Are you ready to elevate your passion for the viola? Join internationally renowned viola teachers for inspiring performances, junior and senior masterclasses with Sharon Wei (Associate Professor of Viola at Western University), an exciting improv looping workshop with Ryan Davis (Assistant Professor of Viola at UBC), and mini-masterclasses with local viola faculty. Explore viola techniques, discover how to enhance your sound, and connect with fellow musicians through engaging ensemble sight-reading sessions. Don’t miss ViolaFest 2026 at the Vancouver Academy of Music on Friday and Saturday, 22-23 May, 2026!
Viola students 11-99 are welcome to attend all activities on both days. Viola students 10 and under should plan to come on Saturday.
Friday, 22 May: 4:00-8:00 pm
Highlights include:
- A performance by Sharon Wei (Western University)
- Junior and Senior Masterclass with Sharon Wei (video audition required; additional fee for performers)
- Mini-masterclasses (optional)
- Ensemble sight-reading session featuring the Telemann Double Viola Concerto, and more
-
Violist Gathering & Social with refreshments
Saturday, 23 May: 9:00am-6:00 pm
Highlights include:
- Masterclass with Sharon Wei (audition required; additional fee for performers)
- Improvisation/ looping class with Ryan Davis (UBC)
- Faculty and Student Concert (audition for opportunities to perform!)
- Instrument care class
- Two Technique Workshops (separate sessions for older and younger students)
- Two Alexander Technique classes (separate sessions for older and younger students)
- Mini-masterclasses (optional)
Faculty
- Guest Faculty: Sharon Wei
- Alexander Technique Instructor: Erin MacDonald
- Improvisation & Looping Guest Lecturer: Ryan Davis
- Instrumental Care: Chris Sandvoss
- VAM Viola Faculty
Application Deadlines
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- Early Bird application: before March 31st
- Age 11 and above & Adult viola students: $70
- Age 10 and under: $50
- Regular registration deadline: May 11th
- Age 11 and above & Adult viola students: $80
- Age 10 and under: $60
- Late registration: registration must be received before May 11 if you wish to participate in mini-masterclasses
- Age 11 and above & Adult viola students: $80
- Age 10 and under: $60
- Early Bird application: before March 31st
-Parents are welcome to audit, sit in, and supervise their children throughout the day at no charge!
Registration and Masterclass Audition Application Links
ViolaFest 2026 Registration Form (Students age 10 and under)(Saturday, 23 May, 2026)
Senior Masterclass with Sharon Wei
- Friday, 22 May, 2026, 6-7pm & Saturday, 23 May, 2026, 3-5pm
- Open to all violists with RCM level 8+
Junior Masterclass with Sharon Wei
- Saturday, 23 May, 2026, 10:30-11:30am
- Open to all violists with RCM level 3-7