Why study this program?

The Department of Music offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Music, Doctor of Music, and Doctor of Philosophy. The MA and PhD include work in the areas of Musicology, Music Theory, Ethnomusicology, Popular Music, and interdisciplinary music studies. The MMus program includes specializations in Performance (keyboard instruments, piano pedagogy, orchestral instruments, wind band conducting, and voice), Choral Conducting, and Composition. The DMus program is offered in piano and organ performance, in choral conducting, and in composition, and is considered on an individual basis for applicants in other performance areas.

Entrance Requirements

For the MA program the Department’s minimum admission requirements are a Bachelor’s degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

For the MMus program the Department’s minimum admission requirements are a BMus degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. An audition, preferably in person, is required as part of the admission procedure for applicants to the MMus in Performance and in Choral Conducting. A portfolio of compositions (together with recordings if possible) is required for applicants to the MMus in Composition.

For the DMus program the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an MMus degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution, as well as evidence of outstanding ability and accomplishment in the area of concentration. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. An audition, preferably in person, is required as part of the admission procedure for applicants to the DMus in Performance and in Choral Conducting.

For the PhD program the Department’s minimum admission requirements are an MA or MMus degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution, as well as evidence of outstanding ability and accomplishment in the area of concentration. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.

Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement ). Any one of the following is acceptable:

• a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) with at least 21 on each of the individual skill areas
• a minimum overall band score of 7.0 on the IELTS with a minimum of 6.5 on each band
• an equivalent score on a recognized English language examination.

Applicants must also submit the following

• a current Curriculum Vitae
• a Statement of Interest – one or two pages summarizing their background in music and outlining future career goals
• a brief summary of personal achievements outside of music (involvement in student government and the university community, involvement in professional societies and volunteerism)
• three letters of reference. Referees should be knowledgeable about the applicant’s academic and research potential and capabilities.

Applicants to the MA and the PhD must submit two sample academic papers.

Applicants to the MMus or DMus in performance or choral conducting must submit an Application for Audition. Please consult the Auditions page on the Department of Music website for dates and specific repertoire guidelines. Choral conducting applicants must also submit a list of repertoire conducted over the last five years. DMus Performance applicants must provide a list of repertoire performed and learned over the past five years.

Applicants to the MMus or DMus in composition must submit an electronic portfolio with at least three works, including relevant scores in PDF format, as well as sound files and any other related media files. Links to audio/video streaming sites are acceptable.

For DMus applicants, an interview will be part of the selection process.