Originally from Chéticamp, Nicole Deveau is an Acadian singer-songwriter deeply involved in the cultural life of her community. She has been immersed in music since childhood, introduced to dance at the age of five, the piano at six and the violin at twelve. It was therefore very natural that Nicole became a music teacher at NDA School in Chéticamp, immediately after obtaining a double bachelor’s degree in music and education in 2009. Her passion for music then turned into a passion for teaching music. Because Nicole says it herself: “I really enjoy teaching. You can see the love of music in the eyes of children… ». This passion will very quickly translate into an unwavering commitment to her students and their families…
Bringing your values to life through music
From her first years of teaching, Nicole Deveau (then Nicole LeBlanc) showed exemplary dedication to her students. She coaches the Acadian and Celtic dance troupe of the NDA school, La Swing du suête, of which she was the director from 2010 to 2018. She is fully involved as a volunteer in the organization of multiple concerts involving students in her community. For her students, she is undoubtedly the idol of all the young musicians of Chéticamp. What also particularly motivates her is to introduce her students to other Acadian communities and cultures. It was not long before she was recognized by her professional community and her province. In November 2012, Nicole Deveau (LeBlanc) was one of ten teachers recognized as making a difference by the province’s Teachers’ Union. A few months later, another surprise awaits her…
In April 2013, her efforts to perpetuate Acadian culture were recognized by the province during Education Week, which was devoted that year to the theme “Teaching for a Sustainable Future.” Without a doubt, these marks of recognition could only encourage Nicole to mobilize full-time for her community. In 2019, her teenage dream became a reality. She opened her own music school, which she named Raveston, an old Acadian word meaning “detached parts of a song or any musical composition” (Le Glossaire acadien, 1993). It is a beautiful symbol for this school that brings together the members of its community, mixing ages, styles and cultures. It is therefore very logical that in 2020, by receiving the Vital Prize, Nicole is rewarded for her essential role in the artistic community of Chéticamp.
However, this is not all. Nicole Deveau has long had a passion for singing and solo music, which she has practiced in many local shows. She even received a great award at the ECMA 2014 festival with a nomination for her first solo album Entre deux Portes, mixing country and traditional songs. Today, as part of the Hirondelles trio, Nicole has fully converted to the traditional songs of Chéticamp, choosing an authentic but original cultural approach. We can only wish her to carry her motto of “building community through music” loud and clear for a long time to come.
Photos: courtesy of Nicole Deveau.
Jean-Marc Agator
Paris, France