Academy Flute Choir
Open to flutists of all ages to play music written for large and small “orchestras” of flutes. The choir provides an opportunity to learn to play bass flute, alto flute and/or piccolo. For players with strong ensemble and playing skills. A Grade 4 RCM level is recommended.
Term 1: Sep 14 - Jan 18
Term 2: Feb 1 - May 30
Sat • 10:00 - 11:30am
$197/term • $168.96/term with lessons
Downtown
Judith Pazder
Judith Pazder graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. She has taught in Windsor, Halifax and Vancouver, where she founded the Millennium Flute Ensemble. Judith is on faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and has been the director of the Academy Flute Choir for the past 10 years. Judith is also involved in recorder teaching, study and performance.
Adult Introductory String Orchestra
Meet other musicians and play simple Baroque and Classical works in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. The Introductory Adult String Orchestra will help you improve your sight reading skills, and help you to enjoy playing in harmony. This class is open to people who are taking lessons and striving to improve on violin, viola, cello or bass.
Session 1: Sep 17 - Dec 3 • $215
Session 2: Jan 21 - Mar 10 • $131
Session 3: Mar 24 - May 12 • $131
Tue • 8:00 - 9:00pm • Downtown
Stacey Boal
A multi-faceted musician, Stacey Boal teaches recorder, violin and viola at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and plays the viola in the Victoria Symphony. In addition, she has taught at WCAMS summer camp, and led recorder workshops in Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Kelowna and Edmonton. Stacey has performed several recorder solos with the VS, most recently Bach’s 2nd Brandenburg Concerto. She has also played the recorder in Pacific Opera productions of Handel’s Rodelinda and Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Stacey was born in Revelstoke and went to high school in North Vancouver. She is a graduate of Carson Graham and the UBC (…)
Advanced Voice Workshop
An opportunity for advanced students and professional singers to explore all aspects of their performance, with coaching and instruction from senior voice faculty. Using a masterclass format, AVW focuses on technique, style, interpretation, bodywork and presence to create powerful performances and empowered performers.
Term 1: Sep 18 - Dec 4
Term 2: Jan 29 - Apr 23
Tue • 1:00 - 3:00pm • $504/term
Downtown
Acceptance is by audition/interview.
Auditions will be held in the week preceding the beginning of each term.
Optional extra coaching is available
Nancy Argenta
With a repertoire spanning three centuries, Nancy Argenta has been hailed not only as the supreme Handel soprano of our age but also for her performances of works by such diverse composers as Mahler, Mozart, Schubert and Schoenberg. Conductors with whom she has collaborated include Ozawa, Gardiner, Davis, Blomstedt, Pinnock, Hogwood and Norrington. She has sung with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, and the Toronto, Montreal, and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.
In opera, concert and recital, she has appeared at many leading festivals including Aix-en-Provence, Salzburg, Mostly Mozart, and the BBC (…)
Ingrid Attrot
Hailed as ‘a singer with uncommon theatrical sensibility and musical intelligence’, soprano Ingrid Attrot has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with conductors such as Dutoit, Marriner, Willcocks, Pinnok and Hickox. Her work with conductor Richard Hickox has included performances of the Britten War Requiem, Peter Grimes (Ellen Orford), and Beethoven’s Fidelio (Leonora). Opera companies with which she has worked include the English National Opera (as Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw), Opera Northern Ireland (as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni), and Pacific Opera (…)
Robert Holliston
Robert Holliston studied at the Victoria Conservatory of Music under Robin Wood and Winifred Scott Wood, and at the University of British Columbia under Robert Rogers. As an accompanist and chamber player he has performed throughout Canada and the USA, England and New Zealand, and has been heard frequently on CBC-Radio. He has recorded CDs with the popular salon ensemble Viveza, trombonist Ian McDougall, tenor Ken Lavigne, his brother Tom Holliston, Show Business Giants, and members of the Hornby Island Ensemble. Robert has collaborated with many of Canada’s leading singers, including Richard Margison, Benjamin Butterfield, Judith Forst, Nathalie Paulin, Susan (…)
Basic Brass (7-10 years)
Engage your child in the world of brass playing and watch them flourish musically, socially, and academically.
Term 1: Sep 17 - Jan 14
Term 2: Jan - May
Tue • 4:15-5:00pm • $241.25/term • Westhills
Consult the instructor prior to registering. Class schedule to be confirmed through instructor.
Joanne Allers
Joanne Allers, B.Ed, M.Mus, has experienced a rich musical education encompassing mentorship and instruction from musicians and educators in Edmonton and Chicago. After graduating from the U of A, and teaching for the Edmonton Public School Board, Joanne benefited from four years of trumpet study in Chicago, studying primarily with Mr Luther Didrickson (Northwestern University) and Mr Mark Ponzo (Northern Illinois University), but also with William Scarlett (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), the late Arnold Jacobs, and Barbara Butler (Rice University). While residing in Calgary for 15 years, Joanne performed with Altius Brass Ensemble, with highlights including performing with the Bach Society (…)
Cello Chamber Ensemble
Develop better intonation and learn to play more musically with the rich, warm tone of a cello ensemble.
Term 1: Sep 12 - Dec 19
Term 2: Jan 9 - May 7
Thu • 7:15 - 8:30pm
$204/term • Downtown
Start date subject to change. Late registrations permitted; consult instructor.
Internet registration is not allowed for this activity. Please contact us to register: 250-386-5311.
Laura Backstrom
Laura Backstrom began her musical life as a pianist, switching over to cello in her teens. She studied cello at the University of Alberta with the renowned pedagogue Claude Kenneson, and participated in summer programs in Banff and Victoria. Upon graduation from the U of A with a Bachelor of Music, Laura was invited, with a full scholarship, to study with the Fine Arts Quartet at the University of Wisconsin. Her next few years were spent pursuing studies in Toronto with cellist Daniel Domb. While there, Laura completed two intensive training courses: the Orchestral Training Program, and the Musical Performance (…)
Cello Orchestra
Develop better intonation and learn to play more musically with the rich, warm tone of a cello ensemble. Repertoire consists of high-quality transcriptions of great music.
Term 1: Sep 13 - Dec 20
Term 2: Jan 10 - May 8
Fri • 10:30 - 11:45am • Downtown
$187/term • $159/term with lessons
Start date subject to change. Late registrations permitted; consult instructor.
Internet registration is not allowed for this activity. Please contact us to register: 250-386-5311.
Laura Backstrom
Laura Backstrom began her musical life as a pianist, switching over to cello in her teens. She studied cello at the University of Alberta with the renowned pedagogue Claude Kenneson, and participated in summer programs in Banff and Victoria. Upon graduation from the U of A with a Bachelor of Music, Laura was invited, with a full scholarship, to study with the Fine Arts Quartet at the University of Wisconsin. Her next few years were spent pursuing studies in Toronto with cellist Daniel Domb. While there, Laura completed two intensive training courses: the Orchestral Training Program, and the Musical Performance (…)
Classical Guitar Orchestra
Classical guitarists of all ages develop strong ensemble and sight-reading skills under the direction of a conductor. Repertoire ranges from music of the 16th through to the 20th centuries, as well as world music and Beatles songs. All levels welcome from beginner to intermediate.
Term 1: Sep 14 - Jan 18
Term 2: Feb 1 - May 30
Sat • 10:30am - 12:00pm
$177.50/term • $150.88/term with lessons
Downtown
Douglas Hensley
Douglas Hensley is an ecclectic and versatile musician who enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages, helping them develop a solid technique which will enable them to play whatever kind of music they choose. Since 2001, he has served with the Victoria Symphony on guitar, lute, mandolin, and banjo, and in 2008 joined Pacific Opera Victoria in Regina. As co-founder and co-director of the Continuum Consort, he explores a repertoire from 12th century Cantigas de Santa Maria to 21st century works written for the ensemble (including commissions funded by the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council), on a (…)
Composition Clubs
What are Composition Clubs? Sample Compositions Composition Clubs are classes in which music students can learn what it’s like to be a composer. Activities include: Listening without judging, i.e. listening to music with an open mind, focusing on the sounds we hear rather than on our opinions; Creative exercises which help to prepare our […]
Session 1: Sep 11 / 14 - Oct 23 / Nov 2
Session 2: Jan 8/ 11 - Feb 26 / 29
Session 3: Apr 1 / 4 - May 20 / 23
Wed • 5:45 - 6:45pm • $168/session
OR Sat • 4:15 - 5:15pm • $168/session
Downtown
Dates and times to be confirmed by instructor. Contact: donkinyt@gmail.com
Christine Donkin
Christine Donkin is a Canadian composer and instructor of music theory, ear training, and composition at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. She is an active clinician and adjudicator; creator of theory and ear training games for Tonic Tutor, an online resource for music students and teachers; and author of the Compositional Devices Collection on the RCM online Teacher Portal. Her many pedagogical compositions, arrangements, and figured bass realizations are featured in the Royal Conservatory of Music repertoire books for cello, clarinet, piano, trumpet, saxophone, viola, violin, and voice.
Ear-Training – “Stay Tuned”
The Ear-Training program helps students learn how to effectively practice intervals, chords, chord progressions, playbacks, rhythm clap-backs, and rhythmic reading to match their instrumental level.
6 x 60 min • Class dates and times to be arranged with Theory coordinator • $126 • Downtown
Crystal Wiksyk
Crystal Wiksyk is a theory and musicianship instructor at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, where she coordinates the Classical Music Theory program within the Ann & George Nation Conservatory of Classical Music. Crystal teaches group classes as well as individual lessons at the VCM, and has taught theory and musicianship classes for the VCM/Camosun College Diploma program. She is the co-author of three publications for the Royal Conservatory of Music, and also leads the Music Theory programming for the VCM’s Summer Academy. Crystal is a Royal Conservatory certified theory teacher and long-time member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association.
