Careers
Career Opportunities
Located on the Lək̓ʷəŋən traditional territory, known today as the Songhees, Esquimalt, WSÁNEĆ (Tsartlip, Tseycum, and Tsawout) and Scia’new (Beecher Bay) Nations, the Victoria Conservatory of Music identifies equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and reconciliation among its guiding ideals, and encourages applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds.
The Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) is much more than just a music school; it is a creative hub where music, technology, and vision converge – an environment where students can stretch their musical imaginations. Our beautiful heritage Alix Goolden Performance Hall is a premier concert space for the Greater Victoria region. In addition, this is a place where people come for the health and wellness benefits that music brings through our renowned Music Therapy program. We are a community that inspires, nurtures, and enriches through excellence in music education, performance, and wellness.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Please Note: While we happily accept open applications, we reserve the right to only contact applicants who may be of interest to the Conservatory. All successful applicants for positions at the Victoria Conservatory of Music must undertake a current Criminal Record review.
Staff Positions
Manager, Donor Relations
Hours: Full time | Generally 37.5 hours per week (generally 7.5 hours/day).
Compensation: $68,000-$75,000 based on experience.
Professional development funds and resources.
Competitive benefit package, including a bonus paid vacation week at winter break, extended health, Dental Health Spending Account, and Personal Wellness Days.
Application Deadline: May 26, 2025 at 4:00pm or until filled. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as possible.
Start Date: June 23, 2025 or as agreed upon by both parties.
To Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume to:
Joan Milley, Chief Development Officer
milley[at]vcm.bc.ca
Overview
We’re looking for a proactive, relationship-driven fundraiser who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You bring strategic thinking, strong organizational skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional donor experiences face-to-face and across all channels—social media, direct response, events, and more. With excellent communication and a goal-oriented mindset, you’re ready to grow an integrated fundraising program that deepens community connection and drives real impact. Join a vibrant organization where music is for everyone—from early childhood to seniors, inclusive outreach to top-tier music therapy, and a dynamic range of performances. Your work will help shape a mission that resonates across generations.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Engagement, Solicitation, Stewardship, and Recognition
- Engage with and assist donors who wish to make general, designated, or restricted gifts to the Conservatory (proposals, discussion papers, gift agreements, etc.);
- Create and execute strategic engagement opportunities for mid-level ($500-$9,999) donors, including visits, concert invitations, and special events;
- Develop and lead a comprehensive stewardship and recognition program through thoughtful touchpoints and personalized communications, including thank-you calls, tailored correspondence, and impact reporting;
- Assist with and participate in Conservatory fundraising events;
- Assist with and host donor engagement and stewardship events.
Donor Communications
- Drive the semi-annual direct mail appeal, Giving Tuesday campaign, and other fundraising initiatives—including content development, project management, and tracking and evaluating results;
- In collaboration with Marketing, review, source, and generate content for donor communications, including but not limited to print and electronic newsletters, social media, mailings, and updates to the Conservatory’s website;
- Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of donor communication and fundraising strategy to adjust and plan for the future.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Minimum of five years of fundraising experience;
- Proven track record of achieving revenue targets and driving all stages of the donor lifecycle;
- Advanced planning, and organization skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with staff, board of governors, volunteers, donors, and the public;
- Excellent networking, presentation, and interpersonal skills;
- Strong project skills, with a proven ability to prioritize and manage timelines;
- Superior writing skills, for direct mail appeals, donor correspondence, proposals, and/or website content;
- Demonstrated proficiency with donor CRMs, Office 365, and digital communication platforms, including social media and email tools;
- Comfort with principles of reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility;
- Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation or in-process is an asset;
- Professional experience in arts, culture, or education environments is an asset.
Other Requirements
- Must work in office at our downtown location (900 Johnson St) with potential for hybrid arrangement (as agreed upon by both parties) after three months.
- Flexibility for occasional travel; occasional evenings and weekends.
Student Information Officer and Program Assistant, Department of Postsecondary Studies
Hours: F0.5 FTE salaried part-time salaried position with benefits; hours averaging 18-19 weekly.
Compensation: Ranging $29,500 – 32,000.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025.
Start Date: June 2025.
To Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
David Visentin, Associate Dean
visentin[at]vcm.bc.ca
Overview
The Department of Postsecondary Studies (DPS) at the Victoria Conservatory of Music offers students multiple pathways to a successful career as a professional in the music or other creative industries, be it as performer, teacher, collaborator/creator, producer, or music technology specialist. With more than 40 faculty members teaching within this department, the DPS offers through its long-standing partnership with Camosun College a highly innovative and creative diploma program in music performance, as well as two certificate programs. The DPS also offers a certificate in Advanced Independent Music Studies through its designation with the Private Training Institutions Branch of the BC Ministry for Postsecondary Education and Future Skills. For more information on these programs, please visit vcm.bc.ca/learn/postsecondary.
Job Description
Reporting to the Associate Dean, the Student Information Officer (SIO) and Program Assistant (PA) provides support to the Conservatory’s Postsecondary student cohort and all related programs under the Postsecondary Department’s administration. The SIO role focuses on the areas of information collection and dissemination, and department and/or program-related communications within the postsecondary cohort and faculty and beyond, including other Conservatory program areas, administrative departments, Camosun College, the BC Ministry of Postsecondary Education and Future Skills’ Private Institutes Training Branch, and Student Aid BC. The PA role includes providing support with program development and production, advising current and prospective students on programs and specific course offerings, and supporting postsecondary faculty regarding course delivery logistics.
Specific tasks and responsibilities are as follows:
Information, Materials and Student Records
- Designs the postsecondary academic timetable, in coordination with other Conservatory program areas, Registrar’s Office, Facility Bookings, Events and Venues, and Camosun College (for Partnership Programs).
- Designs, produces and distributes the annual Postsecondary Students Manual/Handbook and Postsecondary Faculty Manual, as well as managing forms requiring relevant student signatures.
- Prepares application packages.
- Receives applications, updates student cohort database with application information.
- Organizes and coordinates incoming student auditions, including audition packages and related paperwork preparation, room bookings, adjudicator confirmation, scheduling in consultation with Postsecondary and respective department heads, the organization and writing of Theory Placement Assessment, and organization of musicianship level assessments.
- Creates exam schedules for written and practical exams in December and April and August.
- Maintains separate current physical and electronic file copies of all Program Outlines, Course Descriptions and Course Outlines, with all Learning Outcomes clearly defined.
- Ensures all transcripts and letters of reference are current.
- (Partnership Programs only) Forwards all original transcripts to Camosun, as required, ensuring for each student that proper entrance requirements are met, and communicated to Camosun, including waivers for Theory Fundamentals 1 MUSC 110 and/or Theory Fundamentals 2 MUSC 111, and all required courses are completed in order to meet graduation requirements.
- Keeps all student files and relevant information current and safely stored and secured, electronically and physically, including factsheets and relevant forms pertaining to awareness of situations involving the Dispute Resolution Policy, and Student Accommodations.
- Prepares final student, and faculty, packages at the end of each term, as appropriate, with jury remarks/marks, student exams, Conservatory transcripts, course/teacher feedback forms, and distributes them in person, electronically or by mail.
Communications
- Advises all prospective and current students in Conservatory-Camosun Partnership programs and the Conservatory’s AIMS certificate program, including scheduling individual interviews to assign courses and prepare a Personal Learning Plan, or directing Conservatory-Camosun students to Learning Assistance and Counselling Services.
- Maintains contact with all program applicants regarding their status in the application process, including if waitlisted.
- Responds to inquiries received from prospective domestic and/or international students.
- Disseminates announcements and general information to postsecondary students.
Program Development and Production
- Organizes and coordinates all postsecondary events, including Student and Faculty Orientation, Information Nights (November and February) and other recruitment initiatives, End of Term showcase concerts, student recitals, and bi-weekly Thursday Lunchtime Concert Series (TLCS), creating concert programs as appropriate/needed.
- Provides support to Postsecondary Faculty concerning course-related logistics (classroom and hall scheduling and bookings, equipment needs).
- Provides support as needed to Conservatory Marketing and Communications for Postsecondary student recruitment and promotional initiatives, including assisting with Postsecondary trade shows and Education Fairs, with the design and creation of appropriate collateral, and providing content for Conservatory website and social media.
Other related tasks and/or responsibilities may be added from time to time, as workload permits.
Job Description
- Holds a minimum of an arts-related bachelor’s degree, preferably in music performance and/or education or as a major within a B.A. degree OR demonstrated commensurate knowledge and skills with lived experience in the arts with focus on music.
- Has a minimum of two years’ work experience in arts administration and (preferably) within a postsecondary music school learning environment.
- Demonstrates personal and professional integrity, including commitment to the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity.
- Expresses high energy, positive attitude, flexibility, teamwork, and attention to detail.
- Highly self-motivated, organized and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
- Always interacts with students (and parents), staff and faculty in a considerate, professional, and respectful manner.
