The Winds Brass Percussion Enriched Learning Program is the VSO School of Music’s flagship training experience for developing instrumentalists who are ready to grow faster, go deeper, and reach higher. Designed as the foundation for orchestral ensemble work, this program offers a level of instruction unmatched anywhere else in Vancouver.
Meeting weekly on Monday evenings, students receive two hours of immersive, high-impact learning that blends ensemble playing, musicianship training, mentorship, coaching and rotating specialty modules led by expert faculty and guest artists. Whether you’re preparing for youth orchestra auditions, planning for post-secondary music studies, or seeking a structured long-term growth environment, this program provides the skills, community, and inspiration to accelerate your musical journey.
What’s Included?
Hour 1: Core Musicianship or Small Ensembles
Students build essential skills through:
- Technique development
- Repertoire study
- Instrument-specific fundamentals
- Ensemble skills in flexible formats
- Rhythm, theory, harmony, and practice strategies
- Chamber music and small ensemble breakouts
- One on one coachings
- 1 hour of dedicated individualized private lesson instruction per term
Hour 2: Rotating Modules
- A curated cycle of topics such as:
- Masterclasses with rotating faculty
- Orchestral excerpts
- Listening and score study
- Winds and brass history
- Musicianship lectures
- Community-building and collaborative sessions
This program is right for you if you are:
- A winds, brass or percussion instrumentalist with 1+ of playing experience
- A young musician seeking accelerated development
- Preparing for advanced ensemble or orchestral participation
- A high-school student considering post-secondary music studies
- A private-lesson student looking for structured, long-term growth
| Fall Term | Sep 14–Dec 14, 2026 | Enroll Now |
| Winter Term | Jan 4–Mar 8, 2027 | Enroll Now |
| Spring Term | Apr 5–Jun 21, 2027 | Enroll Now |