Programs
Bachelor of Music and Two-Year Diploma Program - Jazz
At VIU you will have the opportunity of working with highly motivated musicians in small classes. Our small class size allows students generous individual attention on technique and soloing. There will be opportunities to exercise your technique in Jazz Theory & Improvisation class, Ensemble class and in Stage Band and each semester you will give three or four public performances, each of which will be evaluated.
The program includes classroom lectures, seminars and performance ensembles. There will be time to work on your composing skills in music theory classes and compositions will be required during the program. In addition there are courses offered in M.I.D.I. (computer music systems) in a studio equipped with composing stations using synthesizers, samplers and software. In this class you will be required to compose, sequence and record a song. And we have a 16 track recording studio in which to learn recording and mixing techniques.
This is an intense program. You will be required to put in a lot of practice time and the academic element will need self discipline and time management but if you are willing to put your music first the VIU Jazz program can give you the foundation you will need to succeed in this innovative and exciting field.
Many students have transferred successfully to universities in Canada and the U.S. including McGill, St. Francis Xavier, York, Berklee, North Texas State and Western Washington State and graduates have made full and rewarding careers in music.
Bachelor of Music - Classical
The small classes at VIU offer students personal attention and a warm environment in which to study. Over the years our instructors have created an energetic, effective atmosphere for learning and personal music growth making VIU an important source of excellent musicians.
The program provides students with a solid foundation in music from theoretical, historical and performance perspectives. Students learn through classroom lectures, seminars and performance ensembles. In addition to the required courses you may choose from Ensemble and Choir. You will be required to achieve at least a "C" grade in both theory and performance courses in conjunction with an evaluation of your development and motivation. Also, you are expected to spend at least four hours each day on assignments and practice.
VIU's Music department is equipped with two concert grand piano's, ten practice rooms, a choral room and a band room.
This two-year program is designed to prepare students for university transfer to a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education degree. An advantage to studying at VIU is the opportunity to study Jazz in addition to the Classical program. If you are interested in teaching music in the B.C. school system, jazz and pop are the centre of the curriculum making a jazz background highly desirable.