For Professional Development or for Associate of the Victoria Conservatory of Music certification, this two-year program in Pedagogy and Literature is offered in Piano, Voice, Flute, Strings, and Guitar.

This flagship program – unique to the VCM! – offers instruction to new and experienced studio teachers who wish to develop and expand their teaching skills. Through the Pedagogy and Literature program, students will explore the art of teaching their instrument, practice of employing pedagogical methodology, and the joy of bringing about music-making in their students through traditional and innovative literature choices. Classes include lectures in pedagogy and teaching methods, demonstration teaching, and review of instructional literature and performance practice.

Students may choose full-time or part-time study!

Full-time students will take a 2 hr. (flute or strings) or 2.5 hour (piano or voice) Pedagogy and Literature course; Advanced Theory (Harmony, Counterpoint, Post-1900 Techniques); Music History; Musicianship; Individual Instruction on their instrument; for non-pianists, Keyboard Skills; and for voice, language diction. Part-time students may select courses from these areas as their interest and time dictate.

Courses are offered in 14-week terms, two terms per year beginning in September of each academic year. Examinations for classroom disciplines are held in April/May of each academic year; examinations for practical disciplines are held between March and June of each academic year. Most students who enter the program at or above the VCM Grade 10 level in each of the above areas will complete the full program in two years, and in some cases, more quickly. Students who already possess a music-based credential from another post-secondary institution may have the option to challenge certain elements of the program through a Comprehensive Examination: each transcript will be assessed individually.

Candidates who satisfy the following elements (completing in full “one bullet” under each heading) to the required standard (60% or better) are eligible to apply to receive an Associate of the Victoria Conservatory of Music (AVCM), Teaching certificate:

Pedagogy and Literature:

  • Pedagogy and Literature 1, 2, 3, and 4 appropriate to first instrument; OR
  • Camosun MUS 150, 151, 250, 251 (Flute); OR MUS 152, 152, 252, 253 (Piano); OR MUS 154, 155, 254, 255 (Strings); OR MUS 156, 157, 256, 257 (Voice)

Performance on first instrument or voice:

  • AVCM in Performance examination including full adjudicated recital; OR
  • AVCM in Teaching examination fulfilled through studio examination (NOTE: Piano candidates fulfill this requirement through completion of examinations for Pedagogy and Literature 4; candidates for all other instruments must apply for and fulfill this requirement as a separate session for additional fee); OR
  • Camosun MUS 209.

Music Theory:

  • VCM 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 (or AVCM comprehensive examination for eligible candidates, see above); OR
  • Camosun MUS 221, MUS 228, and MUS 229

Musicianship:

  • VCM 11 (or AVCM comprehensive examination for eligible candidates, see above); OR
  • Camosun MUS 223

Music History:

  • VCM 9, 10, and 11 (or AVCM comprehensive examination for eligible candidates, see above); OR
  • Camosun MUS 110, 111, 210, and 211

Piano Proficiency (all disciplines except Piano):

  • VCM Grade 5 examination; OR
  • VCM Grade 5 level equivalence as completed through challenge examination when available; OR
  • Camosun MUS 227

All required courses must be completed before application is made to the Registrar of Post-Secondary Programs to receive AVCM in Performance: applications must be received before August 31 of any year in order to be considered for credential award at the VCM Awards Ceremony.

Entering students must take an audition and interview for the coordinator of Pedagogy and Literature program for your instrument, demonstrate a minimum performance level on their first instrument at or above VCM Grade 9 level, and must provide evidence of successful completion of English 12 with a mark of C+ or better.

Each program is registered under PCTIA. Courses are subject to change or cancellation if warranted by enrollment. The Conservatory cannot guarantee that students will be able to study with their teacher of choice.

These requirements may change with one full academic year notice (September to August). When preparing to enter the final year of your program, please consult the Registrar of Post-Secondary Programs for current requirements leading to credentialing for your instrument. Any requirement completed more than 5 years prior to the date of application for credential may be declined by the Chief Examiner for the discipline, and may be subject to a request to up-grade prior to award of credential at the discretion of the Chief Examiner for the discipline.

AVCM in Teaching Certificate is recognized by the provincial council of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association (BCRMTA).

Teacher Training Program Coordinators

Piano: Jamie Syer, B.Mus., M.M., M.M.A., D.M.A.
Voice: Ingrid Attrot, B. Mus., M. Mus.
Strings:
Flute: Mary Byrne, B. Mus, M. Mus., Ph.D.

For more information about the Pedagogy and Literature Program, please contact:

Registrar of Post-Secondary Programs
Fuchsia Shier, 250-386-5311, ext 2360
post-secondaryregistrar@vcm.bc.ca