Program Requirements

Requirements Common to All BMus Degrees

All BMus students, regardless of their eventual choice of Major, are required to take a common first-year program.

1. First-year students are required to sing in the University Chorus or University Chamber Singers in addition to any instrumental ensembles to which they may be assigned.

2. Not required for students whose principal instrument is voice.

3. Students intending to major in Music Education should take an additional 1.5 units of English. Students entering a Music Education Major require a minimum average of B- in 3.0 units of English selected from ENGL 115 or 135 and 146 or 147. Only one of 115 or 135 will be acceptable.

4. Students wishing to major in Music Education must register in ME 101. Music Education courses may function as music electives or non-music electives in all BMus programs.

5. Students enrolled in MUS 140 as pianists are required to take MUS 172 in their first year in addition to the above courses. These students will take only 1.5 units of non-music electives in the first year. In year 2, 3, or 4, 1.5 units of music electives will be replaced by a non-music elective.

6. In addition to the courses listed above, students intending to major in Composition must enrol in MUS 105 and may also be advised to take MUS 207 in their first year.

All BMus students are required to demonstrate proficiency at the keyboard, to be evidenced by Conservatory documentation or evaluation by examiner. The level required is similar to the Royal Conservatory grade level 5 or 6. Those who are inexperienced at the keyboard may prepare for the exam by taking instruction. This may take the form of private lessons or piano classes. A complete description of the keyboard proficiency requirement is available from the School of Music.

At the end of the common first year, each student will declare a choice of Major and will be assigned a faculty adviser who will assist in selecting appropriate elective courses, ensure that program requirements are satisfied and oversee year-to-year progress by means of consultation with their instrumental instructors (aided by auditions in certain sections). All students are assigned to ensembles according to each student's educational needs and the needs of the School.