Music

Wilfrid Laurier University · Waterloo campus.

4 years
Duration (years)
4 years
Laurier published normal programme duration
~Mid 70s
Entering average
Published approximate guidance: Mid 70s. 2027/28. Ontario high-school entry in 2027/28, exact listed route UM. Later major/option selection and other applicant categories remain separate.
Laurier - Waterloo university-supplied OUInfo: Music (BMus), Ontario entry 2027/28

Deadlines

November 2026

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Next deadlineThursday, November 19, 2026

OUAC. Ontario high schools report midterm/final 4U/M grades
2027 entry
School deadline, not a student task. Universities receive these grades by November 26. Verbatim: "Deadline for the OUAC to receive all midterm or final grades available for 4U/M courses from Ontario high schools. Schools may report in-progress grades for full-year courses as soon as they are available." Universities receive these by the target date of November 26, 2026. This is a deadline on the high school, not on the student, but it governs which grades a university sees in the first round.
Official deadline

Other deadline details

No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by programOUAC Undergraduate application, applicants who are not Ontario high school students (Group B)2026 entry

No single OUAC deadline, deadlines are set by each university and sometimes by program
No single OUAC deadline
University, program, transcript, portfolio, interview, and audition dates still apply

Full source wording

Verbatim: "There is no specific Undergraduate application deadline if you are a Group B applicant. Deadlines vary at each university and sometimes depend on the program. Visit the university websites or contact the universities directly for their deadlines. If you are interested in a program but the deadline has passed, you may contact the university's admission office for help. Be aware of university-specific deadlines for submitting transcripts and portfolios, if required, and for arranging interviews and auditions. You must ensure the OUAC has enough time to process your choices before the universities' program deadlines." OUAC defines Group B as anyone who does not meet the Group A criteria, e.g. not currently taking an Ontario high school course, a Canadian outside Ontario, an international applicant, a postsecondary transfer student, or a mature applicant.

SourceChecked Aug 14, 2026

Requirements

Admission requirements

High-school prerequisites

English at 60%60% min.

Average admission range: mid 70s
Audition
Interview
Reference
Successful audition
Reference letter

Application steps

Step 1Check the admission requirements
- Check the published entry route for your applicant category.
Wilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirementsWilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirements
Step 2Apply through OUAC
- Create your application and select this program.
OUACOUAC
Step 3Academic transcripts for your applicant group
- Current Ontario high school grades and OSSD status arrive automatically through OUAC. Other applicants provide the portal's requested records from attended schools and postsecondary institutions. Unofficial records go through the portal, not email; final official records come directly from the issuer after accepting an offer.
Laurier required application documentsLaurier required application documents
Step 4Notarized English translations, if applicable
- Records written outside English require original-language copies and a notarized literal English translation.
Laurier document translation requirementsLaurier document translation requirements
Step 5English test results if fewer than three years of English study
- Submit satisfactory accepted results if you have not studied full-time in English for at least three years. Applicants asked for proof may request exemption when they meet that published schooling condition.
Laurier English-proof document conditionsLaurier English-proof document conditions
Step 6Apply through OUAC to the Bachelor of Music route.
- Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
Wilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirementsWilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirements
Step 7Complete the audition portal, provide one referee and pay the $75 audition fee.
- Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
Wilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirementsWilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirements
Step 8Attend your assigned audition and interview; follow the instrument-specific requirements and academic document checklist.
- Complete this item using the university’s applicant instructions.
Wilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirementsWilfrid Laurier University programme admission requirements

Applicant pathways

What Are the Ontario High School Admission Requirements?

Ontario high school applicants

Average admission range: mid 70s English at 60% Audition Interview Reference Optional Digital Portfolio If you have additional work you’d like to share, you may include a link to a portfolio, Google Drive folder, YouTube channel or other online collection. This can include original compositions, performances on your major or additional instruments, work across genres or anything else you feel showcases you as a musician. Not submitting a portfolio will not negatively affect your application.

What Are the Canadian Admission Requirements (Outside of Ontario)?

