STRINGS & GUITAR
Strings & Guitar The VCM has a rich resource of dedicated faculty in the disciplines of violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar (both classical and electric), harp, historical instruments and folk fiddling. The strings faculty provide the most up to date learnings in individual and group classes for beginners, as well as for accomplished solo performers, chamber ensemble artists, orchestral players, and for teachers in training.
“Bringing music to the hearts and minds of students opens up worlds of imagination and creativity. The confidence required to present these ideas, along with the discipline to harness them, prepares a student to face any challenge in life.” Michael van der Sloot
..................... Department Head: Michael van der Sloot, violin/viola Michael van der Sloot began his musical studies with one of Canada’s foremost string teachers, his brother William van der Sloot. He later received his Bachelor and Masters degrees on the viola at UBC, studying with Gerald Stanick, with Post-Graduate studies at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria with Thomas Riebl. In addition to successes at various solo and chamber competitions, Michael has represented Canada in international solo competitions and recorded for CBC radio. Michael has played with most of the Symphonies in Western Canada. His performances have taken him throughout Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy, including performances at the Theatre Rue Champs Ellysees in Paris, and the Musikverein in Vienna. Michael’s talents as a teacher and adjudicator are very much in demand. His students frequently receive top awards at National and International Competitions.
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STRINGS & GUITAR
Individual Lessons
faculty Violin Stacey Boal Muge Büyükçelen Mary Clarke Margaret Dzbik Raya Fridman Guyonne Le Louarn Victoria Lindsay Christine Prince Maria Sandor Viola Stacey Boal Kenji Fuse Guyonne Le Louarn Christine Prince Conservatory Fiddles Miriam Sonstenes Cello Laura Backstrom Martin Bonham Gillian Epp Paula Kiffner Karen Whyte Harp Annabelle Stanley (Lever and Pedal) Bass Darren Buhr Historical Strings Martin Bonham (Baroque Cello, Gamba) Douglas Hensley (Lute, Oud, Mandolin) Christine Prince Classical Guitar Michael Dias Dr. Alexander Dunn Douglas Hensley Bradford Werner Wes Wraggett Adrian Verdejo (Steel-string/electric)
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Lessons are offered to all levels of students on violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, mandolin, lute, oud, harp*, and other string instruments. Students may take year-end exams based on the Victoria Conservatory of Music String Syllabi. Please phone 250-386-5311 or email info@vcm.bc.ca to be referred to an appropriate instructor. *Individual lessons are available on both lever and pedal harp. Grade requirements of the Royal Conservatory of Music harp syllabus are followed for VCM examination purposes.
Early Music and Performance Practice String faculty and their instrument areas include the following: Martin Bonham: Baroque Cello, Viola da Gamba Christine Prince: Baroque Violin and Viola Alexander Dunn: 19th Century Guitar Douglas Hensley: Lute; Medieval & Renaissance Performance Practice
The Suzuki Program
The Suzuki Program is based on the philosophy and the “mother tongue” teaching method of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Beginners learn to play by ear, by listening and imitation. Talent is nurtured in a positive environment and parents provide support by attending lessons, helping their children to practice and listening to recordings together at home. Group lessons are an integral part of this program. Children learn to play in groups to reinforce their skills. In addition to private (or semi-private) lessons, students have a group class every other week. External Suzuki students are welcome to join the VCM Suzuki group classes.
Suzuki Violin Individual Lessons The VCM offers several options for individual instruction:
Option 1: A 30-minute lesson every week, plus the group class every other week. Option 2: A shared 45-minute lesson with another beginner of similar age. With the teacher’s approval, two very young beginners may share a 30-minute lesson every week, plus the group class every other week. Books 1 & 2: A 30-minute lesson every week, plus the group class every other week. Book 3+: More advanced students require a 45-minute or one hour lesson. Please confer with the coordinator regarding lesson length and the group class, as well as opportunities to participate in the Conservatory orchestras. To be referred to an appropriate instructor, please phone 250-386-5311 or email info@vcm.bc.ca. Instructors: Margaret Dzbik and Raya Fridman Co-requisite: Suzuki Violin Group Class (bi-monthly)
Suzuki Parent Info Lessons
Suzuki method incorporates a high level of parent participation, both in the lessons and during at-home practice sessions. For parents/caregivers of first-time Suzuki violin students, these three 90-minute sessions will provide you with the basic skills necessary to work together with your child toward their continued development, success and enjoyment of music. These sessions are mandatory for all new Suzuki parents. Instructor: Duration: Tuition: SV 404 05
Margaret Dzbik 3 weeks $81 Thu 5:00-6:30pm Sept 16, 23, 30
STRINGS & GUITAR
Suzuki Violin Group Classes
Please confer with the coordinator before registering. Coordinator: Margaret Dzbik Instructors: Margaret Dzbik and Raya Fridman Duration: 16 weeks Tuition: $81/term (VCM Students) $108/term (Non-VCM Students) Co-requisite: Suzuki Violin Individual Lessons (VCM or external) Pre-twinkle Pre-twinkle
SV 406 02 Thu 5:00-5:45pm Oct 7 & Feb 3 SV 411 04 Sat 11:00-11:45am Oct 9 & Feb 5
Level 1A Level 1B Level 2
SV 406 02 Thu 5:00-5:45pm Oct14 & Feb10 SV 411 02 Thu 5:15-6:00pm Oct 7 & Feb 3 SV 406 02 Thu 5:00-5:45pm Oct 7 & Feb 3
Level 3 Tuition:
$108/term (VCM Students) $144/term (Non-VCM Students) SV 404 04 Thu 5:00-6:00pm Oct14 & Feb10
Adult Suzuki Group Violin
This class is for those parents wishing to continue with their own violin studies after completing the Parent Info Lessons. This class will be offered based on a minimum enrolment of 6 people. Instructor: Duration: Tuition: SV 404 06
Margaret Dzbik 8 weeks $144 Mon 7:00-8:00pm
Suzuki Cello Individual Lessons
As with the Suzuki Violin program, group lessons are taken in conjunction with private weekly lessons. Children learn to play in groups, reinforce their skills and learn the pleasures of playing with others. In addition to a 30-minute individual lesson each week, the students participate in a one hour group class every other week. Please phone 250-386-5311 or email info@vcm.bc.ca for more information. Instructor: Gillian Epp Co-requisite: Suzuki Cello Group Class
Suzuki Cello Group Lessons
Group Classes
Participating in group classes at the VCM is a great way to gain musical experience in a fun and supportive environment. Our group classes offer students a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, play great music and learn from amazing instructors!
