Summer Intensive Program: Piano
July 27 – August 1, 2026
The Piano Summer Intensive will be held at our downtown location and offer advanced and intermediate students the benefit of our experienced faculty.
Masterclasses, individual lessons, and special presentations will be given daily, with student, faculty, and guest artist performances in the beautiful Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Students will be assigned their own practice rooms (with grand pianos) for the duration of the course.
Advanced Pianists Course
This course is designed for advanced piano students (i.e. RCM Level 9 and above), ages 15 and up. This program is excellent for students preparing for ARCT, college and university programs, and competitions. Our highly accomplished faculty brings to the program a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, and above all a total dedication to the musical and pianistic advancement and welfare of their students.
Each student will receive two private lessons during the week, participate in two masterclasses, and perform in the final concert. Students are expected to attend all masterclasses and recitals.
There is no program auditing available at this time.
Please note: A Zoom interview and/or audition may be required.
Intermediate Pianists Course
We are happy to welcome to our 2026 Piano Summer Intensive (PSI) students at the Intermediate levels – Grades 5-8 – who would appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in all things piano: two private lessons, participation in two masterclasses, recitals, presentations on a variety of piano-related subjects, duo-piano opportunities, and performance in the PSI final recital. Each student will be assigned a practice room for the duration of the program – a grand piano will be made available whenever possible. Students are expected to attend all masterclasses, recitals, and presentations.
A brief interview (either in person or over Zoom) with the PSI Artistic Director and a parent/guardian is highly recommended prior to our accepting a student under the age of 14.
Early Bird registration deadline: Extended to June 15, 2026
Final registration and bursary application deadline: June 30, 2026
Learn more
How to Register
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a 3.23% convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Fees and Deadlines
Early Bird Fee: $480 + Library and Course Resource Fees*
After June 15, 2026: $540 + Library and Course Resource Fees*
Early Bird Registration deadline extended to June 15, 2026
Final registration and bursary application deadline: June 30, 2026
*A 1% Library Resource Fee is added to all Community School registrations to support the Victoria Conservatory Music Library and Archives, which is free to all students and the public. The library is in Room 113 and available online.
*A 1% Course Resource Fee is added to all Community School piano lessons and piano class registrations to support the tuning, maintenance, repair, and refurbishment of the pianos and keyboards.
Some bursary assistance may be available. Applicants must comply with all deadlines and requirements. Late applicants will not be considered for financial assistance and additional application fees may apply.
Dates and Daily Schedule
July 27 – August 1, 2026
Classes run daily 9:00am-5:30pm with breaks and some time for private practice (individual schedules may start later or finish earlier). Practice rooms are available.
Location
All programs will take place onsite at the Victoria Conservatory of Music (900 Johnson Street) in downtown Victoria. There are many cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores within walking distance.
Faculty
Robert Holliston, Artistic Director
Roger Buksa
Anna Cal
Aimi Howden
Ed LeBarron
Jany Lu
Faculty subject to change.
Concerts
Student Recital
Saturday, August 1 | 1:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
By donation
There will be a Faculty Concert as well as a recital given by a Conservatory Summer Piano Intensive alum.
The Fine Print
Please note: all fees must be paid in full by the registration deadline (excluding those waiting on the result of their bursary application).
Online registration requires payment in full. Payment by credit card will incur a convenience fee. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact our office for other payment methods.
Those awaiting acceptance (where applicable) or the results of their bursary application are encouraged to contact us directly to register.
Contact
Registration inquiries:
Victoria Conservatory of Music Front Desk
250.386.5311 | info[at]vcm.bc.ca
Program inquiries:
Robert Holliston, Artistic Director
keyboard.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca