Life in concert
May 14, 2026
When Liv Carlson came to UVic, she was already keenly aware of the power of music. A percussionist who grew up in Calgary, she completed her first undergraduate degree in Music Education at UVic and then returned to earn her Bachelor of Education. Now a graduate of the B.Ed. Secondary Post-Degree Professional Program, she’s playing with the Victoria Symphony, teaching drumline, and working as a Teacher on Call in the Greater Victoria School District.
What moment or memory stands out most from your time at UVic?
During the summer of my education degree, one of our professors held class at Cadboro Bay. Everyone showed up a little early so we could spend some free time on the beach. People brought snacks and little camping stoves to make coffee, and we sat in the sun, chatted, and just enjoyed being there together.
I remember thinking how lucky I am to live and learn in such a beautiful place, surrounded by such remarkable people. That afternoon is one of my favourite memories from the whole degree.
Where did you spend most of your time studying, hanging out or unwinding on campus?
During my first degree, I lived in the basement of the music building – in the practice room. I was there so often it started to feel like a second home! In my second degree I spent lots of time at Mac’s Café, in Mystic Vale, or sitting in the quad doing homework or chatting with friends.
Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?
My adolescent psychology professor, Cindy Brown, had a genuine impact on me during my education degree. She has a gift for explaining how the adolescent brain works and what it actually means to support young people in learning, and she brought real joy to the classroom, with energy and humour that made even the most challenging material feel accessible. I took three of her courses, and each one deepened my understanding of what good teaching looks like, how to support healthy development in students, and what it means to show up for them as a positive presence.
What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?
I had the privilege of completing my final practicum at Oak Bay High School, working with concert bands, orchestra, a jazz ensemble, and a drumline I started from scratch. Two moments stand out: planning a field trip for my jazz students to Hermann's Jazz Club, and conducting in three of their concerts. That last concert carried real weight — it was the culmination of five years as a music and education student.
The connections I made with those teachers and students are ones I'll carry forward, and the experience deepened both my love of music and my commitment to teaching.
What are your plans for after graduation and is it the path you envisioned for yourself growing up?
It's everything I hoped for, and I feel genuinely fortunate. During my final practicum, I was hired by the Greater Victoria School District and became a Teacher on Call (TOC). For the past three months, I've been working in schools across the city, subbing for music teachers, learning different programs, and meeting new people at every turn.
Being a TOC also gives me the flexibility to keep doing everything else: teaching private music lessons, running drumline, and performing with the Victoria Symphony. My life is full of music and teaching, which is all I ever really wanted. I'm excited to keep growing into this career.
What would you tell someone who is considering choosing UVic for their degree?
If community matters to you, UVic is the place. I've made friends I'll have for life, and I got to spend years learning in one of the most beautiful places imaginable. That combination is hard to find.