Advanced Independent Music Studies
This program was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Postsecondary Education and Future Skills.
About
The Advanced Independent Music Studies (AIMS) program is offered by the Victoria Conservatory of Music under its designation with the BC Private Training Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Postsecondary Education and Future Skills. AIMS is a one-year certificate program of full-time or part-time study, 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, Technology and Creativity, 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 AIMS program has challenged me to dive much deeper into the exact direction I wish to take my musical career and how best I can achieve that. The program’s individualized nature exceeded my expectations in its creativity, flexibility and responsiveness, and the caring and supportive nature of the personnel has been phenomenal.
Jessica, aims student

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.
Projects completed by our 2023/24 students:
- new chorale work premiered April 2024 by the Victoria Conservatory Chorale
- successful four band showcase concert in Alix Goolden Performance Hall
- new string quartet premiere with recording
- arrangement for strings, piano and vocals for an original song recorded at the University of Victoria CReaTe Lab
- recording of arrangements for jazz violin and ensemble
- string quartet music for a new video game
- strategic plan for a new community arts organization
- lecture/recital on the vocal training works by Nicola Vacai
- 6 song demo recorded in the University of Victoria CReaTe Lab
- Video and recording for international graduate-level university applications
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. Suggested topics to include: your proposed applied project for either individual terms or the whole year, the focus of your field of study, and your musical background.
Contact the Postsecondary department 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: Live audition demonstrating 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.
- Technology and Creativity: 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.
- Official transcripts demonstrating a grade of “C” in English, or an equivalent assessment.
Application and Audition Dates
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 1-15.
- Second Applicant Stage: April 15 for application. Audition and assessment/interview held May 1-15.
- Third Applicant Stage: June 1 for application. Audition and assessment/interview held June15-30.
- Applications after June 30 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 $8,500, plus $95 application fee. Some additional student expenses may be incurred, including and depending on Applied Project selection and details.
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.
Plan Your VisitPolicies
Policies include: EQA Fee and Tuition Compliance Standards; Dispute Resolution Policy; and Respectful Learning Environment (including Anti-Harassment and Sexual Harassment policies; Discrimination, Bullying, and Violence; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement; and On Site Safety Program details).
See PoliciesStudent Testimonials
“I’ve been very impressed with the quality of this inaugural edition of the Advanced Independent Music Study (AIMS) voice teacher program. The principal instructor is highly knowledgeable and well organized. Lesson plans and assignments are relevant and engaging. The practical application course, Guided Studio Teaching, is a great opportunity to put theory into practice with the support and supervision of an experienced voice teacher. A very recommendable program of study for aspiring teachers of singing.” -Eric
“The AIMS program has been invaluable for gaining experience in areas I have an interest in but know little about. The string quartet workshop with feedback from professional players was a great learning experience, having never heard one of my original compositions performed before.” – Eli
“I’m a middle-aged amateur largely-electronic composer who was seeking to revitalize my music and take it to the next level, out of ‘the box’ and into the acoustic and performance domains. AIMS provided the collaborative yet competitive educational environment I was looking for, providing opportunities to explore numerous pathways I hadn’t even considered, including jazz and blues improvisation, classical orchestration, film scoring, audio production and much more. Meanwhile I had accountability, assistance and advice regarding my own projects, giving me the confidence to push at the boundaries of my previous work, enhancing my musical voice and taking me from streaming to the stage. A variety of perspectives, a trove of knowledge and a wealth of inspiration await any musician or composer seeking to level-up their craft. AIMS is highly recommended.” – Melody
The AIMS program has helped me explore different sides of my musicianship. It allows me to figure out what I would love to pursue as a career afterwards, and lets me face dream projects hands-on with great help and security.- Essencia



Advanced Independent Music Studies (AIMS) was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Postsecondary Education and Future Skills.
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 postsecondary[at]vcm.bc.ca to arrange a time.
David Visentin, Associate Dean of Postsecondary Studies
Dr. Alexander Richards, Student Information and Program Assistant