Ontario high school applicants

Successful audition Interview Reference letter Optional Digital Portfolio If you have additional work you’d like to share, you may include a link to a portfolio, Google Drive folder, YouTube channel or other online collection. This can include original compositions, performances on your major or additional instruments, work across genres or anything else you feel showcases you as a musician. Not submitting a portfolio will not negatively affect your application. Course Equivalents Students applying to this program from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review our course equivalents by province chart . This chart will show you what courses from your province are equivalent to the admission requirements listed under the Ontario High School Admission Requirements section.

What Are the International Admission Requirements?

Students applying to this program from an international curriculum must present the following: Average admission range: mid 70s Senior or grade 12 English at 60% Successful audition (options for classical or contemporary audition requirements) Interview Reference letter Students applying to this program from an international curriculum are encouraged to review our curriculum-specific requirements . You will find which courses from your country's curriculum are equivalent to the admission requirements listed above. If your country or curriculum is not listed, please reach out to international@wlu.ca . Optional Digital Portfolio If you have additional work you’d like to share, you may include a link to a portfolio, Google Drive folder, YouTube channel or other online collection. This can include original compositions, performances on your major or additional instruments, work across genres or anything else you feel showcases you as a musician. Not submitting a portfolio will not negatively affect your application. English-Proficiency Requirement Laurier's language of instruction is English, and so we may require you to provide evidence of your English proficiency to help make sure you are successful in your academic courses. Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency. We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant. If you do not meet Laurier's English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission . Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) Program The Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) program is offered through our affiliated institution, Wilfrid Laurier International College, and provides an option for meeting our English-proficiency requirement. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English-proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the ATP program.

What if I Don’t See My Admission Requirements?

Visit our admission requirements section to find specific requirements for transfer students, indigenous applicants, mature learners, homeschooled applicants, senior citizens, refugees, and more.

Required BMus audition application

Laurier Bachelor of Music applicants; instrument-specific preparation remains on the exact audition page

Complete the audition portal with contact/academic details, musical background and goals, and your preferred audition/interview appointment.
Provide contact information for one referee; the faculty sends that person a questionnaire. Pay the non-refundable $75 audition fee.
Complete a successful audition and interview using your instrument's published preparation instructions.
An extra digital portfolio is optional and omitting it does not negatively affect admission. The general ABS is not required for Music applicants.

Ontario students taking IB

Ontario OSSD students taking IB; Laurier undergraduate degree entry

If you take IB courses alongside another curriculum, Laurier assesses your entire academic record. Keep your Ontario 4U/M requirements and provide the IB record requested by Admissions.
The full IB Diploma curriculum and its programme-specific requirements remain separate from an Ontario-percentage calculation.

Full IB Diploma credential and reporting

Full IB Diploma applicants; individual programme score and subject thresholds remain separate

Present six subjects with three HL subjects. Predicted or final grades, including bonus points, are used for consideration. The linked chart separately sets native overall and course scores; this packet does not overwrite them.
Final official IB results and proof of the IB Diploma must come directly from IBO to clear the offer. If IB is taken alongside another curriculum, the entire academic record is considered.
For required functions/calculus, the chart accepts Analysis and Approaches SL/HL or Applications and Interpretation HL. Its Applications and Interpretation SL exception is limited to the mathematics requirement for BA Psychology, Kinesiology and BASc Applied Health Science; no universal calculus substitution is inferred.

Prior postsecondary study changes applicant category

Applicants who have attended or are attending a college or university before applying

Laurier classifies prior/current postsecondary attendees as transfer applicants and considers relevance of prior courses/programme and academic achievement. High-school prerequisites or approved college/university equivalents still apply.
An applicant lacking a high-school prerequisite can submit the college/university course outline after applying through OUAC for equivalence assessment. Course-grade requirements still apply. Programme/faculty and college-versus-university admission rules differ; no universal transfer average or guaranteed credit award is inferred.
Transfer availability is limited for competitive degrees. The joint Laurier–Waterloo double degree is expressly excluded; Laurier-only double degrees follow separate rules. Exact BBA restrictions are retained where relevant.

