Master of Arts (M.A.)
Students in the M.A. can follow either a thesis-based or course-based program. Each strives to produce outstanding graduates who deal critically and respectfully with a variety of musical traditions, while engaging in scholarly conversation across disciplines.
Students encounter a broad spectrum of approaches to music. Members of the faculty have published on a range of topics including music and health, global music history, theories of canon formation, studies of ownership in experimental music, and questions about how streaming, public policy, and copyright impact music industries. Faculty are eager to support a wide range of thesis topics.
Graduate students regularly gather to discuss their research and that of others across music studies at the Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology, the Department’s colloquium series Questions About Music, and the Sound Studies Institute.
As requirements are often subject to change, we encourage you to visit the University Calendar for current information on program course requirements. Note that you will need to search by your admission year (drop-down menu on the top right of the page).
THESIS based M.A.
A minimum of 24 credits (or eight half-course equivalents), comprising:
Four required courses (12 credits)
(Exceptions may be made when equivalent coursework has been completed, or in the event one of the prosems is not being offered over the course of the student's program.)
- MUSIC 614 Proseminar in Musicology
- MUSIC 650 Proseminar in Music Theory
- MUSIC 665 Issues in Ethnomusicology
- MUSIC 670 Proseminar in Popular Music and Media Studies
Four graduate-level options (12 credits)
Completed thesis
Course Based M.A.
A minimum of ten graduate-level half-courses (30 credits), comprising:
Four required courses (12 credits)
(Exceptions may be made when equivalent coursework has been completed, or in the event one of the prosems is not being offered over the course of the student's program.)
- MUSIC 614 Proseminar in Musicology
- MUSIC 650 Proseminar in Music Theory
- MUSIC 665 Issues in Ethnomusicology
- MUSIC 670 Proseminar in Popular Music and Media Studies
Five options (15 credits)
An oral research presentation (3 credits) from one of:
- MUSIC 903/906/909 Directed Research Project
Additional Requirements
Bibliography and Methods of Research (MUSIC 505) may be required of entering students in both program routes, unless they can demonstrate equivalent prior graduate course work in these skills.
Before beginning their thesis or final research presentation, students must demonstrate proficiency in an approved language other than English appropriate to the area of research and approved by the student's supervisor. Coursework undertaken to satisfy this requirement will not be credited toward the program. For more information on Language Requirements at the graduate level, please see here.
ADMISSIBILITY
Prospective M.A. students often hold a B.A. Honors in Music or B.Mus. degree, or a recognized equivalent. However, students who do not hold an Honors B.A. or B.Mus. degree are still encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a strong academic record and demonstrate that they are capable of undertaking advanced studies in music.
Please consult the Application Checklist for complete details. For more information on the M.A. program, please consult the Graduate Program Manual (in revision).