Program Overview

Music Degree Program

The Music degree program at the University of Waterloo offers students the opportunity to explore their passion for music while gaining a comprehensive education in the field. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance, as well as the flexibility to pursue their individual interests and career goals.

Program Overview

The Music degree program is available as a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with options for co-op and regular programs. Students can choose to major in Music through the Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business programs. The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in music, including instruction in more than 20 instruments, vocal lessons, and courses on music theory, history, and technology.

First-Year Courses

As an Arts student, you will choose your major at the end of first year. You are encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests. You will also take an Arts First course in either the fall or winter term of your first year, which will provide you with the opportunity to work with a small group of students to respond to an intriguing challenge.

• Honours Arts
  • September to December:
    • MUSIC 110 – How Music Matters
    • MUSIC 226 – Music Studio (taken with MUSIC 116)
    • MUSIC 233 – Musical Rhythms of the World
    • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
    • Prospective major #2
  • January to April:
    • MUSIC 232 – Music as a Global Phenomenon
    • MUSIC 226 – Music Studio (if not taken in fall) or MUSIC 227 (taken with MUSIC 117)
    • MUSIC 270 – Music Theory 1
    • Prospective major #2
    • Elective
• Honours Arts and Business
  • September to December:
    • ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
    • ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
    • MUSIC 110 – How Music Matters
    • MUSIC 233 – Musical Rhythms of the World
    • Prospective major #2
  • January to April:
    • ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
    • ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
    • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
    • MUSIC 226 – Music Studio (if not taken in fall) or MUSIC 227 (taken with MUSIC 117)
    • Prospective major #2

After First Year

About 40% of the classes you will take will be Music courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample Upper-Year Courses

• MUSIC 232 – Music as a Global Phenomenon
• MUSIC 246 – Soundtracks: Music in Film
• MUSIC 275 – Music and Technology
• MUSIC 332 – Aesthetics of Music

Customizing Your Degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the specializations in Music, such as:

• Church Music and Worship
• Composition
• Cultural Context and Analysis
• Intensive Music
• Performance

You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students, such as Church and Worship Music and Intensive Music Specialization.

Faculty and Degree

The Music degree program is offered through the Faculty of Arts, and the degree awarded is a Bachelor of Arts in Music.

Co-op Program

The Music degree program is available as a co-op program, which provides students with the opportunity to gain relevant paid work experience in their field. The co-op program is designed to help students explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, and graduate with up to two years of valuable experience.

Sample Co-op Job Titles

• Music instructor
• Business improvement analyst
• Teaching assistant
• Guidance/at-risk support assistant
• Senior business systems analyst

Co-op Work-Study Sequence

The co-op work-study sequence typically begins in the second year, with students alternating between school and work every four months. The sequence may vary depending on the program and the student's individual circumstances.

Admissions

To apply to the Music degree program, students must apply to the Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business program and choose Music as their major at the end of first year. Admission requirements include six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%). The admission average is typically in the low 80s (co-op and regular).

Auditions

Auditions are not required to declare a Music major, but students who wish to register for a Music studio course or pursue the Performance Specialization must arrange for an audition during the first week of class.

Career Opportunities

Waterloo Music graduates often pursue careers in music, teaching, and marketing, and may work in arts schools, entertainment companies, and theatres. Recent graduates have found employment as teachers, concert managers, community managers, and music therapists, among other roles.

Conclusion

The Music degree program at the University of Waterloo provides students with a comprehensive education in music, as well as the flexibility to pursue their individual interests and career goals. With its strong foundation in music theory, history, and performance, as well as its co-op and specialization options, this program is an excellent choice for students who are passionate about music and wish to turn their passion into a career.