Where is the VCC School of Music located?
We are located at 1155 E Broadway, corner of E Broadway and Glen Dr. Music offices and classrooms are on levels 2 and 3; the main music office is in room 3205.

Do you offer part-time studies?
A majority of VCC music courses are available part-time. Students may be subject to a waitlist, must fulfill the requirements for the particular course they're interested in, and/or be subject to a skills assessment or audition. For more information, please visit the part-time studies page.

What diploma or degree do you offer?
The School of Music offers two credentials, a two year Music Diploma and an additional two year Bachelor of Applied Music.

What can I major in?
There are nine major concentrations in the diploma program.
These are:

• Classical Voice
• Jazz & Contemporary Voice
• Jazz & Contemporary Instrument
• Keyboard Studies
• Instrumental Studies
• Creative Music
• Composition/Arranging
• Composition
• Academic Music Studies

How long will it take to complete a diploma or degree?
The diploma normally takes two years of full time study to complete. The degree program will take an additional two years upon completion of the diploma - or equivalent.

Is there any financial aid available?
Yes, there are a number of bursaries, scholarships and student loans available by applying to the Financial Aid office at VCC.

Do you have services for students with disabilities?
VCC is continually improving its accessibility. All classrooms, rehearsal rooms, library, washrooms and food facilities are fully accessible. In addition we have a number of policies in place to ensure that any self-identified disability can be addressed.

Can I get help with my studies or essay writing?
The School of Music will assist any student needing help with their academic or performance courses. This service can be made available via tutors or faculty mentors and is offered on an individual or small group basis subject to tutor/mentor availability.

How do I speak to an advisor?
The School of Music has a designated faculty member that will assist accepted full-time students in the establishment of their program of study. Prospective students may obtain detailed program information by sending an email to music@vcc.ca, or by visiting the music office staff.

What kinds of classes do you offer?
We offer instruction in the areas of skills, private instruction, master classes, ensembles, academic subjects, research projects and guest lectures and workshops.

What is a typical school day?
A typical school day will begin at 9:00 AM and end approximately at 6:00 PM. Students will alternate between academic and skills classes, mostly in the mornings, with rehearsals, lessons and private practice in the afternoons.

Where and when can I practice?
Practice rooms are available 7 AM to 10 PM Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM Saturdays and Sundays. Classrooms, when available, can be also booked for rehearsals and practice between 8 AM and 10 PM Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM on Saturdays.

Do you accept transfer credit from other universities or colleges?
Yes, there are articulated agreements with BC universities and colleges that establish course equivalencies and benchmarks. Applicants will submit official transcripts to the School of Music for consideration.

What are your admission requirements?
Please see diploma or degree webpages for specific information.

Is it possible to defer my admission until the following year?
Yes, you may defer your admission for up to one year. After that time you must re-audition.

How do I prepare for an audition?
Audition requirements are specific to the vocal, compositional or instrumental areas. Please see the audition requirements page for details. Occasionally a School of Music faculty member or instructor may be available for private pre-audition lessons that may assist the applicant to prepare for a scheduled audition.

When are auditions held?
Auditions are held in late April, mid-May, and late June. If there are still available seats in the program, additional auditions will be held in August to fill those specific vacancies.

How do I prepare for an entrance skills exam?
The School of Music can provide you with an outline of the types of questions that you will need to answer on the skills exam.

Can I join an ensemble if I'm not taking any other music courses?
The Willan Choir, VCC Concert Choir, New Music Ensemble, and Gamelan Ensemble are open to community members, no audition required.
Jazz Orchestra, Latin Jazz Ensemble, Madrigal Singers, Saxophone Ensemble, and small jazz combos sometimes accept community members, but only after full-time music students have auditioned and been placed. An audition is required before being accepted into these ensembles.

How can I get an application package?
You have a few options:
1. by email to music@vcc.ca
2. through the diploma and degree application pages
3. in person at the School of Music office

Can I apply to the School of Music online?
Prospective full-time music students may apply to the college online, but must also submit a music-specific application form and official high school and/or university transcripts. The music-specific form is available for download on the Diploma Application page. Students applying to the degree and/or diploma programs are advised NOT to apply online after March 31. Since the music-specific form is needed, there may be some lag time between applying and sending in the form, which could cause an application to be delayed past the May 1 deadline. Students interested in part-time studies do not need to adhere to the May 1 deadline.

What happens after I complete the application process?
You will be contacted by mail with details of your audition at least three weeks in advance of the next available round of auditions, provided your application is received with enough lead time to do so.

What is the deadline for application to the music degree or diploma program ?
The deadline for the September intake is May 1. Late applications for the diploma program will be considered if there are available seats after June auditions. Late applicants to the degree program are advised to contact the School of Music for specific information. The School of Music does not accept new full-time students in the January term.

When will I find out if I have been accepted?
You will be notified approximately one week after completing your audition and skills exams.

How do I check my application status?
You may log in to the main VCC website at www.vcc.ca.

How do I get my name on the waitlist for part-time studies?
Waitlists for September classes start no earlier than August 1; for January classes no earlier than December 1. Please send an email to music@vcc.ca to add your name to any waitlist.

When will I know if I can get into a course that I'm waitlisted for?
Students on the waitlist must wait until after the full-time music students have registered before their status can be known. Usually this occurs at the end of the first week of classes. If a student has not been informed by phone that there is a space available to them, they are encouraged to attend class the first week of the term and to register once they've been given permission to do so.

What are my chances of finding work after graduating?
The music industry both in Vancouver and across the nation offers a wide range of work options for any committed musician. Our graduates have for the most part been very successful in finding meaningful work in the industry. Hard work, consistent effort and persistence have certainly produced positive results in many of our graduates.