A young SoM student sings on stage with microphone.

lives

TRANSFORMING

through the power of music.

Empowering Youth, One Note at a Time

At Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM), we provide free after-school music programs for children and youth facing barriers to accessing traditional music education. Through the universal language of music, our programs offer a safe and inclusive space where students are seen, heard, and valued.

With campuses in Vancouver, New West, and Edmonton, we nurture creativity, resilience, and self-expression in over 1,100 young musicians each year. Supported by generous donors and community partners, we’re dedicated to transforming lives and building brighter futures through the empowering art of music.

A smiling student learns how to play the drums at SoM Vancouver.
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Drawing of two musical notes in a deep burgundy colour.

Hours of FREE music programming

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369

Classes offered EVERY week

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Locations across BC & Alberta

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Enrolled students

It’s More than just Music

A SoM student is performing guitar on stage and looks incredibly happy.

At SoM, we believe music is a powerful tool for connection, growth, and self-expression. That’s why our programs are designed to be more than just music lessons—they’re opportunities for young people to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and discover their potential.

Our tuition-free programs are open to children and youth from diverse backgrounds and abilities who face barriers to accessing traditional music education. From foundational classes to specialized small group sessions, SoM students explore instruments, songwriting, and performance in a safe and supportive environment.

With professional teaching artists, state-of-the-art facilities, and a compassionate, student-driven approach, we create a space where every student feels valued. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or taking your skills to the next level, SoM welcomes you to join our community of young artists.

THREE LOCATIONS

 one community

Street view of Mount Pleasant, the location of SoM Vancouver.
The SoM Vancouver location in Mount Pleasant.

Vancouver

In 2009, The Wolverton Family Foundation invested $7.7 million to help develop SoM's Vancouver facility. Over 880 students are impacted by SoM’s +46,000 hours of offered programming each year in Vancouver.

Learn more.

The SoM New West location at Douglas College.
Exterior view of Douglas College, the location of SoM New West.

New West

SoM’s New West program began in 2016 as a pilot in local elementary schools. In fall 2024, a new partnership with Douglas College in New Westminster provided state-of-the-art facilities, supporting over 100 students.

Learn more.

The SoM Edmonton location at MacEwan University.
Front view of the MacEwan University building, the location of SoM Edmonton.

Edmonton

SoM Edmonton opened in 2016 and partnered with MacEwan University in early 2023 to offer classes in their Department of Music building. Now Edmonton offers over 11,000 hours of music education to more than 170 students each year.

Learn more.

MEET SOME OF

our students

  • Jayden (15) & Ashton (12 ) are the incredible brothers known as “The Dynamic Duo”. Jayden has Autism and didn't speak until he was six and a half. He found his voice at SoM through music and singing.  Ashton, aka “Lil Charmer”, overcame stuttering by rapping and performing alongside his brother. They have attended SoM for the past five years and are a true testament to how transformative these programs are.

  • Logan (16), Anishnaabe and member of Henvey Inlet First Nation, is a talented student at SoM. He’s a guitarist in the band, The Upstairs Neighbours, and a drummer in a jazz band. Beyond performing at SoM’s Open Mics and Year-end concerts, Logan and his band perform in gigs throughout our community like Guilt & Co.. He was acknowledged as BGC Canada’s Indigenous Youth of the Year in 2022 for his volunteer contributions to BGC Canada – South Coast BC Club.

  • Leigh is a recent graduate of SoM New West and now a member of our SoM Alumni program, continues to create music by taking production classes at our Vancouver campus. Leigh was one of the first students to join SoM Surrey, beginning her journey in grade 6. Having just moved to the city, she felt extremely shy and nervous about making new friends and finding her place in a new community. Just months after her move, Leigh joined SoM—a community she describes as “a gift from the universe and her second home.”

  • Bridget is a talented, blind, jazz pianist. For Bridget, playing the piano is an intimate, tactile experience—she navigates the keys and creates beautiful melodies by feeling the music rather than relying on sheet music. In her four years at SoM, Bridget not only honed her talents, she began composing her own pieces. She recently attended the prestigious Berklee School of Music Summer Camp program and performed an original composition “Unveil” for Sarah McLachlan at the Canada Post stamp unveiling event in September 2024.

A group of SoM students pose for a photo while laughing.
Donors gather at one of SoM's signature fundraising events.