Preparatory Music

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Broadway

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

Two men in a bright room with large windows. One man is sitting at a laptop, wearing headphones and smiling, while the other is standing next to him playing an electric guitar.

In this page

Overview

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	N/A
Credential	Certificate
Length	8 months (September to April). Maximum time for completion: 2 years
Hours
Delivery	Class-based and Online, Class-based
Campus	Broadway
Start Dates	Sep

Tuition	N/A
Credential	Certificate
Length	8 months (September to April). Maximum time for completion: 2 years
Hours
Delivery	Class-based and Online, Class-based
Campus	Broadway
Start Dates	Sep
PGWP	Not listed as eligible

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.
John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

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.

What you will learn

Read treble and bass clefs.
Sing and write pentatonic and diatonic melodies.
Perform basic simple and compound-meter rhythms.
Identify, construct, and sing diatonic triads, intervals, modes, and scales.
Identify written key signatures, intervals, diatonic scales and triads, and cadences.
Transcribe melodic and rhythmic dictations from various cultures and traditions.
Practice rehearsal etiquette and performance mindset.
Create basic program notes on music to be performed.
Assess performance of peers using basic elements of constructive criticism.
Perform or compose pieces using basic technical elements with consistent accuracy and control.
Analyze harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic elements of music.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

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

Job prospectives

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Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

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.

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

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

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 Costs

Application fee	$36
Tuition	$4,409
Student union	$145
College initiative	$55
Materials	$83	not including textbooks
Campus resource	$177
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental	$285	Provided by Student Union
U-Pass	$376	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Total	$7,337

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
Additional costs:
- Textbooks – Approx. $500
- Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* 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 non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

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

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

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Tuition deposit	$10,250	$10,000 non-refundable Tuition deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Application fee	$145
Tuition	$12,038
Student union	$145
College initiative	$57
Materials		not including textbooks
Campus resource	$177
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental	$285	Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance		Medical Insurance for International Students
U-Pass	$376	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Total	$15,225

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
Additional costs:
- Textbooks – Approx. $500
- Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.

Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.

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

Application Process

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. Deadline to apply, submit audition video, and complete theory assessment for 2026:

January 12 (for January 26 audition interview)
February 9 (for February 23 audition interview)
March 16 (for March 30 audition interview)
April 13 (for April 27 audition interview)
April 28 (for May 12 audition interview)
May 12 (for May 26 audition interview)

Audition interviews for 2026:

January 26
February 23
March 30
April 27
May 12
May 26

Contact music@vcc.ca if you have questions.

International students must contact International Education advisors to confirm their study eligibility and the Continuing Studies (CS) department to verify their program eligibility.

Audition Information: See the Application and Audition Requirements - Bachelor of Applied Music 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 Deadlines for applications and auditions:

January 29 audition interview, deadline is January 22
February 26 audition, deadline is February 5
March 26 audition, deadline is March 5
April 23 audition, deadline is April 2
May 5 audition, deadline is April 14
May 28 audition, deadline is May 7