Why study Music at Brock?
- Small class sizes allow you to work closely with professors and peers
- Large-school education in a small-school atmosphere
- Flexibility to choose courses and degree programs that suit your interests and career goals
- Participation in a vibrant and creative arts community
What are my options if I want to be a Music Major?
Your unique background and interests can be met with our various and flexible degree options.
What is the difference between an Honours Bachelor of Music (BMus) and a Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA)?
Here is a chart showing the differences in the programs:
| Bachelor of Music (20 credits) | Bachelor of Arts in Music (20 credits) |
| 2 credits of Music History | 2 credits of Music History |
| 2 credits of Music Theory | 2 credits of Music Theory |
| 2 credits of Choral Ensemble | 2 credits of Choral Ensemble |
| 1 credit of Musicianship Skills | 1 credit of Musicianship Skills |
| 3 credits core/context electives | 3 credits core/context electives |
| 3 credits Private Lessons | (lessons possible as elective courses) |
| 2 credits Music electives | 5 credits Music electives |
| 5 own-choice elective credits | 5 own-choice elective credits |
Note that lessons are required in the BMus, and available as elective in the BA.
What is the difference between lessons in the Bachelor of Music and the Bachelor of Arts in Music?
- The Bachelor of Music is the only degree that requires private lessons
- Any student at Brock, including those enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Music, may take private lessons as an elective
- Bachelor of Music students:
- Frequent solo performances
- Entrance level equivalent to RCM level 9 is required
- Bachelor of Arts students, or anyone else taking lessons as an elective:
- Regular performance is not mandatory
- Entrance level equivalent to RCM level 5 or greater
- Note: there is an additional course fee for elective lessons. Please consult the Music Office for information.
How does the audition work for lesson courses?
Look here for more information
What does a Combined/Double Major look like?
This 20-credit degree involves:
- 8 credits in Music
- 8 credits in a second degree program
- 2 context electives (in science and social science)
- 2 elective credits of your choice
Note: Not all programs have a Combined Major option. Be sure to check with the office associated with the second degree program.
I’m in Concurrent Education/Integrated Studies and Music. Am I a Music major?
- No. You are an Integrated Studies major with Music as a teachable subject.
- See the FAQ section on “Music Education” below.
I’m in Concurrent Education/Integrated Studies and Music. Am I a Music major?
No. You are an Integrated Studies major with Music as a teachable subject.
What is a “teachable” in Music?
- A “teachable” is an area of focus outside of your major (including Integrated Studies/Concurrent Education)
- A “teachable” is achieved with 3 credits in your teachable subject
- Check in with your Academic Advisor in your Major program to ensure you are fulfilling all requirements
What is the difference between “Concurrent” and “Consecutive” paths to becoming a music teacher?
| Concurrent (Integrated) | Consecutive |
| Six years to achieve an undergraduate degree plus teacher accreditation | Six years to achieve an undergraduate degree plus teacher accreditation |
| You are a Major in Integrated Studies taking three credits in your “teachable” subject (3 credits in Music) | You are a Music Major taking 12-17 credits in Music |
| One application for the full six years | One application for the Music degree, and one more for the Bachelor of Education |
| Contact the Faculty of Education for more information | Contact the Department of Music for more information |
- In “Concurrent Education”
- Your major is Integrated Studies, not Music
- You may do a “teachable” in Music with 3 credits
- You do your undergrad degree and Bachelor of Education at the same time, in 6 years, with one application
- Your academic advisor is in the Faculty of Education
- In the “Consecutive” path
- Your major is Music (BMus, BA Music, or BA Combined)
- You may also do a “teachable” in another subject with 3 credits, or a minor with 4-5 credits
- You may choose to do a Concentration in Music Education as part of your Music degree
- You do your Music Major degree first, then apply separately to Bachelor of Education
- Your academic advisor is in the Department of Music
What Music courses do you recommend for Integrated Studies (Concurrent Education) majors?
- First speak with your Academic Advisor in Education to make sure you understand your program requirements (see “Am I a Music Major” above)
- Then make an appointment with the Music Advisor to discuss your area of interest
- If you have room for four credits in Music, consider one of our Music Minor options
- It is highly recommended that you take as many courses in Music as possible
What courses in Music Education do you offer?
We have a wide variety of courses intended for classroom teaching preparation:
- Choral and Instrumental Ensembles: Brock University Choir, Sora Singers, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, String Orchestra
- “Techniques” courses offering practical, hands-on learning of all instrument families and how to teach these skills to others: Voice, Winds, Brass, Percussion, Strings, Guitar/Ukulele
- Foundations of Music Education
- Conducting
- Choral Methods
- Music Cognition
- Practicum Courses
- Digital Applications Courses
I’m a major in another program and would like to take courses in Music. Is this possible?
- Yes! Almost all of the courses in Music are available to anyone
- Entry requirements into each course vary
- As a general guide:
- If the course involves playing an instrument or singing, there will be an Audition
- If the course involves having some theory knowledge, there will be a Theory Placement Evaluation
- The Music Department is happy to answer any questions you might have
Is there a Minor in Music?
- Yes. Our Minor programs are 4 credits when combined with a major in another program
- We have three Music Minor options:
- General Music Minor
- Minor in Choral/Vocal Music
- Minor in Instrumental Music
Are there Certificate programs in Music?
Yes. Look here for more information.
I want to play in an ensemble. Is this possible?
Yes. Look here for more information:
Sing at Brock
Play at Brock
Can I take lessons for credit if I’m not a Music Major?
Yes – you can take lessons as an elective. Here is more information on Lessons