Bachelor of Applied Music, Vancouver Community College

Vancouver, British Columbia

24 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The Bachelor of Applied Music at Vancouver Community College offers comprehensive training in music theory, performance, and collaboration. Students will develop advanced vocal, instrumental, or compositional techniques, along with skills in solo and ensemble performance, production, communication, and stagecraft. The program emphasizes performance practice, interpreting new repertoire, improvisation, and understanding musical form, texture, and instrumentation. It also covers background knowledge on copyright law, professional organizations, self-employment, and arts promotion. The course is designed to prepare students for careers working with music and arts organizations, collaborating across dance, theatre, and electronic media. The program aims to cultivate professionalism, responsibility, and accountability in music professionals, providing a solid foundation for diverse career paths in the arts.

Why this course is highly recommended

This degree is ideal for students aiming to excel in professional music careers, offering top-tier training from experienced professionals. The program combines classroom instruction, individual lessons, lab activities, rehearsals, public performances, and work placements, providing hands-on experience. Its comprehensive curriculum covers both practical performance skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing students for the dynamic and diverse music industry. Additionally, the program’s connection with professional organizations and focus on self-employment and marketing make it a strong choice for those interested in a sustainable music career.

Specialisation

The program allows specialization in performance areas such as voice, instrument, or composition. Students can choose performance concentration courses and engage in directed ensembles and advanced performance techniques. There are options for academic streams in composition involving submission of recent original work and research papers.

Course fees

Application fees

12.65L

1st year tuition fees

12.65L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should have completed the VCC Music Diploma or an equivalent with a minimum B average, and a minimum A- in specialized performance or academic areas. They must submit a written proposal outlining their career goals, two recommendation letters, and pass an audition in their chosen performance area. For academic tracks, submission of recent research papers may replace the audition. International students are also required to do the VCC English Language Assessment if presenting foreign documents.

English language test

TOEFL

IELTS

6.5

DUOLINGO

115

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Music program are prepared for a variety of careers in the music industry, including performance, teaching, arts organization work, production, and promotion. The course’s emphasis on professional skills, self-employment, and collaboration opens pathways into the music business, recording, and electronic media. It also provides a solid foundation for continuing education or entrepreneurship within the arts.

FAQs

What are the audition requirements?

Applicants must audition in their specialized performance area, or in the case of composition, submit recent original works. For academic streams, research papers may be submitted instead. Auditions are conducted via video submission and Zoom interview.

What are the English language proficiency requirements?

International applicants whose first language isn't English need to do the VCC English Language Assessment, with minimum scores in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Contact the department for current options as the assessment is temporarily unavailable.