Re: “Keep music playing at Camosun College,” letter, April 20.
I was a student at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Camosun College as a classical foundations student majoring in opera. I took my first steps toward singing my heart and soul out and was then given the news that my mother had terminal cancer, forcing me to take a leave of absence from the program.
I was looking forward to returning to this program for something uplifting in my life after my mother passed away. I am only one of many students who share their music to help heal themselves as well as others.
I hope music education is not taken away from students who are unable to afford to go to the University of Victoria, or who want the skills to be able to fully understand music without more than two years of paid education. The diploma program is a great step for students who want to transfer to UVic or have a mixed education to help them become music therapists or professional musicians.
The possibility of the conservatory’s amazing program closing forces me to look to the mainland, away from my family and friends, my support, to receive my education.
Zoe Clint
Esquimalt
