Music

Vancouver Island University has cancelled the Jazz Studies Diploma program effective May 23, 2024. The University will not offer any intakes for this new program which was set to launch in Fall 2024. Further questions may be directed to the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, at Katharine.Rollwagen@viu.ca

Why a Jazz diploma?

Jazz covers an enormous range of styles. All music that's come out of North America since 1910 has its roots in jazz. Our modern idea of what it means to be a band comes from the early jazz bands.

In this program, you gain skills that make collaboration with other musicians easier. You pick up the traits that make you a musician others want to work with. And you have a good time doing it.

What to expect

From the moment you walk into your first music class, you're a musician. Many of the classes are ensembles where most of the work you do is to play your chosen instrument and jam with your classmates. It's a full immersion in the life of a working musician.

What you learn

When you complete our program you'll be able to:

• perform music at a professional level in a wide array of styles
• compose and arrange music in a wide array of styles
• promote and market yourself with confidence using music technology and digital tools
• contribute to a community of musicians with effective teaching and mentorship
• follow and participate in current music scholarship

Try a class or two

Anyone can sign up for many of our courses. You can develop basic musicianship skills, study an instrument, learn to make recordings or explore the enjoyment of music by taking a music appreciation class.

To see which classes are being offered, please visit the VIU Course Timetable.

Nanaimo music scene

Nanaimo, a beautiful waterfront city, has a vibrant music scene. The music venues here range from intimate bistros to music-centric bars, all the way to the 800-seat Port Theatre. VIU students get invited to play many of these venues during their time in the program.

Questions?

For more details, including admission requirements, deadlines and fees, see the Jazz Studies diploma calendar page. 

For more information about Music courses or our Diploma program, please email Department Chair Sasha Koerbler at Sasha.Koerbler@viu.ca

Some of our students in action

Check out past and future performances by students, faculty and alumni on our Facebook page.