Postsecondary Studies

Prepare for entry into the world of professional music, a musical apprenticeship, or further study for professional credentials.

Upcoming Postsecondary Info Nights: Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

About

The Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Department of Postsecondary Studies offers programs both independently through its designation from the Private Training Institutions Branch of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, and Skills Training, and through its longstanding partnership with Camosun College.

As a community of ambitious artist mentors and staff who believe strongly in the Conservatory’s mission and vision, we are dedicated to creating a learning environment where each student can thrive. We work to incorporate the values of accessibility and inclusion into all that we do.

We work together to identify each person’s strengths, professional development goals, accessibility needs, and identification and communication preferences. We adapt our working styles and build our skill sets together to develop a culture of mutual trust and broad support while meeting the specific needs of our students and our programs.

I have made some of my best friends, been able to learn monumental repertoire, and I have been exposed to powerful performance opportunities. This program was life-changing for me.

postsecondary student
Postsecondary students playing clarinet and flute

Why Choose the Victoria Conservatory of Music?

No matter where you want to go in the music profession, we know how to get you there.

Artist faculty

Our faculty of artist-mentors is one of the finest and most diverse groups of teaching and performance talent in Canada. With international careers and countless prestigious industry awards, our teachers can be heard performing throughout Victoria, Canada and the world. Our real-world grounded approach to learning is backed up by many years of experience in successful active performance careers. We know how to guide you to achieve your best.

Programs

We offer a challenging, wide array of courses and degree plans in Classical, Contemporary, and Music Technology disciplines. Students perform in regular masterclasses with world-famous artists and take advantage of many customizable program options. Everything we do focuses on helping you achieve your highest performance potential. All our postsecondary programs are accredited for university transfer in support of your continuing education.

Small class sizes

With an average class size fewer than 12 students, our students receive more individual attention from their instructors. Teachers get to know each student individually and, in many instances, customize instruction according to student needs. Students have ample opportunity to interact regularly with each other, and often develop long-lasting relationships within the close non-competitive and supportive musical community that we nurture.

Financial support

We support your talent and academic achievements. This year, the Conservatory provided over $65,000 in entrance and continuing scholarships for students enrolled specifically in the Performance Diploma program, as well as over $100,000 in general scholarships. Diploma students also have access to Camosun College’s scholarship and bursary program.

Location

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is located in the heart of downtown Victoria, the exquisitely beautiful capital city of British Columbia, voted Canada’s Best Small City for 2022! Breathtakingly natural surroundings, mild weather, and an abundance of student life provides inspiration from every direction.

Unique performance venues

Built in 1890, our stunningly-handsome Romanesque building is one of the city’s most valuable arts resources and one of Canada’s most distinguished performance venues and heritage sites. The Conservatory is home to three individually unique performance spaces including the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, which showcases performances ranging from the Baroque to Indie-Rock concerts and more, and is also where our postsecondary students have their chance to shine each semester!

Camosun Partnership Programs

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For almost 50 years, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has proudly represented Camosun College as its exclusive provider of music programming.

Learn more about these specialized programs. Please note that there are two application processes: one for Camosun College, and one for the Victoria Conservatory of Music. You must do both to be considered for admission.

Diploma in Music Performance – 2 years

Our Music Performance program is the first of its kind in Canada. Unique performance-focused training is designed to meet increasingly competitive market demands for artistic versatility and presentational success. Creating, capturing, producing, and traditional stage performing, are all enhanced by state-of-art music technologies.

Learn more
Certificate in Music Technologies – 12 to 18 months (online)

This part-time program is a seven-course series that will help you learn skills in the four pillars of music technologies: digital notation; music sequencing; digital instrumentation/virtual instruments; and audio recording, mixing, editing and mastering.

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Certificate in Music Creativity and Performance Foundations – 8 months

A one-year course of studies designed for students intending to pursue studies in music at the postsecondary level, and who may require additional learning, including in theory fundamentals and one-on-one studio instruction in their instrument discipline.

Learn more

Other music class options

Music electives for Camosun students

Studying another topic at Camosun College but curious about music? Many of our classes are open as credit electives.

Learn more

South Island Partnership dual credit courses

The South Island Partnership allows South Island high school students the chance to take Camosun courses and earn dual credit – credit that counts toward both high school and college credentials.

Learn more

About Camosun

For almost 50 years, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has proudly represented Camosun College as its exclusive provider for music programs. Camosun is the largest public college in British Columbia, serving approximately 19,000 learners a year in certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree, and continuing education.

Each year Camosun welcomes over 1,200 Indigenous students from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit groups, and over 2,100 international students from more than 80 countries. The college welcomed its first student in 1971 and adopted the name “Camosun”, a local Lekwungen* name meaning “where different waters meet and are transformed.” Today it offers over 160 innovative programs to help meet the needs of students and communities in Victoria and beyond.

Being a part of Camosun offers our students great support services, counselling resources, and access to facilities, as well as individual support, care and attention not found in most post-secondary institutions. Our students also have access to Camosun College general scholarship and bursary programs, as well as scholarships available for students enrolled specifically in the Diploma in Music Performance program.

*(lək̓ʷəŋən – often called the Songhees or Songish by non-Lekwungens are an Indigenous North American Coast Salish people).

Postsecondary student playing electric guitar on AGPH stage 600px

Advanced Independent Music Studies (AIMS)

A one-year accredited certificate program of part-time study designed to provide advanced music students a program of intensive and project-based practical training in one of four pillars: Performance, Teaching, Technology and Creativity, and Business.

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BC Transfer Guide

Where to after our Diploma? The province of British Columbia has established the easy-to-use BC Transfer Guide, which allows students to plan their transition from one Postsecondary institution to another. You can study one to two years at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and transfer your credits to another university to finish your bachelor’s degree and beyond. Our students have gone on to complete major degree programs across Canada and the US.

BC Transfer Guide

BC Transfer Guide flowchart

The journey into the world of music is an exciting, and daring, confrontation within the depths of your spirit and your character. Challenge your creativity and enhance your performance skills supported by our close-knit nurturing community of passionate artists!

David Visentin, Postsecondary Department Head

Faculty

David Visentin

David Visentin

Director of Postsecondary Studies

Kyron Basu

Kyron Basu

Voice

Daniel Brandes

Daniel Brandes

Music Technology

Cari Burdett

Cari Burdett

Voice

contact us

We’d love to hear from you!

Interested in a Postsecondary program? We’re more than happy to connect with you one-on-one. Call 250.386.5311 or email to arrange a time.

David Visentin, Director of Postsecondary Studies
Dr. Alexander Richards, Student Information and Program Assistant