About us
It all began with a big turn out for "Good Ol' Days Jazz Night" at Singing by the Sea!
"How many of you would love a daytime jazz choir here in West Van?"
Voila!
An email list of 30 interested singers!
2024-2025 was our first year together and we had a ball! We are excited about growing our group to an ideal 20 - 30 singers. If you LOVE the good ol' jazz standards and would LOVE to work with other singers toward a performance goal at The Clutch Historic Theatre for December... give us a call!
Our approach is rooted in quality and integrity, ensuring that everything we do reflects our commitment to
binging our best.
“Being part of both a Small Vocal Ensemble and the GOLD Jazz Choir gave me
exactly what I needed to grow.
My voice, my confidence—even how I see myself as a musician—have all evolved through working with Sandi.
She brings so much joy and clarity to the process. Her energy and encouragement make every session feel like a gift.”
★★★★★
Will King
"If anyone had told me that I would be singing in a small group, and even performing on stage at the Cultch, AND managing to actually enjoy my few bars of soloing, I would not have believed you but here we are.
Harmony House provided such a safe place to play with my voice, that I learned to trust it. Thank you, Sandi, and all the GOLD Jazz Choir people for being such a lovely Diva-free Zone. I can't wait to come back to see what I end up surprising myself doing next.”
★★★★★
Sandy Keane
“Sandi creates the most inclusive, non-judgmental space I’ve ever experienced as a singer. Whether the GOLD Jazz Choir or
my Small Vocal Ensemble, I feel safe to grow, explore, and be fully myself.
Harmony House weaves together community, creativity, and playfulness—it’s uplifting, joyful, and deeply meaningful.
I’m so grateful to learn with such an inspiring teacher and vibrant group of peers.”
★★★★★
Suzanne Belanger
"I signed up for the GOLD Jazz Choir and ended up in an 8 person ensemble which I initially found quite intimidating. Under Sandi’s gentle and expert direction, fear turned to joy as we explored songs and our voices and then came confidence. I received so much more than I could have imagined from this experience which is why I will be back in September! "
★★★★★
Jane Fairbairn
"When I first saw Sandi at a "Singing by the Sea" event in West Van, she had us—about 100 random people—singing Miley Cyrus’ Flowers, with harmony and attitude—
in less than an hour!
I loved her voice, charisma, pizazz, ability to lead a group, all of it. I knew I had to work with her, and haven't been disappointed.
We just finished recording at a studio in East Van and performing at the Cultch!"
★★★★★
Jean Emmerson
Intentions and Purpose
-
Connect weekly with fellow singers who share your love of jazz and tight harmony
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Explore jazz standards from the golden era of the 1930s & 40s — both theoretically and somatically
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Strengthen your vocalist skills by creating neuro-pathways through guided, experiential exercises
- Step up to the solo plate when you feel ready
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Prepare and polish jazz arrangements for performance in a professional recording studio and live at The Cultch Historic Theatre!
Teacher Bio – Vancouver Vocal Jazz Lab
Sandi Melody is a jazz vocalist, choir director, and somatic voice coach with over 30 years of experience teaching singers of all levels. As the founder of Harmony House Music Studio, she has directed community choirs, small ensembles, and vocal workshops across Vancouver and internationally.
Sandi brings together her deep knowledge of jazz standards, somatic pedagogy, and ear-training to help singers grow both musically and personally. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in creating a psychologically safe, playful, and supportive environment, where singers can take risks, build confidence, and discover the joy of being themselves while improvising and soloing.
She is passionate about helping singers connect more deeply with their voices, each other, and the timeless music of the golden era of jazz.
Want extra practice developing your independent vocalist skills?
Consider joining Vancouver Vocal Jazz Lab
Thursdays 11am - 12:30pm
@St. James Community Square
Drop in $20
Series Pass $195
(Series Pass offers a $65 savings + full song & exercises booklet)