Summer Intensive Program: Theory

July 4-28, 2023
All 2023 Summer Intensive Theory classes are held online!
Our classes offer an innovative and fun approach to theory and music study. Students gain an enriched understanding and appreciation of music that will last a lifetime.
If you are planning to write an RCM examination in August, confirm your placement in a class before registering for an examination.
Unless otherwise specified, please contact Crystal Wiksyk, Artistic Director, at [email protected] to be placed in the appropriate class prior to registration.
Programs Offered
Composition
Instructor: Christine Donkin
individual instruction with Canadian composer Christine Donkin. One-on-one lessons allow Christine to tailor her teaching approach to support each student composer’s unique goals and creative process, ranging from specialized instruction for those who are just starting their composition journey to occasional “check-in” lessons for more experienced students who are looking for feedback on in-progress projects.
Lesson dates/times to be arranged, contact Christine Donkin to coordinate and for more information.
Harmony and Counterpoint
Instructors: Christine Donkin and Crystal Wiksyk
Individual lessons are available on a limited basis for Harmony, Counterpoint, Composition, Ear-Training and Sight-Singing.
Topics include melody writing, harmonization in four parts, counterpoint, harmonic and structural analysis, modulation and form as required for RCM Level 9 or 10 Harmony and Counterpoint examinations.
Keyboard Harmony
Instructor: Anna Cal
Individual lessons for Keyboard Harmony with senior piano faculty member Anna Cal.
Lesson dates/times to be arranged, contact Anna Cal to coordinate and for more information.
History Classes: About
Instructor: Robert Holliston
Registration Deadline: June 6
Group classes with Robert Holliston, Head of Keyboard and the lead History teacher at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Through his unique teaching style and true passion for each topic, Robert brings each historical era to life. You won’t want to miss these very exciting classes!
History 9
Starting July 4 | Mon-Fri, 8:45am-10:00am
32 hours of instruction | $704.00
Robert will guide you through an overview of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern eras. This course covers the lives and musical contributions of a wide range of composers, the development of musical genres and forms, and representative works from each era are studied and discussed. Grade 9 History is a co-requisite for grade 9 instrumental and vocal examinations.
Register NowHistory 10
Starting July 4 | Mon-Fri, 4:45pm-6:00pm
32 hours of instruction | $704.00
History 2 concentrates on the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical eras with an emphasis on the development of musical genres and forms. You will hear the development of music through the centuries. History 10 is a co-requisite for grade 10 instrumental and vocal examinations.
Register NowARCT History
Contact Artistic Director at [email protected] for more information.
Sound Advice: About
Instructors: Christine Donkin, Rachel Hill, and Crystal Wiksyk
Group classes and individual lessons, designed to encourage students to relate theoretical concepts to the actual sound of the music. Music listening, history and musical style is an integral part of our theory classes and students and melody writing and composition are introduced at every level.
The Sound Advice program prepares students for the theory co-requisites for instrumental and vocal examinations, high school credits, and postsecondary theory placement but the main reason to study Sound Advice is to become a well-rounded musician.
Sound Advice for Beginners (parents welcome)
July 4-14 | 9 x 1 hour sessions | $198.00
Using material from the Sound Advice program, students learn to read music and/or improve their reading and aural skills, laying the foundation for further studies of any instrument and enriching early music studies. Topics include ear-training and listening to and learning about various instruments and compositions. These classes provide an excellent foundation for future or current instrumental studies and enrich early music training. Parents are encouraged to participate and often enjoy the classes as much as their children!
Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training - Level 3 or 4
10 x 2hr sessions | $440.00
Students continue to build their theory & ear-training skills and apply them to pieces they are learning to sing or play by learning to compose their own music.
Prerequisite: Previous level or equivalent music study.
Required text: Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training Levels 3 or 4 (2nd Editions).
Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training – Level 5 or 6
10 x 2hr sessions | $440.00
Level 5 and 6 covers the theory & ear-training requirements for RCM Grade 5 or 6 instrumental and vocal examinations.
Prerequisite: Previous level or equivalent music study.
Required text and sound files: Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training Level 5 or 6 (2nd Edition).
Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training – Level 7
10 x 2hr sessions | $440.00
Level 7 covers the theory & ear-training requirements for Grade 7 instrumental and vocal examinations.
Prerequisite: Previous level or equivalent music study.
Required text and sound files: Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training Level 7 (2nd Edition).
Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training – Level 8
10 x 2hr sessions | $440.00
Level 8 covers the theory & ear-training requirements for Grade 8 instrumental and vocal examinations. Students in this class will be writing the RCM grade 8 theory examination and must confirm registration in the class prior to registering for the examination.
Prerequisite: Theory 7 or equivalent music study.
Required text and sound files: Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training Level 8 (2nd Edition).
Sound Advice for Adults
July 4-14 | 9 x 1 hour sessions | $198.00
Instructor: Rachel Hill
Using material from the Sound Advice program, students learn to read music and/or improve their reading and aural skills, laying the foundation for further studies and enriching early music studies. These classes provide an excellent foundation for future or current instrumental studies and enrich early music training. The courses are designed to make all of your musical involvements more enjoyable, as your increased knowledge provides new levels of understanding and musical independence.