27VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

Theory and CompositionThe understanding and creation of music begins with music theory. Theory is the language of music — an essential part of musical training. The Conservatory offers individual and shared lessons, as well as group classes, for all levels of music theory, music history and composition. Taking classes in Theory and Composition provides an ideal foundation for all students of music.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .facultyLana Betts

Brenda Braaten

Stephen Brown

Anna Cal

David Clenman

Nicholas Fairbank

Patrick Godfrey

Robert Holliston

Ann Schau

Pamela Smirl

Lisa Szeker-Madden

Crystal Wiksyk

Wes Wraggett

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“Our world would be vastly different if we did not have musical notation. Operas, symphonies, string quartets, and sonatas would not exist. One cannot construct a cathedral without a blueprint. One cannot compose a musical work of any significance without a score. It is the blueprint of a musical work.“ Stephen Brown

Department Head: Stephen Brown ARCT Composition; ARCT Theory

Stephen Brown is an accomplished composer, conductor, and teacher. He joined the VCM in 1992 and, in addition to his duties as Head of Theory and Composition, has served as Director for several VCM Festivals, including the 2010 Bach & Company Festival and the 2009 Mozart-Haydn Festival. He is the Artistic Director of the Sidney Orchestra, and a theory syllabus and examination designer for the VCM. Learn more about Stephen at www.stephenbrown.ca.

‘Music takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle out wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto.’ Emerson

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Individual Lessons Individual instruction is offered in the following subjects listed on the left.

Group Classes Shared lessons or group classes will be created as needed. Our experienced faculty can design a program to suit your needs, whether you are preparing for an exam, working toward high-school music credits, brushing up in anticipation of post-secondary music study, or simply interested in the theoretical aspects of music.

Theory by CorrespondenceIf you live in a remote area, a different country, or for any reason cannot attend classes in person at the VCM, distance education can be a great option. Motivated students of any age can study music theory and ear-training using a combination of mailed and online course materials, in the comfort of their own home or school. Studying music theory will help you become musically literate, with a better understanding of how music “works.”

Correspondence instruction is available for the following:

Rudiments and Ear-Training Harmony Counterpoint Analysis History

Instructors: Stephen Brown, Brenda Braaten, Robert Holliston

Fees: $600 + $50 yearly registration fee + a materials fee (includes postage) Materials: Rudiments: $10 Harmony, Counterpoint and Analysis: $30 for first course taken, $20 for each subsequent

If textbooks are required, you will be notified by your instructor. Textbooks must be obtained by the student at their own expense.

Courses are also available in other advanced theoretical and compositional subjects. For further information and registration details, please contact Stephen Brown, Theory and Composition Department Head, 250.386.5311, ext. 256; brown@vcm.bc.ca.

Did you know?

In a recent on-line survey, over 91% of students said, ‘The VCM has helped me to improve overall music skills.’And over 93% of parents said this was true for their children. Why not see what the VCM can do for you?

Theory & Composition LessonsRudiments

Harmony

Ear-Training

Counterpoint

Analysis

Keyboard Harmony

Composition

Improvisation

Orchestration and Arranging

Tuning and Temperament

Figured Bass and Continuo Playing

Orchestral Score Reading

16th Century Counterpoint

Post-1900 Score Study

Introduction to 20th Century Composition Techniques

Structural Hearing – Schenkerian Analysis

Digital Audio, Electro-Acoustic and MIDI Courses

Popular Song Writing

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Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training ClassesOur Rudiments and Introductory Harmony classes are based on the Sound Advice Theory & Ear-Training Series. Each level incorporates theory, ear-training, sight-reading, sight-singing, improvisation and composition. While Sound Advice students are prepared for the theory and ear-training requirements of the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, the primary reason for students to take Sound Advice is to develop deeper understanding and enjoyment of music.

Sound Advice can be taken to enrich or to prepare students for instrumental studies. It is recommended that students continue to study at the corresponding grade level. Please refer to the Theory Class Schedule on pg. 30-31.

Instructors: Brenda Braaten, Crystal Wiksyk & Lana Betts

Sound Advice for Beginners (6-9 year olds)Instructor: Crystal Wiksyk Duration: 14 weeks (1 term only) Tuition: $252/term TH 423 11 Day and time will be determined at registration based on students’ availability. Students will require a Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training Level One Book.

Sound Advice Levels 1-8For course information regarding Sound Advice Levels 1 through 8 and Intro Harmony, please refer to the Theory Class Schedule on pg. 30-31.

Sound Advice for AdultsWhether you sing in a choir, play the saxophone for fun, or have rediscovered the guitar, you will enjoy learning about theoretical concepts as they relate to the actual sound of the music. Sound Advice for Adults is a complete theory and musicianship program. Theory, ear-training and sight-reading are integrated to develop musical literacy. We will start at the beginning and move along as quickly, or slowly, as we feel comfortable. The course is designed to make all of your musical involvements more enjoyable, as your increased knowledge opens up new levels of understanding and musical independence.

Instructor: Brenda Braaten Duration: 16 weeks/term Tuition: $288/term

TH 402 11 Thu TBA Sept 15 – Jan 12 & Jan 26 – May 17

Sound Advice for SingersSound Advice for Singers offers a complete theory and musicianship course with an extra focus on sight singing. Students are also provided with lessons on musical style and an introduction to improvisation and composition. Musicianship is the key to moving beyond rudimentary sing-ing and mastering more advanced and challenging works. Singers become musically literate by instilling a life-long appreciation of how music “works.”

Instructor: Brenda Braaten Duration: 16 Weeks Tuition: $288/term

TH 402 13 Thu TBA Sept 15 – Jan 12 & Jan 26– May 17

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COURSE NAME INSTRUCTOR DURATION COURSE # TIME TUITION

Theory Class Schedule 2011-12 All classes are two terms unless “one term only” is stated on the schedule. Some one-term classes may continue to the next grade in the following term. Theory group classes will begin the weeks of September 12, 2011 (Term 1) and January 23, 2012 (Term 2).

Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks.

In cases where “consult instructor” is listed in the class time column, class day and time will be determined at registration based on all students’ availability. Contact us for more information: 250.386.5311; info@vcm.bc.ca.

Sound Advice for Beginners Crystal Wiksyk 14 weeks (1 term only) TH 423 11 Consult instructor $252

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 1 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks (1 term only) TH 423 12 Consult instructor $288

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 2 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks (1 term only) TH 423 13 Consult instructor $288

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 3/4 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 14 Consult instructor $288/term

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 5 Lana Betts 16 weeks/term TH 402 02 Sat 10:00-11:00am $288/term

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 5 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 15 Consult instructor $288/term

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 5-6 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 17 Consult instructor $288/term Ages 13-16 (RCM Preparatory-Basic Rudiments)

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 6 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 18 Consult instructor $288/term (RCM Intermediate Rudiments)

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 6 Lana Betts 16 weeks/term TH 402 03 Sat 12:00-1:00pm $288/term (RCM Intermediate Rudiments)

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 7 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 19 Consult instructor $288/term (RCM Advanced Rudiments)

Sound Advice Theory and Ear-Training 7 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 20 Consult instructor $288/term (RCM Advanced Rudiments)

Sound Advice Theory and Musicianship 7/8 Lana Betts 16 weeks/term TH 402 04 Sat 11:00am-12:00pm $288/term (RCM Advanced Rudiments / Introductory Harmony)

Sound Advice Introductory Harmony Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 21 Consult instructor $288/term

Sound Advice Intro Harmony & Ear-Training Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 22 Consult instructor $288/term (RCM Introductory Harmony)

Foundations in Music Theory & Musicianship Crystal Wiksyk 14 weeks/term TH 120 01 Mon & Fri 2:30-4:00pm $840/term

Sound Advice Theory for Adults Brenda Braaten 16 weeks/term TH 402 12 Thu TBA $288/term Ages 16+

Sound Advice Theory for Singers Brenda Braaten 16 weeks/term TH 402 13 Thu TBA $288/term Ages 16+

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COURSE NAME INSTRUCTOR DURATION COURSE # TIME TUITION

Harmony 9 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 23 Consult instructor $320/term (RCM Basic Harmony)

