Summer Intensive Program: Theory
Summer 2024
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.
Unless otherwise specified, please contact Crystal Wiksyk at [email protected] for more information and to arrange lesson dates/times.
Programs Offered
Composition
Instructor: Christine Donkin
Location: online
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.
For more information and to arrange lesson dates/times, please contact Christine Donkin.
Harmony and Counterpoint
Instructors: Christine Donkin, Rachel Hill, and Crystal Wiksyk
Location: Christine Donkin and Crystal Wiksyk are online only. Rachel Hill is available for both online and in person instruction. In-person lessons will take place at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Langford location, 210-1314 Lakepoint Way.
Individual lessons and Studio Groups (2-3 students) 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.
Postsecondary Theory Tutoring and Preparation
Instructor: Rachel Hill
Location: Rachel Hill is available for both online and in-person instruction. In-person lessons will take place at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Langford location, 210-1314 Lakepoint Way.
Are you entering or currently enrolled in a post-secondary music program, and need to improve your music theory skills and knowledge? Rachel Hill has experience successfully preparing students for theory entrance exams, as well as tutoring students currently enrolled in BMus and post-secondary diploma music courses. Topics and lesson plans will be tailored to each student’s level and needs.
Practical Music Theory
Instructor: Wes Carroll
Dates: Tuesdays, Jun 25 – Jul 16, 2024, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Location: VCM Victoria, 900 Johnson Street
This introductory class demystifies popular musical styles making harmony easier to understand, discuss, and play with. Through a combination of examples, homework, ear training, and terminology we will explore how to name our favorite chord progressions and transpose them into common keys. We will get to know pop harmony’s ‘usual suspects’, along with a few quirky characters who appear frequently in certain styles. Practical Music Theory aims to explore core harmonic concepts while also helping us to understand our musical taste with a deepened perspective and increased vocabulary. Whether you are focusing on learning theory to deepen your performance and musicianship, deepen your theory knowledge to assist with songwriting, arranging, or producing, or simply to expand your musical literacy and understanding, this hands-on course will provide you with indispensable musical knowledge.
RegisterRCM History Exam Preparation Classes
Instructor: Robert Holliston
Location: online
Group classes for RCM History 9 and 10 and Individual and Studio Groups (2-3 students) for ARCT History are available 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!
Note: Depending on enrollment, History 9 and 10 classes may run as Studio Groups, rather than group classes, which will change the cost and number of instruction hours. Students will be notified in advance should a change in tuition or delivery be required.
RCM Theory Exam Preparation
Instructors: Christine Donkin, Rachel Hill, and Crystal Wiksyk
Location: Christine Donkin and Crystal Wiksyk are online only. Rachel Hill is available for both online and in person instruction. In-person lessons will take place at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Langford location, 210-1314 Lakepoint Way.
Individual lessons are available on a limited basis for all levels of RCM theory exam preparation. Lesson plans will be based on the RCM exam guidelines and syllabus.