Conducting in Music Certificate

Conducting Certificate Information Sessions:
Applications are still being accepted for fall 2011

Wednesday, August 24 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm, LB 322

Please RSVP to music@capilanou.ca by the morning of the day you plan to attend.

General Information

Capilano University offers five music programs: a one-year Conducting in Music certificate, a two-year Diploma in Music Program (Classical Music), a two-year Diploma in Jazz Studies, a four-year Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) and a four-year Bachelor of Music Therapy.

Graduates of the Conducting in Music certificate program will be able to conduct choral and instrumental ensembles effectively and confidently. The program is designed so that currently active teachers and musicians may take the program while continuing to work.

Courses will include conducting, conducting pedagogy, ensemble and languages. The core conducting course will focus on fundamental conducting techniques including patterns, cues, cut-offs, phrasing, tempo changes, expressive gestures, use of the left hand, baton technique, choral and orchestral conducting. Conducting pedagogy will include watching and discussing recorded performances, attending live performances, observing rehearsals and discussing various approaches to conducting.

All participants will be required to sing in one the University ensembles and will be required to take two terms of Spanish, German or French.

Conducting and Ensemble credits count towards upgrading of TQS levels.

View the Conducting in Music certificate program on the online calendar.

For more information about this exciting new program please contact Lars Kaario at 604-986-1911 (ext. 2309) or lkaario@capilanou.ca 

CONDUCTING CERTIFICATE TESTIMONIALS

I have very much enjoyed studying conducting with Lars Kaario at Capilano University.  The Conducting Program has helped me to further develop my conducting skills with constructive feedback and support from both my peers and the instructor.  The program is comprehensive and thorough as well as challenging.  During the past year, I have been continually inspired and reminded of why I chose music as a career.  I highly recommend this program to anyone who teaches music, conducts or wishes to do either.
Alison Hunter, May 2011
B. Mus, RMT
Music Teacher - School District 48 (Sea to Sky)
Music Director - Whistler Children's Chorus

Although I had a diverse musical background, I started this program without knowing anything about conducting. This program starts with the basics, so the students can build upon a firm and proper foundation. I love the precious opportunities to conduct the Capilano Singers, where I can challenge and prove myself in front of an ensemble. Aside from the technical skills, the program also gives me an insight into the industry - what it takes to be a good conductor, as well as a good leader. Lars is a great teacher; he gives us a lot of encouragement and support. With a diverse choice of repertoire, I have learned a lot of great music for the future. He also hosts conducting workshops and choral workshops so the students could learn from other great teachers as well. This program does not only teach me how to become a skilled conductor, it is also an enjoyable experience that further enhances my appreciation for music. Tian Ip
May 2011

As a music student and as a secondary school teacher, I found the Capilano Conducting in Music Certificate program to be extremely valuable.  Not only has it given me a very solid skill set to use in my musical endeavours, but it has also given me the confidence to use those skills effectively.  I found the instruction to be most helpful and thoughtful, both in terms of the course content itself and in terms of its presentation and organization.  Also, I very much enjoyed the opportunity provided by this program to work with other conducting and music enthusiasts.  I cannot recommend this program highly enough.
Joseph Young
B.A., B.Ed
April 2011

The Capilano University music program is an amazing phenomenon to be a part of. Not only is it academically well-rounded and comprehensive but it is also creatively invigorating. The faculty, including people such as maestro Lars Kaario, are constantly challenging students to explore their talents and reach new horizons. As a film score composer and music producer, I found particularly useful the Conducting courses that have given me confidence and ability to direct ensembles performing my own music. I’m delighted to have been part of this program and would recommend it to all aspiring musicians. There couldn’t be a better beginning to a life in music…  
Taymaz Saba
Film composer
April 2011

I recently completed the Conducting in Music Certificate Program, at Capilano University, emerging as a fully enriched and well-rounded choral/instrumental conductor. The program follows a consecutive, well-managed curriculum that begins with the basics building a proper foundation and then extending out into more professional and detailed conducting strategies and techniques. There are numerous opportunities to conduct a wide variety of genres in classroom and performance settings. Lars Kaario is a supportive, well-organized instructor that strives to help each student reach their full potential. Through this program I was able to re-fresh and further my skills in the art of conducting and I now feel confident to go forward and conduct in any setting.
Hilary Hornberger
B.Mus.
April 2011

I have learned so much from this Conducting Program and feel more confident, comfortable and qualified in my role as a Community Choir Leader. I appreciated that the schedule was compatible with my work as a teacher and musician. The course was really informative and challenging while being relaxed and supportive.
Karla Mundy, B.Mus.
April 2010

I think the Conducting in Music Certificate program is a fantastic opportunity for both beginning and experienced conductors and music educators to develop proficiency and confidence in their conducting skills. I have particularly enjoyed the practical, hands-on classes, the peer-supportive environment, and the opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced music directors. Over the course of the program I’ve also had the chance to develop life-long connections with fellow musicians. A truly enriching experience!
Noshin Samji, B.Sc., B.Ed.
April 2010

This conducting program is extremely effective to build a career as a conductor. For me, this program helped me to develop not only my conducting techniques, but also my musicianship. The rapport between a teacher and students is great and the feedback from my conducting colleagues is very helpful. I definitely recommend this program!
Sue Park, B.Mus.
April 2010

I really enjoyed taking conducting with Lars Kaario at Capilano University. It was a very informative and comprehensive course. Lars' instruction was very thoughtful and well prepared and the class atmosphere was stimulating and hospitable. As a result, I felt inspired to learn and came away from the course with confidence in my skills as a conductor. 
Steve Karagianis
January 2010

I have gained valuable knowledge as well as confidence from being part of the Conducting Certificate program. It has given me access to a variety of repertoire as well as a variety of styles. Coming into the program with a professional background in playing the trumpet with a general knowledge of conducting, this program helped redefine my basic conducting ability and push me into further growth. It has been a great opportunity for me to further develop with my colleagues in the music business. I am so pleased I completed the program. I look forward to completing the Conducting Diploma course when it becomes available.
Paula DeWitt-Krause
March 2008

As a music teacher I have found this course to be extremely helpful and effective in my teaching. The course content is rigorous, thorough and gives a broad overview of conducting techniques. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to further their musical background or deepen their understanding of the technique of conducting.
Anna Driehuyzen
January 2008

I enrolled in the Cap College Conducting Certificate for a shot in the arm in my teaching practice. Singing with the Cap Singers has been a delight, with a varied and interesting repertoire. Our pedagogy classes have been very informative, and scheduled to meet the needs of the participants. The highlight for me has definitely been the conducting classes. Starting in September with basic patterns, and progressing in difficulty through the weeks, the classes have continually challenged me and the other participants have lent a feeling of camaraderie and support. I would highly recommend this program, and wish it were longer!
Rosalind Hollett
March 2008

This certificate is an excellent technical preparation for working as a conductor. After only one semester, I am feeling very confident about my conducting abilities, and look forward to pursuing a career as a conductor of orchestra and choir. This is an excellent program that I would recommend to anyone wanting to pursue a career as a conductor or to improve on their conducting skills.
Thank you!
Anita Wong
December, 2007