Contact

Updated Nov 24, 2020

Downtown COVID-19 Safety Plan

Westhills COVID-19 Safety Plan

VCM Downtown
900 Johnson Street Victoria, BC  V8V 3N4
250-386-5311
Toll-free in Canada & the US: 1-866-386-5311

VCM Westhills
210 – 1314 Lakepoint Way Langford, BC
778-265-5355 (Phones are forwarded to VCM Downtown when office is closed)

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Email a VCM team member directly

For general inquiries please email your name, phone number, and question/request to the VCM at: info@vcm.bc.ca

As of September 8, 2020

VCM Downtown Hours

VCM Box Office: Tickets can be purchased online at alixgooldenhall.com. Alternatively, you may phone the box office at 250-386-5311 during hours listed above. No in-person services available.

VCM Downtown 900 Johnson Street Victoria, BC  V8V 3N4 ______________________________________ VCM Westhills 210 – 1314 Lakepoint Way Langford, BC (In the new YM/YWCA Langford Aquatic Complex)

Important COVID-19 Update for Fall

The safety and wellbeing of the VCM community is at the forefront of our plans for the Fall. When we re-opened our doors in July, we implemented health and safety measurements based on guidance from B.C. health authorities. We have continued to monitor and make updates as necessary to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff when we are open. The following COVID-19 Safety Plans are our details operational and health and safety plans for September 8, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

Safety Plans updated November 24, 2020

Downtown COVID-19 Safety Plan

Westhills COVID-19 Safety Plan

Know before you visit

• Stay home if you are not feeling well. If you are not able to attend your lesson or class, please contact your instructor to reschedule.
• Cleanliness– We’ve increased cleaning and disinfection procedures and will have hand sanitizer available at the front door and throughout the school. We encourage you to sanitize your hands when entering the building and to use them frequently.
• Physical distance and occupancy limits– We have clearly marked signage in each space and room regarding physical distancing (staying 2 meters apart) and the maximum amount of people allowed. Similarly, we’ve marked out areas for people to stand to ensure this standard is met.
• Mask and or/face coverings– As of Sept 8, all staff, faculty, students, parents, and others must wear masks while in common areas. Masks are mandatory in all common areas such as hallways, lobbies, washrooms, and the library. The occupancy limit of each room is posted outside the room and also specifies whether that includes masks. Please bring your own masks, as it must be worn BEFORE entering the building.
• Operational hours– We’ll have temporary closures of parts of the building and high touch areas. Visit here for the most up to date hours of operation.
• Room usage– Rooms MUST be booked in advance for both lessons and practice space. NO DROP INS. All rooms will be locked after cleaning if not in use.
• Contactless and safe payment– All students must be registered and paid prior to or at the start of a lesson. Cashless payment is recommended. Contactless tap payment is activated, as well as a clear protective covering on our Moneris machine for easy cleaning.

We appreciate your support in continuing to keep the VCM Community safe.

Update: June 29, 2020

Safety Plans

Both VCM Downtown and Westhills locations will re-open on Monday, July 6.

See the Downtown Re-opening Plan here

See the Westhills Re-opening Plan here

Update: May 28, 2020

With BC now in Phase 2 of its Restart Plan, and Phase 3 scheduled to begin in June, the Victoria Conservatory of Music is working on facility re-opening plans to reflect health and safety guidelines while being thoughtful of our student, faculty and staff experience and wellbeing.

Learn more here: https://vcm.bc.ca/were-open-and-still-teaching-music/

Update: March 20, 2020

Although both Downtown and Westhills locations are closed to the public, we are “open” and still teaching music!

Learn more here: https://vcm.bc.ca/were-open-and-still-teaching-music

Operational Update  

Update: March 17, 2020

Effective immediately, the Victoria Conservatory of Music is closed to the public and all lessons, classes, Music Therapy sessions, and events at both Downtown and Westhills locations are cancelled until further notice.

Downtown phones will remain open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00am-3:00pm (250-386-5311) and you can always contact us at info@vcm.bc.ca.

Information about novel coronavirus 

Update: March 16, 2020

In order to follow BC Health Office guidelines, there is NO Admittance to the VCM Downtown and VCM Westhills locations if you have been out of the Canada in the past 14 days or are exhibiting any cold or flu symptoms, especially fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or pneumonia in both lungs. 

Lessons, Classes, and Music Therapy Updates

At this time, we continue to offer private lessons, classes, and Music Therapy sessions, today and tomorrow as scheduled, but will continue to monitor the guidance of the Provincial and Federal Health Offices.  However, we encourage Students and Faculty to make their own decisions on how they wish to proceed.  Some Instructors are planning to transition to online instruction.  Please contact your instructor.

