The Department of Music’s MMus and MA degrees can lead to career opportunities in performance, education, library science, music publishing, media, and arts administration, among others. It also provides exciting potential for further studies at the doctoral level. Our programs promote study in areas as traditional or contemporary as you are, with individualized instruction, and excellent performance and rehearsal facilities. There is also ample opportunity to explore interdisciplinary studies with the other Media, Art, and Performance areas.

Master of Music (MMus) in Performance (piano, voice, orchestral instruments, or organ)

This 30 credit hour program offers advanced studies in the above areas of specialization, as well as directed studies in the repertoire of the student’s instrument. Students study solo repertoire, participate in chamber ensembles, and undertake leadership roles in the ensemble most relevant to them (orchestra, concert band, wind ensemble, concert choir, or chamber choir). This program includes the performance of two full-length recitals. All students also take graduate courses in critical theory in the fine arts, and in research techniques specific to music. Graduate students in Performance participate in workshops with internationally renowned guest artists and are encouraged to perform in competitions at the national and international levels.

Applicants to the MMus in Performance must hold a BMus degree in Performance, or a comparable degree with exceptional experience in performance. For additional program information and specific entrance requirements, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Master of Music (MMus) in Composition

This 30 credit hour program offers the opportunity for intensive individualized studies in Composition. Over four semesters, students create a portfolio of compositions for varying performance mediums, including one work of at least 12 minutes duration, accompanied by a written analytical commentary. All students also take graduate courses in critical theory in the fine arts, and in research techniques specific to music.

Applicants to the MMus in Composition must hold a BMus in Composition or a comparable degree with exceptional experience in composition. For additional program information and specific entrance requirements, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Master of Music (MMus) in Conducting

This 30 credit hour program offers intensive individualized studies in conducting for wind ensemble, orchestra, or choir. Students undertake a wide range of conducting projects and score study. The program culminates with a concert in which the student conducts a major work for large ensemble. All students also take graduate courses in critical theory in the fine arts, and in research techniques specific to music. This degree is an excellent choice for anyone interested in enhancing their conducting skills, including high school teachers who wish to gain extra qualifications.

Applicants for the MMus in Conducting must hold a BMus or comparable degree with exceptional experience in conducting. For additional program information and specific entrance requirements, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Master of Arts (MA) in Musicology or Music Theory

Master of Arts (MA) in Musicology

This 30 credit hour program is designed for advanced studies in musicology. The first 15 credit hours are devoted to honing students’ critical writing and thinking skills, through courses in bibliography and research techniques specific to music, specialized musicology seminars, and directed reading courses in the area of the student’s research interests. All students also take graduate courses in critical theory in the fine arts. The remainder of the program is devoted to writing a thesis on an original topic chosen by the student in consultation with their supervisor. Current areas of faculty expertise are broad, and include music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, opera of the 18th and 19th centuries, music in Canada, the Lied, contemporary classical music, and interdisciplinary topics such as soundscapes and sound art.

Applicants for the MA in Musicology must hold either a BMus or BA Honours (Music History) degree. For additional program information and specific entrance requirements, please refer to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

Master of Arts (MA) in Music Theory

This 30 credit hour program is designed for advanced studies in music theory. The first 15 credit hours are devoted to honing students’ critical writing and thinking skills, through courses in bibliography and research techniques specific to music, specialized music theory seminars, and directed reading courses in the area of the student’s research interests. All students also take graduate courses in critical theory in the fine arts. The remainder of the program is devoted to writing a thesis on an original topic chosen by students in consultation with their supervisor. Current areas of faculty expertise are broad and include tonal and post-tonal analysis, music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, opera of the 18th and 19th centuries, music in Canada, the Lied, contemporary classical music, and interdisciplinary topics such as soundscapes and sound art.