How to Apply
NOTE: For PhD and DMus Programs only, our portal will open by November 18, with applications due December 1. In the meantime, please prepare your application offline, and reach out to faculty or musicgs@ualberta.ca if you have questions.
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Department of Music
Instructions on How to Apply
Ensure you meet the minimum 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 of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.- For the performance areas, a BMus degree with an average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate or graduate work at the University of Alberta or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The GPA calculation will be determined from the most recent 2 years (or 60 credits) of course work
- Please ensure you meet the minimum requirements from other countries as set by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) before applying
- Applicants with degrees and qualifications in a language other than English may need to demonstrate English Language Proficiency. Proficiency can be demonstrated by a satisfactory score on one of the following approved English language examinations
GPS English Language Proficiency Requirements
Some applicants with qualifications from certain countries and international universities are exempt from the English language requirements. See the exemptions list:
Please note that the Department of Music will not accept a graduate program application that does not meet the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies minimum scores regarding English Language Proficiency. Without exception, appeals for relaxed or waived requirements will not be made. The Department will neither review or put on-hold any application it might receive that is incomplete due to missing the English Language Proficiency Score
Applications for graduate admission must be submitted online
Pay the application fee
all applicants are required to pay the non-refundable application fee of $135 CAD.
Upload the following documents (required for all programs)
- A current Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Intent - one or two pages summarizing your background in Music, an explanation of why you wish to pursue graduate studies, your future career goals, along with a brief summary of personal achievements (outside of Music), involvement in student government and the university community (ie: boards or committees), involvement in professional societies and volunteerism
- Official transcripts and certificates/diplomas from all colleges or universities attended, with the institution seal, date and appropriate signature
- Official translation of foreign transcripts and certificates/diplomas with the original transcript in the original language
- Original document of proof of English proficiency (if the undergraduate degree is from a non-English university)
- Three references from persons who are knowledgeable about the applicants academic and research potential and capabilities. The letter submitted must be on letterhead and signed by the referee
Requirements for Acceptance of Uploaded Transcripts
- Please ensure you submit up-to-date transcripts. Up-to-date transcripts are defined as transcripts dated or issued in the fall/winter session of the year of application (if currently registered) or within the previous calendar year (if not currently registered). Up to date transcripts for students who have graduated a few years ago means the issue date. If, for example, you graduated in 2016, we would need transcripts issued within the previous calendar year. We cannot accept transcripts that were issued 5 years ago.
- You are required to declare all academic education from all past and present universities, colleges and post-secondary institutions attended (even if they are not relevant to the program to which you are applying)
- If courses were taken at one institution and recorded on another institution's transcript, transcripts still must be submitted from the institution at which the courses were taken.
- Incomplete applications cannot be considered for funding opportunities.
Performance and Choral Conducting Applicants
- An Application for Audition
- Please consult the Auditions page for specific Repertoire Guidelines and Auditions Protocol
- https://www.ualberta.ca/music/admissions/graduate-admissions/auditions.html
- Choral Conducting Applicants Only: Submit a list of repertoire conducted over the last four or five years
Composition Applicants
Please upload a Composition Portfolio in PDF. All portfolios must include:
- Cover sheet (1 page) with your name, and a list of the pieces by name, with details such as “for flute and electronics” or “for my band plummoxed.” If desired, additional pages may be included with program notes for the works.
- Four (4) examples of compositional work, scored or unscored (Note: at least 2 should be scored). If the pieces do not have traditional scores, you may include an explainer/synopsis. These should be works in which you are the primary composer/producer, and should reflect what you feel are your strongest works.
- All works should include an audio or video recording if possible. These should be submitted as links on the cover sheet to streaming audio or video (e.g. Soundcloud, Vimeo). Please ensure each link is on the cover sheet listing, as well as embedded in the respective score (if applicable). A link to a performance, live preferred to MIDI, whether streamed or to a downloadable file.
Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Applicants
- Upload a minimum of two sample academic papers
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
Ensure you meet the application deadline
The deadline for admission is no later than December 1st
Late applications will not be accepted
Admission Information
Official documents (transcripts, degree certificates, etc.) may be required upon receiving the conditional offer of admission letter. Documents must be sent directly from the post-secondary institution to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research office
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS):
https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies
If you have any further questions please contact:
Department of Music mailing address:
Graduate Admissions
Department of Music
3-98 Fine Arts Building
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
T6G 2C9