Preparatory Music
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 | $4,409 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 8 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Tuition | $12,038 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 8 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online |
| Campus | Broadway |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
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.
The Certificate in Preparatory Music is a full-time program. Classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening.
The delivery modes include a combination of online and in-person classroom instruction, individual lessons, masterclasses, lab activities, rehearsals, and performances.
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
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.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended considerations
-
Demonstrates potential in area of specialization
-
Strong motivation and commitment to music
-
Basic computer facility
Program availability
Fall 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Not currently available.
Courses
| 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 costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $4,409 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $55 | |
| Materials | $83 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | $177 | |
| Medical and dental | $285 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $376 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $5,611 |
* 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.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate.
| Tuition deposit | $10,250 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $12,038 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $57 | |
| Materials | $87 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | $121 | |
| Medical and dental | $285 | Explore medical insurance options |
| Temporary medical insurance | $149 | |
| U-Pass | $376 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $13,448 |
* 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.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to apply
Audition Information:
See the Application and Audition Requirements – Music Diploma and Music Prep Certificate for audition instructions and submit the Music Supplemental Application form. 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 online interview.
Contact [email protected] for questions about the application process and audition dates.
Deadline to apply, submit audition video, and complete theory assessment for 2026:
- January 26 audition – deadline is January 12
- February 23 audition – deadline is February 9
- March 30 audition – deadline is March 16
- April 27 audition – deadline is April 13
- May 12 audition – deadline is April 28
- May 26 audition – deadline is May 12
- June 23 audition – deadline is June 12
- July 7 audition – deadline is June 23
International students
- January 29 audition – 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 17
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Program information
<p>For questions about Music programs email us at [email protected]</p>
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?