Canadian curriculum package: Alberta, Nunavut and Northwest Territories

Alberta, Nunavut and Northwest Territories applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Five courses at level30-1,30,31 or35. Two3-credit courses may equal one5-credit course; Math30-2 and Social Studies30-2 are accepted. When both school and diploma marks are supplied, the higher is used.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: British Columbia and Yukon

British Columbia and Yukon applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Five accepted Grade12 academic courses, including English Studies12 or English First Peoples12. Provincially mandated literacy/numeracy examinations are excluded. The complete accepted-course list was reviewed; unlisted courses may be assessed case by case, rather than automatically rejected.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: Manitoba

Manitoba applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Five courses coded40S,45 or42S for AP courses. English40S is the English equivalent.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: New Brunswick

New Brunswick applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Six courses coded120/121/122; English120,121 or122 is the English equivalent.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Six two-credit courses at3200 level. French-curriculum students can present equivalent required3000-level courses; English Language Arts3201 is the named English equivalent.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Five courses at Academic or Advanced levels. English12 or English12: African Heritage is accepted for English.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Five courses coded611/621; English621A is the named English equivalent.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: Québec Grade12/Pre-U

Québec Grade12/Pre-U applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Six courses including English for Grade12/Pre-U. SecondaryV alone is not accepted.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: Québec CEGEP

Québec CEGEP applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

One year requires at least12 courses for consideration; completed/ongoing DEC applicants are assessed on the top12 including required courses. Courses coded109 are excluded. Two603/604 English courses are required at the source’s separate stated grade minimum; the R-score is not used.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Canadian curriculum package: Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan applicants; programme-specific subject and grade requirements remain controlling

Five courses coded30; accepted English equivalents are English A30, B30 or ELA30.
Use the source’s province-specific subject equivalents for only those prerequisites required by the selected programme. Neither this course-package summary nor the generic transfer table certifies all applicant categories.

Degree requirements

Honours Bachelor of Music

The Honours Bachelor of Music consists of 20.0 credits, of which at least 13.0 credits must be at the senior level. The program must include a minimum of 9.5 senior Music credits, but no more than 17.0 credits of Music courses.
MUST Courses: (1.5 credits - Musical Skills and Techniques - See Additional Note 2) MUST100 ° or MUST101 °, MUST102 °, MUST103 or MUST104 , MUST201 °, MUST202 °
MUPS Courses: (2.5-3.0 credits - Applied Study) 2.5-3.0 credits of MUPS courses on a major instrument, including 1.0 credit at the 100-level, 1.0 credit at the 200-level and 0.5 credit at the 300-level. Students may register for additional MUPS credits, however a maximum of 2.0 senior (200-level or above) MUPS credits may be applied toward an Honours BMus degree, unless graduating with a Specialization in Performance. Consult the BMus With Specialization pages of the Calendar for details.
MUEN Courses: (1.5 credits - Ensemble) 1.5 credits from MUENX11-X39 series courses. Keyboard majors may substitute one of MUST381 or MUST382 toward this requirement.
MUAC/MUCE Courses: (4.5 credits - Academic Studies or Community/Education) MUAC101 ; MUAC102 ; 0.5 credit from MUAC212 , MUAC222 , MUCE201 , MUCE203 , MUCE221 ; 2.0 credits, either Classical Stream ( MUAC211 , MUAC251 , MUAC252 , MUAC351) or Contemporary/Commercial Stream ( MUAC221 , MUAC271 , MUAC272 , MUAC371); 1.0 additional credits MUAC courses at the senior level (200-, 300-, or 400-level)
Elective courses: (10 credits) At least 3.0 additional Music credits at the senior level for a minimum of 9.5 senior level Music credits; At least 3.0 credits from outside the Faculty of Music; An additional 4.0 credits (unrestricted) to a minimum degree total of 20.0 credits. Students are reminded that they may apply no more than 7.0 junior (100-level) credits toward a Bachelor of Music degree.
All keyboard majors are exempt from MUST103 (Keyboard Foundations) and must replace this course with MUST104 (Keyboard Harmony). Nonkeyboard majors with a keyboard background may be exempted from MUST103 by presenting a Royal Conservatory of Music official examination certificate at minimum Grade 3 level, completed within the last 2 calendar years. Alternatively, students may complete an equivalency exam in a Classical or a Contemporary/Commercial tradition (students choice) during Orientation week.
Students must be enrolled full-time while registered in MUPS course or MUCP301, MUCP302, MUCP401, or MUCP402. Students who drop below full-time status may be deregistered from applied study. Part-time registration may be allowed while enrolled in applied studies courses at the 400-level with permission of the dean. Applied Studio instruction (MUPS courses) must be taken in consecutive years. If a student takes a year off, they must successfully complete an audition before resuming applied studio instruction. Studio courses may not be repeated, nor replaced by any studio course with an exclusion to the first attempt .
Students must be enrolled full-time while registered in MUPS course or MUCP301, MUCP302, MUCP401, or MUCP402. Students who drop below full-time status may be deregistered from applied study. Part-time registration may be allowed while enrolled in applied studies courses at the 400-level with permission of the dean.

