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Music
Master of Arts (MA)
Thesis-based program
This program is not currently accepting applications
Program overview
Deepen your skills through intensive study in all aspects of music, including history, theory, practice, electroacoustic media, musicology, multimedia, sonic arts, sound spatialization, and more. The program encourages students to explore integrated approaches to performance practice, interdisciplinary research and creative activity. The School of Creative and Performing Arts holds over 80 concerts per year. Students will have a unique opportunity to experience and perform music in the Rozsa Centre`s Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall, one of Western Canada's premiere recital facilities.
Completing this program
- Diagnostic Tests: Diagnostic tests in music history and theory will be given at the start of the program.
- Core Courses: Students must complete a graduate course in either Music Theory, Composition, Sonic Arts or Music History and Literature. Students must also take courses in Research Techniques and Bibliography of Music.
- Additional Courses: Topics may include musicology, composition, electroacoustic music, computer music, theory and others.
- Language: Students will be required to demonstrate reading knowledge of one or more languages other than English (German is recommended).
- Comprehensive Exam: Students will complete a comprehensive oral exam encompassing all areas of the chosen field, following the completion of course work.
- Thesis: Students are required to prepare a thesis (which may be interpreted as a performance(s) or other creative project, depending on specialization)
Specializations
- Musicology
Outcomes
Music Teacher, Professor, Instrumental Clinician, Researcher, Performer (soloist, ensemble or orchestral), Conductor, Director, Composer, Technologist, Computer Music Programmer/Designer, Arts and Media Computing, Arts Event or Policy Management.
A master’s degree in music will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.
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Accepting InquiriesComposition -
Seeking StudentsMusic Performance, Chamber Music, Piano Pedagogy and Education -
Accepting InquiriesComposition and Sonic Arts -
Accepting InquiriesMusic Performance, Ethnomusicology
Admission Requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
Bachelor of Music degree (or equivalent).
Work samples
A research essay or paper of approximately 10-15 pages on a topic in music history or theory prepared during or subsequent to the applicant’s undergraduate course work.
Documents
A one page statement of intent detailing the applicant's reasons for pursuing graduate study
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
- Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105).
*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
- International students: Jan. 15 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
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