If you are looking for an adjudicator who creates a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere as well as a positive experience for everyone involved, please submit the information below. I look forward to hearing from you.
ADJUDICATION
I regard adjudication as both an honour and privilege in supporting students and teachers in their efforts to develop their art and craft in an encouraging and relaxed atmosphere.
I am a member of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators' Association (CMFAA). I was an external Adjudicator/Examiner for the University of British Columbia Guitar Program in the Faculty of Music from 2000-2012. I was also the Director of Guitar and Strings, at Kwantlen Polytechnic University from 1993 – 2019.
One of the many highlights I have had over the years was adjudicating the 2012 National Music Festival and the 2022 Qualifying Round of the National Music Festival. It was fantastic to meet and collaborate with colleagues from all over North America and, of course, work with some amazing young talent from across Canada.
Over the years, I have learned a lot about adjudication. For example, when working with very young students, it is highly unlikely they will remember who I am or what I have said, but they will remember how I made them feel about their performance. A mistake or shortcoming should not be the defining moment of their experience. For them, the single most important thing I can do is encourage a love for music by helping them have a deeper understanding of their creative work and themselves. Similarly, for intermediate or advanced students, my role is to highlight their accomplishments, offer a positive redirection in one or two areas, ignite their imagination, and encourage them to develop their own voice and creativity.
As an adjudicator, I am also there to support the community of guitar instructors, parents, and participating students and let them know that their contribution is valued, important, and their efforts are paying off.
Interested in having me adjudicate your festival?
2024 - Alberta Provincial Music Festival
2024 - Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival
2024 – Langley Community Music School Scholarship Festiv
2023 – Edmonton Music & Speech Arts Festival
2022 – VAYA International Music Festival (Fall)
2022 – National Music Festival (Local Stream Qualifying Round)
2021 – South Surrey / White Rock Music Festival
2020 – BC Conservatory of Music
2019 – Langley Community Music School Scholarship Festival
2019 – Carillon Music Festival
2018 – BC Conservatory of Music
2018 – Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts
2017 – Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival
2017 – BC Conservatory of Music
2017 – Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival
2016 – Alberta Music Festival
2016 – BC Conservatory of Music
2016 – Richmond Music Festival
2015 – Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival
2015 – Richmond Music Festival
2014 – Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival
2014 – Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts
2013 – Richmond Music Festival
2013 – Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival
2012 – National Music Festival
2012 – Yukon Rotary Music Festival
2010 – Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts
2008 – Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival
2006 – Carillon Music
2006 – Chilliwack Lions Club Music and Dance Festival
2005 – Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival
2004 – Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts
2004 – Penticton Kiwanis Music Festival
2003 – Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival
2002 – Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival
2002 – Kelowna Kiwanis Music Festival
“Musical ability is not an inborn talent but an ability which can be developed. Any child who is properly trained can develop musical ability just as all children develop the ability to speak their mother tongue. The potential of every child is unlimited.”
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
In keeping with the positive atmosphere of music adjudication and the culture of your festival, I try to create a relaxed and encouraging ambience for the students, teachers, and parents, as well as those who volunteer in support of the festival.
I provide positive and encouraging feedback that is practical, insightful, and encouraging, in a thoughtful, caring way. Constructive criticism can be provided as long as it is coupled with positive reinforcement. In other words, it is important to highlight the merits of a performance as well as offer positive redirection in areas that require some additional work.
My primary role is to provide feedback that helps participants grow as artists as well as a human being, through an enriched and deeper understanding of their creative work.
I am an artist-educator who has the experience, expertise, and training, as well as the deep commitment to creative learning that helps students discover and realise their music potential. My adjudication provides positive reinforcement to the participant about the strengths of their work along with critical feedback (i.e., positive redirection) that helps young musicians grow in their creative pursuits and as a human being.
