Selkirk College, Attn: Melody Diachun
820 Tenth Street, Nelson BC, V1L 3C7, Canada
“She is—and will always be—a force to reckon with in contemporary vocal music.” —Toronto Music Report
Melody Diachun is a JUNO-nominated vocalist, songwriter, arranger, educator and recording artist known for her “soulful confidence, exquisite intonation, phrasing and sense of time.” —All About Jazz
She has released five critically acclaimed albums and appeared as a guest on many other award-winning recordings. She is a favourite on CBC Radio and has made television appearances on BRAVO, COOL TV, Joy TV and the BET Network. In 2009, she received a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at Canada’s National Jazz Awards.
Born in Montreal and raised in Nova Scotia, Melody was the first vocalist admitted to McGill University’s prestigious Jazz Performance program. After graduating with distinction (cum laude) in jazz vocal performance, she was awarded a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts and studied privately with Sheila Jordan in New York City. This was followed by a twenty-year career in Montreal, Banff and Vancouver.
Melody joined the faculty of the Contemporary Music & Technology program at Selkirk College in 2012. She became the program coordinator in 2015, and the chair for the School of the Arts in 2022.
Awards & Nominations
- TOP 10: Earshot National Jazz Charts, 2018
- NOMINEE: Kootenay Music Awards Artist of the Year, 2018, 2019; Best Blues Song, 2018; Best R&B Song; Best Pop Song, 2019
- NOMINEE: Canadian National Jazz Awards Female Vocalist of the Year, 2009
- WINNER: Western Canadian Music Awards Outstanding Jazz Recording of the Year, Altered Laws, “Metaphora,” 2008
- NOMINEE: JUNO Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year, Altered Laws, “Metaphora,” 2008
“My approach to teaching promotes transparent technique, musicianship and freedom of expression. I believe inspiration is most likely to spark when artists are encouraged to be themselves.” —Melody Diachun
Melodydiachun.com