Vancouver Adapted Music Society (VAMS)

02/04/2026

12/27/2025

🎵 This snippet of our recent Strong X Virtual Concert featuring Turner Churchill as CRITTR showcases the track "Tree Line." You might remember the adapted synthesizer in a past episode of Music for Everybody. This concert highlights the instrument and shows it in action!

After building a career as a drummer and keyboard player in Vancouver’s psych-rock and post-punk scene, Turner survived a life-altering stroke that changed how he was able to make music. Refusing to give up, he reinvented his sound through synthesizers and electronic production. Today, CRITTR is known for blending electronic, synth, IDM, hip-hop, and alt-rock influences into a unique and innovative style.

🔗 Check out the full concert: https://youtu.be/bAIuIXvgpmU

12/24/2025

🎵 As the year comes to a close, we want to say thank you to everyone who was part of our community in 2025.

We’re so grateful for the time, care, and creativity that went into this year’s work.

Wishing you a restful holiday season. See you in 2026 with more music, performances and videos!

12/20/2025

🎶 VAMS is proud to present our latest Strong X virtual concert featuring Turner Churchill, a.k.a. CRITTR!

CRITTR returns with an electrifying adaptive electronic music performance as part of the VAMS Strong Sessions Virtual Concert Series, performed at Dogbowl Studios.

Collaborating closely with Bryden Veinot, VAMS Senior Program Coordinator, Turner released two EPs in 2023 (Glyph and Nite Shift). His newest full-length album, Catamount, marks a return to a more collaborative, layered, and experimental sound—bringing friends and fellow musicians into the creative process.

This full concert features eight original CRITTR tracks performed live in an adaptive setup that showcases Turner’s artistry, resilience, and innovation in accessible music creation.

🔗 Watch the concert now: https://youtu.be/bAIuIXvgpmU

12/17/2025

As part of our throwback Impact Series, we want to highlight something VAMS client Thora Rogers said: that VAMS makes her feel at home.

As our studio continues to grow, our top priority is maintaining a space where people of all abilities can learn, create and have fun.

🎵 Check out Thora's Strong X performance from 2020: https://youtu.be/7FYeu_ITOaY

12/13/2025

🎸 We're back this week with a new episode of Music for Every Body!

This guitar table helps wheelchair users or those facing strength barriers by playing a whole new way.

Famous Canadian artist Jeff Healey popularized this method of playing, showing that there's no right or wrong way to make music! Making this device is only possible with the support of the Tetra Society of North America, where you can go to adapt your own instrument to your abilities!

12/05/2025

As the Chair of VAMS' Board of Directors, Art Jonker brings creativity, artistry and lived experience to the society.

In 2017, Art spoke about the role VAMS plays in the disability community. Our resources help people with disabilities overcome barriers to playing music, whether they're just hobbyists or making a career out of their passion.

Thank you, Art, for continuing to elevate the VAMS mission after all these years!

🔗 Learn more about our Board of Directors: https://vams.org/directors/

12/02/2025

🎵 Today is Giving Tuesday — and you can help make music accessible for everyone.
Your gift today supports:
🎧 Adaptive instruments
🎹 Fully accessible studio spaces
🎤 Performances that celebrate talent, inclusion, and community
🤝 Creative opportunities for musicians of all abilities
This Giving Tuesday, let’s amplify every voice.

💛 Give today and help someone make music again:
👉 https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/350

11/30/2025

🎹✨ Giving Tuesday is almost here — and the music is already building!
This season, your generosity helps VAMS open the doors for musicians of all abilities to create, play, perform, and shine.
From adaptive instruments to fully accessible studios, your support helps transform passion into possibility.

💛 Get ready — Giving Tuesday is December 2.
👉 Donate early or learn more: vams.org/support

11/28/2025

🎵 New music alert!

Roots band Them Ordinary Things has released "Step on Inside," a brand new album filled with eight amazing tracks! The band consists of VAMS artist Simon Paradis, Paul Dwyer, Kaia Nielsen and Mark Lebbell, all singer-songwriters based in the Sunshine Coast.

🎧 Check out their record here: https://themordinarythings.bandcamp.com/album/step-on-inside

11/27/2025

Our 50/50 raffle is now live.
Your ticket helps VAMS provide accessible music spaces, adaptive instruments, and opportunities to perform — while also giving you the chance to win up to $10,000.

🎟️ disabilityfoundation.rafflenexus.com

Thank you for supporting inclusive music.