Event Location: Mary Olson Hall at VAM

Piano Masterclass with Derek Chiu

Class Description: Masterclass Schedule:

• November 26, 2025, 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
• Mary Olson Hall

Open to Public | Free to Audit  Derek Chiu is a highly acclaimed Canadian pianist, Steinway Artist, and music educator who has gained international recognition for his work. Chiu has extensive training in piano pedagogue including mentorship with notable Canadian teachers Dr. E. Gregory Butler and Joel Hastings at The University of Windsor, and a Master of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. During his career, he has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious Steinway & Sons Top Piano Teacher Award in Calgary on three separate occasions.

Strawberry & Tea Student Concerts

Class Description: Join the VAM community in this monthly series that features students from a variety of programs celebrating all levels of musical learning! Free Admission

Harp Masterclass with Dr. Joy Yeh

Class Description: Play solo harp repertoire or orchestral excerpts for Dr. Joy Yeh, Head of VAM Harp Department and Principal Harp of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. This masterclass will delve into the art of stage performance and is suitable for students of any age who have their repertoire well-prepared, with a particular emphasis on those aiming to participate in competitions, auditions, and examinations. In addition, harp students in the audience will be encouraged to participate in the class discussion. Registration:  Please have your instructor contact Dr. Joy Yeh ([email protected]) directly to inform her of your interest in participating in the masterclass. Fees:

• $30 for a 15-minute performance & instruction time
• $60 for a 30-minute performance & instruction time
• Free for parents and audience members

About Dr. Joy Yeh: Dr. Joy Yeh is a frequent judge at international music competitions and festivals including the Canadian Music Competition and the Camac Prize International Harp Competition, and has taught masterclasses in Asia and North America.  Efficiency, Passion and Precision are the three major components to Dr. Yeh’s teaching.  Her students have won medals at many international music competitions. Dr. Yeh believes in “leading by example”. Therefore, despite her busy teaching schedule, she insists on having an active performing career. She has been featured numerous times as a soloist with leading orchestras and has played at Carnegie Hall, Kozertberlin, World Harp Congress (Canada and Hong Kong) and Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival in Germany. Her recordings can be heard on CBC Radio2, and she was interviewed by medias such as the Fairchild Radio FM96.1, CFJC Midday TV, Talentivision TV and their Evening News, Richmond Review and Taste of Life Magazine. In the earlier years, she graduated from UBC and received full scholarships to pursue her master and doctoral degree at Yale University and Indiana University, respectively.

Young Composers Competition Reading Session

Class Description: Free Admission: VAM Symphony Orchestra brings new works to life, written by the finalists of VAM's 2023 Young Composers' Competition.

Strawberry & Tea Student Concerts

Class Description: Join the VAM community in this monthly series that features students from a variety of programs celebrating all levels of musical learning! Free Admission

Adult Learning Program Soirée

Class Description: Free Admission One of VAM's fastest growing communities, the Adult Learning Program is a celebration of lifelong learning through music. Come hear a highlight of our adult learners in an evening gathering of music and conversation! [gravityform id="54" title="true" description="true"]

Intermediate Viola Masterclass with Michael van der Sloot

Class Description: Masterclass Schedule:

• February 8, 2026, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
• Mary Olson Hall

Open to Public | Free to Audit  Come watch as renown violist Michael van der Sloot delivers and unforgettable masterclass! Van der Sloot has toured throughout Western Canada as a soloist and chamber musician, and played in various orchestras. He has also toured across Europe, performing with the Salzburg Chamber Soloists throughout Switzerland, Austria, Italy and France. Van der Sloot is also a passionate teacher, teaching in various institutions across the country, including Medicine Hat College, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and the University of Ottawa, to name a few.

Strawberry & Tea Student Concerts

Class Description: Join the VAM community in this monthly series that features students from a variety of programs celebrating all levels of musical learning! Free Admission

Trumpet Masterclass with Aaron Hodgson

Class Description: Free Admission Elevate your trumpet skills and join us at the Vancouver Academy of Music for an unparalleled Masterclass with the distinguished Aaron Hodgson. Renowned for his exquisite musicianship, Aaron Hodgson has captivated audiences and critics alike with his compelling performances and luxuriant sound. His mastery over the trumpet is evident through his effortless presentations and clean execution of challenging passages, earning high praise from the International Trumpet Guild. This Masterclass is a rare opportunity to learn from a musician who navigates the intricacies of trumpet playing with precision, agility, and a beautiful singing style. Whether you're looking to refine your technique or be inspired by innovative musical interpretations, Aaron Hodgson's Masterclass promises an enriching experience for every participant. Don't miss this chance to transform your musical journey under the guidance of a trumpet virtuoso.

Event Schedule:

6:00-8:00pm: Masterclass

Strawberry & Tea Student Concerts

Class Description: Join the VAM community in this monthly series that features students from a variety of programs celebrating all levels of musical learning! Free Admission