Many West Shore residents have enjoyed improved access to the Victoria Conservatory of MusicB次元官网网址檚 comprehensive programming since its official opening in May.
The unveiling of the conservatoryB次元官网网址檚 first satellite location, at the Westhills YMCA-YWCA complex in Langford, followed the institutionB次元官网网址檚 50th anniversary in 2014, which saw the launch of a $2-million capital campaign. One of the five initiatives sought to expand into the Western Communities.
B次元官网网址淭here were quite a few years of research and conversation,B次元官网网址� said Victoria Conservatory of Music dean, Stephen Green. B次元官网网址淭he main contributing factor was the huge population growth and a focus on the younger families that are out there, and noticing that more and more people were trying to commute to our main location in Victoria. But because of the traffic situation, this led to us wanting to move ahead and we are very happy that we did.B次元官网网址�
As a not-for-profit and a registered charity, the conservatoryB次元官网网址檚 mandate is to provide accessible music education to everyone, regardless of age or ability.
B次元官网网址淲e are hoping that in the West Shore we are able to bring a type of music education that meets the needs and interests of residents, but also complements what other music programs are out there,B次元官网网址� Green said.
Since the opening of the new location, he said, there has been a very positive response from West Shore residents and businesses. B次元官网网址淲e are reacting, in many ways, to feedback we had from residents, (about) the types of programs they would like to see.B次元官网网址�
The Victoria Conservatory of Music offers programs for all ages and levels of experience, from babies and toddlers B次元官网网址� including musical story times for young children and families B次元官网网址� to lessons for youth and adults. Classes range from introductory to advanced and are offered in one-on-one and group instruction scenarios. Students who previously commuted downtown can also receive instruction in theory and musicianship at the Westhills location.
There are traditional lessons for instruments such as piano, strings, wind and brass, as well as more innovative methods. Through the use of award-winning computer software, the ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Music Journey program teaches the fundamentals of music while promoting creativity and collaboration.
B次元官网网址淭his program turns the table by allowing the student to be the composer,B次元官网网址� Green explained. Used worldwide, this virtual course is embraced by five elementary schools throughout Victoria.
As for concert offerings, West Shore residents can look forward to more local events in the future. B次元官网网址淲e are working on developing that right now. In the meantime, though, our end of term recitals and our VCM Presents series are all run through our main location,B次元官网网址� Green said.
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