For students who are considering a career in music, S.K. Lee College at the Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) offers two programs: 1) a four-year Music Performance Diploma (MPD) for high school graduates, and, 2) a two-year Artist Music Diploma (AD) for students who already have a B.Mus. degree. Classes are small at VAM, and many of our students receive financial assistance from scholarships, bursaries and prizes. Graduates have gone on to further studies and careers in Vancouver and around the world.
The Music Performance Diploma (MPD), in an Instrument, Composition, or Voice is a full-time, four-year program featuring private studies with a faculty of distinguished performing artists in residence at VAM. It is offered to high school graduates interested in majoring in piano, voice, orchestral instruments, or composition. Students receive intensive training as music performers, along with classes in music theory, ear training, and history. There are many performance opportunities as soloists, chamber musicians, composers and orchestra or vocal ensemble members.
A Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) performance degree can be completed through Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL). VAM’s Music Performance Diploma courses can be transferred as a block to TRU-OL to complete the music requirements of the B.Mus. degree (normally 100 credits). TRU-OL offers the extra academic credits students need by distance education or by transfer from other accredited institutions (normally 21 credits). This degree is accepted at Canadian and U.S. universities and conservatories. Please check the TRU-OL website for information on admissions, registration and program requirements. It is possible to graduate with a B.Mus. (Performance) degree from TRU-OL at the same time as a student finishes the VAM Music Performance Diploma. Students can also opt to complete the extra academic courses after earning our MPD.
The Artist Music Diploma (AD) program is for musicians with a music degree who are preparing for a performance or composition career. Students work closely with our distinguished teachers, following a regular schedule of private lessons, master classes and recitals. There are also opportunities to take leading roles in our large musical productions, such as section leader or soloist in VAM orchestra concerts at the Orpheum Theater or singing roles in VAM vocal productions. A supportive environment is provided in which to engage in the competitions and auditions that are part of the life of a young artist.
Our email address, if you have questions, is: [email protected]