Gary Karr Young Artists Performance Academy
Nurturing excellence in a community of emerging musicians.
About
Founded in 2006, the Young Artist Collegium Program, now the Gary Karr Young Artists Performance Academy, provides colleagues or peers for exceptional young musicians, supporting and challenging them to become the best they can be, in music and in life.
Delivered in an after-school format Mondays or Wednesdays, the Academy is an enriched program for talented young classical musicians – strings, winds, brass, and pianists – all brought together with outstanding teachers to create a lively, collaborative educational experience devoted to the pursuit of musical excellence.
It provides the environment to develop and thrive as soloists and as chamber musicians with all the necessary tools to think critically and work as a team.
Application deadline for 2026/27
May 4, 2026
Audition dates
May 28 & 29, 2026
About Gary Karr
Gary Karr (1941-2025) transformed the double bass into a celebrated solo instrument and inspired musicians worldwide through performance, teaching, and as founder of the International Society of Bassists. At the Victoria Conservatory of Music, his mentorship and generosity have left a lasting mark on students and teachers alike.
The Gary Karr Young Artists Performance Academy reflects his inspiring example of: playfulness, dedication, adventurousness, inquiry, mentorship, and musician–audience togetherness. Students are encouraged to explore music boldly, collaborate joyfully, and connect deeply with instruments, audiences, and each other.
Through Gary’s legacy, the Academy cultivates excellence, curiosity, and a life-long love of music.
Eligibility
The Young Artists Academy is designed for teenage students studying classical strings, winds and brass instruments, and piano. Senior Instrumental applicants must have achieved at least an RCM Grade 9 level; Junior Instrumental is generally for players aged 12-15 in RCM Grades 6-9. Placement is based on yearly auditions which happen in the previous May. Victoria Conservatory of Music postsecondary students (of any age) may be invited to join the Academy based on their Conservatory/Camosun audition. If accepted, Academy participation qualifies toward their required Collaborative Ensemble credit, but requires the students to stay through mid-May after the postsecondary term ends.
Curriculum
The Young Artists Academy is an academic year program, running from September to May with auditions the previous May.
Students participate regularly in masterclasses and chamber music, work with accompanists, and attend lectures and performances. All Academy students are expected to participate in (at least) weekly individual lessons on their Academy instrument, whether the lessons are part of the Academy tuition package or arranged separately.
Additionally, this program offers a unique opportunity for like-minded students to learn, collaborate, and socialize together. All activities are conducted in the spirit and purpose of the Academy: excellence in music, teamwork, and support of peers.
Location
At the Victoria Conservatory of Music downtown location at 900 Johnson Street.
Programs
- Senior Instrumental
- Junior Instrumental
How to Apply
Each of the Academy programs have specific application requirements.
Tuition Fees
Each of the Academy programs have specific tuition fees.
Student Testimonials
“I liked the friendly and supportive environment created by the students and the administrators of the program.”
“The [Academy] program has made me a better musician and individual.”
“It’s AWESOME! I’ve learned numerous things that were and still are invaluable to my career as a musician, and the relationships I’ve formed with friends through this program will hopefully stay with me through the rest of my life. Great flippin‘ program!!!”
“The [Academy] program has helped me grow so much as a musician. Being surrounded by amazing players pushes you to want to have higher expectations for yourself.”
Parent Testimonials
“We are so pleased with the growth that our son’s [Academy] experience provided for him. He improved musically and personally while making new friends that share his interests.”
“This has been a life transforming program for my daughter.”
“[The Academy] is the most important education my children have received. In no other venture have my children learned all of the following: striving for excellence, setting goals, experiencing a teacher passionately picture their next achievement, collaborate with peers who are older, and younger, working with professional mentors, developing stage presence, and learning to share mutual appreciation among each other.”
“We enjoyed witnessing our son truly love participating in this program. It was also great to watch his progress as he improved as an individual as well as a musician. This was his first opportunity to collaborate with other musicians and he enjoyed playing with others, building relationships and being a part of a community.”
“Being part of a chamber ensemble was highly rewarding, both musically and personally. I also appreciated the dedication of the faculty and staff to providing high-quality musical experiences despite the challenges of the past year.”
Academy Student
This program is evaluated annually by its students, parents, and teachers.
Faculty
Russell Bajer
Oboe
Martin Bonham
Cello
Müge Büyükçelen
Violin
Mary Byrne
Flute
Alumni
The Collegium program, now Young Artists Academy, is highly successful and rated among the best in the country. Our students have won top prizes in the local, provincial and national music festivals. Students’ solo playing is on a similar level, winning many local and provincial festival awards. Our graduates have earned placements at UVic, McGill, Robert McDuffie School, New England Conservatory, the Peabody and Curtis Institutes and the Juilliard School of Music.
Notable Collegium alumni include Nikki Chooi, Timothy Chooi, Jacob van der Sloot, Blythe Allers, Lexie Krakowski, and Johnathan Devey.
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.
Contact Us
Have questions about the Young Artists Academy?
Natasha Galitzine, Program Coordinator | 250.386.5311 ext. 3360 | Contact