Sounds from the Music Department
The music department is jam-packed with talented musicians. From bassists to drummers, to jazz players to rock players, the music department houses them all! Amongst these students are Cedric Ryder and Arvin Nazm. The two young men are students in the music program who have agreed to share their background in music with us. Here is what they have to say:
‘’For my entire life I’ve been surrounded by music and musicians. My dad, Clinton Ryder, is a professional Bassist, and my stepmother is a professional violinist. Both have influenced me by having me always surrounded by music. I’ve been playing music ever since I was 6 years old when I picked up the violin for the first time. 12 years later, I am playing in venues all around Montreal, playing with hip hop bands, underground rock shows, Latin/salsa bands, and of course, Jazz combos’’ (Ryder, 2025).
Arvin shared: ‘’I love everything about music. I played in a lot of bands in high school and loved learning about the history of music and the different styles and genres’’ (Nazm, 2025).
As a matter of fact, all music students at Vanier College don’t only learn how to perfect their instrument-playing abilities, they also learn about the history of various genres of music. This is important because it allows students to develop a deeper appreciation for the genres of music they play. Not to mention how much of a flex it is to show-off one’s music knowledge as a conversation starter or party-trick!
Cedric went on to share what instrument he plays and what fascinated him about it:
‘’I play the Trombone. I first started to learn the instrument when I was in 5th grade, at F.A.C.E school. My parents had placed me into an arts school, as they knew that music and arts is something that important for every human. They made the right decision, as I got hooked to playing the trombone right away. I always thought the trombone was a funny instrument, because I could make weird and goofy sounds that no other instrument could. Over the years, I’ve learned how to play piano, guitar, bass, drums, synthesizer, and have learned how to be a sound man and a recording engineer’’ (Ryder, 2025).
Arvin stated: ‘’I hope to become a better jazz guitarist. I’d like to learn more complex songs and learn to improvise better when I solo’’ (Nazm, 2025).
I also asked the boys in the areas they wish to improve their skills. Here is what Cedric had to say:
‘’I hope to learn how to communicate with my bands, as well as learn how to develop my own personal sound when I play my instrument. Communication is key to playing good music. A song played by a jazz band is like a conversation between several people – we all have a role to play, and we need to communicate with each other to build ideas and to structure a song. Another important part of being a musician is the ability to have your own personal sound on your instrument so that you are easily recognizable when you play. It helps with making a more diverse musical experience’’ (Ryder, 2025).
It’s always been my dream to be a pilot, and to be able fly such an expensive and powerful machine. Therefore, my plan is to get a degree in music, but then pursue aviation as a professional career. Music will always be a part of me, and you will always find me in a studio or on a stage performing all different types of music. Another one of my dreams is to be a musician icon. I’m currently working on a rock/alternative album, which will incorporate all my skills on several instruments (Ryder, 2025).
These students know that they are talented. Can you guess what they would like to pursue in University?…
”My plan after Vanier is to get an undergraduate degree in music, hopefully at McGill University. As many may know, being a musician isn’t always a successful career. And ever since I was a child, I have been obsessed with aviation. It’s always been my dream to be a pilot, and to be able fly such an expensive and powerful machine. Therefore, my plan is to get a degree in music, but then pursue aviation as a professional career. Music will always be a part of me, and you will always find me in a studio or on a stage performing all different types of music. Another one of my dreams is to be a musician icon. I’m currently working on a rock/alternative album, which will incorporate all my skills on several instruments” (Ryder, 2025).
Arvin: ‘’I’d like to continue studying music at university. Being a teacher at a CEGEP or University is the end goal for me’’ (Nazm, 2025).
If you would like to support tthese students, here is how:
Cedric’s Instagram: @realcedricryder
And fun fact about Nazm: ‘’I’m in a jazz band called the Mars Jazz Band (@mars_jazz_band) and we’re playing a show every second Wednesday of the month at La petite Marche. I’m also in a rock band called Rug Pull (@rugpullmusic)’’ (Nazm, 2025).
Be sure to support these young musicians by attending their shows and following them on their socials. If you are interested in joining the music program, make sure to visit Vanier College’s website which is linked below:
Music Programs at Vanier College – Vanier