History 9 Robert Holliston 16 weeks/term TH 408 01 Sat 9:00-10:00am $320/term (RCM History 1) + $10 CRF

Harmony 10 Crystal Wiksyk 16 weeks/term TH 423 25 Consult instructor $320/term (RCM Intermediate Harmony)

Harmony 10 Stephen Brown 16 weeks/term TH 402 23 Wed 6:00-7:00pm $320/term (RCM Intermediate Harmony) + $15 CRF

History 10 Robert Holliston 16 weeks/term TH 408 03 Sat 10:15-11:15am $320/term (RCM History 2) + $10 CRF

Counterpoint Stephen Brown 16 weeks/term TH 402 22 Wed 5:00-6:00pm $320/term (RCM Counterpoint) + $15 CRF

Harmony 11 Stephen Brown 16 weeks/term TH 402 24 Wed 7:00-8:00pm $320/term (RCM Advanced Harmony) + $15 CRF

Analysis Stephen Brown 16 weeks/term TH 402 21 Thu 5:00-6:00pm $320/term (RCM Analysis) + $15 CRF

History 11 Robert Holliston 16 weeks/term TH 408 04 Sat 11:30am-12:30pm $320/term (RCM History 2) + $10 CRF

Score Study Stephen Brown 16 weeks/term TH 402 25 Thu 6:00-7:00pm $320/term + $15 CRF

Did you know?

Our outstanding faculty is one of the most compelling reasons to come to the VCM. They are renowned artists, performers and music educators. They are passionate about their music...and they are keen to share that passion with their students. This relationship between teacher and student is a powerful factor in a student’s development and, most importantly, their enjoyment of what they do.

Come talk to us about our faculty. Check out their biographies on our website. Better yet, come listen to them play, perform and teach. They are looking forward to meeting you!

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Music HistoryThese classes prepare students for all levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music History examinations with an emphasis on listening. Presentations include audio and video recordings of the repertoire being studied.

Instructor: Robert Holliston Duration: 16 weeks Tuition: $ 320 + $10 resource fee*

For course info, see the Theory Class Schedule on pg. 30-31.

*Tuition for group classes. Does not apply to individual or shared lessons.

Ear-Training & MusicianshipEar-training and musicianship lessons are available as private, shared, or group lessons.

Instructors: Brenda Braaten, David Clenman and Crystal Wiksyk

For placement in Theory and Composition before registering, please contact the VCM at 250.386.5311 or email info@vcm.bc.ca.

Foundations in Music Theory & MusicianshipThis class prepares students to write post-secondary entrance examinations in theory and ear-training. Please contact the Post-Secondary Registrar at post-secondaryregistrar@vcm.bc.ca for more details.

Instructor: Crystal Wiksyk Duration: 14 weeks/term Tuition: $840/term

TH 120 01 Mon & Fri 2:30-4:00pm Sept 9 – Dec 9 Jan 9 – Apr 13

Post-Secondary Prep ClassThis class prepares students for entrance into post-secondary music study, progressing from basic rudiments through to introductory harmony. Students should be able to read music fluently and have basic knowledge of rudiments (key and time signatures, bass and treble clef, etc.).

Instructor: Crystal Wiksyk Duration: 16 weeks/term Tuition: $320/term TH 423 26 Course day and time will be determined at registration based on students’ availability.

Harmony, Counterpoint & Analysis ClassesThese classes are offered at all levels and prepare students for Royal Conservatory of Music examinations. Please contact the VCM at 250.386.5311 or email info@vcm.bc.ca for placement before registering.

Instructors: Stephen Brown and Crystal Wiksyk Duration: 16 weeks Tuition: $320 + $15 resource fee

For course info, see the Theory Class Schedule on pg. 30-31.

For information on Ministry of Education High School Credits, please see page 59.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Music Appreciation & Music HistoryThe VCM offers several music appreciation and history courses.

Choose from Introduction to Opera, Voice Classification, The British Invasion and Classical Music at the Movies.

Whether you’re an experienced player or simply an avid listener, we have something for you. Please register early to ensure your placement, as class sizes are limited.

Please refer to Adult Continuing Education, pg.15.