Early Bird Flute Choir
A welcoming and exciting ensemble, perfect for the beginner flute student of any age. Learn how to follow a conductor, develop strong listening skills and play music together as a team.
Term 1: Sep 14 - Jan 18
Term 2: Feb 1 - May 30
Sat • 9:00 - 10:00 am
$152.80/term • $131.38/term with lessons
Downtown
Judith Pazder
Judith Pazder graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. She has taught in Windsor, Halifax and Vancouver, where she founded the Millennium Flute Ensemble. Judith is on faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and has been the director of the Academy Flute Choir for the past 10 years. Judith is also involved in recorder teaching, study and performance.
Flute Groups
These classes offer students a fun and approachable way to learn the flute while building their skills in music reading, rhythms and ensemble playing.
Session 1: Jan 9 - Mar 5, 2020 • $291.25
Session 2: Apr 9 - May 28, 2020 • $259.50
Dates and times to be determined based on participants availability.
Downtown
Marsha Elliott
Canadian flutist Marsha Elliott is an acclaimed soloist, chamber musician and educator. Marsha holds a B.Mus. in Performance from the University of Toronto and a M.Mus. in Performance from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she studied with soloists Susan Hoeppner and Carol Wincenc respectively. Marsha also spent a transformative year in the Professional Winter Residency Program at the Banff Centre for the Arts. Her past teachers and mentors have included Julius Baker, Emmanuel Pahud and Jeanne Baxtresser among others. As a performer Marsha has toured throughout Canada and the US and has been seen and […]
French Song Project
COURSE DESCRIPTION The French Song Project is a performance course for pianists and singers, aged 30 or older, who would like to improve their interpretive, collaborative, and performance skills as part of an intensive exploration leading to performance. Taught over a series of weekend afternoons, the course is run at the Victoria Conservatory of Music […]
Course dates: March 28 - May 30, 2020
Student concerts: June 5, 6, 7, 2020
Faculty concert: June 13, 2020
Kathryn Whitney
Canadian/British singer Dr Kathryn Whitney was raised on Vancouver Island and now divides her time between Britain and Canada. A versatile musician whose work combines concert and recital performance with a wide range of collaborative research, educational and other projects, she is a lyric mezzo-soprano with an “impressively wide dynamic range” (Oxford Times) and a “special gift” for interpreting text (Nanaimo News) whose singing has been described as “meaty”, “prophetic” (Oxford Times) and “very touching” (Sir John Eliot Gardiner). Kathryn is a freelance performer, teacher, researcher, and solo and choral clinician. She is currently an Associate Fellow at the Institute (…)
Anna Cal
ANNA CAL is trained in the famous tradition of Russian piano schools. She studied at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in St. Petersburg with well-known Russian performers and professors including Vitaly Berzon, Pavel Yegorov and the late Helen Shishko. She holds Master degrees with high distinction in three fields: piano performance, piano pedagogy and collaborative piano. After studying in Russia, Anna spent two years in Rome, Italy where she worked as a soloist and a voice coach. Anna is a senior teacher at the Victoria Conservatory of Music where she teaches piano, piano pedagogy and collaborative piano. She is Director of Collaborative piano and Interpretation in German Lieder Projects. Anna is a frequent performer in Victoria as a soloist and in collaboration with vocalists and instrumentalists.
Robert Holliston
Robert Holliston studied at the Victoria Conservatory of Music under Robin Wood and Winifred Scott Wood, and at the University of British Columbia under Robert Rogers. As an accompanist and chamber player he has performed throughout Canada and the USA, England and New Zealand, and has been heard frequently on CBC-Radio. He has recorded CDs with the popular salon ensemble Viveza, trombonist Ian McDougall, tenor Ken Lavigne, his brother Tom Holliston, Show Business Giants, and members of the Hornby Island Ensemble. Robert has collaborated with many of Canada’s leading singers, including Richard Margison, Benjamin Butterfield, Judith Forst, Nathalie Paulin, Susan (…)
Alex Chen
Alex Chen is a collaborative pianist and vocal coach whose personal approach and intellectual curiosity bring fresh perspectives on a diverse body of musical works. In the words of mentor John Hess, he is “an immensely musical and sensitive player” with “a deeply inquisitive mind”. Alex has an MMus from the University of Western Ontario […]
Group Cello for Adult Beginners
Learn to play the cello in a fun, social environment, starting with the basics. No musical experience is necessary. Textbook: All for Strings, Book 1
Term 1: Sep 9 - Dec 9
Term 2: Jan 27 - May 4
Mon • 7:15 - 8:30pm • $315/term
Downtown
Start date subject to change. Please consult instructor for appropriate placement.
Internet registration is not allowed for this activity. Please contact us to register: 250-386-5311.
Laura Backstrom
Laura Backstrom began her musical life as a pianist, switching over to cello in her teens. She studied cello at the University of Alberta with the renowned pedagogue Claude Kenneson, and participated in summer programs in Banff and Victoria. Upon graduation from the U of A with a Bachelor of Music, Laura was invited, with a full scholarship, to study with the Fine Arts Quartet at the University of Wisconsin. Her next few years were spent pursuing studies in Toronto with cellist Daniel Domb. While there, Laura completed two intensive training courses: the Orchestral Training Program, and the Musical Performance (…)
Group Guitar for Adults
An introduction to classical guitar that will allow beginners to develop basic technique and more experienced novices to refine their skills. Sight-reading and the understanding and fingering of basic chords to accompany singing are incorporated into a fluid curriculum, where participants are encouraged to suggest repertoire and topics of guitar methodology about which they are […]
Term 1: Sep 10 - Jan 07
Term 2: Jan 28 - May 19
Tue • 8:00 - 9:00 pm • $341/term
Downtown
Douglas Hensley
Douglas Hensley is an ecclectic and versatile musician who enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages, helping them develop a solid technique which will enable them to play whatever kind of music they choose. Since 2001, he has served with the Victoria Symphony on guitar, lute, mandolin, and banjo, and in 2008 joined Pacific Opera Victoria in Regina. As co-founder and co-director of the Continuum Consort, he explores a repertoire from 12th century Cantigas de Santa Maria to 21st century works written for the ensemble (including commissions funded by the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council), on a (…)
Group Guitar for Beginners: 7-9 years and 10-14 years
Elements of classical and Suzuki instructional methods are employed to introduce children to the basics of classical guitar technique. Students learn to play both solo and ensemble repertoire, and are introduced to chords.
Term 1: Sep 13 - Jan 17
Term 2: Jan 24 - May 23
Level 1 • 7 - 9 years • Wed • 5:30 - 6:30pm
$362/term • Downtown
Level 2 • 10 - 14 years • Wed • 6:30 - 7:30pm
$362/term • Downtown
Douglas Hensley
Douglas Hensley is an ecclectic and versatile musician who enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages, helping them develop a solid technique which will enable them to play whatever kind of music they choose. Since 2001, he has served with the Victoria Symphony on guitar, lute, mandolin, and banjo, and in 2008 joined Pacific Opera Victoria in Regina. As co-founder and co-director of the Continuum Consort, he explores a repertoire from 12th century Cantigas de Santa Maria to 21st century works written for the ensemble (including commissions funded by the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council), on a (…)
Group Piano for Beginners (5-6 and 7-8 years)
These fun-filled lessons will help your child begin their musical education on a positive note. They will participate in a class where they can socialize and encourage one another, all while learning to play the piano.
Summer 2019
5 - 6 years
Jun 18 - Aug 27
Tue OR Thu • Tue 5:15pm to 6:15pm
$235 • Downtown
Laura Wood
Laura Wood has played piano since 4 years of age. She studied at the Conservatory beginning at five years of age with Ivy Screech. Starting at nine years old, she studied with Edward Parker obtaining consistently high marks in her exams. She successfully completed the teacher training program with her AVCM and first class honours. She particularly loves teaching children and adult beginners, and in addition to her studio teaching, offers piano group instruction at the VCM.
Group Ukulele for Adults
An introduction to Hawaii’s small but mighty musical export! Students will learn to strum chords and accompany songs, gradually working toward proficient note-reading in this fun, relaxed class.
Term 1: Sep 10 - Jan 07
Term 2: Jan 28 - May 19
Tue • 7:00 - 8:00 pm • $341/term
Downtown
Douglas Hensley
Douglas Hensley is an ecclectic and versatile musician who enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages, helping them develop a solid technique which will enable them to play whatever kind of music they choose. Since 2001, he has served with the Victoria Symphony on guitar, lute, mandolin, and banjo, and in 2008 joined Pacific Opera Victoria in Regina. As co-founder and co-director of the Continuum Consort, he explores a repertoire from 12th century Cantigas de Santa Maria to 21st century works written for the ensemble (including commissions funded by the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council), on a (…)
Guitar Ensemble
For intermediate to advanced players Grade 4-7. Quartet and other ensemble repertoire will be explored, with an emphasis on rehearsal techniques and fretboard theory review, in addition to diverse repertoire.
