Music is infinite and music is for everyone. All people have an innate and inborn sense of music which they can develop if they decide to apply themselves towards a goal. Music brings people together and builds a sense of belonging and community which are part of our basic human needs.
The History of Jazz Online Starting January 10, 2026
Starting January 10, the Saltspring Music Academy will be offering The History of Jazz Online, a 14-part personal interest course for anyone interested in how jazz music developed from blues and field hollers to the complex art form it is today. This course will run on Saturday mornings from 10am until noon Pacific Time from January 10 until April 11 on Zoom.
Register before January 1 to receive a 10% fee discount.
Fee $250 (register before January 1, $225)
A 14-week, 28-hour overview of Jazz Music from slavery to the present day. This course follows the socio-political events that propelled the movements of jazz in North America from field hollers and ring shouts to current trends. The development of the music follows the course of race legislation and economic development in the United States during the 20th Century. Students will learn to identify the important artists, ensembles and idioms in the jazz world as well as the ethos of this genre.
Course text:
The History Of Jazz (Ted Gioia) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Monik Nordine
Monik teaches saxophones, jazz improvisation, theory and ear training and taught jazz history for several years at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Her former students include Sharon Minemoto, Zoe Guigueno and Rowan Farintosh. She is available for online lessons only at the moment, contact her through Facebook Messenger to set up a time for lessons with Monik.
Kate Trajan – vocal teacher https://www.katetrajan.com/
Kate’s songs are piano driven, blending jazz, folk and pop, with provocative lyrics that feature her mezzo-soprano voice. Her influences include Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Norah Jones, Neko Case, Amy Winehouse, Eva Cassidy, and Kate Bush.
Contact: Kate.trajan@gmail.com
Mike Iurincic – guitar and bass teacher https://soundcloud.com/mikeiurincic
York University graduate 2016, Mike has studied with Lorne Lofsky, Kelly Jefferson, and Barry Elmes and performed for Vancouver Island Music Fest, Kispiox Music Festival, and Woodstove Music Fest. His influences include Guthrie Govan, Prince, John Mayer and The Beatles.
Contact: mike.iurincic@hotmail.com
Suzanne Gay
Suzanne teaches piano and does vocal coaching. With a Bachelors Degree in jazz piano performance and voice, she has been teaching on Saltspring since 2014.
Contact (250-221-7464) or suzmuzik@gmail.com
Julia Beatty – vocal coaching
Brandon Bronson – middle school music, elementary school music, drums and percussion
Bruce Cobanli – guitar, bass, songwriting
Iain Duncan – saxophones, ear training
Michelle Footz – high school music, trumpet, accordion
Bert Hollingsworth – guitar
Mary Kastle – piano, jazz, improvisation
Jason Kendall – guitar
Atom Lazare – drums
Ben McConchie – trumpet
Rose McGuire – vocals
Simon Millerd – trumpet, jazz, improvisation
Derrick Milton – trumpet (Island Winds Music)
Wendy Milton – piano (Island Winds Music). Contact: islandwinds@telus.net
Sue Newman – jazz vocals
Alex Pinto – guitar
José Sanchez – drums, Latin percussion, songwriting, music production
Jim Schultz – guitar
Ian Van Wyck – acoustic and electric bass
John Whitelaw – trombone
Tracie Whitelaw – bassoon
Monik Nordine 