The Victoria Conservatory of Music will be bringing the music of Bach back by this summer with a new online course.
The program will be the first in Canada to feature instruction to an entire class in real-time instead of one on one sessions.
While the VCM will remain closed until July 6, behind the scenes work is going on to have a seamless first virtual class.
Experts in the field such as local singer Nancy Argenta, renowned early music teacher Daniel Taylor and vocalist Kathryn Whitney will help students along their musical journey.
While the method of bringing an entire choral arraignment together via Zoom is a little bit unconventional, it’s about giving people the chance to connect once again.
“We are able to use live delivery and a live delivery method in order to teach a fully functioning summer choral program,” says Taylor from his Toronto home. “So the idea is to offer people a place to sing again, together while we wait, we wait for the world to have time to heal.”
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Taylor is used to performing in front of thousands. His Theatre of Early Music Choir and Orchestra are signed to a recording contract with Sony Music. He also teaches early music and is reveling at the chance to get back to teaching in a safe environment.
“I think it’s vital that we are flexible now that everyone has to be safe! We also have to look at what the priorities are for our society, and how to move forward with that in a truly in a safe way,” says Taylor.
While the conservatory might sit empty for now, the online classes will provide a way to spread the sounds of Bach far and wide.
The classes run from July 25 until August 2. Those interested can register at https://vcm.bc.ca/.
Cole Sorenson