Honours Bachelor of Music with Specializations

A maximum of two Music Specializations are permitted as part of the Honours BMus degree. All specializations require the completion of the standalone Honours Bachelor of Music program . The Elective courses within the Honours Bachelor of Music may be chosen to satisfy the specialization requirements listed below. To earn the designation , students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 7.0 (B-) in the courses of the specialization, and a minimum grade of 4.0 (C-) in each of the courses of the specialization.
All specializations require the completion of the standalone Honours Bachelor of Music program . The Elective courses within the Honours Bachelor of Music may be chosen to satisfy the specialization requirements listed below. To earn the designation , students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 7.0 (B-) in the courses of the specialization, and a minimum grade of 4.0 (C-) in each of the courses of the specialization.
2.5 credits as follows : MUAC272 ; 1.0 credit from: MUAC291 , MUAC391, MUAC392, MUAC393, MUAC394; 1.0 credit from: MUCP341, MUAC395, MUST307, MUEN114B , MUEN214B , MUEN314B, MUEN414B, MUEN123B , MUEC223B, MUEN323B, MUEN423
3.0 credits, as follows : MUCE101 ; MUCE301; MUCE321; MUCE420; One of: MUCE221 or MUAC292 ; One of MUST307, MUST308, or MUST309;
4.0 credits, as follows : MUCP102 ; MUCP201 ; MUCP202 ; MUST301; MUST302; MUCP322; One of: MUCP321 or MUCP413 One of: MUCP301 or MUCP302 One of: MUCP401 or MUCP402
2.5 Credits , as follows : MUST301; MUST302; MUST390; 0.5 credit MUPS course at the 400-level; One of: MUST491 or MUST492; One of: MUCP321 or MUCP322; 0.5 credit MUEN course at the 400-level
4.0 Credits, as follows : MUCE101 ; MUST301; MUST390; One of: MUCE201 or MUCE203 ; One of: MUCE221 , MUAC292 , MUAC393, MUAC395, MUST491, MUST492; 1.5 credits from MUST207 or MUST307377 series courses
3.0 Credits, as follows : MUST301; MUST302; One of: MUAC212 or MUAC222 ; 1.0 credits from: MUAC241 , MUAC352359 or MUAC391394; 1.0 credits from: MUAC440444 series
2.5 Credits, as follows : MUCE380; MUCE480; 0.5 Credits of MUPS courses at the 400-level; 1.0 Credits from: MUAC395, MUBU200 , MUCE101 , MUCE221 , MUCE301, MUMT302, MUMT305 or MUST208
4.5 Credits, as follows : 0.5 Credits skills: MUST301; MUST302; 2.0 Credits applied study: MUPS3xxD and MUPS4xxD; 1.0 Credits Recital: MUEN395 and MUEN495; 1.0 Credits from: MUEN401-430, MUST381 or MUST382 Note: Students graduating with a Performance Specialization may apply 3.0 senior MUPS credits (200-level and above) toward the Honours BMus degree.
4.5 Credits, as follows : 0.5 Credits skills: MUST301; MUST302; 2.0 Credits applied study: MUPS3xxD and MUPS4xxD; 1.0 Credits Recital: MUEN395 and MUEN495; 1.0 Credits from: MUEN401-430, MUST381 or MUST382
Note: Students graduating with a Performance Specialization may apply 3.0 senior MUPS credits (200-level and above) toward the Honours BMus degree.
3.0 Credits, as follows : 0.5 Credits of MUPS courses at the 400-level; 1.5 Credits from MUENx01-09; 0.5 Credits from MUEN411-430; 0.5 Credits from MUAC310, MUAC331 or MUCP321
2.5 credits, as follows : 0.5 credits: MUST301 and MUST302 One of: MUAC212 or MUAC222 1.5 credits from and of the following: MUAC310-339 series, MUAC410-412 series, MUCP321, MUCP322, MUCP341, MUCP342

