Please note that the Academic Calendar takes precedence over this document. Please refer to it for complete course descriptions.

Course pattern and degrees

All music majors take the following courses in their first two years:

Year 1:

MUS101 Structure of Music
MUS103 Jazz Theory I
MUS106 or 107 Vocal or Instrumental Ensemble
MUS117 History of Popular Music
MUS160 Jazz History
MUS190 Applied Performance

plus 6 credits Arts/Science electives

Level I exam, Pass required (except for BA with Major in Music)

Year 2:

MUS118 World Music
MUS201 Structure of Music II
MUS203 Jazz theory and Arranging
MUS206 or 207 Vocal or Instrumental Ensemble
MUS235 Music Technology
MUS265 Jazz Styles and Literature
MUS290 Applied Performance

plus 6 credits Arts/Science electives

Level II exam (except for BA with Major in Music)

The outcome of the Level II exam determines your degree path for years 3 and 4:

An Honours Pass is required to qualify for private lessons in years 3 and 4. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the studio instructor.

Grade Requirements

In order to progress to 300-level MUS courses, students must earn individual grades of at least 60 for advanced major, and 75 for honours, in each MUS course at the 100 and 200 level. Students who receive a grade lower than 60 in MUS 195 and 295 must re-audition to continue in the program.

Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies)

The music department offers the B.Mus. (Jazz Studies) honours degree in Composition/Arranging and Performance. In addition to the core classes listed above, and Level 1 Honours First Class, the following classes are required:

MUS304 Small Ensemble Arranging
MUS306 or 307 Vocal or Instrumental Ensemble
MUS315 and 316 History of Music I/II
MUS325 Composition
MUS365 Jazz Styles and Literature
MUS390 Applied Performance, including Thesis
MUS406 or 407 Vocal or Instrumental Ensemble
MUS416 History of Music III
MUS420 Large Ensemble Arranging
MUS465 Jazz Styles and Literature
MUS490 Applied Performance
MUS497 Recital

plus 24 credits of Arts/Sciences including 12 credits in each of two subjects.

Candidates are required to submit a thesis in their junior year and give a graduation recital.
Admission to the third year requires an average of at least 70 for 60 credits completed in the first two years. Admission to the fourth year requires honours standing in the junior year.

MUS385, MUS386 Selected Topics

These courses may include an array of topics, but in particular, voice students in 3rd and 4th year may elect to take Selected Topics options, which may include but not be limited to the following:  Vocal Arranging, Voice Pedagogy, Diction for Contemporary Singers, Vocal Jazz Styles, or Vocal Improvisation.

These options can substitute for MUS 420, MUS 395, MUS 495 and are offered based on enrollment and the needs and interests of the students.

Major in Music

Students may complete a major in music in the BA program by completing a minimum of 36 credits from the following in consultation with the chair:

Required MUS101, MUS160;
Plus 27 credits to be selected from the following:
MUS103, MUS106 or 107, MUS117, MUS118, MUS195,
MUS201, MUS203, MUS206 or 207, MUS265, MUS295,
MUS306 or 307, MUS315, MUS316

An audition is required for admission to this degree if applied music classes are chosen as an option. See section 4.1.3 for other degree requirements. Minimum grade requirements do not apply to the major in music.

Minor in Music

No audition is required for admission to the BA with music minor. Students may complete a minor in music in the BA or BBA program by completing a minimum of 24 credits from the following courses or others in consultation with the Chair: MUSI101, 103, 106 or 107, 117, 118, 206 or 207, 315, 316, 416.

No audition is required for admission to a minor; see section 1.3c. Minimum grade requirements in music do not apply to the minor in music.

Diploma in Jazz Studies

The Diploma in Jazz Studies is a two-year program designed for students who wish to enter the field of commercial music but do not wish to pursue the BA in Music (Jazz Studies) degree. Instruction is offered in theoretical, aural, and improvisational skills.

Students in the diploma program who subsequently wish to pursue studies towards BA in Music (Jazz Studies) with Honours or Advanced Major or Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) with Honours degrees must achieve the appropriate grade in the Level II exam and have no grade of less than 60 for the advanced major, or 75 for the honours, in any MUSI course.