academically, and I was able to explore the potential I never knew I had and refine my skills. As a UBC music student now, I definitely would not have made it to where I am now without the support my professors have given me; regardless of what you would like to pursue in the future, whether it is music related or not, Capilano can teach you the skills you need to be successful. In the small community, I was able to make some of my closest friends here and connect with my professors in a way not possible at a larger university. I’m glad for all the decisions I’ve made along the way that led me to study at Capilano; if you’re looking for a music program that will give you an unforgettable experience, then Capilano is for you!
"Cap was the place where I began to develop a clear vision of what I wanted to do with my life, artistically. The smaller class sizes meant that if I wanted to do something, all I had to do was ask and then follow through with the work required. Cap gave me my first experience singing in a choir as well as my first experience writing for one. I'm grateful for my time there!"
Adrian Verdejo, classical guitarist
"As a young music student new to BC, Capilano Music offered a welcoming environment for me to
develop and grow as a musician. I was able to study with incredible instructors, was able to travel abroad, and formed relationships
which are still active today. Over the years I've often collaborated with colleagues that I met at Capilano Music during my period of study.
I'm proud to be an alumnus of Capilano University's Music program and I value the memories and experiences I gained as a student."
Matthew Silverman, guitar instructor, Niel Douglas Guitar Shop
"Cap U has had a tremendous influence on my career in music. The education I received there provided me with a strong foundation for the musical skills I would continue gain while working as a musician. When I first auditioned at Cap my musical skills were limited due to starting guitar later in life. The instructors at Cap saw my passion and potential and accepted me into the program where I acquired many of the skills that made my career possible. I have been making a comfortable living from music for the last 7 years since graduating. My career continues to grow every year. I spend my time teaching at Neil Douglas Guitar Shop where I teach six days a week and run band camps in the spring and summer. I have performances two to three times a month, sometimes more. I am also responsible for booking music at the Deer Lake Art Gallery for their Live at the Gallery series.
So many great BC musicians have graduated from Cap. My connection to the University has provided me with a priceless network of musicians that continues to grow with each year of new Cap grads. When ever you meet another musician from Cap - whether or not they are from your year, the Jazz program, or the Classical program - you instantly share that connection with them. The teachers at Cap have also provided me with countless opportunities over the years. We continue to stay in touch to this day."
"I have beautiful memories of my years studying at Capilano University or, as my friends and I still call it, “Cap.” When I think of Cap, I remember its beautiful campus, its superb faculty and staff, and the happy faces of its students. I remember feeling like I was part of a big family, and this filled me with confidence and happiness. Our professors in the Music Program were exceptional teachers and human beings. They knew our names and got to know us well; they inspired us and encouraged us to work harder; they shared our passion for music; they understood our fears and insecurities and offered unwavering support. The positive energy in the Music Program made us all feel safe and at ease, helping us reach our full personal, academic, and artistic potential. There I formed life-long friendships with fellow students as well as with some of our teachers. Dr. Wendy Grant, my first music history teacher, was my first mentor and is now a great colleague and a dear friend.
I am very grateful to have been a student at Capilano University. I made friends for life, and I received an excellent education that prepared me for a successful career in music."
"Thanks to the support of music department at Capilano University. I will never forget those productive days that I spent at Capilano University campus in order to be prepared for my goal. Having valuable resources at Capilano University and being able to study with educated and passionate instructors helped me to get closer at my goal."
Mark D'Angelo, trumpeter, instructor
"My time at Capilano had a large impact on preparing me for a career as a professional Musician. The individual attention I received in lessons, along with a strong foundation in ear training, theory, and sight singing have helped me become a versatile musician with a broad skill set."
Elizabeth Humphries, music studio director, voice & piano teacher, performer
"My Music education at Capilano University truly propelled me towards the rewarding career in Music that I now get to enjoy. I am grateful for the performance opportunities, encouragement and support from the instructors and quality of education that I received. The years I spent at Capilano University are some of my best!"
Karen Nakajima, pianist, trumpeter, music theorist, music educator
"I am so happy I chose Capilano University to begin my post-secondary music studies. Not only did I feel completely comfortable in the small classes, I was given countless opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible if I attended any larger institute. The music faculty is excellent, and I really love how they get to know everyone personally and offer one on one attention tailored to individual needs."
Eva Hodge, pianist, music educator
Taymaz Saba, composer, sound designer
I met great instructors at Capilano University. The most valuable thing for me was my instructors' intentions and different approaches. I learned music and most importantly singing, arranging, composition and at last conducting. Coming from a classical background, I was challenged by the equipment and programs used in digital music production, but this also allowed me to explore my creativity and take my executions in different directions. I was always composing in classical form using different musical theory techniques. One day, I decided to do a house remix of a small choir that blew my friends away. It was unexpected and so much fun. I thank Lars Kaario for giving me and my friend Andrei Diaconu the greatest opportunity to compose a 4 minute requiem back in 2009.
For my needs and situation I found the Cap U Music Diploma to be exactly what I needed. The relaxed environment allowed a late-bloomer like me to really catch-up and understand music in my own terms. I have not pursued further formal education in my field because I always felt it would not benefit me. I’m fond of saying that singers should be nurtured not trained, and that’s exactly what the faculty and the ambience at Capilano University provided me with.
It’s a great program that allows you to learn and does not rush you out the production line. Special thanks to Wendy Grant, Lars Kaario, and Geordie Roberts.
