VAM’s Young Artist Collegiate Program (YACP) is designed to give musically exceptional high school students a head start into college-level studies. Students will study under the inspirational direction of some of Vancouver’s leading instructors and will have opportunities to perform in many situations, giving them valuable insight into the life of a professional musician.
In this advanced and intensive program, students will take college-level courses in the areas of theory, history and ear training in addition to private lessons and ensembles. Credits are part of the Music Performance Diploma program at VAM’s S. K. Lee College and may in some circumstances count as credit toward a Bachelor of Music Degree.
Eligibility Requirements
High school students entering grades 9 through 12 (or ages 14 to 18) with a proven record of exceptional musical achievement.
Admission Requirements
1. Audition (by video submission)
2. Completed YACP application form
3. $100.00 application fee
4. School transcript
5. Two letters of recommendation from professional musicians, either teachers or performers (Download the Evaluation Form)
6. If high school is not in English or entrance audition procedure shows problems with English, proof of English language proficiency will be required.
Annual Fees, 2020-21
The following VAM Tuition Fees are for two 16-week semesters, from September through June. The program can be taken for one, two, three or four years, while the student is in high school.
- $3920 tuition (scholarships and bursaries available to fund up to 85% of tuition)
- Administrative fee: $75
Important Dates
Application deadline: May 15 for intake the following September
Audition and Theory Placement Test day: Tuesday, May 26, 2020
YACP Theory Placement Test
The YACP Theory Placement Test involves basic music theory tasks such as writing scales, identifying intervals and chords, and completing bars with rests. There is one short 4-part harmonization for people with harmony training, a brief test of knowledge of repertoire, and a writing question to demonstrate English skills.
YACP Program Outline
Year One
| COURSE | COURSE NO. | CREDITS |
| Music Theory I | MUS 101 | 3 |
| Ear Training I | MUS 121 | 1 |
| Music History I | MUS 131 | 3 |
| Applied Music (private lesson) | MUS 141 | 4 |
| Piano Class OR Ensemble (orchestra) | MUS 141a, OR
MUS 161 |
1 |
| Chamber Music (optional) | ||
| Total Year Credits | 12 |
*When there is a sufficient number of interested students, the YACP program offers Composition 153 or 154 and/or Orchestration 371 or 372.
Year Two
| COURSE | COURSE NO. | CREDITS |
| Music Theory II | MUS 102 | 3 |
| Ear Training II | MUS 122 | 1 |
| Music History II | MUS 132 | 3 |
| Applied Music (private lesson) | MUS 142 | 4 |
| Piano Class, OR
Ensemble (orchestra) |
MUS 142a, OR
MUS 162 |
1 |
| Chamber Music (optional) | ||
| Total Year Credits | 12 |
Year Three
| COURSE | COURSE NO. | CREDITS |
| Music Theory III | MUS 201 | 3 |
| Ear Training III | MUS 221 | 1 |
| Music History III | MUS 231 | 3 |
| Applied Music (private lesson) | MUS 241 | 4 |
| Piano Class, OR
Ensemble (orchestra) |
MUS 241a, OR
MUS 261 |
1 |
| Chamber Music (optional) | ||
| Total Year Credits | 12 |
Year Four
| COURSE | COURSE NO. | CREDITS |
| Music Theory IV | MUS 202 | 3 |
| Ear Training IV | MUS 222 | 1 |
| Music History IV | MUS 232 | 3 |
| Applied Music (private lesson) | MUS 242 | 4 |
| Piano Class, OR
Ensemble (orchestra) |
MUS 242a, OR
MUS 262 |
1 |
| Chamber Music (optional) | ||
| Total Year Credits | 12 |