The Pacific Rim Institute of Musical Arts (PRIMA) has been developed by the School of Music and Continuing Studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC). PRIMA is designed to provide a unique, elite level, full-time, educational opportunity for international music students ready to continue their musical studies at a top Canadian school while improving their academic and intercultural communication skills in English. It is the ideal training for young music students looking to ready themselves for the demands of university music study in a North American setting.
Program Overview
Students in PRIMA develop their musical and artistic skills at the School of Music, and improve their academic skills in the IUSPP program. IUSPP is the International Undergraduate Study Preparation Program, a full-time, with 6 UBC credits, program of study and training for international students, focused on the specific skills needed for successful university studies in North America. PRIMA students take music classes at the School of Music, academic and cultural preparation courses through the IUSPP program, and English classes, (if necessary) at the English Language Institute (LINK).
PRIMA includes weekly private music lessons plus a combination of large ensemble and chamber music for instrumentalists, or large ensemble (chorus) and diction classes for voice students. The exact mix of these elements will vary over the calendar year and depend on the student's own area of musical talent and interests.
PRIMA within IUSPP
PRIMA for 2009 is a musical performance stream in the 6 UBC credits. PRIMA students will enroll in the music stream of IUSPP, which involves full-time study at UBC for approximately 20 weeks over approximately 5-6 months (including holidays and breaks) with approximately 22-30 hours per week of structured activities in lessons, ensembles, the classroom, and community.
For more information on IUSPP, please visit the IUSPP website: iuspp.ubc.ca
Students enrolled in PRIMA will take music classes at the School of Music, English classes at the English Language Institute (if required), and academic and cultural preparation courses through the IUSPP program at UBC Continuing Studies.