Instructor Positions
Music Therapist - Children and Youth
Compensation: Currently beginning at $52.50 per in-community hour and $59.20 per direct contact client hour. This part-time position as an independently contracted service provider, provides opportunity for growth.
Application Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
Start Date: Immediate.
To apply: Electronically submit a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
Office of the Dean, dean[at]vcm.bc.ca
Attention: Dr. Johanne Brodeur, Ph.D., MTA, MTD Head
As a member of the Conservatory’s faculty, the successful applicant will be an integral part of the growth and success of the Music Therapy Department and must be passionate about bringing positive change to the community. All faculty are independently contracted as service providers and paid hourly according to established fee grid. The Conservatory’s Music Therapy program is in high demand and offers therapists the opportunity to build out their practice at the Conservatory as desired while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
Strengths and Skills
- Experience focused primarily on children and youth, including strategic interventions for participants with ASD.
- Extensive musicianship skills.
- Musical aptitude includes familiarity with age-appropriate music repertoire.
- Music therapy interventions include extensive knowledge of intervention strategies for children and youth, use of superior improvisational skills and creativity, as well as more structured model sessions.
- Interaction and communication with participants, parents, caregivers, and staff is clear and effective.
- Ability to take initiative, problem solve, and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary music therapy faculty, complemented with a strong work ethic built on enthusiasm, positive energy, mutual respect, sensibility, sense of responsibility, and driven by a passion for the field of music therapy and for learning.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A minimum of a recognized bachelor’s degree in music therapy.
- MTA status.
- Must provide their own transportation to and from client locations. Note: Compensation includes additional Mileage Fee per site visit.
Music Therapist - Elder Care
Compensation: Currently beginning at $52.50 per in-community hour and $59.20 per direct contact client hour. This part-time position as an independently contracted service provider, provides opportunity for growth.
Application Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
Start Date: February 15, 2025.
To apply: Electronically submit a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
Dr. Johanne Brodeur, Head of Music Therapy
brodeur[at]vcm.bc.ca
As a member of the Conservatory’s faculty, the successful applicant will be an integral part of the growth and success of the Music Therapy Department and must be passionate about bringing positive change to the community. All faculty are independently contracted as service providers and paid hourly according to established fee grid. The Conservatory’s Music Therapy program is in high demand and offers therapists the opportunity to build out their practice at the Conservatory as desired while maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
Strengths and Skills
- Experience with adults and elders in assisted living residences, dementia units, and palliative care.
- Extensive musicianship skills.
- Musical aptitude includes familiarity with age-appropriate music repertoire.
- Music therapy interventions include extensive knowledge of intervention strategies for adults/elders with various needs using structured model sessions and at times improvisational skills.
- Interaction and communication with participants, parents, caregivers, and staff is clear and effective.
- Ability to take initiative, problem solve, and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary music therapy faculty, complemented with a strong work ethic built on enthusiasm, positive energy, mutual respect, sensibility, sense of responsibility, and driven by a passion for the field of music therapy and for learning.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A minimum of a recognized bachelor’s degree in music therapy.
- Music Therapy Board Certified /MTA status.
- Must provide their own transportation to and from client locations. Note: Compensation includes additional Mileage Fee per site visit.
Oboe Instructor – Classical
Compensation: As independently contracted service providers, Victoria Conservatory of Music Faculty set their hourly studio rate in consultation with their respective department head, and according to the established Conservatory Tuition / Instructor Fee grid. Hourly compensation rates currently range from $39.60 – $59.20 /hour.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2025.
Start Date: Immediate.
To apply: Please email a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
Emily Nagelbach, Department Head, Classical Winds and Brass
windsbrass.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca
Job Description
As a member of a diverse and vibrant community of artist mentors within the Victoria Conservatory, this part-time faculty position offers the incumbent the freedom to balance teaching oboe to students of all ages and levels, while pursuing a professional career as performer and/or recording artist on the beautiful west coast of Canada. As the instructor builds and maintains an active teaching studio in oboe, with focus on the Classical genre, supporting the Conservatory’s recruitment efforts, and maintaining regular communications with the department leadership and faculty colleagues, students are guided to becoming well-rounded players with solid technique and musicianship.
The instructor will have a strong desire to be part of a team of dedicated teachers and will encourage their students to participate as appropriate in activities offered through the Conservatory, such as free masterclasses and performance classes, studio recitals, special events, and other performance opportunities. Winds & Brass faculty are encouraged to work with their Department Head to develop recruitment opportunities and strategies and create programs which meet the artistic and pedagogical goals of faculty and the musical and social development of students.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education, Professional Training, and Acquired Skills
- 4 years of postsecondary/advanced level training (BMus) or the professional equivalent with recognized accredited teachers; preferably including having obtained a MMus or equivalent credential.