Chamber Music for Adults
This course involves small ensemble coaching for pre-formed groups of strings, piano and wind instruments. Coaching sessions are treated as shared individual lessons with times to be arranged through the instructor. If you are interested in playing chamber music but are not a member of a pre-formed ensemble, contact the instructor, who may be able to assist in finding other players of similar ability and inclination. Please phone 250-386-5311 or email info@vcm.bc.ca for more information. Instructor: Duration: Tuition: CE 416 11
Christine Prince TBA $53/hour, divided equally amongst participants. TBA
3 to 7 year olds
Please confer with the instructor before registering. Instructor: Gillian Epp Duration: 8 weeks Co-requisite: Suzuki Cello Individual Lessons (VCM or external) VCM Students: $108/term SV 405 02 TBA Non-VCM Students: $144/term SV 405 01 TBA
Did you know?
We keep fees low so that as many people as possible can share the magical experience of music. 55% of the VCM’s annual funding is generated by tuition fees. V ICTORIA CONSERV ATORY O F M U S I C
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STRINGS & GUITAR
Conservatory Fiddles
Folk Fiddling is one of the most popular forms of string playing. Explore this exciting world of lively music: traditional Celtic tunes of Ireland, Scotland and Canada or fiery Eastern European gypsy melodies. Students will learn proper technique, style, and ornamentation from diverse traditions. New members of all ages are welcome throughout the year, with the instructor’s approval. Please confer with instructor before registering for appropriate section placement. Instructor: Miriam Sonstenes Duration: 16 weeks VCM Students: Tuition $216 + $10 resource fee/term Level 1 ST 419 01 Thu 5:30-6:30pm Sept 16 & Feb 3 Level 2 ST 419 04 Thu 6:30-7:30pm Sept 16 & Feb 3 Level 3/adv. ST 419 06 Thu 6:30-7:30pm Sept 16 & Feb 3 Non-VCM Students: Tuition $288 + $10 resource fee/term Level 1 ST 419 01 Thu 5:30-6:30pm Sept 16 & Feb 3 Level 2 ST 419 03 Thu 6:30-7:30pm Sept 16 & Feb 3 Level 3/adv. ST 419 05 Thu 6:30-7:30pm Sept 16 & Feb 3
Orchestral Strings Master Class
Regular master classes are offered for students of violin, viola and cello. Classes focus on performance practices and techniques. Instructors: A rotation of senior VCM string teachers including the department head. Day and Time: Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm
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Cello for Adult Beginners
Please refer to the Adult Continuing Education section, pg. 13 & 14
Violin for Adult Beginners
Please refer to the Adult Continuing Education section, pg. 14
Orchestras
Please refer to the Orchestras, Ensembles and Choirs section, pg. 53
Classical Guitar Coordinator: Dr. Alexander Dunn
Individual Lessons
Individual instruction is available in a variety of styles for all ages and levels. Students have the option of preparing for exams based on the Victoria Conservatory of Music Guitar syllabus. Please phone 250-386-5311 or email info@vcm.bc.ca to be referred to an appropriate instructor.
Guitar for Beginners 7-15 year olds
Elements of classical and Suzuki instructional methods are employed in this course and students are introduced to chords. Students should come to class with a nylon-stringed classical guitar. Instructor: Duration: Tuition: GT 408 10
Douglas Hensley 16 weeks $288/term Tue 5:00-6:00pm
Sept 14 & Feb 1
Group Guitar for Adults
Please refer to the Adult Continuing Education section, pg. 13
Classical Guitar Orchestra Did you know? We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of individual donors, grants, corporate gifts and sponsorship for 45% of our funding.
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Please refer to the Orchestras, Ensembles and Choirs section, pg. 53
Classical Guitar Master Class
A weekly performance class is offered by members of the VCM guitar faculty in repertoire, technique, performance and ensemble skills. Coordinator: Dr. Alexander Dunn Eligible: All registered VCM guitar students Day and Time: Fridays 4:00-5:30pm