West Coast Jazz Academy

Founded in 2017, Ryan’s West Coast Jazz Academy provides a safe and supportive space for up and coming jazz musicians in Victoria and beyond to develop their skills. Activities include combo rehearsals, college and university audition preparation and support, private lessons and the annual Saxophone Summit, a week-long intensive for intermediate and advanced saxophonists and rhythm section players. The core faculty includes Dr. Tony Genge on piano and organ, Joe Poole on drums and special guest instructors have included saxophone giants Phil Dwyer, Perry White and Shuffle Demon founder Richard Underhill!

Many of Ryan’s students have gone on to attend prestigious post-secondary music schools throughout Canada and the US, including several who received full or partial scholarships to Berklee School of Music in Boston, The Manhattan School of Music in New York, McGill University in Montreal, Capilano University in Vancouver and Humber and the University of Toronto in Toronto. High school students have also been featured in the provincial and national all star big bands and concert bands.

Testimonials

“Over the years I’ve studied with Ryan, he has truly been a mentor to me, teaching me so much about harmony, language, and technical skills, which all have been incredibly helpful in college, and in my career. The saxophone bootcamp he held last year was a great proof of concept, and got us all to work on band leading skills, and how to run rehearsals in a small band setting. Overall, Ryan has been instrumental in my career as an artist, and never fails to keep giving new advice and new angles to look through. He’s a saxophone and musical giant, who I’m grateful to have met and learned from.“

— Cole A, full scholarship to Berklee School of Music

“Ryan Oliver is an incredible mentor, role model, and player. Playing with him in the Metro Big Band has pushed me to better my playing and study music at university. His personal teaching has been influential in motivating me to play music and has helped my skills immensely. All of Ryan’s incredible teachings and motivation culminate in his saxophone intensive camp that brings together young and old musicians alike. You could not be taught by a better teacher.“

— Emma B, High school music student, attending university next year