Diploma in Music Performance
“Hold the Line” by Toto, performed by Diploma in Music Performance Students, 2025.
Accredited by Camosun College
Curriculum
Our Music Performance program is not your typical program. Unique performance-focused training is designed to meet increasingly competitive market demands for artistic versatility and presentational success. Creating, capturing, producing, and traditional stage performing, are all enhanced by state-of-art music technologies. The Diploma in Music Performance program is offered in long-standing partnership between the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Camosun College.
This two-year (four semester) program, by design, blends student artists of all styles in a common first year, before moving into a specialized second year; all built around a performance-oriented culture. Intensive one-on-one studio instruction, group performance, music theory and contexts, music technologies, and career skills will give you the foundations for success in the 21st-century music profession.
The Music Performance diploma is offered over four 14-week semesters, running from September to early April over two years; select courses may be offered during spring/summer terms. You may elect to study full-time or part-time; however, you should be prepared to dedicate both daytime and evening hours to scheduled courses, and if you select a part-time option, you should be aware that alternate-year delivery schedule of some courses may add significantly to the length of the full program.
The innovative training environment is designed to allow musicians of any genre to find their place. Classical, Contemporary (i.e. folk, jazz and rock), and experimental musicians work side-by-side in the dynamic musical atmosphere of our downtown campus at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. The Diploma in Music Performance will vastly increase your personal strengths in music making through a balance of performance, core instruction, and hands-on demonstration of practical skills.
Year 1: A common first year for musicians of all genres will lay the ground work for future specialized study. Performance, music theory and contexts, aural skills, and music technologies are taught.
Year 2: In the second year, you will choose areas of musical specialization. Areas of performance, contexts and creativity, composition, improvisation, performance practice, and stagecraft are emphasized.
How to Apply
Applications are for September or January intake. Applicants will pay an application fee and submit an application form to both the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Camosun College. Contact the Postsecondary department for details.
Application FormsAdmission Requirements
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:- C+ in English 12
- C in English 12 Camosun Alternative
Application and Audition Dates
For the 2026/2027 school year:
Application material deadlines
March 1, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | May 1, 2026
Audition, TPA deadlines
March 15, 2026 | April 30, 2025 | May 15, 2026
Tuition Costs
Effective from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026
$18,263 (domestic) | $43,690 (international*)
*For international tuition, please contact Camosun International.
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. Diploma students also have access to Camosun College’s scholarship and bursary program.
Additionally, there are many financial resources to access while you are at Camosun College to help with your education and living costs. Apply for financial aid and awards that are specifically given to program students, as well as awards specific to the School of Arts and Science.
Location
Courses are taught on the Victoria Conservatory of Music campus at 900 Johnson Street in downtown Victoria, or by distance learning.
Plan Your VisitWhat Can I Do with a Career in Music?
Studying music through the Victoria Conservatory of Music/ Camosun College Postsecondary programs opens the door to a diverse range of careers, from performing on world-class stages to teaching, composing, producing, and beyond. Whether you aspire to be a professional musician, an educator, a music therapist, or a creative entrepreneur, your training at the Conservatory will equip you with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the evolving music industry.
Career Paths in Music
- Academia – University and college faculty, researchers
- Arts Administration – Management, program coordination, arts advocacy
- Composer – Film scoring, orchestral and chamber composition, arranging
- Conductor – Leading choirs, orchestras, and ensembles
- Music Production – Studio recording, live sound engineering, mixing
- Performing Musician – Soloist, ensemble member, orchestra musician
- Recording Engineer – Sound design, editing, mastering
- Singer/Songwriter – Writing and performing original music
- Software Development – Music technology, digital audio tools, app development
- Entrepreneur – Creating and managing music-related businesses
- Teacher – Private studio instruction, K-12 music education, community programs
- Music Therapy – Clinical practice in hospitals, schools, and community health settings
No matter your passion, a career in music is both fulfilling and dynamic, with endless opportunities to innovate, inspire, and connect with others through music.
Notice: This program does not require approval by the Private Training Institutions Branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training and as such has not been reviewed.
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 and Director of Postsecondary Studies
Megan Harton, Postsecondary Studies Coordinator