Term 1: Sep 14 - Dec 14
Term 2: Jan 25 - May 10
Fri • 7:00 - 8:30pm • $204/term
Downtown
Alexander Dunn
Alexander Dunn has completed extensive summer studies at the Aspen Festival and Sommerakademie Mozarteum. His performances and activities at music festivals include Darmstadt, Salzburg, Vancouver New Music, International Guitar and Lute Institute, Stetson Internatioanl Guitar Workshop, Guitar Foundation of America, Boston GuitarFest, Northwest Guitar Festival, Paracho Festival de Guitarra, Vancouver Festival, Early Music Society of the Islands, CBC Festival de Printemps, Zihuatenejo International Guitar Festival, Appalachian Guitar Festival, Singapore Youth Festival, and many others. Dr. Dunn has performed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Cuba, (…)
History
Music History classes are suitable for all students, from school age through to adults and seniors, either as a complement to studio instruction, or simply for music appreciation. Courses offered integrate into all of our theory classes up to level 8. As of level 9, three levels of advanced History classes are offered. All classes align with the RCM’s 2016 theory syllabus and prepare students to write the corresponding History examinations held in May.
Full Year: Sep 11 - May 6
Wed • Downtown • $682
History 9 (RCM History 1) • 6:00 - 7:00pm
History 10 (RCM History 2) • 7:00 - 8:00pm
History ARCT (RCM History 3) • 8:00 - 9:00pm
Tuition is $682 or contact us for Pre-Authorized Debit monthly payment plan (8 @ $85.25 + $2.25 fee, Sep 15 - Apr 15)
Robert Holliston
Robert Holliston studied at the Victoria Conservatory of Music under Robin Wood and Winifred Scott Wood, and at the University of British Columbia under Robert Rogers. As an accompanist and chamber player he has performed throughout Canada and the USA, England and New Zealand, and has been heard frequently on CBC-Radio. He has recorded CDs with the popular salon ensemble Viveza, trombonist Ian McDougall, tenor Ken Lavigne, his brother Tom Holliston, Show Business Giants, and members of the Hornby Island Ensemble. Robert has collaborated with many of Canada’s leading singers, including Richard Margison, Benjamin Butterfield, Judith Forst, Nathalie Paulin, Susan (…)
Intermediate String Orchestra
Hone your ensemble skills, with focus on developing good intonation, rhythm, and musicianship. Members should be playing at a RCM Grade 4 level or higher, have some previous ensemble experience, and be comfortable sight-reading.
Full Year: Sep 10- May 12
Tue • 6:00 - 7:00pm • Downtown
$484 • $411.40 with lessons
Tatiana Kostour
Ms. Tatiana Kostour, Moscow born, is a violinist from The Ukraine. In 1991 she graduated from Kiev Conservatory of Music and in 1993 immigrated to Canada. Besides performance, studying pedagogy, method of teaching and practical teaching courses under supervisions of very fine Ukrainian teachers, Tatiana always stood out with the highest marks in performance and teaching. Many years of polishing her teaching techniques brought to Ms. Kostour very successful results. Number of Tatiana’s students received Gold and Silver medals from The Royal Conservatory of Music and first places from The National Canadian Music Competitions. In addition to these awards her (…)
Introductory Music Classes for Adults
Orff for Adults, Fun & Easy Piano Adventures, and Hawaiian Music Adventures: These three new Introductory Music Classes for Adults, promote a healthy life style, and offer participants the opportunity to wade into the world of music at their own pace, These classes provide an easily accessible way to tap into the many “Wellness” benefits of music, and also lots of opportunity to socialize and make new friends!
SCHEDULE AND PRICING INFORMATION
See Classes listed, and follow links for complete information and how to register.
Daniel Lapp
Daniel Lapp is a world-renowned singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, teacher, archivist, band leader, sideman, producer, promoter and – no kidding – the list goes on. And like the true-blue Canadian he is, Daniel does it all with trademark energy and warmth. As a fiddler, jazz trumpeter and singer/songwriter, Daniel Lapp has played on over 100 albums and performed across Canada, United States, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Finland and Germany with some of the world’s most renowned Folk and Jazz musicians. Daniel is the winner of the B.C. Fiddle Championship and has appeared as a soloist with the CBC Chamber Orchestra as well as (…)
Stacey Boal
A multi-faceted musician, Stacey Boal teaches recorder, violin and viola at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and plays the viola in the Victoria Symphony. In addition, she has taught at WCAMS summer camp, and led recorder workshops in Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Kelowna and Edmonton. Stacey has performed several recorder solos with the VS, most recently Bach’s 2nd Brandenburg Concerto. She has also played the recorder in Pacific Opera productions of Handel’s Rodelinda and Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Stacey was born in Revelstoke and went to high school in North Vancouver. She is a graduate of Carson Graham and the UBC (…)
Laura Backstrom
Laura Backstrom began her musical life as a pianist, switching over to cello in her teens. She studied cello at the University of Alberta with the renowned pedagogue Claude Kenneson, and participated in summer programs in Banff and Victoria. Upon graduation from the U of A with a Bachelor of Music, Laura was invited, with a full scholarship, to study with the Fine Arts Quartet at the University of Wisconsin. Her next few years were spent pursuing studies in Toronto with cellist Daniel Domb. While there, Laura completed two intensive training courses: the Orchestral Training Program, and the Musical Performance (…)
Anna Lyman
Anna (Acevedo) Lyman, is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and is a working musician, recording artist and educator, based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Having studied ukulele and Hawaiian music with Ben Chong (Guitar and Ukulele player for Don Ho), among other Hawaiian instructors, Anna is an award-winning ukulele player, and as a now teaching ukulele in both group/ensemble and individual studio lessons at the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s new Westhills location in Langford. […]
Douglas Hensley
Douglas Hensley is an ecclectic and versatile musician who enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages, helping them develop a solid technique which will enable them to play whatever kind of music they choose. Since 2001, he has served with the Victoria Symphony on guitar, lute, mandolin, and banjo, and in 2008 joined Pacific Opera Victoria in Regina. As co-founder and co-director of the Continuum Consort, he explores a repertoire from 12th century Cantigas de Santa Maria to 21st century works written for the ensemble (including commissions funded by the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council), on a (…)
Judith Pazder
Judith Pazder graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. She has taught in Windsor, Halifax and Vancouver, where she founded the Millennium Flute Ensemble. Judith is on faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and has been the director of the Academy Flute Choir for the past 10 years. Judith is also involved in recorder teaching, study and performance.
Kelly Kirby Piano Method – 4 to 6 year olds
This simple, fun approach to music is designed to capture the imagination of the young child. Ear-training, sight-reading, and piano playing are taught from the very first lesson. Colouring, stickers, and singing are incorporated into this note-reading method to compliment musical elements. Kelly Kirby method is available through studio (Individual or shared) instruction. For more […]
Lessons in the Kelly Kirby method are offered through Individual instruction only.
Stella Barbon
Stella Barbon received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and also holds an AVCM in Teaching. She studied piano with Winifred Scott Wood and Anne Brayshaw. Her Italian studies took place at the University of Victoria and the Instituto Dante Alighieri in Rome. Ms. Barbon is a qualified Kelly Kirby Kindergarten Piano instructor.
Roger Buksa
As an experienced adjudicator, and member of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners, Roger Buksa has judged festivals throughout BC including the lower mainland. His students regularly earn awards in regional and provincial competitions and have been selected to perform as concerto soloists with orchestra. He has also participated in the VCM Summer Piano Academy as a teacher and performer and has performed in several concerts as part of the VCM Presents series, including with classical guitarist Dr. Alexander Dunn, and in an established duo-piano team with Anna Cal. […]
Erin Fisher
Erin Frances Fisher’s teaches piano at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Her students have received scholarships, attended Piano Academy and participated in RCM exams and masterclasses. She teaches ages four and up, offering Kelly Kirby Method lessons for young beginners. Erin holds an MFA from the University of Victoria, Diplomas in both Piano Performance, Pedagogy, and Composition from Camosun College, and an AVCM in Piano Pedagogy and Performance. She has received music and teaching awards such as the Woods International Piano Scholarship, and Teacher Training Excellence Award. In addition to her music studio, Erin is a sessional instructor in the (…)
Linda Low
Linda. Low has achieved the Victoria Conservatory of Music/Camosun College Diploma in Music Instruction – Piano Pedagogy and Literature, Keyboard Skills. She studied with Dr. Robin Wood at the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Ms. Low is a Silver Medalist with the Royal Conservatory of Music. She has twice been a National Finalist in the Canadian Music Competition. She was a Guest Soloist with the Victoria Symphony on their West Coast Tour. She is an active adjudicator, examiner, and clinician, as well as a qualified Kelly Kirby piano method instructor.
Keyboard for Beginners (5-8 years)
The perfect start for children wishing to learn to play keyboard: Fun and socially engaging groups of up to six, explore music from both the popular and classical styles, while laying the foundation for a solid musical training and growing a lifelong love for music!
Joanne Allers
Joanne Allers, B.Ed, M.Mus, has experienced a rich musical education encompassing mentorship and instruction from musicians and educators in Edmonton and Chicago. After graduating from the U of A, and teaching for the Edmonton Public School Board, Joanne benefited from four years of trumpet study in Chicago, studying primarily with Mr Luther Didrickson (Northwestern University) and Mr Mark Ponzo (Northern Illinois University), but also with William Scarlett (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), the late Arnold Jacobs, and Barbara Butler (Rice University). While residing in Calgary for 15 years, Joanne performed with Altius Brass Ensemble, with highlights including performing with the Bach Society (…)
Master classes, Workshops, and Jams
Master Classes, Workshops and Jams are an invaluable way to learn from some of the very best musicians in the world and each other. The VCM has a wide variety of opportunities in each of our Program Areas and Departments.
