History of Via Musica

In 2005, as Dennis Chan and his colleagues faced the closing down of the store they taught in, he decided to form his own music school, thus Via Musica was conceived. With much helps from students, parents, and friends, Via Musica started her first term of teaching at an art studio, then moved into her permanent Mississauga location in October 2006. The Richmond Hill campus was in operation in summer of 2007. Outgrowing the facility, Via Musica Mississauga was relocated to a bigger unit in the same building in December 2011.

The infant stage of hi-tech classroom: using MS PowerPoint on projection, 2003.
The infant stage of hi-tech classroom: using MS PowerPoint on projection, 2003.
One of the last theory classes in the now closed down Mississauga Piano Centre, 2005.
One of the last theory classes in the now closed down Mississauga Piano Centre, 2005.
Lessons at Blue Tadpole Studio, special thanks to the owner and friend: Andrew Lau, summer 2006.
Lessons at Blue Tadpole Studio, special thanks to the owner and friend: Andrew Lau, summer 2006.
The walls were not up yet at the start of the first term at the new Mississauga location, Fall 2006.
The walls were not up yet at the start of the first term at the new Mississauga location, Fall 2006.
Moving into the Richmond Hill location in Spring 2007.
Moving into the Richmond Hill location in Spring 2007.
Renovation of the new recital hall, Mississauga, November 2011.
Renovation of the new recital hall, Mississauga, November 2011.

Vision of Via Musica

Music is a journey, not a destination; thus the name Via Musica (“The path of music” in Latin.) Our vision is to travel along with the students in this musical journey; to feel, to experience, to mature, and to enjoy the music together. We value students’ enjoyment of music more than the mere result from their exams. We do not believe that music education ends with certain exam, certification, or degree; but it is a lifelong learning process - starting from receiving instruction, then learning to learn by himself/herself, and to complete the cycle: giving musical instruction to others. Dennis has been inspired by many of his mentors, and it is his vision that our teachers will inspire students to fall in love with music.

But of course, academic excellence is what we aim for as well. Most of our students consistently score above the RCM National Average. Many have completed their either the Performance or Teaching ARCT diplomas.

Dennis Chan (left) with his teacher's teacher: Dr. Richard Lin (right), and Dennis' student Caius Tam (middle) Taken at the rehearsal for the Chinese Messiah Concert 2006, libretto was translated by Dennis' teacher, Prof. Stanley Cheng
Dennis Chan (left) with his teacher's teacher: Dr. Richard Lin (right), and Dennis' student Caius Tam (middle) Taken at the rehearsal for the Chinese Messiah Concert 2006, libretto was translated by Dennis' teacher, Prof. Stanley Cheng
Via Musica students receiving their ARCT Diplomas at RCM's Convocation 2008.
Via Musica students receiving their ARCT Diplomas at RCM's Convocation 2008.

Hi-tech Classrooms

Via Musica classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technologies to facilitate the best possible learning environment for our students. We do not use blackboard or whiteboard, all classrooms are equipped with multimedia projectors with 100” screens. (over 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall.)

All lessons are video-recorded and uploaded to our dedicated server. Students who wishes to review the lessons at a latter time, can access the recordings online. All classrooms are online-ready, capable of streaming live online theory or practical lessons.

Jade Wan teaching Basic Harmony on projector.
Jade Wan teaching Basic Harmony on projector.

Eco-friendly Endeavours

We are eco-friendly wherever possible. As early as 2004, we have already purchased double-sided color laser printers and copiers to minimize paper use. Since 2007, students’ homework are encouraged to submit electronically to eliminate paper use.

In 2009, we started digitizing practice lesson’ assignment book and stored online. Student, teacher, and parent can view it anytime, anywhere. Video clips of teacher’s demonstration, student’s practice are also stored online and linked to the assignment book. Via Musica finds this improves the communication and better the learn experience for the students.

In our latest stage of development (2010-2012), we are preparing our textbooks and exercises to be published in ebook format, to achieve the real paperless classroom environment. In the near future, Via Musica students will come to lesson with just a tablet computer, no more binders or hardcopy textbooks.

Cyber Presence

Over 20 years ago, a MCI Communications’ commercial fascinated Dennis that it is possible to teach violin from a distance, via video cameras and TVs, (and with MCI’s technological breakthrough of course.) About 15 years ago, Dennis discovered a pioneering project done by his graduate school University of Washington, which is to stream live lectures via internet. These two things keep Dennis dreaming of one day he can do the same, and propel him to research on teaching online. It has become a reality for Dennis in 2003 as he taught his first theory student located in US. These are the events that lead up to Via Musica’s cyber presence now.

With the advent of the internet and world wide web, the world has truly become a global village. Via Musica aims to extend beyond the physical locations and reach out to the world through our Virtual ClassroomTM. With over 10 years of research, development and actual teaching experience; Via Musica offers a true virtual presence for students taking lessons online. Students no longer have to travel to our physical locations, they can attend from the comfort of their own homes, even in different countries, and continents. So far we have Canadian and U.S. students coming from Provinces and States such as Ontario, British Columbia, Washington, Michigan, New York; and we even have students logging in from as far as People’s Republic of China!

Faculty

Dennis Chan (RCM Examiner, (Ret.))

Dennis Chan holds two conducting degrees: a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle; and a M. Mus from University of Washington. He also holds ATCL Diplomas in both violin and voice. Mr. Chan studied conducting with Prof. Stanley Cheng (Baptist University, HK) in lineage of Dr. Richard Lin, Dr. Byron McGilvray (SFSU), Dr. James Savage (Cornish), and Dr. Abraham Kaplan (UW). He studied violin Mr Kin-Wah Yau (Baptist University, HK) since 9 years old, later with former Kronos Quartet member Mrs. Ella Killian Gray. He studied music theory under the tutelage of famous American composer Bern Herbolsheimer, as well as Janice Giteck in lineage of Darius Milhaud and Olivier Messiaen. Mr. Chan studied Jazz theory with Prof. James Knapp (Cornish), Jazz bass with Prof. Chuck Deardorf (Cornish), and Jazz ensembles with Prof. Julian Priester (Cornish). Mr. Chan has years of experience in conducting and teaching in HK, USA & Canada; he is an active member of the College of Examiners of The Royal Conservatory since 2006.