Alumni Testimonials

The years I spent at Capilano University will be some of the most memorable and important years of my life. In the friendly and inspiring environment I was able to focus and really learn a lot. While studying music at Capilano my playing and performance skills, and overall musicality improved greatly.  Not only are the instructors at Capilano University incredibly enthusiastic about music and teaching, they really love to see their students progressing.  It is exciting to be in a place where both the teachers and students are extremely passionate about music.

                                                                                                               Matthew Silverman (Class of 2010)

I am so happy I chose Capilano 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.  With their support, I grew so much, musically.  I made some wonderful friends and memories, and learned a lot here, and I feel very prepared for transferring.

Karen Nakajima (Graduate 2008)

I came to Cap with a vague idea of what I wanted to do, be, and where I wanted to go. The faculty there were invaluable in not only helping me find my direction, but helping me learn the skills that I needed to get there.

Chris Sivak (Graduate 2006)

I really enjoyed my two years at Capilano. I loved how there is a sense of community at the music school. All the teachers take the time to get to know you and help you, and they create a good atmosphere at the school. Two years well spent!!

David Grimmett (Graduate 2005)

I highly recommend the Bachelor of Music Transfer Program to any student looking for not only an excellent education, but also a personally rewarding one. My studies at Capilano equipped me to go on to further education with the confidence, knowledge and skills that I needed, and left me with friendships and experiences that have made a lasting, positive impact.

Torey Zachary (Graduate 2004)

The two years that I was studying at Capilano provided me with not only an amazing environment in which to learn, but I also feel that it equipped me with the necessary tools to continue into University. While there I was enrolled in the Bachelor of Music Transfer Program and I subsequently transferred directly into third year at the University of Victoria, from which I recently graduated with distinction. This fall I will begin my Master of Music Degree at the University of Ottawa.

While studying at Cap I was extremely fortunate to have had the opportunities and experiences that I did. In two years I was able to meet some of the closest friends, and I was lucky enough to study with high calibre instructors and professors. Singing with the Capilano College Singers gave me the opportunity to travel and perform in Europe. Overall, I consider my time at Cap to be absolutely priceless. It helped me grow as a musician and a person and I'll carry those memories with me forever.

Adrian Verdejo (Graduate 2003)

Capilano was a wonderful place for me to study music. I was very fortunate to have great instructors who always encouraged my development as a musician and as a person. I met many fellow musicians who shared my passion for music, and made a number of friends who I still keep in touch with. I thoroughly enjoyed my two years at Capilano, and have great memories from my time there.

Stanton C. Jack (Graduate 2003)

I graduated from high school with a passion for music and a desire to become a professional singer but I had not yet taken any private voice lessons nor had I learned to read music. In such a competitive field it seemed out of the question to begin my training at University so I developed the skills I needed in the Bachelor of Music Transfer Program at Capilano. Providing the same quality instruction one would receive from a large university, Capilano offered smaller class sizes with more opportunity for one on one tutelage, which facilitated my individual growth. Within two years I had levelled up significantly and was able to transfer to the University of British Columbia without missing a beat. I have now completed my training with a Master of Music Degree and am being hired for various classical concerts singing solo with orchestra. I am thankful for the education that I received from Capilano where I was able to lay a great foundation of technical skills that are required of every musician.

Jennifer Hutchinson (Graduate 2001)

Since age 6, I've had a love for music of all kinds. Growing up, I was always enrolled in music lessons for piano, then flute. This music education continued with high school band where I played the saxophone and later, percussion. After a 5-year period of being out of school, I started at Capilano in the Bachelor of Music Transfer Program. Cap helped me to focus my musical diversity into a real passion for singing. The sheer number of performance opportunities was amazing! The large concerts, which always featured vocal soloists, happened several times each year and drew large audiences. This was the best learning and proving ground a fledgling soloist could ask for. As a chorister, I had the chance of being part of 2 choirs at Cap as well as 2 choirs outside the school, which were all led by the school's Director, Lars Kaario. His superb private and group instruction honed the techniques and styles, which enable me to gain entrance with a scholarship in UBC's competitive vocal program. Today, I'm in my final year a UBC and will graduate with a Master of Music in Voice Performance in 2006. I've since been recorded twice on the Centredisques label, and had 2 CBC broadcasts. In short, Capilano gave me the skills and the confidence to really become a competent soloist. Thanks Cap!

Matthew Stephanson (Graduate 2001)

My experience as a music student at Capilano was unforgettable.  The personal and professional relationships I made with superb faculty and vibrant students provided foundation, direction and inspiration. 

Risa McDonell (Graduate 1998)

The Bachelor of Music Transfer Program at Capilano offered me a first-rate education. Since the nature of the program is a two-year transfer to university, I found that I was well prepared for university entrance by the challenging and meaningful curriculum, excellent learning environment, small class sizes and accessible faculty. Another important factor was the program's outstanding faculty. From private voice training, choral studies, piano to theory, the professors were excellent instructors.

I continued on to attain my Bachelor of Music Degree then a Bachelor of Education. Upon my graduation from university, I was hired immediately by the Coquitlam School District to teach music at Port Moody Secondary School. I currently teach choir, vocal jazz, vocal technique, concert and jazz band. I feel fortunate to have received an excellent education at Capilano.

Ingrid Gay (Graduate 1993)

The years I spent in the Bachelor of Music Transfer Program at Capilano were definitely formative. My time there has set a solid foundation for me musically and importantly as a person. Being at Capilano taught me to aim for excellence and to strive for the best possible music and beauty that can be expressed. I always felt supported and encouraged not only by the fantastic faculty but also by the administrative staff. The small class size, the personal care and attention always made me feel at home. I truly value the personal touch and relationships with the staff, faculty and students.

At Capilano I felt inspired to want to learn more, inspired to make music, and inspired to share what I learned with others. I loved being there.

Hussein Janmohamed (Graduate 1993)