For more information contact the respective Department Head or Artistic Director:
Robert Holliston (Dept. Head, Keyboard)
rholliston@shaw.ca
Ingrid Attrot (Dept. Head, Voice)
sops@shaw.ca
Simon MacDonald (Dept. Head, Strings and Collegium)
macdonald@vcm.bc.ca
Emily Nagelbach (Dept. Head, Winds and Brass)
emily.nagelbach@gmail.com
Daniel Lapp (Artistic Director, SCM)
daniel@daniellapp.com
Dr. Jonathan Haek (Director, SMTC)
haek@vcm.bc.ca
David Visentin (Director, Dept. of Postsecondary Studies)
visentin@vcm.bc.ca
Robert Holliston
Robert Holliston studied at the Victoria Conservatory of Music under Robin Wood and Winifred Scott Wood, and at the University of British Columbia under Robert Rogers. As an accompanist and chamber player he has performed throughout Canada and the USA, England and New Zealand, and has been heard frequently on CBC-Radio. He has recorded CDs with the popular salon ensemble Viveza, trombonist Ian McDougall, tenor Ken Lavigne, his brother Tom Holliston, Show Business Giants, and members of the Hornby Island Ensemble. Robert has collaborated with many of Canada’s leading singers, including Richard Margison, Benjamin Butterfield, Judith Forst, Nathalie Paulin, Susan (…)
Ingrid Attrot
Hailed as ‘a singer with uncommon theatrical sensibility and musical intelligence’, soprano Ingrid Attrot has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with conductors such as Dutoit, Marriner, Willcocks, Pinnok and Hickox. Her work with conductor Richard Hickox has included performances of the Britten War Requiem, Peter Grimes (Ellen Orford), and Beethoven’s Fidelio (Leonora). Opera companies with which she has worked include the English National Opera (as Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw), Opera Northern Ireland (as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni), and Pacific Opera (…)
Emily Nagelbach
Emily Nagelbach, Faculty Department Head, Winds and Brass, Conservatory School of Classical Music. Emily plays second flute/piccolo with the Vancouver Island Symphony, is a member of Pedagogy Committee of the National Flute Association. As a freelance musician, she frequently performs with many orchestras, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Victoria Symphony Orchestra. She served as the Artistic Director of the Summer Music Discovery Camp at the VCM for many years. Emily holds an AVCM from the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), a B.Mus. in Performance and Theory from Wilfrid Laurier University and a M.Mus. in Performance from the University of (…)
Daniel Lapp
Daniel Lapp is a world-renowned singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, teacher, archivist, band leader, sideman, producer, promoter and – no kidding – the list goes on. And like the true-blue Canadian he is, Daniel does it all with trademark energy and warmth. As a fiddler, jazz trumpeter and singer/songwriter, Daniel Lapp has played on over 100 albums and performed across Canada, United States, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Finland and Germany with some of the world’s most renowned Folk and Jazz musicians. Daniel is the winner of the B.C. Fiddle Championship and has appeared as a soloist with the CBC Chamber Orchestra as well as (…)
Jonathan Haek
Jonathan Haek is a composer and flutist originally from Portland, Oregon. Dr. Haek is the Director of the School of Music Technology and Creativity at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He currently teaches Aural Skills courses for the VCM’s Department of Postsecondary Studies, and is the designer, developer, and instructor of the new postsecondary Certificate of Music Technologies program offered in partnership with Camosun College. Jon’s interests lie at the intersections of music, math, and technology. His projects have involved collaboration with modern dance choreographers, free improvisation, interactive and computer music composition, and Fibonacci numbers as compositional tools. Dedicated to […]
David Visentin
David Visentin is widely known throughout Canada as a performer, conductor, pedagogue and arts administrator whose leadership and creative experience in the performing arts has successfully advanced classical music from coast to coast. In 2011, founded Sistema Toronto and was appointed as the organization’s President and CEO. Sistema Toronto is a free and uniquely immersive after-school social program through music for at-risk children and youth, modeled after the highly successful program known as el Sistema. For six years, as dean and associate dean of The Glenn Gould School and Young Artists Performance Academy of The Royal Conservatory of Music, David […]
Simon MacDonald
Simon MacDonald began playing the violin at age seven, here in Victoria, British Columbia. Following studies with Frona Colquhoun and Sydney Humphreys, Simon earned his AVCM Teacher and Performance Diploma from the VCM, Bachelor’s degree from New England Conservatory in Boston, and Master’s degree from the Schulich School of Music, at the University of McGill, in Montreal. Simon’s musical education also included performing at music festivals in Europe and North America, including Schleswig Holstein Music Festival (Germany), The Festival of Two Worlds (Italy), the Spoleto Festival (Charleston, South Carolina), Tanglewood Music Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (Massachusetts), and at ArtSpring Festival on Salt Spring Island. […]
Opera Studio
This sought-after program provides comprehensive training in the many facets of opera for singers. Employing a mix of rehearsals, workshops, and classes leading to performances of opera excerpts and/or one act operas at the end of each term, aspects of training will include acting, movement, musical preparation and coaching, recitative study, audition techniques, and role preparation. The faculty is comprised of well-known guest directors, conductors and masterclass clinicians.
Oct 1 - Mar 17 • Tue • 4:00 - 7:00pm • $1150
Sat rehearsals • Feb 8 - Mar 28 10:00am - 1:00pm
Rehearsal schedule and exact tuition to be confirmed. Check website or contact the VCM. Acceptance by audition.
Ingrid Attrot
Hailed as ‘a singer with uncommon theatrical sensibility and musical intelligence’, soprano Ingrid Attrot has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with conductors such as Dutoit, Marriner, Willcocks, Pinnok and Hickox. Her work with conductor Richard Hickox has included performances of the Britten War Requiem, Peter Grimes (Ellen Orford), and Beethoven’s Fidelio (Leonora). Opera companies with which she has worked include the English National Opera (as Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw), Opera Northern Ireland (as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni), and Pacific Opera (…)
Nancy Argenta
With a repertoire spanning three centuries, Nancy Argenta has been hailed not only as the supreme Handel soprano of our age but also for her performances of works by such diverse composers as Mahler, Mozart, Schubert and Schoenberg. Conductors with whom she has collaborated include Ozawa, Gardiner, Davis, Blomstedt, Pinnock, Hogwood and Norrington. She has sung with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, and the Toronto, Montreal, and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.
In opera, concert and recital, she has appeared at many leading festivals including Aix-en-Provence, Salzburg, Mostly Mozart, and the BBC (…)
Robert Holliston
Robert Holliston studied at the Victoria Conservatory of Music under Robin Wood and Winifred Scott Wood, and at the University of British Columbia under Robert Rogers. As an accompanist and chamber player he has performed throughout Canada and the USA, England and New Zealand, and has been heard frequently on CBC-Radio. He has recorded CDs with the popular salon ensemble Viveza, trombonist Ian McDougall, tenor Ken Lavigne, his brother Tom Holliston, Show Business Giants, and members of the Hornby Island Ensemble. Robert has collaborated with many of Canada’s leading singers, including Richard Margison, Benjamin Butterfield, Judith Forst, Nathalie Paulin, Susan (…)
Preparatory String Orchestra
This new class offers the young student who has been playing a string instrument for over a year both the technical benefits of a group class and ensemble learning. It is the perfect complement to private studio instruction, and a continuation of the social learning of a Suzuki Group Class, or other early childhood group […]
Full Year: Sep 10 - May 12
Tue • 6:00 - 7:00pm • Downtown
$484 • $411.40 with lessons
Tatiana Kostour
Ms. Tatiana Kostour, Moscow born, is a violinist from The Ukraine. In 1991 she graduated from Kiev Conservatory of Music and in 1993 immigrated to Canada. Besides performance, studying pedagogy, method of teaching and practical teaching courses under supervisions of very fine Ukrainian teachers, Tatiana always stood out with the highest marks in performance and teaching. Many years of polishing her teaching techniques brought to Ms. Kostour very successful results. Number of Tatiana’s students received Gold and Silver medals from The Royal Conservatory of Music and first places from The National Canadian Music Competitions. In addition to these awards her (…)
Recorder Ensemble
For intermediate level players, the Recorder Ensemble offers the opportunity to meet other players, improve reading skills and play trios, quartets and more in a large ensemble. Repertoire will include songs and dances from the 12th century through the Renaissance and Baroque, as well as popular Celtic and Swing. There are end of term performance […]
Session 1: Sep 17 - Dec 3 • $215
Session 2: Jan 21 - Mar 10 • $131
Session 3: Mar 24 - May 12 • $131
Tue • 7:00 - 8:00pm • Downtown
Beginning Recorder lessons available by
arrangement, shared lessons encouraged.
Stacey Boal
A multi-faceted musician, Stacey Boal teaches recorder, violin and viola at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and plays the viola in the Victoria Symphony. In addition, she has taught at WCAMS summer camp, and led recorder workshops in Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Kelowna and Edmonton. Stacey has performed several recorder solos with the VS, most recently Bach’s 2nd Brandenburg Concerto. She has also played the recorder in Pacific Opera productions of Handel’s Rodelinda and Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Stacey was born in Revelstoke and went to high school in North Vancouver. She is a graduate of Carson Graham and the UBC (…)
Reed Ensemble
Bringing together players of both double and single reed instruments, an ensemble for oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon players. Enjoy being part of a music community dedicated to developing skills specific to reed instruments and learning music from a variety of genres. Prior knowledge of your instrument and the ability to read music is required.