Education, Professional Training, and Acquired Skills
- At least 2 years of recognized professional performing in the Classical field, including experience with solo, chamber and ensemble performance.
- At least 2 years teaching/coaching students of a variety of ages and levels.
- Broad and fluent range of knowledge of standard materials for instruction of this discipline, from beginner to advanced, with the ability to demonstrate a level and standard of recognized expertise within this area.
- Experience coaching chamber music, including ensembles with mixed instrumentation, is beneficial but not required.
Trombone Instructor – Classical
Compensation: As independently contracted service providers, Victoria Conservatory of Music Faculty set their hourly studio rate in consultation with their respective department head, and according to the established Conservatory Tuition / Instructor Fee grid. Hourly compensation rates currently range from $39.60 – $59.20 /hour.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2025.
Start Date: Immediate.
To apply: Please email a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
Emily Nagelbach, Department Head, Classical Winds and Brass
windsbrass.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca
Job Description
As a member of a diverse and vibrant community of artist mentors within the Victoria Conservatory, this part-time faculty position offers the incumbent the freedom to balance teaching trombone to students of all ages and levels, while pursuing a professional career as performer and/or recording artist on the beautiful west coast of Canada. As the instructor builds and maintains an active teaching studio in trombone, with focus on the Classical genre, supporting the Conservatory’s recruitment efforts, and maintaining regular communications with the department leadership and faculty colleagues, students are guided to becoming well-rounded players with solid technique and musicianship.
The instructor will have a strong desire to be part of a team of dedicated teachers and will encourage their students to participate as appropriate in activities offered through the Conservatory, such as free masterclasses and performance classes, studio recitals, special events, and other performance opportunities. Winds & Brass faculty are encouraged to work with their Department Head to develop recruitment opportunities and strategies and create programs which meet the artistic and pedagogical goals of faculty and the musical and social development of students.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education, Professional Training, and Acquired Skills
- 4 years of postsecondary/advanced level training (BMus) or the professional equivalent with recognized accredited teachers; preferably including having obtained a MMus or equivalent credential.
Education, Professional Training, and Acquired Skills
- At least 2 years of recognized professional performing in the Classical field, including experience with solo, chamber and ensemble performance.
- At least 2 years teaching/coaching students of a variety of ages and levels.
- Broad and fluent range of knowledge of standard materials for instruction of this discipline, from beginner to advanced, with the ability to demonstrate a level and standard of recognized expertise within this area.
- Experience coaching chamber music, including ensembles with mixed instrumentation, is beneficial but not required.
- Ability to play and coach other low brass instruments (baritone, euphonium, tuba) is beneficial but not required.
Tuba Instructor – Classical
Compensation: As independently contracted service providers, Victoria Conservatory of Music Faculty set their hourly studio rate in consultation with their respective department head, and according to the established Conservatory Tuition / Instructor Fee grid. Hourly compensation rates currently range from $39.60 – $59.20 /hour.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2025.
Start Date: Immediate.
To apply: Please email a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
Emily Nagelbach, Department Head, Classical Winds and Brass
windsbrass.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca
Job Description
As a member of a diverse and vibrant community of artist mentors within the Victoria Conservatory, this part-time faculty position offers the incumbent the freedom to balance teaching tuba to students of all ages and levels, while pursuing a professional career as performer and/or recording artist on the beautiful west coast of Canada. As the instructor builds and maintains an active teaching studio in tuba, with focus on the Classical genre, supporting the Conservatory’s recruitment efforts, and maintaining regular communications with the department leadership and faculty colleagues, students are guided to becoming well-rounded players with solid technique and musicianship.
The instructor will have a strong desire to be part of a team of dedicated teachers and will encourage their students to participate as appropriate in activities offered through the Conservatory, such as free masterclasses and performance classes, studio recitals, special events, and other performance opportunities. Winds & Brass faculty are encouraged to work with their Department Head to develop recruitment opportunities and strategies and create programs which meet the artistic and pedagogical goals of faculty and the musical and social development of students.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education, Professional Training, and Acquired Skills
- 4 years of postsecondary/advanced level training (BMus) or the professional equivalent with recognized accredited teachers; preferably including having obtained a MMus or equivalent credential.