Should you prefer to not attend your lesson, please contact your Instructor beforehand to reschedule or to cancel your lesson.  The Instructor will either reschedule with you, or initiate the cancellation process with our Registrar’s Office.

VCM Concert and Event Updates

The Victoria Conservatory of Music will reschedule the following events:

• Opera Studio presents Xerxes (April 3 & 4, 2020) – Postponed to a potential October 2020 date.
• VCM Presents Jonathan Crow (April 19, 2020) – Postponed to a potential October 2020 date.
• VCM Presents Daniel Lapp’s Joy of Life Festival (May 1 & 2, 2020) – Postponed to a potential Fall 2020 date.

The following are still scheduled for the participants, but will be closed to the public:

• Thursday Lunch Concerts (Three remaining on March 19, March 26, & April 9, 2020) – Closed to the public.
• Postsecondary End of Term Concerts (April 6 & 8, 2020) – Closed to the public.

Further information and updates on other events will be posted on our website in the coming days.

VCM Library

The Victoria Conservatory of Music Library is currently closed.

Update: March 13, 2020

On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer, announced a public health advisory banning events hosting over 250 people, as well as strongly advising against travel outside of Canada, in order to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

VCM Concert and Event Updates

Due to these announcements, the Victoria Conservatory of Music will reschedule the following events:
• Opera Studio presents Xerxes, (April 3 & 4, 2020) – Postponed to a potential Fall 2020 date.
• VCM Presents Jonathan Crow, (April 19, 2020) – Postponed to a potential Fall 2020 date.

Further information and updates on other events will be posted on our website in the coming days.

Precautions will be taken at all student performances such as Postsecondary End of Term Concerts, Thursday Lunch Concerts, Collegium Concerts, Song Competitions, and other student/faculty performances to allow social distancing.

Travel Updates

Additionally, the Provincial Health Officer strongly advised against travel outside of Canada. If you do travel outside of Canada, you must self-isolate for 14 days after your return. We ask you to continue to share your plans with your students, instructors, supervisors, etc. If you have travelled outside the country or do not feel well, contact your Instructor to reschedule any Private Lessons and please stay home and do not come to the VCM locations while sick or during the self-isolation period.

Lessons, classes, and Music Therapy Updates

At this time, we will continue to offer private lessons, classes, and Music Therapy sessions, as scheduled.

We appreciate that this is an unusual time for everyone. We encourage those who have any symptoms at all of a cold or influenza, even if they are mild, to stay home. Please reach out to your instructor or Music Therapist to reschedule your lesson.

We continue to ask the VCM Community to help keep our school healthy and safe by practicing good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and staying home if you are sick. We continue to implement our regular influenza cleaning protocol and have taken the precautionary step in increasing our efforts to clean and disinfect high touch areas.

Thank you for being part of the VCM Community. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate through this dynamic situation. It is our intention to communicate updates as soon as possible, through our website at https://vcm.bc.ca/health-advisory-coronavirus/

Stay well and take care,

Jane Butler McGregor, CEO

Update: March 10, 2020

The health and wellbeing of the VCM Community remains the priority of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. There are many considerations the VCM is taking to ensure the health and safety of our community. We continue to implement our regular influenza season cleaning protocol for both the Downtown and Westhills locations. To help prevent the spread of viruses, we are also asking our community to practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

Follow these steps as you would the common cold or flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve
• Dispose of tissues appropriately
• Avoid contact with sick people

Travel plans

Spring Break is around the corner and we know you may have travel plans. If you have plans to travel, we ask you to monitor the active travel health notice list daily. If you are travelling, please share your plans with your instructor. You should monitor yourself and your family for daily symptoms (fever, cough, muscle aches, difficulty breathing), and if necessary, self-isolate for at least 14 days after your return. Call your health care provider or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for guidance.

If you do not feel well, it is advised that you stay home. During this time, if you are not able to attend your lesson or class, and/or your instructor is not able to reschedule your missed studio lesson(s) cancellation fees will be waived.

Updates from the VCM

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is closely monitoring the ongoing situation and following advice of the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada. We will communicate updates, as necessary, on this page https://vcm.bc.ca/health-advisory-coronavirus/.

Links to more information

o For the latest B.C. information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website
o For the latest Canadian updates, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website
o For Government of Canada travel advisories and travel health notices
o The latest global counts are available on the World Health Organization map
o Recommendations to the postsecondary sector from the Provincial Health Officer
o NEW! Advice on spring break travel for students in British Columbia from the Provincial Health Officer.

