Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM), one of the largest and most respected music schools in Canada, makes use of technology to expand the quality and diversity of its music learning options for students.
“We believe embracing music technology creates new opportunities for our students,” said Jane Butler-McGregor, CEO of the Victoria Conservatory of Music. “We’ve always recognized the importance of technology in the future of music education.”
To stay at the forefront of music education, VCM is launching a new area of study within its school: a School of Music Creativity and Innovation that includes, in partnership, with Camosun College, a new online part-time Post-Secondary Certificate in Music Technologies consisting of a 3-4 Semester Credential Program, delivered fully online through “Camosun College Distributed Learning” by the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Deadline for applications is August 15th, 2014 with the programming beginning September 2014. To enroll online and for full program details on the Music Technologies Certificate program, course descriptions, prerequisite and tuition information students can visit: http://camosun.ca/learn/programs/music-technologies/. “This online offering bridges the skills between traditional music education and the modern workplace,” said Stephen Green. “Music technologies are an essential set of skills for any working musician in the 21st century. It prepares students for a myriad of new job opportunities within the music media industry in film, video gaming and TV.”
Other examples of the VCM embracing technology include integrating software-assisted music learning tools that can be used by children as young as four years old. For the first time offered on Vancouver Island, VCM is using cutting-edge software that facilitates ease of use, rapid and entertaining learning for kids. Students create and record music right from their very first lesson. Information can be found at: www.vcm.bc.ca/music-journey.
Another example of VCM’s technology-savvy learning options includes its high tech Mobile Music Lab. Made possible by a generous grant from Telus Foundation, the VCM can bring its portable piano keyboards, laptop computers and music software to teach music classes anywhere.
“It’s impressive to see how the VCM has grown and matured over the last five years,” said Gary Garritan, VCM’s Board and Technology Committee Advisory Member. They are at the forefront in bringing music and technology together. Their new online Music Technologies Certificate is the only online program of its kind offered in all of Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. The way the school adopts technology is fresh and current, whether it be in the classroom or online, they are smart about it.
“In British Columbia, I’ve seen technology in many forms provide enormous cost-savings and efficiencies in healthcare, retail, transportation, hospitality, agriculture and sports, Garritan added. The VCM is a great example of using technology to advance both music and education.”
