Student Stories

Lois Delcambre

COCC Music student 
Emerita professor, Portland State University

Taking Music classes at COCC for personal enrichment, Lois Delcambre found an active learning experience with faculty that valued and connected with every student. 
 
"We had students from age 18 to 80 in the classroom. The instructors meet the students where they are in terms of their prior knowledge," says the retired computer science professor. "They welcome everyone. We were all treated with the same interest and respect."
 
In her Music Theory and Musicianship courses, Delcambre found "highly effective" dynamic activities, with instructors who were always available beyond class, through office hours and email. "I plan to take the next two classes in the sequence."

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Spencer Holliday

COCC graduate
Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree

COCC presented a literal stage for Spencer Holliday to find his place at the piano. Through recitals and music studies, he pushed past stage fright, performing for others, and grew confidence in his artistry, something he likens to storytelling.

“Because of the amazing opportunities, mentorship and scholarships at COCC, I was able to realize that a career in music was a possibility,” shares Holliday, a three-time recipient of the Sunriver Music Festival Young Artists Scholarship. 

“I chose to attend COCC so that I could seriously study music while getting the education I needed to succeed in this field,” he says. The faculty, he adds, really care about their students. “They pushed me to be the best I possibly could, even when I didn’t think that was possible.”

Having transferred to the University of Oregon in 2026 to major in piano performance and music education, Holliday hopes to share the same opportunities and mentorship he found at COCC with future students. “I want to inspire the next generation of pianists.”