Celebrating a partnership at the foundation of Selkirk College’s unique Contemporary Music & Technology Program, visiting faculty from the Berklee College of Music touched down in Nelson mid-October to explore the local scene and inspire learners.
One of the world’s renowned training grounds for music education, Boston-based Berklee has a global network that includes 25 partner schools from Spain to Japan. Selkirk College’s music program was originally developed 35 years ago by Berklee alumni who then became part of the original faculty. Over the decades, graduates of the two-year Selkirk College diploma program have advanced their education by transferring to degree-granting Berklee.
“In today’s music landscape, there are so many opportunities in the industry,” says Marc Yu, Global Programs and partnerships manager at Berklee. “The opportunities are out there for young aspiring musicians who are serious about this pathway. Berklee and Selkirk College are leading institutions in this field for people who want to have a career in the music industry.”
Selkirk College is one of two Canadian academic partners that work with Berklee. What sets the local program apart from other music programs across Canada is the focus on contemporary music rather than the traditional limitations at other post-secondaries that emphasize teaching in classical and jazz.
With a diverse faculty of award winning industry veterans, students who study at Nelson’s Tenth Street Campus have the opportunity to explore interests in a broad range of genres from pop, rock, and jazz to blues, folk, and world music. With options for second-year majors in performance, production, composition, songwriting or general music, students prepare for a long list of careers in the industry.
“This visit further strengthened our collaboration and reflected our shared commitment to providing aspiring musicians with a high-quality education and practical training,” says Melody Diachun, chair of Selkirk College’s School of Arts & Technology. “Based on the Berklee curriculum, Selkirk College offers students a strong foundation in contemporary music, and this visit allowed Berklee's team to engage directly with our students, faculty and regional high school music students.”
For the Nelson visit, Yu was joined by faculty members Jhony Keys and Ray Seol. The three Berklee representatives took part in class visits, one-on-one info sessions with students, performances, mock auditions, clinics on composing for video games, performance and career management, and presentations about transfer opportunities to Berklee. The team engaged with students both formally and informally, providing personalized guidance on advancing their education and careers in contemporary music.
“It’s really important to see all the students and faculty interacting with each other,” says Yu. “It’s amazing to see students so engaged in what they’re learning and the faculty who are there to support them in their goals.”
Off-campus, the Berklee team enjoyed socializing with the music faculty and students, and exploring the vibrant community of Nelson. They experienced some local highlights, including fabulous restaurants, live music venues, shopping, nature walks, a visit to Ainsworth Hot Springs, and the stunning colours of the season.
The strength of the bond between the two schools continues to grow in a community known Canada-wide for its eclectic arts scene and vibrant cultural landscape.
“This visit reinforces the strong and ongoing relationship between Selkirk College and Berklee, built on shared values of nurturing creative talent and expanding opportunities for our students,” says Diachun, herself an instructor in the program who actively records and tours. “The Berklee-Selkirk partnership allows students to access Berklee’s renowned resources and unique transfer options. This collaboration remains a key factor that sets Selkirk College apart from other post-secondary music programs, particularly in contemporary music, and continues to open doors for students to thrive on an international stage.”