Update: March 6, 2020

The Victoria Conservatory of Music continues to closely monitor the ongoing coronavirus situation  and follow the advice of the BC Centre for Disease Control and Public Health Agency of Canada regarding COVID-19. At this time, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has no COVID-19 cases presumed or confirmed.

The current precautions for COVID-19 are the same as influenza (the flu) and other common respiratory infections.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve
• Dispose of tissues appropriately
• Avoid contact with sick people

If you have travelled lately or have been in contact with anyone who might have the coronavirus and you have any of the following symptoms, take steps to reduce the risk: fever, cough, muscle aches, difficulty breathing. Call your health care provider or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for guidance.

Links for more information:

•  For the latest B.C. information, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website
•  For the latest Canadian updates, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website
•  For Government of Canada travel advisories and travel health notices 
•  The latest global counts are available on the World Health Organization map 
• Recommendations to the postsecondary sector from the Provincial Health Officer

Update: March 3, 2020

The health and wellbeing of students and staff remains the priority of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus situation and taking the appropriate precautions for limiting the impact to our locations.

At this time, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has no cases presumed or confirmed. The latest B.C. information is available at the BC Centre for Disease Control Website.

The Victoria Conservatory of Music is a busy campus with hundreds of students, faculty, staff and event-goers coming and going daily. In order to respect others and promote public health, we ask everyone to observe tips for staying healthy and protecting your community.

The current precautions for coronavirus are the same as for influenza (the flu) and other common respiratory infections.

•  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve
• Dispose of tissues appropriately
• Avoid contact with sick people

If you have travelled lately or have been in contact with anyone who might have the coronavirus and you have any of the following symptoms, take steps to reduce the risk: fever, cough, muscle aches, difficulty breathing. Call your health care provider or call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for guidance.

Updated Nov 20, 2020

COVID-19 FAQ’s

 We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.

Still have a question?

We’re here to help! Email us at info@vcm.bc.ca or give us a call at 250-386-5311.

Student FAQ’s

What lessons or classes is the VCM continuing to offer?

• The health and safety of the VCM community is our top priority. Due to COVID-19, we are continuing to offer a mix of online and in-person lessons and classes. Contact your instructor for lesson specifics. An up to date class list is available here.

Can students access practice rooms?

• Yes, practice rooms are now available to students at both locations.
• Practice Rooms will be available ONLY to students registered for ongoing lessons or classes in the Fall 2020/21 term and for Postsecondary students registered for the Fall 2020 term under the following conditions:
• One person per room, one booking/timeslot maximum per day. Please do not show up early.
• Must be booked by phone in advance, on the day prior (CANNOT book more than one day ahead)
• Available timeslots: 10:00-10:45, 11:00-11:45, 12:00-12:45, 13:00- 13:45, 14:00-14:45, 15:00-15:45, 16:00-16:45, 17:00-17:45, 18:00-18:45
• Postsecondary students will be permitted to book 2 timeslots i.e. (1hr 45min or two separate 45 min slots) per day
• NO rooms given to drop-ins, so as to avoid extra or unnecessary drop-in traffic
• For active practicing only; NO food/drink, sleeping, reading, electronic device usage, or other activities unrelated to practicing. Violation will result in being asked to leave and suspension of future practice room usage.
• Facilities staff person to spray & wipe room door handles, music stands, and chairs/benches after each use, with PerCept disinfectant and wipe down keyboards with CaviWipes
• Additional details can be viewed on page 5 & 6 of the current Safety Plan here

What happens if I miss a class due to illness?

• Please contact your instructor to discuss your options.

What do I need for an online lesson?

• Each online class is created with the best experience available for both the student and the instructor. Many online classes are done through Zoom but speak with your instructor for specifics on what program or accessories you may need.

How do I know it is safe to participate in face-to-face lessons or classes?

• The health and safety of the VCM community is our top priority. The transition to the new normal at the VCM is being guided by the Provincial Health Officer’s core guidelines and health and safety guidelines from WorkSafe BC. We have a safety plan for both Downtown and Westhills locations, which can be viewed here.

Do I need to wear a mask or gloves if I’m at the VCM?

