Summer Intensive Program: Art Song
August 24-28, 2026
Open to professional singers, advanced students, teachers, and keen amateurs, this course will explore the song repertoire from the 17th through 21st centuries under the guidance of world class faculty. Through voice lessons, coachings, masterclasses, and foreign language diction classes, singers will gain interpretive and technical skills in a supportive and inspiring environment. A concert at the end of the week will give participants an opportunity to perform and enjoy a potpourri of glorious song!
Singers accepted on this course will choose repertoire in consultation with our faculty. You will have the option of singing with harpsichord for baroque song, fortepiano for classical and early romantic song, and modern piano for later repertoire. The course is limited to twelve singers, minimum age 18.
Auditing
Auditors receive access to all masterclasses, lectures, and diction classes. Please note: auditors observe and will not be singing, but are welcome to ask questions and engage in discussions.
We gratefully acknowledge support from the Alan and Gwendoline Pyatt Foundation and a generous group of private donors.
Application and Bursary application deadline: June 1, 2026
Learn more
How to Apply
Please follow the steps below to complete your application. Please note, your application is not complete until we have received your application fee, form, and video.
1. Pay your application fee.
- Pay online.
- Phone the Conservatory with your credit card at 250.386.5311 | toll free in Canada & the U.S. 1.866.386.5311 (Please note, a 3.23% convenience fee applies to all credit card transactions.)
- Send us an e-transfer. Please call 250.386.5311 or email info[at]vcm.bc.ca for instructions.
2. Submit your application.
See below.
3. Upload your application video.
- An unedited video or audio recording made within the past year, of two contrasting selections, ideally in two different languages. Songs are preferred, but arias are acceptable.
In addition to helping to make sure this program is a good fit for you, the recordings will help the faculty in recommending repertoire.
Application Form
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Fees and Deadlines
$500 + $33 non-refundable application fee and Library Resource Fee*
*A 1% Library Resource Fee is added to all Community School registrations to support the Victoria Conservatory Music Library and Archives, which is free to all students and the public. The library is in Room 113 and available online.
Application and bursary application deadline: June 1, 2026
Some bursary assistance may be available. Applicants must comply with all deadlines and requirements. Late applicants will not be considered for financial assistance and additional application fees may apply.
Auditing
Auditing: $200 + Library Resource Fee*
No application process. Registration deadline: August 15, 2026
Auditors receive access to all masterclasses, lectures, and diction classes. Please note: auditors observe and will not be singing, but are welcome to ask questions and engage in discussions.
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a 3.23% convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
*A 1% Library Resource Fee is added to all Community School registrations to support the Victoria Conservatory Music Library and Archives, which is free to all students and the public. The library is in Room 113 and available online.
Dates and Daily Schedule
August 24-28, 2026
The course runs daily from 9:00am-5:30pm. Each student will have access to a practice room throughout the course.
Daily Schedule
9:00am-12:45pm – Lessons, coachings, individual practice
12:45pm-1:15pm – Lunch break
1:15pm-2:15pm – Diction Class
2:30pm-4:30pm – Masterclass
4:40pm-5:30pm – Lecture
Final Celebration Concert
August 28 | 7:00pm
In addition to the lectures, diction classes, and final concert, participants will have five voice lessons of 30 minutes and five coaching sessions of 30 minutes. This program is intense, transformative and fun, and we look forward to working with you!
Location
All programs will take place onsite at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (900 Johnson Street) in downtown Victoria. There are many cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance.
Faculty
Nancy Argenta, Co-Artistic Director, Voice
Anne Grimm, Co-Artistic Director, Voice
Robert Holliston, Coach/Piano
Mel Kirby, Coach/Piano
Kiiri Michelsen, Language Coach
Faculty subject to change.
Concert
Final Celebration Concert:
Friday, August 28, 7:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
By donation
Concert information subject to change.
The Fine Print
Please note: all fees must be paid in full by the registration deadline (excluding those waiting on the result of their bursary application).
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Those awaiting acceptance (where applicable) or the results of their bursary application are encouraged to contact us directly to register.
Contact
Victoria Conservatory of Music Front Desk
250.386.5311 | info[at]vcm.bc.ca