The Certificate in Music Foundations is a one-year program designed for students intending to pursue further post-secondary studies, but need to master their chosen area of study and receive a thorough grounding in core subjects. Students will receive intensive one-on-one studio instruction on their chosen instrument with the goal of introducing them to new repertoire, enhancing their practicing skills and technical fluency, and developing excellence in performance.
Delivery of the Course
Foundation Year is offered over two 14-week semesters running from September to April of each year. Students should be prepared to dedicate both daytime and evening hours to scheduled courses. All courses are taught on the Victoria Conservatory of Music campus.
Courses are also open to qualified students from the community who are not in the Music Foundations Program. MUSF is the prefix for Music Foundations courses:
For a list of courses, please see the Camosun College Calendar
Course descriptions are available electronically upon request from the Conservatory’s
Registrar of Post-Secondary Programs
Fuchsia Shier, 250-386-5311, ext 2360
post-secondaryregistrar@vcm.bc.ca
Program Completion Requirements
Students must receive a grade equivalent of 70% or better in core MUSF, JAZZ and MUS courses and maintain an overall GPA for all MUSF, JAZZ and MUS courses (core and elective combined) of 4.0 (B-) to receive the Certificate in Music Foundations.
Credential Awarded
Certificate in Music Foundations
Majors
- Jazz: vocal, guitar, piano, bass, percussion, trombone, saxophone, trumpet
- Keyboard: piano, pipe organ, harpsichord
- Voice
- Classical guitar
- Woodwinds and Brass: bassoon, clarinet, flute, horn, oboe, saxophone, trombone, euphonium, trumpet, tuba
- Percussion
- Strings: violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp
Music Foundations students also study music theory, music history, musicianship (aural skills), complete two semesters of college English, and participate in ensembles.
Upon completion of the Music Foundations program, graduates are well-prepared to audition for the Diploma in Music or the Diploma in Jazz Studies programs.
Important Points of Information
The Victoria Conservatory of Music cannot guarantee that students will be able to study with the teacher of choice.
All changes to a student’s program of study must be officially completed in consultation with the Registrar of Post-Secondary Programs at the VCM.
A student who requires additional instruction may take VCM lessons at his/her own expense.
Students will be required to pay a VCM examination fee extra to the tuition in the following cases:
- Any exam that is not a required part of the Camosun program
- Any exam taken on completion of remedial instruction
