Voice
The Voice Program at the Vancouver Conservatory of Music offers comprehensive instruction in vocal technique, breath control, tone production, diction, and stage expression. Students learn to develop healthy vocal habits through classical and contemporary repertoire while strengthening pitch accuracy, resonance, and dynamic control. Emphasis is placed on musical interpretation, performance confidence, and the connection between vocal technique and artistic communication. Whether preparing for RCM voice examinations or personal artistic growth, this program provides the technical and expressive foundation for confident, professional singing.
Voicekids
No
- Prerequisite
30 or 45 minutes
- Duration
Private
- Class size
4 to 9 years
- Age range
Personalized course
- Specification
Voicekids 1
At the end of this course, children will be singing simple pieces in major and minor scales. Level 1 teaches children foundational musical concepts including time values, pitches, rhythmic precision, notation, and dynamics, while encouraging the development of proper singing technics.
Voicekids 2
Building on the concepts explored in Level 1, Level 2 aims to enhance students’ confidence and improve their technique. Students receive instruction in the fundamentals of singing and study sight reading, proper breathing, phrasing, and other concepts and techniques. The virtues of practice, discipline, posture, and technique are conveyed in a fun, upbeat environment.
The repertoire is drawn from a variety of styles, from highly lyrical works to rhythmic pieces. Homework is assigned each week, with parents tracking their child’s progress.
Prerequisite: Voicekids 1, or permission of the instructor.
Voicekids 3
Level 3 studies deepen the link between theory and practice by further developing students’ awareness of expression, contrast, and tone. Particular attention is paid to basic musicianship and body awareness, including techniques for expressing tone through the use of diaphragm.
Prerequisite: Voicekids 2, or permission of the instructor.
Preliminary Voice Course
No
- Prerequisite
30, 45 or 60 minutes
- Duration
Private
- Class size
+10 years, adults
- Age range
Personalized course with faster direction
- Specification
Preliminary 1
Level 3 studies deepen the link between theory and practice by further developing students’ awareness of expression, contrast, and tone. Particular attention is paid to basic musicianship and body awareness, including techniques for expressing tone through the use of arm weight.
Preliminary 2
Level 3 studies deepen the link between theory and practice by further developing students’ awareness of expression, contrast, and tone. Particular attention is paid to basic musicianship and body awareness, including techniques for expressing tone through the use of arm weight.
Prerequisite: Preliminary 1, or permission of the instructor.
Preliminary 3
Level 3 studies deepen the link between theory and practice by further developing students’ awareness of expression, contrast, and tone. Particular attention is paid to basic musicianship and body awareness, including techniques for expressing tone through the use of arm weight.
Prerequisite: Preliminary 2, or permission of the instructor.
RCM Voice Course
Voicekids or preliminary course
- Prerequisite
45 or 60 minutes
- Duration
Private
- Class size
All
- Age range
Certification & high-school credit
- Specification
The RCM Voice Program provides students with world-class, well-rounded musical training from elementary through to advanced levels. With the completion of each level, students further hone their skills and develop their ability to play music independently.
The program at Vancouver Conservatory of Music encompasses three main areas:
Repertoire
- Each level includes a broad selection of pieces representing a variety of musical styles and historical periods.
- Regular reviews of the repertoire keep the selections fresh and innovative.
- Teachers and students can add favorite pieces through the teacher’s choice selections.
Technical Requirements & Etudes
Students will be provided with a copy of the technical tests in the examination and may choose an alternative starting note.
The examiner may request that the exercises be sung on any of the following vowels: [a], [e], [i], [o], [u], and, beginning in Level 5, [y].
Pure vowel sound, accurate pitch, rhythm, and the indicated phrasing are expected.
Technical tests need not be memorized, and no extra marks are awarded for memorization.
Musicianship Skills
- Ear Tests
Ear tests include melody clapback, melody singback, identification and singing of intervals, and identification of chords and chord progressions. Ear test exercises are available in RCM Online Ear Training.
- Sight Reading
Sight-reading tests consist of tapping the rhythm of short excerpts and sight singing of short passages.
- Rhythm
- Students are required to tap one measure of the beat before performing the sight-rhythm excerpt to establish a sense of pulse and to set the tempo for their performance. Students may choose to tap the beat with one hand or foot.
- To perform the sight-rhythm excerpt, students may speak the rhythm using the syllable of their choice (“la,” “ta,” Kodály syllables, etc.), count the rhythm (1& 2&, etc.), clap the rhythm, or tap the rhythm with their other hand.
2. Singing
- Students may tap one measure of the beat before performing the sight-singing excerpt to establish a sense of pulse and to set the tempo for their performance. Students may choose to tap the beat with one hand or foot.
- To perform the sight-singing excerpt, students may use any system that enables them to produce the correct pitches; for example, solfège (fixed do), tonic sol-fa (moveable do), or numbers. Students may also use a vowel or syllable (such as [a] or [la]).
VCM Voice Course
Voicekids or preliminary course
- Prerequisite
45 or 60 minutes
- Duration
Private
- Class size
All
- Age range
Personalized course with certification
- Specification
The VCM Voice Program provides students with world-class and well-rounded musical training, from elementary to advanced levels. With the completion of each level, students further hone their skills and develop their ability to play music independently. In addition, VCM personalized musical arrangement selections based on psychological and cultural aspects motivate students to sing more and more pieces and help them to achieve their musical goals without any pressure and have more fun. After completing each level, students can register for the VCM Voice Exam to receive constructive feedback from professional instructors and earn a VCM Voice Certificate. The program at Vancouver Conservatory of Music encompasses three main areas:
Repertoire
• Each level includes a broad selection of pieces representing a variety of personalized musical pieces in different styles.
Technical requirements
Musicianship Skills
• Sight Singing and Sight Reading.
• Ear Training.