• The VCM is taking guidance from the BC Public Health Office, as such:
• Masks are mandatory throughout the building – studios, classrooms, halls, hallways, lobbies, washrooms, & library. Masks must be on, covering mouth and nose, before entering the building and worn at all times. ALL STAFF, FACULTY, STUDENTS, PARENTS, and OTHERS MUST WEAR MASKS.
• Exceptions only in the following circumstances:
• for any students unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, if you need to claim a medical exemption, it must be registered with the Registrar’s office beforehand by sending a Doctor’s note at least 5 business days before coming to the building; a list of exempt individuals will then be used to control entrance
• For Music Therapy clients unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, entrance will be permitted by agreement with the Music Therapy Department Head
• Administrative Staff sitting alone at their desks or in their offices, but anytime you leave your private work space, meet with someone, or serve a customer, all parties must wear a mask
• For winds or brass instrument players, mask may be removed whilst playing only; student and teacher to keep mask on at all other times when not playing

• The occupancy limit of each room is posted outside each room (see Tables at end of this document) and also specifies whether that includes masks, i.e. a few more people will be permitted in room if the teacher and students all wear masks. If non-masked occupancy is exceeded, ALL individuals in the room must wear a mask at all times.
• Please bring your own masks, as it must be worn BEFORE entering the building.

When will registration open for January lessons and classes?

• Registration for lessons is always open! January classes should be open for registration in mid- December.

Is there a possibility things will change?

• Depending on the guidance from the B.C. health authority, we may need to make adjustments through the months ahead. Safety is our top priority.

Faculty and Staff FAQ’s

How do I book a room to teach a lesson at either location?

• VCM Downtown and Westhills are open for in-Person Studio Sessions (Private Lessons) and small sized classes/ensembles. Both locations are open with limited spaces and times.
• All instructors must book their room with the Facilities department beforehand. NO DROP INS. Specifics on each room is available are in the VCM Safety Plan, found here.

What are the guidelines I need to follow if I teach a lesson at either location?

• The health and safety of students, faculty and staff are our top priority. Occupancy limits for each room, as well as specifics on which lessons can or can not be in the space are detailed in the VCM Safety Plans. Overall, rooms are booked to ensure safety guidelines are met for physical distancing.
• Rooms are kept locked after cleaning if not in use. At Westhills, Front desk staff are responsible to spray door handles, music stands, benches, etc. after each use. Piano instructors are responsible to wipe down pianos after use. At Downtown, room keys are to be picked up and dropped off (in the drop container) at the Front desk. The Front desk team are responsible for sanitizing keys after drop off. The Facilities team are responsible for cleaning all door handles, counters, and other high touch point surfaces.
• For complete details, you can view the Westhills and Downtown Safety Plans here.

What happens if I miss work due to illness? Who do I contact?

• Please contact your direct supervisor and follow normal sick leave protocol.

What is the VCM’s plans for lesson and class delivery in the coming months?

• The health and safety of the VCM community is our top priority. Due to COVID-19, we are continuing to offer a mix of online and in-person lessons and classes. Contact your instructor for lesson specifics. An up to date Fall class list is available here.

Do I need to wear personal protective equipment (e.g. mask, gloves, etc) if I’m teaching a lesson or class at the VCM?

• The VCM is taking guidance from the BC Public Health Office, as such:
• Masks are mandatory throughout the building – studios, classrooms, halls, hallways, lobbies, washrooms, & library. Masks must be on, covering mouth and nose, before entering the building and worn at all times. ALL STAFF, FACULTY, STUDENTS, PARENTS, and OTHERS MUST WEAR MASKS.
• Exceptions only in the following circumstances:
• For any students unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, if you need to claim a medical exemption, it must be registered with the Registrar’s office beforehand by sending a Doctor’s note at least 5 business days before coming to the building; a list of exempt individuals will then be used to control entrance
• For Music Therapy clients unable to wear a mask for medical reasons, entrance will be permitted by agreement with the Music Therapy Department Head
• Administrative Staff sitting alone at their desks or in their offices, but anytime you leave your private work space, meet with someone, or serve a customer, all parties must wear a mask
• For winds or brass instrument players, mask may be removed whilst playing only; student and teacher to keep mask on at all other times when not playing

• The occupancy limit of each room is posted outside each room (see Tables at end of this document) and also specifies whether that includes masks, i.e. a few more people will be permitted in room if the teacher and students all wear masks. If non-masked occupancy is exceeded, ALL individuals in the room must wear a mask at all times.
• Please bring your own masks, as it must be worn BEFORE entering the building.

Still have a question?

We’re here to help! Email us at info@vcm.bc.ca or give us a call at 250-386-5311.

Important Information for VCM students

During severe weather conditions, the Victoria Conservatory of Music may make the decision to close the Downtown and Westhills locations and cancel or reschedule classes based on transportation and safety issues.

The VCM website is the best source for up-to-date information about the status of our campuses. You can also find information about closures by checking the VCM Facebook , VCM Instagram or VCM Twitter pages, or by calling our Downtown location at 250-386-5311.