Other requirements and route notes

The 2026–27 BMus table publishes a minimum 20.0 credits. Applied-study and specialization requirements vary.

References

Program facts

Entering average~Mid 70s

Ontario high-school entry in 2027/28, exact listed route UM. Later major/option selection and other applicant categories remain separate.

Majors & specializations

Selected current programme routes and specializations have separate requirements.

Afrodiasporic Music

BMus

Study musical traditions and practice connected with the African diaspora.

Published requirements

Courses

Current 2026/27 degree core, named alternatives and selected specializations. Individual titles and credits come from linked course entries. Separate degree and concentration menus remain choices, not a list every student takes.

Music first-year vocal foundation: choose your route2 listed

The individual course descriptions explicitly identify first-year audiences: non-voice majors take MUST100; voice majors or singers with prior training take MUST101. No complete annual allocation is published here.

MUST100Foundational Vocal Techniques (Non-Voice Majors)0.25 credits
Develop healthy singing technique and vocal fluency in the first-year course for non-voice majors.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites Admission to the Faculty of Music Exclusions MU102A, MU102B, MU194, MU136, MU145A, MUST101 ° Notes his course is intended for untrained singersstudents without prior formal training in Voice. Students with prior vocal training should register for MUST101 ° instead, which is the equivalent course for those whose primary instrument is voice.
MUST101Foundational Vocal Techniques (Voice Majors)0.25 credits
Study vocal anatomy, breathing, diction, care and phonetic notation for first-year voice majors or singers with prior training.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites Admission to the Faculty of Music Exclusions MU102A, MU102B, MU194, MU136, MU145A, MUST100 ° Notes This course is intended for trained singers. Students whose principal instrument is not voice, but whose prior voice training would make them better suited to this course should request permission of the instructor.

Music: foundational musicianship and theory3 listed

Named foundational degree requirements, not an inferred first-year schedule. Cross-listed theory codes represent the same courses.

MUST102Ear Training Lab I0.25 credits
Develop diatonic musicianship and aural skills in melody and rhythm.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUST100 ° or MUST101 ° Exclusions MU136, MU145B Notes MUST102 ° may be challenged for credit.
MUAC101/MUMI121Theory I: Foundations0.5 credits
Study music notation, keys, rhythm, intervals, chords and counterpoint in varied musical contexts.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites Admission to the Faculty of Music Exclusions MU161, MUMI121
MUAC102/MUMI122Theory II: Functional Grammars0.5 credits
Study musical structure, texture, tuning systems and harmonic vocabulary in Western, non-Western, popular and film music.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUAC101 Exclusions MU161, MU122

Music: keyboard foundation alternatives2 listed

Keyboard majors replace MUST103 with MUST104. Published certificate or placement exemptions have separate conditions; these are not both mandatory for every student.

MUST103Keyboard Foundations0.5 credits
Learn introductory piano skills in a group setting for classical or contemporary music students.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites Admission to the Faculty of Music Notes Course is graded Pass/Fail. With the dean's approval, students with prior keyboard experience may be exempted from the MUST103 course requirement, and may replace this course with any elective.
MUST104Keyboard Harmony0.5 credits
Complete keyboard harmony for piano majors, assessed on a pass or fail basis.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites Admission to the Faculty of Music Co-requisites Any of MUPS151A °, MUPS151B , MUPS151C , MUPS151D * Notes Course is graded Pass/Fail. Keyboard harmony course for students admitted as Piano majors in the Faculty of Music.

