Vancouver Academy of Music

The Vancouver Academy of Music is a wonderful place for music lessons and programs. It’s also the home base for the VAM Symphony Orchestra.

The Vancouver Academy of Music has programs for people of all ages and skill levels. Many of its students go on to study at some of the world’s top universities and conservatories. Some students also go on to perform in professional orchestras.

The VAM Symphony Orchestra puts on four main concerts each year. The final concert of the 2024/25 season was The Planets. It took place on Sunday, May 25th, in 2025.

The 2025/26 season opens with Next Generation on October 26th, 2025, at the Orpheum Theatre at 2:00 pm. The program features winners of the 2025 Bjorn & Lori Hareid Concerto Competition and the Young Composers’ Competition.

Tickets cost between about $9 and $19 per person. Visit the vancouveracademyofmusic.com website for full details on tickets and upcoming events.

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Vancouver Academy of Music

The Vancouver Academy of Music, or “VAM” for short, is a non-profit institution. Established in 1969, the academy offers a variety of programs for those of all ages to enroll in. They include Early Music Education for little kids, a collegiate program for high school students, and instrument lessons for groups of adults. Private lessons are also available both in-person and online.

The faculty at the Vancouver Academy of Music is not only supportive and inclusive, but also comprised of distinguished musicians who are alumni of world-renowned institutions. Some of the instructors are from places like the Juilliard School, Curtis Institute, Eastman School, and Royal Academy of Music (London). Additionally, many actively contribute to Vancouver’s vibrant musical landscape through their involvement with esteemed local organizations such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Vancouver Opera.

If you’re looking for a new hobby or want to build upon existing musical abilities, the Vancouver Academy of Music is a great place to do that! Students can try everything from the violin and guitar to the piano and percussion, all while learning from high quality instructors!

The Vancouver Academy of Music also puts on a variety of competitions and shows throughout the year. Some take place in-house, whereas others are held at larger venues in the city.

For more information about VAM Symphony Orchestra, visit vancouveracademyofmusic.com.

Academy Location

The Vancouver Academy of Music sits at 1270 Chestnut Street in Vancouver. The building is located in Vanier Park, where Bard on the Beach takes place during the summer. It’s also where you’ll find the Museum of Vancouver and HR MacMillan Space Centre. The Vancouver Maritime Museum is also nearby. The park is situated along the waterfront with beautiful views of English Bay and the city.

VAM Symphony Orchestra Shows in 2025 and 2026

The Vancouver Academy of Music puts on over fifty concerts each year. There are recitals for current students, as well as other events with live orchestra, vocal theatre and chamber music.

The academy’s flagship series of events feature shows by the VAM Symphony Orchestra. There are usually multiple concerts to enjoy throughout the year.

The schedule of VAM Symphony Orchestra shows for the 2025/26 season is below. General admission to each event typically costs around $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Unless stated otherwise, the concerts are held at the Orpheum Theatre and usually begin at 2:00 pm.

VAM Symphony Orchestra: Next Generation

October and 26th, 2025

VAM Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025/26 season with Next Generation—a showcase of competition-winning young artists, the debut live-voted Audience Award, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”). The concert takes place on October 26th, 2025.

Tickets for this concert cost $19.06 for adults (including online fees) and $13.91 for students and seniors. For family members of musicians, the cost is $8.76.

VAM Symphony Orchestra: A Musical Storybook

November 23rd, 2025

A Musical Storybook is a concert for all ages that begins with “The Composer is Dead” and then journeys through film favourites from “The Lion King” to “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Frozen,” “Up” and more. The concert takes place on November 23rd, 2025.

For more information about the programs and events, visit vancouveracademyofmusic.com.

VAM Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6

March 1st, 2026

Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony—Tchaikovsky’s ‘Pathétique’ paired with Forest Benson (2025 Kay Meek Competition winner) performing Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 5 (“The Egyptian”). The concert takes place on March 1st, 2026.

VAM Symphony Orchestra: Jaeden Izik-Dzurko Plays Rachmaninoff

April 26th, 2026

For the final concert VAM Symphony Orchestra presents Jaeden Izik-Dzurko Plays Rachmaninoff. Guest pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko tackles Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, alongside Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals and Bizet’s Carmen Suite. The concert takes place on April 26th, 2026.