Term 1: Sep 10 - Jan 14
Term 2: Jan 28 - Jun 2
Tue • 7:15 - 8:45pm • Downtown
$265/term • $226.75 with lessons
Jack Edwards
Dr. Jack Edwards is Conductor of the Greater Victoria Junior Concert Band and SookeWinds, Director of the Victoria Community Marching Band, Director of the Harmony Project Marching Drumline, and bassoonist in the Raincoast Trio and Springridge Quintet. He has also performed as Principal alto saxophone and bassoon with the Greater Victoria Senior Concert Band and Principal alto saxophone with the Merideum Wind Orchestra. He is on faculty at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and the Sooke Music Academy. Dr. Edwards was born and raised in Northeast Georgia, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. On a full, four-year saxophone scholarship, […]
Self-Directed Voice Studies for Advanced Singers
Have you recently graduated from a degree or diploma program? Graduates often feel they need further study or specialized instruction to prepare for professional engagements and auditions. VCM offers a personalized combination of our innovative programs for advanced singers, which includes coachings and lessons with senior faculty, Opera Studio, the Advanced Voice Workshop, and Voice […]
Instruction days and times will vary according to program selection.
Ingrid Attrot
Hailed as ‘a singer with uncommon theatrical sensibility and musical intelligence’, soprano Ingrid Attrot has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra with conductors such as Dutoit, Marriner, Willcocks, Pinnok and Hickox. Her work with conductor Richard Hickox has included performances of the Britten War Requiem, Peter Grimes (Ellen Orford), and Beethoven’s Fidelio (Leonora). Opera companies with which she has worked include the English National Opera (as Miss Jessel in Turn of the Screw), Opera Northern Ireland (as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni), and Pacific Opera (…)
Nancy Argenta
With a repertoire spanning three centuries, Nancy Argenta has been hailed not only as the supreme Handel soprano of our age but also for her performances of works by such diverse composers as Mahler, Mozart, Schubert and Schoenberg. Conductors with whom she has collaborated include Ozawa, Gardiner, Davis, Blomstedt, Pinnock, Hogwood and Norrington. She has sung with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, and the Toronto, Montreal, and Sydney Symphony Orchestras.
In opera, concert and recital, she has appeared at many leading festivals including Aix-en-Provence, Salzburg, Mostly Mozart, and the BBC (…)
Senior String Orchestra
An intensive program focusing on the study and performance of great works in the string orchestra repertoire, this orchestra is for advanced students who are playing at an RCM Grade 7 level or higher. A challenging, rewarding, and fun experience.
Term 1: Sep 9 - Dec 9 • $262
Term 2: Jan 6 - May 11 • $346
Mon • 7:00 - 9:30pm • Downtown
David Visentin
David Visentin is widely known throughout Canada as a performer, conductor, pedagogue and arts administrator whose leadership and creative experience in the performing arts has successfully advanced classical music from coast to coast. In 2011, founded Sistema Toronto and was appointed as the organization’s President and CEO. Sistema Toronto is a free and uniquely immersive after-school social program through music for at-risk children and youth, modeled after the highly successful program known as el Sistema. For six years, as dean and associate dean of The Glenn Gould School and Young Artists Performance Academy of The Royal Conservatory of Music, David […]
Simple Trumpet Tunes (6 – 9 years)
Engage your child in the world of brass playing at a young age and watch them flourish musically, socially, and academically. This active group class introduces young students to trumpet, rhythm using a variety of drums, interactive games and activities that foster music reading and writing. Playing in a supportive environment is a primary benefit of choosing a group class to start (or continue) your child on a vibrant musical journey with others.
Term 1: Sep 17 - Jan 14
Term 2: Jan - May
Westhills: Tue • 3:30-4:15pm • $241.25/term
Downtown: TBA
Consult the instructor prior to registering. Class schedule to be confirmed through instructor.
Joanne Allers
Joanne Allers, B.Ed, M.Mus, has experienced a rich musical education encompassing mentorship and instruction from musicians and educators in Edmonton and Chicago. After graduating from the U of A, and teaching for the Edmonton Public School Board, Joanne benefited from four years of trumpet study in Chicago, studying primarily with Mr Luther Didrickson (Northwestern University) and Mr Mark Ponzo (Northern Illinois University), but also with William Scarlett (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), the late Arnold Jacobs, and Barbara Butler (Rice University). While residing in Calgary for 15 years, Joanne performed with Altius Brass Ensemble, with highlights including performing with the Bach Society (…)
Sinfonia I
An early music orchestra for adults, open to recorders, violins, violas and cellos. Explore Renaissance and Baroque court and theatre music. Improve your reading and ensemble skills. New players should contact the instructor before registering.
Summer Term: July 2, 2019 to August 13, 2019
Except: July 30, 2019
Tue • 7:00 - 8:00pm • $131
Downtown
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Session 1: Sep 28 -Dec 14 • $173
Session 2: Jan 18 - Mar 7 • $131
Session 3: Mar 21 - May 23 • $173
Sat • 2:45 - 3:45pm • Downtown
Stacey Boal
A multi-faceted musician, Stacey Boal teaches recorder, violin and viola at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and plays the viola in the Victoria Symphony. In addition, she has taught at WCAMS summer camp, and led recorder workshops in Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Kelowna and Edmonton. Stacey has performed several recorder solos with the VS, most recently Bach’s 2nd Brandenburg Concerto. She has also played the recorder in Pacific Opera productions of Handel’s Rodelinda and Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Stacey was born in Revelstoke and went to high school in North Vancouver. She is a graduate of Carson Graham and the UBC (…)
Sinfonia II
A class for advanced recorders and strings. Explore the beginnings of harmony and play some of the most beautiful melodies ever written.
Session 1: Sep 28 -Dec 14 • $173
Session 2: Jan 18 - Mar 7 • $131
Session 3: Mar 21 - May 23 • $173
Sat • 4:00 - 5:00pm • Downtown
Stacey Boal
A multi-faceted musician, Stacey Boal teaches recorder, violin and viola at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and plays the viola in the Victoria Symphony. In addition, she has taught at WCAMS summer camp, and led recorder workshops in Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Kelowna and Edmonton. Stacey has performed several recorder solos with the VS, most recently Bach’s 2nd Brandenburg Concerto. She has also played the recorder in Pacific Opera productions of Handel’s Rodelinda and Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Stacey was born in Revelstoke and went to high school in North Vancouver. She is a graduate of Carson Graham and the UBC (…)
Sound Advice + Composition
A valuable supplement to Sound Advice theory and ear-training, students will balance their studies in music theory and ear-training with creative applications in the Composition.
Jan 19-Jun 1 | 16 x 1 hour classes | $336
Christine Donkin
Christine Donkin is a Canadian composer and instructor of music theory, ear training, and composition at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. She is an active clinician and adjudicator; creator of theory and ear training games for Tonic Tutor, an online resource for music students and teachers; and author of the Compositional Devices Collection on the RCM online Teacher Portal. Her many pedagogical compositions, arrangements, and figured bass realizations are featured in the Royal Conservatory of Music repertoire books for cello, clarinet, piano, trumpet, saxophone, viola, violin, and voice.
Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training Classes
Sound Advice is a complete theory and musicianship program where theory, ear-training, sight-reading, music history and composition are integrated to develop musical literacy. Where applicable, students are prepared for the theory and ear-training components of instrumental/vocal examinations, high school credits, and postsecondary theory placement but the main reason to take Sound Advice theory classes is […]
Courses are designed to cover two levels per year but this varies depending on the level of the students. Students will be prepared to write the higher-level RCM instrumental or vocal examination during the May session. Prerequisite: the previous theory level or equivalent. Contact the Coordinator for full details.
Sound Advice Theory & Ear Traning
Full Year: Week of Sep 9 - May 9/30 • $672* • Downtown and Westhills
To be arranged by the Coordinator
Theory Level 4/5
Full Year: Sep 10 - May 5 • $651 • Westhills
Tue • 5:00 - 6:00pm
Crystal Wiksyk
Crystal Wiksyk is a theory and musicianship instructor at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, where she coordinates the Classical Music Theory program within the Ann & George Nation Conservatory of Classical Music. Crystal teaches group classes as well as individual lessons at the VCM, and has taught theory and musicianship classes for the VCM/Camosun College Diploma program. She is the co-author of three publications for the Royal Conservatory of Music, and also leads the Music Theory programming for the VCM’s Summer Academy. Crystal is a Royal Conservatory certified theory teacher and long-time member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association.
Studio Instruction – Advanced Music Theory
Understanding what music is truly all about, starts with learning how it is put together. The VCM’s School of Music Technology and Creativity offers a complete array of advanced music theory subjects through Individual. or through Shared Studio Instruction. Advanced Subjects offered include: Composition, Songwriting, Arranging, Harmony, Counterpoint, Analysis, and Score Study.
Harmony 9 or 10
(RCM Basic or Intermediate Harmony)
Topics include melody writing, harmonic and structural analysis, harmonization in four parts, modulation, and form as required for RCM Level 9 or 10 Harmony and Counterpoint. Dates/times to be arranged with instructors. Individual or Shared Studio Instruction is based on a $71 hourly fee, shared among two participants.
Crystal Wiksyk
Composition
David Clenman, Jonathan Haek, Liova Bueno, Daniel Brandes, Christopher Reiche, Jan Randall
Songwriting, Arranging
David Clenman, Jan Randall (also teaches at VCM Westhills location)
All Individual or Shared Studio Instruction for these subjects is based on an $79.80 hourly fee, shared among participants.
Crystal Wiksyk
Crystal Wiksyk is a theory and musicianship instructor at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, where she coordinates the Classical Music Theory program within the Ann & George Nation Conservatory of Classical Music. Crystal teaches group classes as well as individual lessons at the VCM, and has taught theory and musicianship classes for the VCM/Camosun College Diploma program. She is the co-author of three publications for the Royal Conservatory of Music, and also leads the Music Theory programming for the VCM’s Summer Academy. Crystal is a Royal Conservatory certified theory teacher and long-time member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association.
