Music

Performance · Competition · Royal Conservatory of Music

About my playing

A lifelong love of the cello

I've been playing cello since I was 5 years old, performing in orchestral, chamber, and solo settings. Through RCM examinations, local festivals, and national competitions, I've had the privilege of growing as a musician under the guidance of dedicated teachers and alongside inspiring fellow musicians.

The cello has taught me patience, discipline, and how to communicate without words. Every performance — whether a festival class or a school concert — is an opportunity to connect with an audience and share something real.

Annual Music Festival

Kiwanis Music Festival

The Kiwanis Music Festival is one of the most prestigious amateur music competitions in Canada, bringing together students across all instruments and age groups each year. I've competed over multiple years, earning recognition in various cello classes.

Year Class / Category Result Notes
Grade 9 Solo Cello 2nd Place Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival
Grade 8 Cello — 14 & Under Concert Group 1st Place Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival
Grade 6 Solo Cello Concert Group 2nd Place Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival
Grade 4 Cello 2nd Place Kiwanis Music Festival
Kiwanis
CMC Competition
National Competition

Canadian Music Competition

The Canadian Music Competition (CMC) is one of Canada's most respected national music competitions, open to young musicians across the country. Competing at the CMC requires performing a demanding repertoire to a high standard before a national-level jury.

Grade 6
Canadian Music Competition — Cello

National youth cello division

National Competitor

Selected to perform cello at the Canadian Music Competition, one of Canada's most respected national competitions for young musicians.

Royal Conservatory of Music

RCM Certificates

The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) certificate program is the gold standard for music education in Canada, providing a nationally recognized progression from Preparatory through Level 10, including ARCT-level Harmony & Counterpoint.

ARCT
ARCT Harmony & Counterpoint

Highest RCM theory level — completed

Cello
10
Level 10 Cello

Honours

Hist
10
Level 10 History

First Class Honours

Harm
9
Level 9 Harmony

First Class Honours with Distinction

About the RCM Program

The Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program is Canada's definitive standard for musical excellence, offering graded practical and theory examinations recognized nationwide.

Certificates are awarded after rigorous examinations assessing technique, musicianship, repertoire, and sight-reading before qualified adjudicators.

Cello practice
Conservatory

Vancouver Academy of Music

Allan studies and performs cello at the Vancouver Academy of Music, one of Western Canada's leading conservatories, earning recognition in its youth contests.

Grade 9
VAM Senior Class 3 — Cello

Vancouver Academy of Music

Excellent
Grade 6
VAM Intermediate Youth Contest

Vancouver Academy of Music

Outstanding Award
Cello
Distinguished Senior Performer's Certificate

Vancouver Academy of Music

Certificate
Scholarship
Scholarship Award

Vancouver Academy of Music

$150
Brass

French Horn & Band

Beyond the cello, Allan plays French horn in school and academy ensembles, performing across concert band and orchestral repertoire, and trumpet in his school jazz band.

Concert Band
French Horn — St. George's Senior Band

St. George's School

Vice Principal
Orchestra
French Horn — VAM Intermediate Orchestra

Vancouver Academy of Music

Player
Jazz Band
Trumpet — St. George's Jazz Band

St. George's School · Grade 9

Grade 9