Music education for everyone

Whether you're a high school student or a long-time amateur, the School of Music has programs for you. We offer private lessons, symposiums, masterclasses, and more led by distinguished guest faculty from across North America, from opera superstar Ben Heppner to Oscar- and Pulitzer-winning composer John Corigliano.

Summer Music Institute

Each July, several hundred students spend a week or two on campus under the leadership and guidance of the performance faculty of the School of Music and other distinguished music educators. Classes in basic musicianship, as well as recital performances and master classes by resident teachers, serve to enhance the total program. Adult amateurs are encouraged to apply. 

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Summer Vocal Workshop

Part of the Summer Music Institute, the Summer Vocal Workshop gives singers the opportunity to interact with UBC School of Music Faculty and professional classical musicians from all over the world. Participants take part in group classes, private lessons, coaching with pianists, masterclasses, small ensembles, and a final concert.

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Vancouver International Song Institute (VISI)

VISI is a meeting place for groundbreaking studies in the interpretation and performance of ART SONG. Our diverse programs for young artists, emerging professionals, and career development offer integrated and highly innovative studies in song interpretation,  performance practice,  composition, scholarship, research, and multi-media creation.

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Early Music Festival

The Vancouver Early Music Festival is one of the largest festivals of its type in North America and runs over two weeks in July/August every year at the UBC School of Music. It is a superb series of masterclasses, lectures and concerts featuring faculty and guest artists from all over the world.

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Choral Conducting Symposium

Choral Connections, UBC’s Choral Conducting Symposium is an intensive five-day workshop offering instruction on all aspects of choral conducting within a positive and constructive learning environment. 

Information coming soon

Wind Conducting Symposium

UBC Wind Conducting Symposium is available to band conductors of all levels. Refresh your conducting skills and learn about band repertoire, score study, and rehearsal techniques under the guidance of UBC Director of Bands Robert Taylor and distinguished guest artists.

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Masterclasses and Colloquia

The School of Music understands the importance of students interacting with the world’s top artists and lecturers. Recent masterclasses and residencies include Michael Colgrass, composer; James Ehnes, violin; Ben Heppner, voice; Stephen Hough, piano; Jon Kimura Parker, piano; Pinchas Zukerman, violin; and John Corigliano, composer.

Upcoming masterclasses
Upcoming colloquia

Private Lessons

Some of our music students provide private lessons. Whether you are looking to learn an instrument for the first time or want to brush up on your piano performance, you should be able to find a suitable teacher to take you to the next level. If you are interested in private lessons from a music student, please download our Private Lessons List (pdf).