Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.)

The most intensive of all our programs, admission to the Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.) program is dependent on a successful performance audition and the completion of a music rudiments placement test.

All Bachelor of Music students take a common first year that includes applied music lessons, courses in music theory, music history, aural skills, and large ensemble performance. This introductory year also includes studies in English as well as an elective of the student's choice from outside the Department of Music.

At the end of this introductory year, and once the student has had the opportunity to assess their particular strengths and interests, a specific route of study is normally identified in consultation with the student's principal instructor and/or the undergraduate advisor.

In all program routes, the core subjects - music theory, music history, aural skills, large ensemble - continue into the second year. Greater concentration in the specific route of study occurs in years three and four. Applied music and ensemble performance study continues through all years of the Bachelor of Music programs, with the exception of the Composition and Sonic Arts Route.

All programs consist of four years of study. To be eligible to continue in any of these program routes, students must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.3.

Students may choose to concentrate on one of the following routes: General, Performance, or Composition and Sonic Arts. Students who have already completed a previous degree-in music or otherwise-may also opt to complete a B.Mus After-Degree.

GENERAL ROUTE

This curriculum allows for flexible programming to accommodate individual backgrounds and interests, allowing this route to be as general or as specialized as a student wishes.

Performance Route

This route is designed to focus on solo instrumental/vocal study and performance. Admission into this route is dependent upon the recommendation of a jury and the consent of the Department. Public recitals are required in each of the final two years. Students may major in one of the following instruments:

• Keyboard (Organ, Piano)
• Percussion
• Strings (Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Harp, Viola, Violin)
• Voice
• Winds (Bassoon, Clarinet, Euphonium, Flute, Horn, Oboe, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba)

Composition and Sonic Arts

This route focuses on the creation of original music and an understanding of theoretical principles and technologies involved in contemporary musical practice. Our faculty specialize in music of all kinds, including contemporary acoustic composition, electroacoustic music, sound art, free improvisation, and collaborative work with artists in other media. Students work with our world-class performance and composition faculty, student ensembles, and professional musicians from the city of Edmonton to produce their own compositions, featured in concerts open to the public every semester. To be considered for this route, students are required to submit a portfolio of recent compositions. Please visit the Music Composition & Sonic Arts website, or contact the department for further information.

AFTER-DEGREE PROGRAM

Applicants having a first undergraduate degree may be admitted to the B.Mus. After-Degree program. All requirements for the regular B.Mus. degree, as detailed in the University Calendar, must be met. The total number of course weight units in the After-Degree program will vary depending on the previous degree held and the After-Degree sought. Please contact the department for further information.

For information on the Bachelor of Music program and course requirements, please visit the University Calendar.