Jonathan Haek
Jonathan Haek is a composer and flutist originally from Portland, Oregon. Dr. Haek is the Director of the School of Music Technology and Creativity at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. He currently teaches Aural Skills courses for the VCM’s Department of Postsecondary Studies, and is the designer, developer, and instructor of the new postsecondary Certificate of Music Technologies program offered in partnership with Camosun College. Jon’s interests lie at the intersections of music, math, and technology. His projects have involved collaboration with modern dance choreographers, free improvisation, interactive and computer music composition, and Fibonacci numbers as compositional tools. Dedicated to […]
Liova Bueno
A faculty member at the Victoria Conservatory of Music since 2014, Liova Bueno teaches individual instruction in composition, theory, song-writing, music history and music appreciation, covering a wide variety of musical styles, genres, and time periods. He also teaches postsecondary students in connection with the VCM/Camosun College Diploma in Music Performance Program (Tonal Harmony and Counterpoint).
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Liova Bueno’s music has been performed in concerts and music festivals internationally, from countries in Central and South America to Europe, the United States and across Canada. He has received commissions from and has collaborated with various ensembles, organizations, […]
Daniel Brandes
Daniel Brandes (b. 1985) is a composer who lives in Victoria, British Columbia with his wife and cat. In 2010, Daniel completed his Masters of Music at the University of Victoria where he studied composition with Christopher Butterfield and Daniel Bíro. In 2012 he founded A Place to Listen — Victoria BC’s only monthly experimental music series — which presents works from members of the Wandelweiser composers collective, and other fringe artists exploring the use(s) of silence in contemporary music. Daniel composes music that walks tight ropes — tight ropes between nothing and something, fragility and fierceness, beauty and ugliness. He likes art (…)
Christopher Reiche
CHRISTOPHER REICHE is a performer, composer and instructor. Originally from Ontario, he moved to Victoria British Columbia to pursue a Masters of Music at the University of Victoria. As a composer, his works have been performed by The Vancouver Miniaturist Ensemble, Mark McGregor and Brian Nesselroads, and locally by the Aventa Ensemble. His work The length of this piece is not arbitary – Painting Portrait of Glass has been recorded by Quatuor Bozzini and released on their CD À chacun sa miniature. As a performer, he specializes in contemporary music and free improvisation. In Victoria he has performed with the (…)
Jan Randall
Jan Randall is a pianist, who played entirely by ear from childhood, started working in blues and pop music bands while still in high school, and after receiving formal classical and jazz training as a composer and arranger went on to spend a decade in theatre before moving on to make a career of composing sound tracks for broadcast. Jan has been the head song writer since 2011 for the hit CBC radio series “The Irrelevant Show.” He wrote songs and doubled as musical director for comedy shows with Second City in the early 80′s, where he collaborated with such (…)
David Clenman
Private theory and composition studies under full scholarship with Srul Glick; advanced ear training with Robert Mundinger; electronic music studies at the University of Chicago; theory, composition, and conducting studies at the University of Victoria (President’s Scholarship). Compositions and arrangements performed and broadcast in Canada, the United States, and Central America; recorded by Denise Williams, Jacques Lorioz, and the Canadian Tenors. Teaches theory and ear training at the University of Victoria, where he was awarded the Gilian Sherwin Award for Teaching Excellence, Adjudicates many competitions, is a VCM examiner, and has been an examiner for the Royal Canadian College of (…)
Studio Instruction – Classical Strings, Guitar, and Harp
Studio Instruction on String Instruments – Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp, Guitar, Lute.
Studio Instruction on String Instruments - Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Harp, Guitar, Lute.
Michael Dias
An enthusiastic performer, musicologist and teacher, Michael Dias completed a Masters of Music in classical guitar performance under Dr. Alexander Dunn at the University of Victoria (UVic) in 2008. A Calgary native, he previously studied under Jacob Salomons and has had the opportunity to play in masterclasses with renowned artists such as David Tanenbaum, Roland Dyens, Benjamin Verdery, Adam Holzman, Judcael Perroy and Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Michael was the recipient of the first prize at the 2008 Northwest Guitar Festival. He is the Managing Editor of the UVic School of Music’s annual journal, Musicological Explorations, and is currently conducting research in (…)
Alexander Dunn
Alexander Dunn has completed extensive summer studies at the Aspen Festival and Sommerakademie Mozarteum. His performances and activities at music festivals include Darmstadt, Salzburg, Vancouver New Music, International Guitar and Lute Institute, Stetson Internatioanl Guitar Workshop, Guitar Foundation of America, Boston GuitarFest, Northwest Guitar Festival, Paracho Festival de Guitarra, Vancouver Festival, Early Music Society of the Islands, CBC Festival de Printemps, Zihuatenejo International Guitar Festival, Appalachian Guitar Festival, Singapore Youth Festival, and many others. Dr. Dunn has performed in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa, Cuba, (…)
Douglas Hensley
Douglas Hensley is an ecclectic and versatile musician who enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages, helping them develop a solid technique which will enable them to play whatever kind of music they choose. Since 2001, he has served with the Victoria Symphony on guitar, lute, mandolin, and banjo, and in 2008 joined Pacific Opera Victoria in Regina. As co-founder and co-director of the Continuum Consort, he explores a repertoire from 12th century Cantigas de Santa Maria to 21st century works written for the ensemble (including commissions funded by the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council), on a (…)
Bradford Werner
Bradford Werner resides in Victoria, BC, Canada where he teaches classical guitar at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and works as a freelance musician. Bradford teaches a wide range of students from dedicated youth, hobbyists adults, and emerging young professionals. He adjudicates festivals, and has given exams and masterclasses for a variety of organizations including The Alberta Provincial Festival, Mount Royal University, Calgary Guitar Society, The Northwest Music Festival, and many more. Bradford holds a diploma in music from Camosun College, an A.V.C.M. in teaching and performance, and a BA in history from the University of Victoria. He is a member of the Quelus Guitar Duo, and the Victoria Guitar Trio with Michael Dias and Adrian Verdejo. The trio has commissioned numerous premieres and has recorded an album on RedShift Records showcasing contemporary Canadian composers with support from the Canada Council for the Arts. (…)
Annabelle Stanley
Annabelle Stanley is the principal harpist of the Victoria Symphony, a position she has held since 1982. During this time she has frequently been featured as a soloist with the Orchestra. She is also an active chamber musician, soloist and performer of new music. Annabelle is the harp instructor at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and UVIC. She has adjudicated harp students throughout Western Canada. Last year she made a CD with the great American Bassist Gary Karr of familiar classics arranged for Bass and Harp.
Stacey Boal
A multi-faceted musician, Stacey Boal teaches recorder, violin and viola at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and plays the viola in the Victoria Symphony. In addition, she has taught at WCAMS summer camp, and led recorder workshops in Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt, Kelowna and Edmonton. Stacey has performed several recorder solos with the VS, most recently Bach’s 2nd Brandenburg Concerto. She has also played the recorder in Pacific Opera productions of Handel’s Rodelinda and Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Stacey was born in Revelstoke and went to high school in North Vancouver. She is a graduate of Carson Graham and the UBC (…)
Müge Büyükçelen
Müge Büyükçelen was born in 1975 in Istanbul, Turkey, where she began playing music at the age of nine. She studied at the Istanbul State Conservatory, where her natural talent was quickly recaognized and she was awarded the “Best Young Musician” Award. She studied privately with Nicolai Chumacenko, Sandra Goldberg, Ayla Erduran, and Burkhard Godhoff. Müge holds a Masters degree in music performance from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey, and an Associate Teaching Diploma from the Victoria Conservatory of Music. She has taught and performed at the Toulouse National Conservatory and is a former member of both the Bilkent Symphony (…)
Allyn Chard
Allyn has been enjoying teaching and making music for over 35 years. Allyn’s students learn the joy and discipline of playing the violin. Many of her students have won festival prizes, exam medals and have gone on to professional music careers. However, Allyn believes that life long learning, enrichment and love of music is the most important goal.
