On September 7, Durham College (DC) professor Jeff Dalziel was named the 2018 Record Producer of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) for the album What We’re Made Of by Warner Music Canada recording artists The Washboard Union.

A faculty member with the college’s School of Media, Art & Design since 2013, Dalziel teaches in the Music Business Administration and Music Business Management programs in addition to his work as a mixer, producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumental performing artist.

Dalziel received the award at the CCMA Industry Lunch & Awards, part of annual Country Music Week celebrations, held this year in Hamilton, ON. It was his second major win for 2018 having taken home Record Producer of the Year honours from the Country Music Association of Ontario in June.

With a career that spans nearly two decades, Dalziel is regarded as one of the top multi-genre music producers in Canada and currently has multiple hits on the charts and Canadian country radio. Under the banner of his own company, DIESELMUSIC, he provides A&R development for artists, produces, records, mixes, masters and co-writes songs for record publication, music, TV and film.

At DC, Dalziel uses his experience and expertise to prepare students for success in the highly competitive music industry. From major label presidents and A&R reps, to songwriters and artist managers, he draws top industry players to campus as guest speakers to provide the best music business learning environment in the country.

And while the CCMA Awards do not include a category for teaching, the number of Dalziel’s current and past students that he counted at the major industry event – working and thriving in the field they trained for and love – show he’s as successful in front of the classroom as he is behind the mixing board.