About the Victoria Conservatory of Music

A charitable organization founded in 1964, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has served the west coast for generations, building a reputation of excellence in music education, performance, and wellness. A music centre for the whole community, we welcome participants of all ages and musical abilities, exploring their creative talents across musical genres and eras, supported by a range of instruments and technologies.

Each year, more than 4,500 students and music therapy participants engage in one or more of our six program areas:

  • Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music
  • Chwyl Family School of Contemporary Music
  • School of Music Technology and Creativity
  • Department of Postsecondary Studies, including programs in partnership with Camosun College
  • Department of Early Childhood Music
  • Department of Music Therapy

A community of over 130 faculty members, representing a variety of cultures and backgrounds, teach voice/vocals, keyboard/synth, strings/e-strings, percussion, brass, woodwinds, theory, writing and arranging, recording and production, early childhood music, and more.

The Conservatory operates two wheelchair-accessible locations in the South Island, with sites in Victoria and Langford. The Victoria location is home to the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, Wood Recital Hall, and Metro Studio Theatre.

Downtown Victoria
900 Johnson Street, Victoria BC, V8V 3N4

Westhills, Langford
210 – 1314 Lakepoint Way, Langford BC
(In the YM/YWCA Langford Aquatic Complex)

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is located on the traditional lands of the Songhees, Esquimalt, W̱SÁNEĆ and Beecher Bay Nations, where we are privileged to learn, work, and perform.

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is a registered Canadian charity (#108172255RR0001)

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Vision

“Music brings a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination…and life to everything.”
– Attributed to Plato.

Mission

We inspire, nurture, and enrich our community through excellence in music education, performance, and wellness.

Core Values

  • Excellence
  • Inclusivity and Accessibility
  • Stewardship and Accountability
  • Leadership
  • Innovation

View the Victoria Conservatory of Music Strategic Plan 2020-2025

Welcome from the CEO

Plato said that music gives “life to everything.” This idea, that music is as essential to life as water and sunlight, forms the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s vision of a lively musical community in the Pacific Northwest.

Since 1964, the Conservatory has built a reputation for excellence in music education, performance, and wellness. Open to everyone from dabblers to professionals, we proudly offer in-person and online programs in a variety of disciplines, through the Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music, the Chwyl Family School of Contemporary Music, the School of Music Technology and Creativity, the Department of Early Childhood Music, and the Department of Postsecondary Studies. You can learn about our progressive approach to music education here.

On top of this, the Victoria Conservatory is home to one of North America’s most distinguished music therapy clinics, delivering meaningful health benefits to well over 1,000 participants and the families who care for them. These participants range in age and medical complexity, and their contribution to the Conservatory’s artistic spirit cannot be overstated.

With more than 70 studios and classrooms in Victoria and Westshore, the Victoria location doubles as a performing arts centre, where participants enjoy unforgettable opportunities to perform on stage at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, the Wood Recital Hall, and the Metro Studio Theatre. These same stages also play host to global touring stars, literary figures, even astronauts! Our hallways, studios and concert venues are full of passion and life.

Whether you want to introduce your child to the world of music, or you are looking to join a community choir or orchestra, preparing for a music career, renewing your friendship with an instrument you once played, or you’ve retired and think the time has come to finally learn guitar, the Conservatory has the learning experience that is right for you. I invite you to browse upcoming activities and speak to the team.

Music has been heard on this island for thousands of years. As a charitable organization operating on the traditional territories of the Songhees, Esquimalt, W̱SÁNEĆ and Beecher Bay Nations, we recognize the privilege to work, create and perform here as we build toward a respectful and inclusive community.

We hope that this will be your year to make a sound at the Victoria Conservatory of Music!