Vivian Wan ’25, one of Deerfield Academy’s songwriters and musicians, plans to release her first album for the entire world by the end of the academic year.
Wan’s passions for music started at a young age, fostered by a family of music lovers. Her older brother, who is a guitarist, pianist, and songwriter gifted her a guitar on her fourteenth birthday. That guitar inspired her to write her own music growing up, using songwriting as an outlet for her emotions.
Wan’s musical influences are diverse. “During my sophomore year, I listened to a lot of Phoebe Bridgers, which perfectly matched my mood,” she said. However, her music preferences also include classic seventies artists like Jim Croce and The Beatles, thanks to the cherished car rides with her dad. These influences shaped her not only as a musician but also as a storyteller through her song lyrics. The theme of her upcoming album, titled Metamorphosis, reflects her personal growth and transformation. “I wanted to explore how we change as we grow,” Wan said. Her songs, written over her three years at Deerfield, encapsulate her journey through adolescence and selfdiscovery. While most of her music features the her piano playing and vocals, she experiments with different styles such as symphonic rock to a capella pieces, thereby showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Wan’s perspective on music evolved significantly over the course of the album’s creation. “I’ve learnt so much about what music can be,” she said, crediting her classmates and music faculty members for enhancing her understanding. Choral Director Mike Pfitzer said, “Vivian has been a deeply committed member of our music program here for a long time.”
Whether it is the end of a Honors Vocal Ensemble class period or before a rehearsal, Wan would go up to Dr. Pfitzer and ask for his feedback on the latest piece she wrote. The collaborative environment in her composition classes has been particularly inspiring, allowing her to refine her songwriting and production skills, she added, “Mr. Bergeron has helped me focus on the details of my composition, making sure everything sounds just right.”
As Wan prepares for her album release, she hopes listeners will connect with her music on a personal level. “I want people to feel something when they listen to it,” she said. “Music should resonate with our own experiences.” Dr. Pfitzer highlighted her authenticity as an artist and growth as a songwriter, noting her personal songwriting style and development of her musical skills. He also emphasized Wan’s impact on the school’s music culture, her willingness to share her passion, and her influence on other students.
Looking ahead, Vivian Wan is excited about the finishing touches on her album, to be released on all popular music streaming platforms in the upcoming months.