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, Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates |
| Tuition | $12,038 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 8 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based and Online, Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Start Dates | |
| 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.
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 Requirement
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.
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
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Strong motivation and commitment to music
-
Basic computer facility
Program Availability
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program Start Date | Sep 2026 |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | October 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2026 |
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 & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $376 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $7,337 |
* 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.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are payable usually within three weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
| Tuition deposit | $10,250 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $12,038 | |
| Student union | $145 | |
| College initiative | $57 | |
| Campus resource | $177 | |
| Medical & Dental | $285 | Provided by Student Union |
| U-Pass | $376 | Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more. |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Other fees | $1,408 | |
| Total | $15,225 |
* 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.
Technical requirement
How to Apply
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.
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
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: studentservice@vcc.ca
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?