The Victoria Conservatory of Music has hired a new dean, the school announced Thursday. Stephen Green joins the VCM from Toronto, where he has worked as executive director of Children's Music Foundation International since 2010. The VCM will introduce Green to the public at its annual open house Sept. 8.
"We're delighted," said VCM executive director Jane Butler-McGregor. "He's had a wealth of experience in the field of music education."
Green spent 11 years at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Royal Conservatory School, in the roles of dean, executive director and associate dean. During that time, the school grew to more than 4,000 students and constructed a new building, Butler-McGregor said.
"He worked with and continued to develop and strengthen relationships with faculty and students during a time when the conservatory was in transition, whether it was through the building of its new home or the changing of its vision and mission," she said.
Before that, he was opera chorus director and conductor at the Salzburger Landestheater opera in Salzburg, Austria, for five years. He holds a master of arts degree and performance diploma in music direction from the University of Mozarteum in Salzburg, as well as a bachelor of music in conducting from the University of Toronto.
Green replaces Jamie Syer, who moved to Alberta at the end of his 18-month contract, Butler-McGregor said.
"[Syer] decided at the end of this contract that it was important for him to move back to Alberta, where he and his wife have a family farm," Butler-McGregor said. "He had been commuting from his home for all of the time he was here. Jamie was fantastic, and it was a great loss."
Before taking the role of dean in 2010, Syer headed the keyboard department for about five years.
Green will be available to meet the public during the VCM open house at the school from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event will also feature free minilessons, visits to the practice room and performance halls, student and faculty performances, an "instrument petting zoo," face-painting and more.