Education, Professional Training, and Acquired Skills
- At least 2 years of recognized professional performing in the Classical field, including experience with solo, chamber and ensemble performance.
- At least 2 years teaching/coaching students of a variety of ages and levels.
- Broad and fluent range of knowledge of standard materials for instruction of this discipline, from beginner to advanced, with the ability to demonstrate a level and standard of recognized expertise within this area.
- Experience coaching chamber music, including ensembles with mixed instrumentation, is beneficial but not required.
- Ability to play and coach baritone and euphonium is preferred.
- Ability to play and coach trombone is beneficial but not required.
Voice Instructor – Classical/Contemporary
Compensation: As independently contracted service providers, Victoria Conservatory of Music Faculty set their hourly studio rate in consultation with their respective department head, and according to the established Conservatory Tuition / Instructor Fee grid. Hourly compensation rates currently range from $39.60 – $59.20/hour.
Application Deadline: Ongoing until position is filled.
Start Date: Immediate (January 2025).
To apply: Electronically submit a cover letter and resume, relevant supporting materials, and contact information for two references to:
Office of the Dean, dean[at]vcm.bc.ca
Attention: Colin Doroschuk
Job Description
As a member of a diverse and vibrant community of artist mentors within the Victoria Conservatory of Music, this part-time faculty position offers the incumbent the freedom to balance teaching voice to students of all ages and levels, while pursuing a professional career as performer and/or recording artist on the beautiful west coast of Canada. As the instructor builds and maintains an active teaching studio in voice, with focus on the Classical and/or the Contemporary genres, supporting the Conservatory’s recruitment efforts, and maintaining regular communications with the department leadership and faculty colleagues, students are guided to becoming well-rounded singers with solid technique and musicianship. The instructor encourages students to participate as appropriate in activities offered through the Conservatory, including free masterclasses and performance classes, studio recitals and other performance opportunities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education, Professional Training and Acquired Skills
- Four years of Classical Training postsecondary/advanced level or the professional equivalent with recognized accredited teachers; preferably including having obtained a BMus, DipMus, ARCT, AVCM, or equivalent credential / apprenticeship.
- Piano Proficiency: Able to accompany lessons (sight reading and ability to play from charts/ figured bass).
- Knowledge of, as well as the ability to coach/teach, both the Classical and Popular repertoire.
- Knowledge of Song structures / Composition training as an additional asset will be considered.
Experience
- At least ten years of recognized professional performing in either/or both the Classical and Contemporary fields.
- At least four years teaching/coaching in Classical and/or Popular repertoire.
- Experience touring professionally and/or in-studio work as a recording artist will be considered as additional assets.
Areas of Teaching Specialization
- Classical; Contemporary/Popular; Musical theatre; Rock, Folk, Jazz, and other non-Classical genres.
- Languages: Spoken and written English, working knowledge of French, German and Italian preferred for Classical instruction.
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer at the Victoria Conservatory of Music for a fun and rewarding experience!
Available Opportunities:
- Be a part of our Venues team and help present amazing performances in the beautiful Alix Goolden Performance Hall and Wood Hall.
- Be a part of our Development team for special events including the Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour (a tour of the most beautiful and interesting gardens in Victoria) and donor appreciation receptions.
See our Volunteer page for more information and to apply.
See Volunteer pageGarden Sitters, Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour
Shifts Available: Saturday, May 10 | MORNING – 9:30am – 1:30pm
Saturday, May 10 | AFTERNOON – 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Sunday, May 11 | MORNING – 9:30am – 1:30pm
Sunday, May 11 | AFTERNOON – 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Location: Private gardens across Greater Victoria.
To Apply: Email gardenvolunteers[at]vcm.bc.ca or call 250.419.4313
Overview
The Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour is back for its 43rd year! Volunteer as a Garden Sitter and enjoy a 3.5-4-hour shift at one of nine stunning, hand-picked private gardens throughout Greater Victoria. You’ll be seated at a table outside with one other volunteer. No garden knowledge required. Learn more about the event at vcm.bc.ca/garden-tour.
Volunteers receive a FREE two-day pass, giving you exclusive access for the rest of the weekend, and an invitation to an appreciation event hosted by our Garden Tour Volunteer Sponsor, Berwick Royal Oak.
For more information, or to express your interest, contact gardenvolunteers[at]vcm.bc.ca or call 250.419.4313.
Key Responsibilities
- Greeting guests.
- Checking tickets.
- Counting attendees.
- Answering patron questions.
Volunteer
Volunteer at the Victoria Conservatory of Music for a fun and rewarding experience!