Suzanne Vaartstra
Singer / Songwriter / Musician
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About me
Suzanne Vaartstra
Canadian Singer, Songwriter & MusicianOn the Journey to Life and Light...
My name is Suzanne Vaartstra (pronounced: 'vart - strah') and I'm a singer/songwriter from Edmonton, AB, Canada (currently living in St. Albert, AB).I love pop/contemporary music with jazz/folk influences. I also love writing, creating, and listening to music that moves my heart and reaches those deep places in our souls.Here's a little bit about my musical journey:
I have been playing piano for over 35 years now. I was classically trained for many years and then attended the Jazz Music program at Grant MacEwan College (GMCC) in Edmonton, AB with a major in both Music Composition and Recording Arts.
I also sing, play some guitar, write songs and play Djembe and Cajón in contemporary style.I have released 4 albums (3 LPs and 1 EP) as well as a handful of singles!
* You can check out the Music section of my web page for all my releases! *Both of my Instrumental LP's "He Restores My Soul" and "See Amid the Winter's Snow" were nominated for a GMA Covenant Award for 'Instrumental Album of the Year' in 2010 and 2011respectively. I was honoured to be nominated both times!My 2017 LP "The Dark Threads" was my first full length album as a singer/songwriter. I won a GMA Covenant award for 'Jazz/Blues Album of the Year' in 2018 for my work. It was a highlight in my musical journey that I won't forget!My most recent release is an EP called "Silver Threads".
It was released in May of 2024 and I am so excited to share my heart through each one of the tracks.
These original songs were born out of my life’s journey over the last few years and they reflect the deep work that God has been doing in my heart and my soul. My prayer is that they would encourage you and give you hope as you continue your own life journey.~ Suzanne Vaartstra
MUSIC
Silver Threads (May 2024) EP
Silver Threads is the second in a three album concept that I have been working on. These original songs were born out of my life’s journey over the last few years and they reflect the deep work that God has been doing in my heart and my soul. My prayer is that they would encourage you and give you hope as you continue your own life journey.
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Just Me & You (2022) Single
I wrote this song for my husband for our 25th anniversary. This was a special one for me, in that I crafted it so that it would resonate with him in a meaningful way. Likely the oddest love song you may have heard? But to us - it's everything and describes our journey beautifully. Hope you enjoy!
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With This Life (2020) Single
I wrote this song for my album "The Dark Threads" back in 2016 - but in the Spring of 2020 I had a dream about this song. In the dream, I was singing it as a ballad... a farewell song to an old life. I truly believe this was the version "With This Life" was meant to be - so I released it as a single that same year. It's ok if you like the original version better, of course. But this version comes from a deep place in my heart and I'm proud to it.
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See Amid the Winter's Snow (2019) Single
Merry Christmas! Here's a new release of the Christmas song "See Amid the Winter's Snow"from my instrumental album with the same name. I have re-imagined it in a contemporary pop style and I'm so happy with it. Please have a listen and maybe add it to your Christmas music playlists! Merry Christmas!
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The Dark Threads (May 2017) LP
The Dark Threads is my first full length album as a singer/songwriter. It has ten original songs from my heart and soul to yours.
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See Amid the Winter's Snow (2010) Instrumental LP
There are twelve beautifully arranged Christmas carols on this full length instrumental album. The blend of piano and folk instruments with a Celtic flavor throughout makes this album a must have in your Christmas collection.
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He Restores My Soul (2009) Instrumental LP
Soothing and uplifting instrumental music with mixes of folk, jazz and Celtic beautifully blended together. This was my very first album and though I have moved on from this genre, it will always have a special little place in my heart.
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Hearts of Larimar
Welcome to my blog!
It's a safe place for me to write out some of my thoughts and feelings and unpack life a little.
Why "Hearts of Larimar"?Wikipedia says: "Larimar is a rare blue variety of the silicate mineralpectolite found only in the Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean. Its coloration varies from white, light-blue, green-blue to deep blue."In other circles, it is believed to have properties that help you heal. "Larimar helps to heal and tone the throat. It promotes self-confidence and encourages us to express our deepest truths and fears..."Now, I don't ascribe to these beliefs as a way of life, but it's sure beautiful to have a visual. And as a musical artist, I love the imagery and heart behind it.So stayed tuned for some blog posts from me in the coming months!