Composition + Sonic Arts

Composition + Sonic Arts

Why study this program?

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.


Why study Music at the University of Alberta?

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) program is the most intensive of all our music program admission is dependent upon a successful performance audition as well as the completion of a music rudiments placement test. Through our program you will have access to award-winning teachers, global researchers, and renowned performers in a warm, close-knit academic community. Whatever your interest — singing, piano performance, computer music composition, or music history — you will have ample instructional resources to guarantee success.


Why study at the University of Alberta?

The Faculty of Arts boasts one of the most diverse Arts programs in Canada, offering top quality educational opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in every sector of society. With over 900 distinct courses in the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts, you will find an academic pathway for you. Your studies will be enhanced by the rich insights that our nationally and internationally recognized faculty members bring to the classroom through unique perspectives drawn from their research and advancement of human knowledge. Academic excellence, innovative problem-solving, and experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as Community Service-Learning and Arts Work Experience programs, will give you the tools to thrive in a diverse and increasingly complex workplace.


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POSSIBLE CAREERS
  • Arts and Cultural Administration
  • Chamber Musician
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Game Designer
  • Music Archivist
  • Music Journalist
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Therapist
  • Musician
  • Sound Designer
  • Studio Instructor
Program Requirements

Admissions Requirements for 2025 - 2026

This information is for students applying directly from high school. Transfer students: see the Calendar

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General Requirements
  • Audition
  • Theory Placement Exam
  • Composition Portfolio

Because the U of A wants you to succeed, our admissions policy ensures that all students, regardless of citizenship, have the language skills they need to understand, participate and learn in our classes. The primary language of instruction in our classes, with the exception of those at the Faculté Saint-Jean, is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy refer to the U of A Calendar. Information on writing ELP examinations is also available.

At the U of A, we are committed to encouraging Indigenous Students in their work towards a degree. Indigenous students have been under-represented in higher education in Canada, thus our policy is aimed at increasing opportunity, with the goal of our Aboriginal student population being representative of the public we serve. For more information on Admission of Indigenous Students refer to the U of A Calendar.

Deadline

For a complete listing of application and document deadlines refer to the University Calendar.

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The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Admissions and Programs
University of Alberta
Administration Building
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2M7

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