Music Program paves way to degree

Tyler Belding says the Douglas Music Program gave him the skills and confidence to apply for university.

Tyler Belding has come a long way. The self-taught musician came to Douglas College with no formal training. Today, he is completing his Bachelor of Music with a major in guitar performance at the University of British Columbia (UBC). And it’s thanks to his positive experience at Douglas, says Belding.

"The transition was very smooth. The teachers at Douglas College fully prepared me for the classes I'm now attending at UBC. Socially, some of my friends from Douglas transferred to UBC as well so I still get to see them, and I've met some new talented and interesting people," says Belding.

In 2006, Belding enrolled in the Basic Musicianship Program at Douglas, which is tailored to students with little or no music training, or who need repertory experience in order to enroll in university.

Immediately, Professor Michael Strutt, who also teaches at UBC, noted Belding’s potential. In fact, he asked the young musician why he wasn’t enrolled in the Music Program instead. Belding transferred into the Music Program and hasn’t looked back since then.

"After studying at Douglas, the shift to university was no big deal at all. The quality of teaching at Douglas is very good, comparable to anything at UBC," says Belding.

Starting at Douglas also gave Belding the opportunity to build a rapport with Strutt, who is now teaching him at UBC.

"The instruction I received from Michael while attending Douglas gave me the skills and confidence necessary to get into UBC as a performance major," says Belding.

His confidence was also boosted when Belding made history as the first Douglas student to compete in the Northwest Guitar Festival last Spring. The annual festival is a classical, acoustic and flamenco guitar extravaganza. Though he didn’t win top prize, Belding held his own against 20 other musicians, many of them fourth-year university and graduate students.

"It was a win-win situation. I was exposed to the world of classical guitar, workshops, shows and master classes. I learned a lot from watching professional guitarists playing," says Belding.

Related Links

Information Sessions
Music University Transfer Program
Basic Musicianship Program
More Feature Stories