VAMS Programs
Our goal at VAMS is to cultivate musicianship through music lessons, artistry through professional recording studio services, and support our community with accessible live performance opportunities.
VAMS is not a Music Therapy program. Our staff are trained audio professionals and musicians. Please use your discretion when booking on behalf of another. If you are unsure if this program is the right fit, please contact us.
Click the headings below to read about our programs
Music Lessons
VAMS’ music lessons program introduces musical expression and provides opportunities for people with disabilities to connect with their musical passions and interests. The program guides people with disabilities as they discover music and begin to participate in musical activities. VAMS offers music lessons for people with disabilities, regardless of experience level.
In these lessons, VAMS staff and volunteers assist participants at all stages of the musical process. From introducing students with disabilities to music, exploring accessible studio equipment and learning instruments designed for those with limited mobility and dexterity — our music lessons are all-encompassing.
Students can choose between guitar, bass, piano, ukulele or drums. VAMS can provide instruments for those who do not have their own or need adaptations. We also teach music theory, songwriting, recording techniques, and live or digital music production.
In-studio lessons are booked on a first-come-first-serve basis and are offered between 9 am and 5 pm during weekdays. Virtual lessons are scheduled within the same times and can be outside of regular hours if volunteers are available. Each lesson is 1 hour or 30 minutes, depending on preference.
In addition to rudimentary lessons, VAMS offers a Mini-School that allows students to gain further music education.
This nine-course, non-accredited curriculum provides theoretical and practical hands-on learning related to musical exploration and the music industry.
This engaging and hands-on set of workshops is an opportunity to explore the student’s interest in various facets of the music industry and includes both classroom instruction and applied experience.
Each course consists of hour-long, one-on-one lessons with our instructors.
If you are interested in one or any of these Mini-School courses, please contact us at info@vams.org.
Recording and Producing
For participants looking to create, write, produce, record, mix and master original music, our recording and producing program is a perfect fit. The program offers an essential step for people with a disability to enhance their skills and challenge themselves in the musical world. For aspiring musicians, recording music in a studio and producing a unique recording is an incredibly gratifying and rewarding ambition.
The VAMS studio and studio team come with the knowledge and abilities necessary to support our participants to the fullest. At GF Strong, our accessible music studio allows VAMS members to experience the entire recording process, from rehearsal to mastering, arranging and mixing techniques, and, ultimately, the production of the final tracks.
Audio projects beyond music, such as audiobooks and soundscape compositions, are also welcome.
A VAMS employee must be present to facilitate a session, but clients can choose how the VAMS team helps them in the studio.
When booking a recording session with us, please indicate the nature of the project in the additional information section so our team can be prepared.
Live Performances
VAMS understands the barriers many of our clients face when performing live. We’ve created opportunities by hosting events ourselves or working with local event coordinators who hire VAMS artists to perform. To open performance opportunities to everyone, VAMS conducts an accessibility audit before booking venues for our events and for clients hired to perform at events outside of our programs.
From conceptualization and arrangement to rehearsal and the big show, VAMS staff and volunteers are with artists every step of the way to create a fun and encouraging live performance.
The Strong Sessions, a multi-band performance showcasing VAMS artists and Vancouver talent, is our biggest and most successful event. The previous show in August 2024 was a huge hit — The Strong Sessions will be back in 2026!
The Strong X Virtual Concert Series is a recorded and edited live concert featuring VAMS artists and is our response to the shutdown of many venues throughout 2020-2022.
In addition to the Strong Sessions, we host concerts throughout the year featuring different VAMS artists. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for announcements on upcoming VAMS events and performances.
VAMS concerts help to raise awareness and create inclusive communities. Each concert provides a showcase for those new to VAMS to see the levels reached by others who came before them.
Find some of our past live performances on our YouTube Channel — be sure to subscribe!
If you want to perform with us, please email us at info@vams.org and include all relevant links to your work.
Adapted Instruments and Equipment
At VAMS, our number one priority is eliminating inaccessibility and breaking down barriers to playing music. At the forefront of all our programs is adaptable equipment and an accessible studio to meet clients’ accessibility needs. Every aspect of our studio — located at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre — was designed to accommodate people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. This includes instrument modifications that help to open new pathways for playing.
Our adaptive instruments and devices were made by hard-working volunteers at Tetra Society of North America. For an extensive list of our studio equipment, please visit our Studio Specifications page.
Session Guidelines
Participants are limited to one booking per week.
If more than one is booked in the same week, we will approve the earliest one of that week and cancel any that follow.
There is a maximum of 3 active bookings at a time.
When the first lesson or session is completed, you may book another one. If you book more than 3 lessons or sessions, we will approve the first 3 and cancel any that follow.
Participants are encouraged to book their own times or have someone who supports you do it for you.
If you face any barriers using the booking platform, please let us know at info@vams.org so we can help.
For a step-by-step tutorial on booking a session, please view our
booking tutorial below:
Code of Conduct
The Disability Foundation and affiliated societies’ locations, programs, and events are inclusive and welcoming environments. Participation in any of the aforementioned organizations is subject to the observance of the Disability Foundation and affiliated societies’ rules and procedures. Staff, volunteers, and clients are part of a team and expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner. This means that physical harm, verbal or written abuse, harassment of any kind, and any bullying behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone found to have committed conduct prohibited by the societies is subject to disciplinary actions as deemed fit by the Executive Director, up to and including removal from the programs.