FAQ

Tuition fees vary depending on the programs. To learn more, please visit the page about tuition fees. 

Music 

Depending on the specialty, the Preparatory Studies program is generally available from the age of eight. The exact age may vary according to the specialty. In any case, the young candidates must go through the audition process. 

The voice program is available from the college level in most of our conservatories. 

The Directing and Composition programs are available from the undergraduate level. 

Dramatic Arts 

The Performance and Scenography programs are open to anyone possessing a diploma of college studies or who is at least 21 years old at the beginning of the school year.  

The Stage Direction and Artistic Creation program is open to applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant program.  

Music 

There are no beginner’s courses for the different instruments taught at the Conservatoire. However, the level expected at the audition varies according to the age of the applicant. 

For elementary and secondary school students wishing to enroll in the Preparatory Studies program, teachers will adapt their teaching approach to each individual. For applicants auditioning for the college or university programs, the expectations regarding technical and interpretive skills are much higher. 

Dramatic Arts 

There is no beginner’s courses at the dramatic arts conservatories. Applicants must have a diploma of college studies or the equivalent, or be at least 21 years old. 

There is no maximum age. Anyone wishing to study at the Conservatoire must go through the admission process, be admitted, and be ready to comply with the rules of the institution, including those related to education and discipline. 

The programs offered at the Conservatoire—whether in music or dramatic arts—are for students wishing to progress in their specialty and pursue higher education to become high calibre performers. Adults seeking to take courses in a more recreational manner may turn to other arts school or—for the study of music—the Conservatoire’s external programs. 

The employees working in the various conservatories will be able to guide you in the preparation of your audition and, if necessary, put you in contact with members of the teaching staff. Do not hesitate to communicate with the registrar’s office of the nearest conservatory. 

Yes! However, you need to submit a separate application and go through the entire admission process for each conservatory you wish to apply to. 

Yes, you can! To do so, you have to submit an application for admission for each specialty that you are interested in.  

Music 

Yes, students can study in different programs of the Conservatoire simultaneously if they have been admitted into these programs following the admission process. 

Dramatic Arts 

No, students enrolling in a dramatic arts program are choosing a full time, immersive experience, which makes it impossible to study another specialty at the same time. 

Music 

The programs offered at the Conservatoire demand a significant amount of time and commitment and usually require full-time attendance. Adult applicants should think about whether they wish to undertake a complete training program in their specialty or whether they wish to pursue complementary training instead.  

Dramatic Arts 

Studying part-time is only permitted for students at the Master’s level. Therefore, it is not possible to study part-time when enrolled in the Performance or Scenography program. 

Music 

The number of spots available varies each year, depending on:  

• the number of students who completed their program and leave the Conservatoire; 
• the number of students who decide not to complete their program and therefore leave the Conservatoire; 
• the number of professors available. 

The number of spots available for each specialty is only determined at the end of each school year, around May. 

Dramatic Arts 

Every year, about twelve students are admitted in the Performance program of each dramatic arts conservatory. 

At the Conservatoire d’art dramatique de Québec, a maximum of six applicants are admitted each year in the Scenography program and a maximum of two students are admitted in the Stage Direction and Artistic Creation program following the audition process, which is conducted every two years. 

Yes, piano accompaniment is an integral part of music training. Accompaniment services are part of the students’ courses, which makes the Conservatoire’s curriculum stand out. These services are also entirely free!  

Yes, the Conservatoire has an inventory of instruments that can be loaned at no charge. Proof of insurance for the duration of the loan has to be provided to the Conservatoire. 

Yes, it is possible for candidates to apply for admission to the Conservatoire’s music program and, at the same time, apply for admission to another college in a different program. 

In cases where a student pursues college studies at the Conservatoire and at another college at the same time, their program is adapted accordingly, especially with regard to the assignment and scheduling of the courses to be completed. Just like a double DCS program, it usually takes three years to complete all the courses instead of two. At the end of their college studies, these students receive two separate diplomas. 

Music 

Yes, the Diploma of College Studies (DCS) is issued by the Ministère de l’Éducation et de l’Enseignement supérieur (MEES). The Conservatoire also offers a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in performance, as well as other university-level programs. 

Although Preparatory Studies (elementary and secondary levels) lead to a Certificate of Preparatory Studies in Music, it is not recognized by the MEES. 

Dramatic Arts 

The Conservatoire awards Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in dramatic arts that are highly regarded in the theatre, film, dubbing, and new media industries. 

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Preparatory Level (elementary/secondary levels): 

Students go to their conservatory for their instrument class (1 hour/week) and their music and aural training class (1 to 2 hours/week). This schedule may vary depending on the courses offered and students’ level. 

Students can also play in an ensemble (1 to 1.5 hours/week) depending on their instrument and on the courses offered by the different conservatories. 

College Level: 

General courses are usually given in the morning, from Monday through Friday, at a partner college. 

Specialized training courses are usually given in the afternoon, from Monday through Friday, at the Conservatoire. 

University Level: 

Specialized training courses are given at the Conservatoire only, usually from Monday through Friday. 

All students must be available for concerts, recitals, and other pedagogical activities related to their music program.  

Dramatic Arts 

Theoretical and practical courses in dramatic arts are held at the Conservatoire, from Monday through Friday. 

Please note that various performances before an audience are part of the dramatic arts program and require students to be available for the rehearsals, and of course, the performances themselves. 

Students are responsible for the payment of the applicable fees for the duration of their studies.  

However, the Foundation of the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique du Québec offers different scholarships/bursaries every year: 

- Bursaries to help students in need to pay their tuition fees; 

- Scholarships to help students participate in camps, contests, internships, and other projects related to their studies;  

- Merit scholarships to recognize outstanding achievement and academic performance. 

Some generous donors also award various named scholarships, based on specific criteria. 

Absolutely. The Conservatoire is committed to ensure that any student with a disability or with a specific learning disability has access to its facilities and educational services. 

As for its cultural activities, two concrete measures are in place.  

The Conservatoire has made its events (concerts and theatrical performances) more accessible by accepting the Companion Leisure Card (CAL). With the CAL, you do not need to pay for your companion’s ticket. However, you must pay for your own ticket. 

The Montréal facilities are accessible to people with reduced mobility and are equipped with a system for people who are hard of hearing.