Canadian Musician - November-December 2022 | Page 55

THE EDUCATORS
PHOTO : MARC NICOL
VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC ’ S SPARK TO FLAME STUDENT SHOWCASE

THE EDUCATORS

STEPHEN GREEN

Dean of the Victoria Conservatory of Music
CM : What is the difference between a conservatory of music and a university music program ?
Stephen Green : A music conservatory will typically be a community music school that offers music instruction to students of all levels and ages , including academy-style programs for very gifted young musicians , and in general is all about “ vocational ” training in music . A university ( or postsecondary level ) program , on the other hand , is not something for anyone in regular school and while the main focus will be on young-adult ages , there are also older adults – continuing education etc . University studies are more research-based and have a balance between applied and academic study . There are exceptions to this , and the Victoria Conservatory of Music is one , as it goes beyond the traditional “ conservatory ” model and offers all of the above , as well as potentially the largest music therapy program in North America .
CM : For which types of musicians is the Victoria Conservatory of Music and similar schools / programs best suited ( i . e ., proper style , skill level , goals , etc .)?
Green : The Victoria Conservatory of Music is probably more of an exception as it accommodates anyone and any level , and also any style . Goals are set according to what each student individually aspires to do , be it just learning to play for fun , wanting to seriously pursue a career in music , or someone who is already a professional wanting to level-up their skills and knowledge – such as in music technology . Students in our postsecondary programs will have goals defined by the credential they are studying for ( diploma , certificate ).
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