Mary Clarke
Mary is an accomplished violinist, violist and conductor. She was violinist with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for 17 years. She continues to play violin and viola with the Victoria Chamber Orchestra, the Sooke Philharmonic, and is Principal Viola with the Civic Orchestra of Victoria. She has thirty+ years experience teaching individual violin and viola lessons and group string classes at all levels. She was one of the founders of the Strings Program in the Edmonton Public Schools where she taught for 29 years. She adjudicates music festivals in Alberta and BC and has been an Examiner for Conservatory Canada (formerly (…)
Raya Fridman
Raya holds a College Diploma in Orchestra/Music Education from Russia and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University, as well as a Master in Music from the University of Victoria. Her performing experiences include the Chamber Orchestra of Leningrad, Montreal Chamber Orchestra, Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra and Victoria Chamber Orchestra. She has also enjoyed masterclasses with Pinkas Zukerman, Eleonora and Yuli Turovski, Richard Roberts, Thomas Williams and workshops with “I Musici” and “Quador Bozzini”. Raya has been leading Civic Orchestra of Victoria for the last three years. Ms. Fridman teaches violin and Suzuki violin at the (…)
Tatiana Kostour
Ms. Tatiana Kostour, Moscow born, is a violinist from The Ukraine. In 1991 she graduated from Kiev Conservatory of Music and in 1993 immigrated to Canada. Besides performance, studying pedagogy, method of teaching and practical teaching courses under supervisions of very fine Ukrainian teachers, Tatiana always stood out with the highest marks in performance and teaching. Many years of polishing her teaching techniques brought to Ms. Kostour very successful results. Number of Tatiana’s students received Gold and Silver medals from The Royal Conservatory of Music and first places from The National Canadian Music Competitions. In addition to these awards her (…)
Guyonne Le Louarn
Born in France in 1975, Guyonne Le Louarn began to study violin at the age of five in Rennes, then Nantes. She switched for the viola in 1993 and went on to study chamber music, theory and history of music, orchestral work and conducting in Nantes and Paris. In 1998, while doing a degree in early music in violin with Daniel Cuiller in Nantes, she won the Paris Interschool competition with outstanding grade in viola and placed fifth in the national viola competition in Epernay in 1999. In 2000, Guyonne moved to Toulouse in the CEMS’ soloist program, receiving the (…)
Tori Gould (on leave)
ON LEAVE FOR 2019-2020 ACADEMIC YEAR
Violinist Victoria (Tori) Gould (née Lindsay) has consistently distinguished herself as an exuberant and varied performer and instructor. In 2006 Tori joined the Victoria Symphony Orchestra in British Columbia, Canada, in the position of Principal Second Violin. She has also held the Assistant Principal Second Violin chair with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony and can frequently be seen performing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Past orchestral experiences include acting guest Concertmaster of Symphony Nova Scotia and numerous performances with the Houston Symphony and Houston Grand Opera orchestras. A widely hailed solo performance with the National Repertory Orchestra and with the Victoria Symphony […]
Simon MacDonald
Simon MacDonald began playing the violin at age seven, here in Victoria, British Columbia. Following studies with Frona Colquhoun and Sydney Humphreys, Simon earned his AVCM Teacher and Performance Diploma from the VCM, Bachelor’s degree from New England Conservatory in Boston, and Master’s degree from the Schulich School of Music, at the University of McGill, in Montreal. Simon’s musical education also included performing at music festivals in Europe and North America, including Schleswig Holstein Music Festival (Germany), The Festival of Two Worlds (Italy), the Spoleto Festival (Charleston, South Carolina), Tanglewood Music Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival (Massachusetts), and at ArtSpring Festival on Salt Spring Island. […]
Christine Prince
As an active chamber musician and recitalist, violist Christine Prince has participated in festivals including Academia Chigianna (Italy), the International Musicians’ Seminar (Cornwall, U.K.), and the Hornby Island Festival (Canada). She performs regularly in several local chamber music series, including West Coast Chamber Music (Vancouver) and the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Faculty Concert series, which she founded and directed for 13 years. Her eclectic musical interests include historically informed performance on period instruments and works by women composers. Christine has commissioned and premiered a number of works for the viola, including those of Canadian composers Steve Tittle, Sylvia Rickard, Stephen (…)
Kathryn Ranger
Coming from a musical family, Kathryn Appleby Ranger started her musical studies at an early age. By age thirteen, she had premiered sonatas written for her, soloed with symphony orchestras (Houston Symphony and Interlochen Arts Center Orchestra), and given solo recitals. Kathryn Ranger had the privilege of studying with the foremost teachers of the twentieth century: Dorothy DeLay, Josef Gingold, Ivan Galamian, Oscar Shumsky, and Sidney Harth. She has her undergraduate degree from Indiana University and Masters degree in chamber music from Sarah Lawrence College. She has also studied Suzuki pedagogy at the School for Strings in New York (…)
David Visentin
David Visentin is widely known throughout Canada as a performer, conductor, pedagogue and arts administrator whose leadership and creative experience in the performing arts has successfully advanced classical music from coast to coast. In 2011, founded Sistema Toronto and was appointed as the organization’s President and CEO. Sistema Toronto is a free and uniquely immersive after-school social program through music for at-risk children and youth, modeled after the highly successful program known as el Sistema. For six years, as dean and associate dean of The Glenn Gould School and Young Artists Performance Academy of The Royal Conservatory of Music, David […]
Dexine Wallbank
DEXINE WALLBANK was a member of The Canadian Opera Company Orchestra and also played with the National Ballet Orchestra of Canada, both in Toronto. Apart from the years she spent in eastern Canada, Dexine has played with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra since she was twenty years old. Over the years she has also played with various chamber groups including the early music group, Victoria Festival Consort. Dexine received Suzuki teacher training form the Suzuki Kingston institute as well as the Guelph Suzuki institute. In addition to many years of giving lessons privately from her home, she has also taught at (…)
Laura Backstrom
Laura Backstrom began her musical life as a pianist, switching over to cello in her teens. She studied cello at the University of Alberta with the renowned pedagogue Claude Kenneson, and participated in summer programs in Banff and Victoria. Upon graduation from the U of A with a Bachelor of Music, Laura was invited, with a full scholarship, to study with the Fine Arts Quartet at the University of Wisconsin. Her next few years were spent pursuing studies in Toronto with cellist Daniel Domb. While there, Laura completed two intensive training courses: the Orchestral Training Program, and the Musical Performance (…)
Martin Bonham
Martin Bonham is well known for his expertise in early music and sensitivity as a chamber musician. Over the last 30 years, he has directed the Pachelbel Players, the Island Chamber Players, Chamber Music Victoria and Eine Kleine Summer Music as well as served on the faculty of the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music and is currently a member of the Victoria Baroque Players. He has given many radio performances and recitals in the Pacific Northwest and has been a member of the Victoria Symphony since 1978.
Paula Kiffner
Cellist Paula Kiffner earned music performance degrees from Ohio State University and the Peabody Conservatory. While at Peabody she was principal cellist of the Annapolis Symphony and a member of the Washington Theater Chamber Players. A former member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Ms. Kiffner has also performed as guest principal cellist of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and appears frequently as a recitalist and concerto soloist throughout the Pacific Northwest. Her performances are heard on CBC Radio and KING FM (Seattle). Ms. (…)
Silvina Samuel
Silvina Samuel was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2008, Silvina moved Silvinato Maui and from 2008-2012 she was principle cellist of the Maui Pop’s Orchestra. She played with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Hawaii Opera Theater on Oahu. She is a member of Cellano, with Lotus Dancer, pianist, performing annual recitals on Maui. Her acoustic rock collaboration with singer-songwriter, Jim Major, brought her to the stage opening for such bands as Santana, Mick Fleetwood & Island Rumours, Smashmouth, Train, Huey Lewis and Henry Kapono. While in Hawaii, Silvina recorded for a number of albums including Grammy nominated (…)
Karen Whyte
Upon hearing the legendary Jacqueline Du Pré perform in Vancouver, Karen became enthralled with the cello. Lessons with Judith Fraser and Ian and Colin Hampton preceded a Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance, completed in 1985. Since then, Karen has completed a Professional Teaching Certificate, a Camosun College/Victoria Conservatory of Music Strings Diploma and Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Education. She is beginning her certification as a Suzuki Cello Instructor. Karen teaches music and strings in the Greater Victoria School District and cello to private students at VCM. She has worked with both the VCM Music Discovery Camp and the (…)
Darren Buhr
Darren Buhr has been on the faculty of the VCM and a core bassist with the Victoria Symphony since 1994. As well, Darren performs with the new music ensemble Aventa. He received his Master of Music degree from Indiana University. His principal teachers have included Bruce Bransby, Lawrence Hurst, Stephen McLellan, Thorvald Fredin (Sweden), and Gary Karr. Mr. Buhr is an active composer with over 40 works to his credit. Away from music, Darren is a fan of Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Morse, is an avid solver of logic problems and is a member of the Metchosin cricket team.
Brian Yoon
Cellist Brian Yoon has been described by the CBC (Canadian Broadasting Corporation) as “Canada’s next cello superstar”. Currently the Principal Cello of the Victoria Symphony, he has also been a guest principal of the Kingston Symphony and National Arts Centre Orchestra. Since winning First Prize at the 35th Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition, he has been presented in recital from coast to coast, impressing audiences with intelligent and passionate performances of repertoire ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Shostakovich and Metallica. As a soloist, he regularly performs with orchestras across Canada: his performance of Shostakovich’s Concerto No. 1 at the National Arts Centre (…)
Mary F. Smith
Mary’s musical training on string instruments was centered in Toronto and Kingston. She has developed skill in playing violin, viola, cello and double bass and, therefore, is comfortable in directing orchestras of varying sizes. Her teaching degree in music education is from the University of Toronto (1975) where she also studied cello at a performance level. Since 1986 she has taught at the junior and intermediate levels of the St. Michaels University School string ensemble program. She currently is the principal cellist of the Victoria Chamber Orchestra. Mary maintains a long lasting belief that being involved in musical pastimes fills […]
Carol MacIsaac
Carol MacIsaac is a Vancouver Island born and raised violinist and violist. She received her Bachelor of Music, majoring in Performance, at the University of Victoria in 1984. Her teachers included Sydney Humphreys, Jaroslav Karlovsky and Gerald Stanick. Carol is a passionate, creative teacher, committed to the Suzuki method. Her Suzuki training was completed at Calgary and Edmonton Suzuki Institutes.
Suzuki Piano – 3.5-5 year olds
Based on the philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki – the “mother tongue” method – that talent is not inborn, it has to be cultivated within a supportive environment. Children learn to play by ear through repeated listening and immersion in a musical environment. Note-reading is taught once the ear is sufficiently developed and piano technique […]
Consult instructor to schedule lesson times.
Paloma De La Guerra
Paloma de la Guerra has been teaching at the VCM since in the very early days of its existence, and continues to this day to be an inspiration to the countless students who have learnt piano with her. Paloma received her Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music, Madrid, Spain. She also studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, with John Weatherseed and Alma Cockburn, and in Victoria with Robin Wood. She has taken specialized Suzuki training in Canada and the United States. Ms. de la Guerra offers instruction in both English and Spanish.
