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Scott Johnson Named Executive Director of Music BC

The company's former board president and a longtime booster of music in British Columbia steps into a new role.

Scott Johnson Named Executive Director of Music BC

Music BC has named Scott Johnson as its new executive director.

The executive will lead the company's continuing mission to support and uplift music artists and organizations in British Columbia through funding, advocacy, programming, partnerships and more.


As he steps into this new role, Johnson brings decades of experience directly working with B.C.'s music industry. He has been involved in key initiatives such as the BC Music fund, a $15 million investment into the industry between 2016 and 2018 that created nearly 300 sound recording projects, thousands of jobs and an amplification of B.C.'s role in Canadian music, notably through the 2018 Juno Awards in Vancouver which generated $10.9 million in economic impact according to CARAS.

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“Music BC plays a critical role in supporting and connecting BC’s music sector, and I’m honoured to take on this role,” says Johnson. “As both a music industry professional and musician, I care deeply about the artists, creators, and organizations that make BC’s music sector so vibrant. I’m excited to work alongside the Board, staff, members, and partners to support the next chapter of growth for the organization.”

Johnson previously served as vice chair of the Western Canadian Music Alliance (BreakOut West) for over a decade, a multi-day conference and showcase dedicated to artist and career development among rising talent in Western Canada. He most recently was the western region manager at Warner Music Canada, and returns to Music BC after previously serving as the company's board president from 2011-2019, serving four consecutive two-year terms.

“The board is thrilled to welcome Scott back to Music BC as Executive Director,” says Saralyn Purdie, Music BC board president. “His extensive music industry experience, institutional knowledge, and genuine passion for the BC music industry makes him very well-positioned to move the organization forward. The Board is excited to work alongside Scott as Music BC continues to support and advocate for the province’s music sector."

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John Harris
Courtesy Photo

John Harris

Business News

Toronto’s Harris Institute to Close After Nearly 40 Years: ‘We’ve Had a Good Run’

The long-running music school's decision is reportedly a result of the provincial government's changes to post-secondary education, including visa restrictions for international students and the elimination of grants for private college students.

In December, Toronto’s Harris Institute close its doors. The Canadian music education institution, located at 118 Sherbourne Street, will cease operations after 37 years.

According to the organization, the decision follows major changes to the Ontario government’s post-secondary education plans, including the restriction of student visas for private colleges, the Ontario Student Assistance Program’s (OSAP) freeze on student loan payments and the elimination of grants for private college students.

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