Additional published courses

MUST201Ear Training Lab II0.25 credits
Develop ear-training skills with diatonic and chromatic melodies, modulation, subdivisions and polyrhythms.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUST102 ° Exclusions MU236
MUST202Ear Training Lab III0.25 credits
Extend ear training to changing meters, embellishment, tonicization and modulation to related keys.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUST201 ° Exclusions MU237
MUAC212Theory IV: Advanced Common Practice0.5 credits
Analyze chromatic harmony, voice leading and large musical forms such as rondo and sonata.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUAC211 Exclusions MU266, MU264
MUAC222Theory IV: Popular Music since 19910.5 credits
Study functional harmony in jazz and contemporary music and its use in improvisation, composition and arranging.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUAC221
MUCE201/MUMI201Music Teaching Methods: Elementary Levels0.5 credits
Develop equitable music-teaching strategies and curriculum for preschool and elementary learners with diverse needs.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUCE101 or MUMI101 Exclusions MU208 Notes Non-music majors may enroll with prerequisite of MUCE101 or MUMI101 and should register in the cross-listed course ( MUMI201 ). Prerequisite may not be waived.
MUCE203/MUMI202Music Teaching Methods: Int/Snr Levels0.5 credits
Develop inclusive intermediate and secondary music programmes using goal setting, assessment and current resources.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUCE101 or MUMI101 Exclusions MU203, MUMI202 Notes Non-music majors may enroll with prerequisite of MUCE101 or MUMI101 and should register in the cross-listed course ( MUMI202 ). Prerequisite may not be waived.
MUCE221/MUMI215Music and Social Justice0.5 credits
Explore music, social justice, protest and power through academic study and applied musical practice.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUCE101 or MUMI101 Exclusions MU240, MUMI215 Notes Non-music majors may enroll with prerequisite of MUCE101 or MUMI101 and should register in the cross-listed course ( MUMI215 ). Prerequisite may not be waived.
MUAC211Theory III: Common Practice0.5 credits
Analyze common-practice music, voice leading, modulation, rhythm, phrase structure and four-part writing.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUAC102 Co-requisites MUAC251 Exclusions MU162, MU266, MU264
MUAC251Art Music from 1300–17750.5 credits
Survey European art music from the Middle Ages to 1775 in historical, cultural and aesthetic contexts.
MUAC252Art Music from 1750–19500.5 credits
Survey art music from 1750 to 1950 in historical, cultural and aesthetic contexts.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUAC251
MUAC221Theory III: Popular Music 1950-19910.5 credits
Analyze popular-music harmony, forms, rhythm and timbre, culminating in a composition or analysis project.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUAC102 Co-requisites MUAC271
MUAC271History of Music in Popular Culture0.5 credits
Study nineteenth- and twentieth-century popular music and its social meanings, audiences and consumption.
MUAC272/MUMI204African Music: Roots & Routes0.5 credits
Explore music of the African diaspora in the Caribbean and Americas, including identities and collective memory.
MUAC291/MUMI206Gospel Music History0.5 credits
Trace African American gospel styles and icons through listening and study of social, political and religious contexts.
MUEN114B/MUMI153BGospel Choir0.5 credits
Perform gospel and Afrodiasporic sacred music using traditions such as call and response and improvisation.
Additional Course Information Exclusions MU181, MUEN114A °, MUMI153A °, MUMI153B Notes Course is graded as Pass/Fail. The Faculty reserves the right to assign students to ensembles to balance the preferences of the students and the needs of the ensemble. Auditions may be required for admission or part assignment.
MUEN214B/MUMI253BGospel Choir0.5 credits
Perform gospel and Afrodiasporic sacred music using traditions such as call and response and improvisation.
Additional Course Information Exclusions MU281, MUEN214A° Notes Course is graded as Pass/Fail. The Faculty reserves the right to assign students to ensembles to balance the preferences of the students and the needs of the ensemble. Auditions may be required for admission or part assignment.
MUEN123B/MUMI156BJazz Orchestra0.5 credits
Study and perform classic and contemporary jazz in large and small ensembles, including improvisation.
Additional Course Information Exclusions MU181, MUEN123A °, MUMI156A °, MUMI156B Notes Course is graded as Pass/Fail. The Faculty reserves the right to assign students to ensembles to balance the preferences of the students and the needs of the ensemble. Auditions may be required for admission or part assignment.
MUCE101/MUMI101Intro Music Ed & Community Music0.5 credits
Explore school and community music teaching, assessment and policy through equity and decolonizing perspectives.
Additional Course Information Exclusions MUMI101 , MU141, MU202 Notes Non-Music majors may register in cross-listed course MUMI101 only with departmental permission (to determine sufficient background for student success)
MUAC292/MUMI216Musical Cultures0.5 credits
Study selected musical cultures and practices through an experiential component and performance observation.
MUCP102/MUMI123Introduction to Composition0.5 credits
Explore diverse approaches to composition and music creation, including oral and aural traditions.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites Admission to the Faculty of Music or permission of the Dean Exclusions MU160, MUMI123
MUCP201/MUMI223Foundations in Composition0.5 credits
Develop composition, sound-design and expressive skills through classes, tutorials and composition seminars.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUCP102 Exclusions MU260A
MUCP202/MUMI224Developments in Composition0.5 credits
Extend composition, sound-design and personal expression through classes, tutorials and seminars.
Additional Course Information Prerequisites MUCP201 Exclusions MU260B
MUST207Percussion Techniques0.5 credits
Develop percussion performance and teaching skills for intermediate and secondary music education.
Additional Course Information Exclusions MU201J, MUPS141A°, MUPS141B , MUPS141C , MUPS141D*, MUPS142A°, MUPS142B , MUPS142C , MUPS142D* Notes Students may not take techniques courses on the instrument of their principal study.
MUAC241Women, Music and Gender0.5 credits
Explore women’s roles in classical and popular music and representations of LGBTQ2+ artists.
Additional Course Information Exclusions MU274
MUBU200Building Careers in the Arts0.5 credits
Develop arts-career plans and professional and organizational management strategies for profit and nonprofit contexts.
Additional Course Information Exclusions MU200