Suzuki Violin and Cello (3+ years)
Dr. Shinichi Suzuki developed his program after realizing that every child learns to speak through listening, repetition, positive reinforcement and gentle yet specific guidance. In music, this approach allows anyone to play with skill, beauty and confidence. Dr. Suzuki strove to create impeccable musicians but considered creating a beautiful heart in others of foremost importance. […]
Suzuki Violin - Group Schedule
Term 1: Sep 12/14 - Jan 9/11
Term 2: Jan 30/Feb 1 - May 14/16
Suzuki Prep Class (Studio instruction not required)
Downtown (Ages 3+)
Term 1 & 2: Sat • 10:15 - 11:00am • $262 /term
Westhills (Ages 4 - 7)
Term 1: Sat • 10:15 - 11:00am • $268
Term 2: Sat • 9:30 - 10:15am • $284
Group Classes • Downtown
Pre-Twinkle: Sat • 11:45am - 12:30pm
Level 1: Sat • 1:00 - 1:45pm
Level 2: Sat • 11:00 - 11:45pm
Level 3: Sat • 1:45 - 2:30pm
Level 4: Thu • 4:45 - 5:30pm
Level 5: Thu • 5:30 - 6:15pm
30 min lessons + group: $957.75/term
45 min lessons + group: $1,304.50/term
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Suzuki Cello - Group Schedule
Term 1: Sep 14/15 - Jan 11/12
Term 2: Feb 1/2 - May 30/31
Prep Class - Ages 3+ (Studio instruction not required)
Sat • 11:00 - 11:45am • $262/term • Downtown
Group Classes • Downtown
Books 1-2: Sat • 12:15 - 1:00pm
Books 3-4: Sun • 3:30 - 4:15pm
30 min lessons + group: $862.75/term
Raya Fridman
Raya holds a College Diploma in Orchestra/Music Education from Russia and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University, as well as a Master in Music from the University of Victoria. Her performing experiences include the Chamber Orchestra of Leningrad, Montreal Chamber Orchestra, Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra and Victoria Chamber Orchestra. She has also enjoyed masterclasses with Pinkas Zukerman, Eleonora and Yuli Turovski, Richard Roberts, Thomas Williams and workshops with “I Musici” and “Quador Bozzini”. Raya has been leading Civic Orchestra of Victoria for the last three years. Ms. Fridman teaches violin and Suzuki violin at the (…)
Karen Whyte
Upon hearing the legendary Jacqueline Du Pré perform in Vancouver, Karen became enthralled with the cello. Lessons with Judith Fraser and Ian and Colin Hampton preceded a Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance, completed in 1985. Since then, Karen has completed a Professional Teaching Certificate, a Camosun College/Victoria Conservatory of Music Strings Diploma and Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Education. She is beginning her certification as a Suzuki Cello Instructor. Karen teaches music and strings in the Greater Victoria School District and cello to private students at VCM. She has worked with both the VCM Music Discovery Camp and the (…)
Dexine Wallbank
DEXINE WALLBANK was a member of The Canadian Opera Company Orchestra and also played with the National Ballet Orchestra of Canada, both in Toronto. Apart from the years she spent in eastern Canada, Dexine has played with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra since she was twenty years old. Over the years she has also played with various chamber groups including the early music group, Victoria Festival Consort. Dexine received Suzuki teacher training form the Suzuki Kingston institute as well as the Guelph Suzuki institute. In addition to many years of giving lessons privately from her home, she has also taught at (…)
Theory for Adults
Beginners welcome! If you sing in a choir, play an instrument, or are planning to learn an instrument in the future, you will enjoy learning about theoretical concepts and hearing how they relate to the actual sound of the music. Designed to make all of your musical involvements more enjoyable, as your increased knowledge provides new levels of understanding and musical independence.
Sep 11, 2019 to May 6, 2020
Each Wed 7:15am to 8:15am
Except:
Wed, Dec 25, 2019
Wed, Jan 1, 2020
Wed, Mar 25, 2020
32 weeks | $672.00
Christine Donkin
Christine Donkin is a Canadian composer and instructor of music theory, ear training, and composition at the Victoria Conservatory of Music. She is an active clinician and adjudicator; creator of theory and ear training games for Tonic Tutor, an online resource for music students and teachers; and author of the Compositional Devices Collection on the RCM online Teacher Portal. Her many pedagogical compositions, arrangements, and figured bass realizations are featured in the Royal Conservatory of Music repertoire books for cello, clarinet, piano, trumpet, saxophone, viola, violin, and voice.
Ukulele for Beginners (7 – 14 years)
An introduction to Hawaii’s small but mighty musical export! Students will learn to strum chords and accompany songs, gradually working toward proficient note-reading in a fun and supportive class environment.
Term 1: Sep 11 - Jan 15
Term 2: Jan 29 - May 28
Tue • 6:00 - 7:00pm • $362/term
Downtown
Douglas Hensley
Douglas Hensley is an ecclectic and versatile musician who enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages, helping them develop a solid technique which will enable them to play whatever kind of music they choose. Since 2001, he has served with the Victoria Symphony on guitar, lute, mandolin, and banjo, and in 2008 joined Pacific Opera Victoria in Regina. As co-founder and co-director of the Continuum Consort, he explores a repertoire from 12th century Cantigas de Santa Maria to 21st century works written for the ensemble (including commissions funded by the B.C. Arts Council and the Canada Council), on a (…)
VCM Chorale
A mixed-voice (SATB) chamber choir. Major choral works from the classical canon are paired with lesser-known and contemporary selections to comprise a rich and varied repertoire each term. Strong musicianship, and good sight-reading and part-singing ability are required.
Term 1: Sep 5 - Dec 5
Term 2: Jan 6 - Apr 9
Mon & Thu • 2:00 - 3:30pm • Downtown
$257/term
Note: We're sorry, but Internet registration is not allowed for this activity. Please contact us to register (https://vcm.bc.ca/contact/)
Brian Wismath
Brian Wismath is music director of Civic Orchestra of Victoria, Linden Singers of Victoria, Victoria Choral Society, Victoria Conservatory of Music Chorale, and Vox Humana Chamber Choir. With a rich musical background, Mr. Wismath is in demand as a clinician and has served as director of Vancouver Peace Choir, University of Victoria Chamber Singers and Tucson Masterworks Chorale, associate conductor of Orpheus Choir of Toronto and Chorus Niagara, and assistant conductor of St. Jacob’s Youth Choir (Stockholm, Sweden), Ontario Youth Choir and Opera in Concert Chorus (Toronto). A passionate advocate for the performance of new music, Mr. Wismath has commissioned […]
Vocal Diction and IPA
Lyric diction skills for classical singing are taught through active practice and learning the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Application of skills learned takes place in spoken and sung practice, in-class repertoire coaching/preparation, and written work. A focus on optimal articulator functioning teaches students to sing text clearly and expressively with vocal ease. One language (English, […]
Term 1: Sep 5 - Dec 5 • English
Term 2: Jan 9 - Apr 9 • Italian
Mon & Thu • 10:00 - 11:00am
$406.20/term • Downtown
Kiiri Michelsen
Canadian-Norwegian mezzo-soprano Kiiri Michelsen is active in performance, teaching (voice/lyric diction), coaching (lyric diction) and research (lyric diction). Voice teaching (Dept of Postsecondary Studies – VCM/Camosun Diploma in Music Performance; Ann & George Nation Conservatory School of Classical Music) The ultimate goal of Kiiri’s teaching approach is the discovery of each singer’s unique sound. In […]
Westhills Cello Choir
This new class will give adult cellists an opportunity to play choral works from around the world. The Westhills Cello Choir will learn arrangements in 2, 3 and 4 part harmony, allowing students to develop their listening skills, learn to blend with different musical lines, and learn how to create a unified sound as a […]
Term 1: Oct 9 - Jan 22 • $222.5
Term 2: Jan 29 - Jun 3 • $254
Wed • 6:15 - 7:30pm • Westhills
Silvina Samuel
Silvina Samuel was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2008, Silvina moved Silvinato Maui and from 2008-2012 she was principle cellist of the Maui Pop’s Orchestra. She played with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and Hawaii Opera Theater on Oahu. She is a member of Cellano, with Lotus Dancer, pianist, performing annual recitals on Maui. Her acoustic rock collaboration with singer-songwriter, Jim Major, brought her to the stage opening for such bands as Santana, Mick Fleetwood & Island Rumours, Smashmouth, Train, Huey Lewis and Henry Kapono. While in Hawaii, Silvina recorded for a number of albums including Grammy nominated (…)
Winds and Brass Youth Chamber Music Intensive
For motivated students keen to explore the world of chamber music, this program will group students together into small chamber groups based on age, instrumentation and ability. Students will receive a 1-hour coaching and 30-minute masterclass each week, with the opportunity to perform in masterclass with their ensemble at least once per session, and final […]
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm | $125/session | Downtown
Emily Nagelbach
Emily Nagelbach, Faculty Department Head, Winds and Brass, Conservatory School of Classical Music. Emily plays second flute/piccolo with the Vancouver Island Symphony, is a member of Pedagogy Committee of the National Flute Association. As a freelance musician, she frequently performs with many orchestras, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Victoria Symphony Orchestra. She served as the Artistic Director of the Summer Music Discovery Camp at the VCM for many years. Emily holds an AVCM from the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), a B.Mus. in Performance and Theory from Wilfrid Laurier University and a M.Mus. in Performance from the University of (…)