Program Information
Learn more about the four Academy programs
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Senior Instrumental Junior Instrumental Junior Piano Plus Junior Winds Plus
Admission requirements
The Young Artists Academy Senior Instrumental program is open by audition to all teenage or Victoria Conservatory of Music postsecondary classical instrumentalists who have already reached the RCME Grade 9 Conservatory level.
Curriculum
The ambitious curriculum of the Senior Instrumental program includes chamber music, masterclasses with local professional as well as internationally acclaimed artists, and performances. Academy “Soundings” classes aim at expanding the awareness and experience of classical music. Furthermore, students work on a bi-weekly basis with collaborative pianists. The Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and socialize with like-minded individuals. The Young Artists Academy is an academic year program, running from September to May with auditions the previous May. Most class sessions happen on Monday between 4:00pm and 6:30pm.
Full membership
Full members receive a package of individual lessons and coachings with a collaborative pianist, chamber music, group sessions, performances, and credit towards theory or history lessons. The package price is subsidized approximately 50% by scholarships and Academy donor funding. Full members are expected to attend all sessions and practice with their chamber group at least weekly outside of the coaching sessions.
Postsecondary membership
Postsecondary Membership may be offered to students enrolled in the Conservatory/Camosun Postsecondary Diploma in Music Performance. For more information, contact David Visentin, Artistic Director of Postsecondary Studies.
Application deadlines, audition dates, and how to apply
Tuition fees
Admission requirements
The Young Artists Academy Junior Instrumental program is designed for 12–15-year-old strings players who have already reached the RCME Grade 6 level. Exceptionally mature and responsible applicants under age 12 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Curriculum
Curriculum for the Junior Instrumental program includes chamber music, orchestra, theory, masterclasses and performances. The Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn and collaborate with like-minded individuals as well as socialize over pre-class snacks.
- Orchestra, snacks, masterclasses, and chamber music are on Wednesdays from 4:15pm to 7:00pm
- Theory is scheduled individually with students depending on their level
Application deadlines, audition dates, and how to apply
Tuition fees
Admission requirements
The Young Artists Academy Junior Piano Plus program is designed for 12- to 15-year-old piano players who have already reached the RCME Grade 6 level. Exceptionally mature and responsible applicants under age 12 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Curriculum
Curriculum for the Junior Piano Plus program includes chamber music with strings, Piano Plus ensemble coaching, theory, masterclasses, and performances. The Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn and collaborate with like-minded individuals as well as socialize over pre-class snacks.
- Piano Plus, snacks, masterclasses, and chamber music are on Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 7:00pm
- Theory is scheduled individually with students depending on their level
Application deadlines, audition dates, and how to apply
Tuition fees
Admission requirements
The Young Artists Academy Junior Winds Plus program is designed for 12- to 15-year-old woodwind players who have already reached the RCME Grade 6 level. Exceptionally mature and responsible applicants under age 12 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Curriculum
Curriculum for the Junior Winds Plus program includes Winds Plus ensemble coaching (20 weeks), Intermediate Orchestra (11 weeks), chamber music with strings (28 weeks), masterclasses (6 weeks), theory, and performances. The Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn and collaborate with like-minded individuals as well as socialize over pre-class snacks.
- Junior Winds Plus, snacks, masterclasses, and chamber music are on Wednesdays from 4:30pm to 7:00pm
- Theory is scheduled individually with students depending on their level
Application deadlines, audition dates, and how to apply
Tuition fees
Schedule
September 4 – November 6
• 4:45-5:45 Winds Trio coaching
• 5:45-6:00 Snack & Social
• 6:00-7:00 Junior Chamber coaching or Masterclass
November 13 – December 11
• 4:45-5:45 Intermediate Orchestra
• 5:45-6:00 Snack & Social
• 6:00-7:00 Junior Chamber coaching or Masterclass
January 8 – March 12
• 4:45-5:45 Winds Trio coaching
• 5:45-6:00 Snack & Social
• 6:00-7:00 Junior Chamber coaching or Masterclass
March 19 & 26 – Spring Break
April 2-16
• No Winds Plus
• 4:45-5:45 Room available if requested in advance (for practicing or extra purchased coaching)
• 5:45-6:00 Snack & Social
• 6:00-7:00 Junior Chamber coaching or Masterclass
April 23-May 28
• 4:45-5:45 Intermediate Orchestra
• 5:45-6:00 Snack & Social
• 6:00-7:00 Junior Chamber coaching or Masterclass (feedback session May 28)
Voice
Voice will not be offered through the Academy in the 2024-25 Academic year. For information about other exciting Conservatory Voice offerings see our Course Calendar or contact Colin Doroschuk, Head of Voice
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?
General Information
Natasha Galitzine, Program Coordinator, collegium[at]vcm.bc.ca
Collegium Artistic Directors
Müge Büyükçelen (Upper Strings) and Brian Yoon (Lower Strings): strings.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca
Robert Holliston: keyboard.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca
Emily Nagelbach: windsbrass.classical[at]vcm.bc.ca