Elective choices

Honours Bachelor of Music

Elective courses: (10 credits) At least 3.0 additional Music credits at the senior level for a minimum of 9.5 senior level Music credits; At least 3.0 credits from outside the Faculty of Music; An additional 4.0 credits (unrestricted) to a minimum degree total of 20.0 credits. Students are reminded that they may apply no more than 7.0 junior (100-level) credits toward a Bachelor of Music degree.

Honours Bachelor of Music with Specializations

A maximum of two Music Specializations are permitted as part of the Honours BMus degree. All specializations require the completion of the standalone Honours Bachelor of Music program . The Elective courses within the Honours Bachelor of Music may be chosen to satisfy the specialization requirements listed below. To earn the designation , students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 7.0 (B-) in the courses of the specialization, and a minimum grade of 4.0 (C-) in each of the courses of the specialization.
All specializations require the completion of the standalone Honours Bachelor of Music program . The Elective courses within the Honours Bachelor of Music may be chosen to satisfy the specialization requirements listed below. To earn the designation , students must earn a minimum overall GPA of 7.0 (B-) in the courses of the specialization, and a minimum grade of 4.0 (C-) in each of the courses of the specialization.

Other requirements and route notes

The published BMus table labels 10.0 elective credits: at least 3.0 senior Music, at least 3.0 outside Music, and 4.0 unrestricted. Applied-study load and specialization requirements can use these credits, so no exact whole-degree elective percentage is asserted.

Study routes

Selected current programme routes and specializations have separate requirements.

Honours Bachelor of Music
Honours Bachelor of Music with Specializations

Study locations

Teaching campus: Waterloo campus.laurier exact programme teaching campus

References

Careers

Career examples

performer
music producer
music therapist
sound engineer
digital content creator
arts administrator
Performer
Music producer
Music educator
Music therapist
Sound engineer
Arts administrator

Career sectors

music educator

Career sectors

Scope and qualifications

University-published career examples for Music, including its published routes; some require further training or registration. These are examples, not ranked graduate outcomes.