two musicians - a guitarist and a DJ with a laptop

Preparatory Music

CREDENTIAL: Certificate

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The Preparatory Certificate provides students with the foundation in music theory, skills development, and performance needed to successfully enter the VCC Music Diploma program.

Tuition: 4155*

Credential: Certificate

Length: 8 0 months

Hours: Full-time

Delivery: Class-based and Online

Campus: Broadway Broadway

Start Dates: Sep

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What you will learn

Reading and writing standard music notation
Understanding of melody, rhythm and harmony
Ear-training and sight-singing
Performance
Program writing
Transcription and dictation
Awareness of many musical cultures

What to expect

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

8 months (September to April). Maximum time for completion: 2 years

Supportive, lively community of musicians working collaboratively on music skills
Participation in classes, ensembles and one-on-one lessons
Instruction to develop musical capabilities in preparation for college-level music study.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 12 graduation, GED or equivalent
- Note: Applicants who have not graduated from high school may still be considered, with permission from the Music Department Leader.
English 12 or Communications 12 with a pass, or equivalent.

MUSIC REQUIREMENTS

Successful audition in major performance area. See the VCC Music Application and Audition Requirements for details.
Submit the Supplemental Application form.

General

This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

Demonstrates potential in area of specialization
Strong motivation and commitment to music
Basic computer facility

Courses *

Prior learning assessment and recognition

PLAR is available for the following courses:

MUSC 1011 Preparatory Musicianship 1
MUSC 1013 Preparatory Theory 1
MUSC 1041 Preparatory Performance Techniques 1
MUSC 1054 Preparatory Class Piano 1
MUSC 1064 Preparatory Class Piano 2

Prior learning is assessed in the following ways:

Pass a written examination with a minimum grade of 80%, and/or
Complete a Performance Assessment, and
Complete a successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other music faculty member

Please contact the Department for details. See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.

Plan of Study Grid
Term One		Credits
MUSC 1011	Preparatory Musicianship 1	2
MUSC 1013	Preparatory Music Theory 1	2
MUSC 1041	Preparatory Performance Techniques 1	1
MUSC 1050	Preparatory Music Individual Instruction 1	1.5
MUSC 1054	Preparatory Class Piano 1	1
MUSC 2490	Performance Ensemble ¹	1.5
	Credits	9
Term Two
MUSC 1031	Preparatory Musicianship 2	2
MUSC 1033	Preparatory Music Theory 2	2
MUSC 1042	Preparatory Performance Techniques 2	1
MUSC 1060	Preparatory Music Individual Instruction 2	1.5
MUSC 1064	Preparatory Class Piano 2	1
MUSC 2490	Performance Ensemble ¹	1.5
	Credits	9
	Total Credits	18

¹: ”Performance Ensemble” is repeatable for credit. Students require 4 terms (6 cr.) of “Performance Ensemble” to graduate. Students may participate in any VCC ensemble (or community ensemble as approved by the Department Head), subject to audition and/or entrance requirements.

* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and other costs *

Fee description	Fee Amount	Notes
Application fee	36
Tuition Tuition	4155	Breakdown Tuition Breakdown 2078 - Term 1 2078 - Term 2 0 - Term 3 0 - Term 4
Student union	128
College initiative	52
Materials	0	not including textbooks
Campus resource	167
Laundry	0
Tools (deposit)	0
Coverall (deposit)	0
Uniform (deposit)	0
Medical and Dental	275
U-PASS	354
Graduation	45
Program-specific extra fees	0
Total

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a $300 non-refundable deposit.

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Apply now

Audition Information:
See the Application and Audition Requirements - Music Diploma and Music Prep Certificate for Music Supplemental Application and audition instructions. If you complete all steps by one of the deadlines below, you will be invited to the next scheduled audition interview date. Auditions take place by video submission and Zoom interview.

Upcoming Important Dates:
Applications open: See When to Apply

Deadline to apply for 2025:

Information coming soon

Audition interviews for 2025:

Information coming soon

Contact music@vcc.ca if you have questions.

ONLINE

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC
Get started

MAIL

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

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Preparatory Music