Other Advanced Training
These programs have been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.
Advanced Independent Music Studies
Offered jointly through the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the BC Private Institute Training Branch of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, the Advanced Independent Music Studies (AIMS) program is a one-year accredited certificate program of part-time study. AIMS is designed to provide advanced music students a program of intensive and project-based practical training in select areas of the music profession. Instilling demonstrable and relevant professional skills in the following four pillars: Performance, Recording & Production, Teaching, and Business, students will self-declare their concentration focus and select from a variety of courses specifically designed to support their focus-area of learning. Emphasis will be placed on practical demonstration of acquired skills through applied project-based learning.
The Advanced Independent Music Studies program is ideal for pre-professional or upgrading-professional musicians who desire a robust and current skills-based training program to support their intended career in the music industry. The program is also relevant to students with completed or partially-completed degrees, as well as completed and accepted diplomas in music. Consideration will be given to students with high-level informal foundations of prior knowledge. Entering students are assessed through audition, portfolio review and/or interview for readiness to successfully thrive in the program. Upon completion, graduates are able to work in a variety of professional settings for music, to apprentice through elite performance training programs, or to move on to further study at university to complete a B. Mus. degree in any number of music or music education disciplines.
As this is the inaugural year of the AIMS program, we are excited to inform you that thanks to a generous donor, for this year only we are able to offer a 50% tuition reduction! Applications are now open for this coming 2023-2024 academic year.
How to Apply
Applications are for September intake. Applicants will pay an application fee and submit an application form to the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
1. Pay Conservatory Application Fee
2. Complete Conservatory Application Form
A 500-word statement summarizing your career goals and expectations of what you intend to accomplish while enrolled in this program is required to complete the Application. Additional documentation and statements are also required, depending on your chosen area of focus.
Contact [email protected] for questions and details.
Admission Requirements
The program is conducted over two terms (Fall/Winter) commencing with the first term starting in September. On a case-by-case basis, a student may be considered for Winter program commencement.
Submit proof for assessment of:
- Performance: Demonstrated advanced ability on a principal instrument through performance of repertoire and technique in alignment with expressed professional goals; evidence of past music endeavours, including portfolio work, and personal/professional music experience will be considered.
- Teaching: Strong interest and/or demonstrated ability and past record of successful experience in teaching delivery; student and parent recommendations will be critically considered. Appropriate level of instrumental/vocal proficiency will be seriously considered before acceptance.
- Recording & Production: Stated interest and/or demonstrated experience with some of the following aspects of music creation: songwriting and recording, recording/producing/editing, sound generation, capture, creation, and manipulation equipment and software; previous portfolio work will be an asset in consideration of acceptance.
- Business: stated interest and/or demonstrated experience in some of the following subjects pertaining to the business of music: contracting, event organizing, project production, touring, concert presentation, artist management and musical arts administration.
- A grade of “C” in English 12 or assessment.
Application and Audition Dates
Applications now open for September 2023 intake. Please submit application fee, form, and all required documentation by August 1, 2023.
Formal request for Fall 2024 admission must be received at the Music Department office by close of business on one of the two following:
- First Applicant Stage: January 15 for audition and assessment/interview held February 1-February 15.
- Second Applicant Stage: June 1 for audition and assessment/interview held June 5-15.
- Applications after June 15 will be considered if placement in the program is available.
The program is conducted over two terms (Fall/Winter) commencing with the first term starting in September. On a case-by-case basis, a student may be considered for Winter program commencement.
Tuition Costs
Base tuition is $4,250*, plus $90 application fee. Some additional student expenses may be incurred, including and depending on Applied Project selection and details.
*50% tuition reduction for 2023-24 only. Base tuition will be $8,500 as of the 2024-25 academic year.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The Victoria Conservatory of Music supports your talent and financial investment. This year, we 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.
Please see the Scholarship page for more information.
Location
Courses are taught on the Victoria Conservatory of Music campus at 900 Johnson Street in downtown Victoria, or by distance learning.
Plan Your VisitCertificate in Music Teaching
An advanced certified postsecondary training program for aspiring new and experienced private studio, institutional and school teachers.
In September 2017, the Victoria Conservatory of Music began offering a new Certificate in Music Teaching program. This two-term, 30 week, 206 hour, part-time certificate program, is approved by the Private Training Institutes Branch of the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills, and Training. This program is offered in English only.
The program is designed for those who will work with students through individual and group music instruction in a variety of settings, whether independent or in conjunction with an established music institution. The program builds upon understanding and skills gained through a previously-achieved postsecondary credential of music or music teaching, or through recognized professional teaching experience.
The Certificate in Music Teaching is ideal for the emerging professional music teacher or for the established professional teacher who desires a strong accredited skills-upgrading training program, rooted in both traditional and contemporary modes of teaching music and musical creativity, to support their continuing career in music education. Graduates are able to work in an independent or private music teaching studio.
How to Apply
Contact us for application and registration information:
[email protected] | 250.386.5311
Tuition Costs
Tuition is based on a two-term, 30 week, 206 hour, part-time certificate program. Fees listed are for domestic students.
- Tuition: $5,972
- Application Fee: $15
- Assessment Fee: $75
- Textbooks: $400
- Course Materials: $730
- Other: $278
Location
Courses are taught on the Victoria Conservatory of Music campus at 900 Johnson Street in downtown Victoria, or by distance learning.
Plan Your Visit
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training (PTIB).
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