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 29 - Dec 1 • $217
Session 3: Jan 26 - Mar 2
Session 4: Mar 9 - Apr 20 • $132.20
Session 5: May 8 - Jun 12 • $132.20
Tue • 3:30 - 4:30pm
New Students ** Please contact the instructor before registering by calling our front desk at 250.386.5311.
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 (…)
Cello Chamber Ensemble
Develop better intonation and learn to play more musically with the rich, warm tone of a cello ensemble.
Term 1: Sep 14 - Jan 11
Term 2: Jan 11 - May 17
Mon • 7:15 - 8:30pm
$212.00/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
This orchestra brings together cellists of all ages. 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 11 - Dec 18
Term 2: Jan 8 - May 7
Fri • 10:30 - 11:45am • Downtown
$212.00/term
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, with section leader posts available to more advanced players.
Term 1: Sep 12 - Jan 16
Term 2: Feb 6 - Jun 5
Sat • 10:30am - 12:00pm
$224.30 • 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 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. Now on Thursdays!
Session 1: Sep 17 - Dec 3 • $318
Session 2: Jan 7 - Apr 1 • $318
Session 3: Apr 1 - Jun 3 • $265
Thu • 7:15 - 8:30pm • Downtown
New Students: Please consult the instructor prior to registering by calling our front desk @ 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 […]
Returning Fall 2021, Registration opens May 2021
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 Ukulele for Adults
Students will learn to strum, fingerpick, and understand chords for accompanying songs, gradually working toward proficient note-reading and fluid musical technique in this fun, relaxed class.
Returning Fall 2021, Registration opens May 2021
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 (…)
Intermediate String Orchestra
Stimulating repertoire is used to develop ensemble and orchestral skills, with focus on developing good intonation, rhythm and musicianship. Members should be playing at a Grade 4 level or higher, have some previous ensemble experience and be comfortable sight-reading.
Full Year: Sep 9- Jun 2
Wed • 4:15 - 5:45pm • Downtown
$458.60 or contact us for Pre-Authorized Debit monthly payment plan (9 @ $49.83+$2.25 fee, Sep 15th-May 15th).
Tatiana Kostour
Ms. Tatiana Kostour is a violinist from the Ukraine, and a graduate of the Kiev Conservatory of Music. In addition to studies in performance and pedagogy, including teaching methodologies and practicum, under some of the finest teachers in the Ukrainian, Tatiana always stood out with the highest marks in performance and teaching. Believing in life-long learning, Tatiana has continued to polish her teaching techniques over the years, and has achieved a very high level of success. Many of her students have won Gold and Silver medals from The Royal Conservatory of Music and placed first in The National Canadian Music […]
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.
Masterclasses, 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. […]
Preparatory String Orchestra
This 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 classes. […]
Full Year: Sep 15 - May 18
No rehearsals: Dec 22, 29; Mar 16, 23
Tue • 6:00 - 7:00pm • Downtown
$555.40 or contact us for Pre-Authorized Debit monthly payment plan (8 @ $69.43 + $2.25 fee, Sep 15th-Apr 15th).
Tatiana Kostour
Ms. Tatiana Kostour is a violinist from the Ukraine, and a graduate of the Kiev Conservatory of Music. In addition to studies in performance and pedagogy, including teaching methodologies and practicum, under some of the finest teachers in the Ukrainian, Tatiana always stood out with the highest marks in performance and teaching. Believing in life-long learning, Tatiana has continued to polish her teaching techniques over the years, and has achieved a very high level of success. Many of her students have won Gold and Silver medals from The Royal Conservatory of Music and placed first in The National Canadian Music […]
Suzuki Violin & Cello (3+ years)
An internationally known music curriculum and teaching philosophy, The Suzuki Method teaches through listening, repetition, positive reinforcement and gentle yet specific guidance. Beginners learn to play by ear– much like a child learns to speak or communicate. Suzuki teaching is based on respect for each child’s uniqueness and the belief that all children possess natural […]
Suzuki Violin & Cello - Group Schedule
Term 1: Sep 19 - Jan 16
Term 2: Feb 6 - Jun 5
Cello Books 1-3
Sat • 12:45 - 1:30pm OR 3:00 - 3:45pm • $259.40/term
Suzuki Prep Class (Studio instruction not required)
Downtown • Ages 3+
Sat • 9:30 - 10:10am • $264.40/term
Violin Group Classes • Downtown
Pre-Twinkle: Sat • 9:30 - 10:10am
Level 1: Sat • 10:30 - 11:10am
Level 2: Sat • 11:30am - 12:10pm
Level 3 & 4+: Sat • 12:30 - 1:15pm
30 min lessons + group: $957.90/term
45 min lessons + group: $1,304.65/term
Raya Fridman
Raya Fridman is a dedicated and fully trained Suzuki violin teacher at the VCM. She believes that every child can succeed in life if she/he has support of the family; music will be one of the many achievements. 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, Victoria Chamber Orchestra, various theatre companies such as Victoria Operatic Society and Gilbert and Sullivan. 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 the Civic Orchestra of Victoria since 2006. She is conversant in Russian, French, and English.
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.
Returning Fall 2021, Registration opens May 2021
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 (…)
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 […]
Returning Fall 2021, Registration opens May 2021
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 (…)