Albert Chan
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I knew I loved music and had to learn more about it. The program at UBC connected me with the wonderful Chan Centre and awesome peers and faculty with whom I developed and learned from.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
For personal growth, my conducting and private lessons have been the most impactful to me. They demanded that I believe in my own skill and trust the process of improvement.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I made sure to get as much experience in performing, teaching, and conducting as I could. Even learning how to photocopy as Ensemble Librarian has been a huge help as a teacher now.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I started as a part-time elementary music teacher at Squamish Elementary School. Since then, I’ve been a teacher on call and worked at Tom Lee Music as a sales person.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
It’s hard to say I expected it to go any smoother or different. Finding an available job where your skills are put to use may have been the toughest bit. In the process, I’ve learned how to reach beyond what I know and have enjoyed the process of being a lifelong learner.
What do you like about current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Making a positive impact on students is the most important thing for me. Seeing the moment when a student reaches a new milestone as a result of our joint work together is something that can never be replaced.
The challenges are that in the school system, many attributes such as your course load, classroom equipment/facilities, and student enrolment are often out of your control. These things matter a great deal in how your every day life can feel.
I managed to get a job where my degree is exactly what it was designed to do. It doesn’t always happen!
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
A formal skill set in the theory, history, and fundamental concepts of music has allowed me to interact with other artists (both musical and non-musical) in positive ways. It also helps me communicate the concepts to people who are less familiar with these concepts.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Get as much experience as you can in front of people teaching. Even better if it’s the age group you want to work with.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Keep in touch with your friends! You’ll need them more than you know.
Albert Chan
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I knew I loved music and had to learn more about it. The program at UBC connected me with the wonderful Chan Centre and awesome peers and faculty with whom I developed and learned from.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
For personal growth, my conducting and private lessons have been the most impactful to me. They demanded that I believe in my own skill and trust the process of improvement.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
I made sure to get as much experience in performing, teaching, and conducting as I could. Even learning how to photocopy as Ensemble Librarian has been a huge help as a teacher now.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
I started as a part-time elementary music teacher at Squamish Elementary School. Since then, I’ve been a teacher on call and worked at Tom Lee Music as a sales person.
Is your current career path as you originally intended? What challenges did you face in launching your career?
It’s hard to say I expected it to go any smoother or different. Finding an available job where your skills are put to use may have been the toughest bit. In the process, I’ve learned how to reach beyond what I know and have enjoyed the process of being a lifelong learner.
What do you like about current job and what do you find challenging? How does it relate to your degree?
Making a positive impact on students is the most important thing for me. Seeing the moment when a student reaches a new milestone as a result of our joint work together is something that can never be replaced.
The challenges are that in the school system, many attributes such as your course load, classroom equipment/facilities, and student enrolment are often out of your control. These things matter a great deal in how your every day life can feel.
I managed to get a job where my degree is exactly what it was designed to do. It doesn’t always happen!
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
A formal skill set in the theory, history, and fundamental concepts of music has allowed me to interact with other artists (both musical and non-musical) in positive ways. It also helps me communicate the concepts to people who are less familiar with these concepts.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Get as much experience as you can in front of people teaching. Even better if it’s the age group you want to work with.
What advice would you give to your first-year self?
Keep in touch with your friends! You’ll need them more than you know.
