Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Music Program

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree at the University of Calgary is designed for students wishing to enter a professional career in music, as performers, teachers, composers, sound designers, theorists, historians, or musicologists. This four-year program provides a balance of artistic attainment, expression, and scholarly discipline in the fine arts.

Program Structure and Requirements

The BMus degree requires the completion of 120 credits and typically four years of full-time study. During this time, students participate in one-on-one lessons, juried recitals, and concerts, and have access to practice rooms and recital halls. The program offers majors in Performance, Composition, Integrated Studies, and Music Education, with a common first year.

Courses Required in the First Year

• Fall semester:
  • Music 213
  • Music 225A
  • Music 221
  • Music 2304 or Non-Music Option
  • Music Performance 201, 203, 205, 211, 213, or 215 (part A)
  • Music 105A
  • Music 127
  • Non-Music Option
• Winter semester:
  • Music 214
  • Music 225B
  • Music 2324 or Non-Music Option
  • Music 223
  • Music Performance 201, 203, 205, 211, 213, or 215 (part B)
  • Music 105B
  • Non-Music Option

Faculty and Major

Studying for a Bachelor of Music degree means that students are part of the Faculty of Arts. The program provides the opportunity to major in one of four areas, including a combined degree with the Werklund School of Education, following a common first year. At the end of the first year, students select one of the following areas of emphasis:

• Performance
• Composition
• Integrated Studies
• Combined degree in Music Education and Education

Enhancing the Bachelor of Music Program

The University of Calgary offers various opportunities to enhance the Bachelor of Music program, including:

• International Study Opportunities: Experience different cultures, gain a better understanding of world issues, and travel around the globe while earning credit towards the degree.
• Community Service-Learning: Combine classroom learning with volunteer work that achieves community goals and see firsthand how academic learning relates to social issues.
• Music Undergraduate Society (MUS): Be part of the Undergraduate Society that offers services for Music students, including a lesson/clinic/gig referral service, fund-raisers, and social activities.

Transfer Credit and Course Selection

Students who receive Advanced Placement credit or International Baccalaureate credit follow the same registration process as any first-time university student. They may be eligible to use their transfer credit in their degree program, depending on the program and course applicability. Students can view their transfer credit by logging in to their online Student Centre and may contact the academic advisor in their faculty for course selection advice. Generally, students must complete 18 units at the junior (200-level) before they are allowed to register in 300-level courses. However, if students received IB or AP credit for a 200-level course, they may take the 300-level course that has their 200-level course listed as a prerequisite.