Music

The Department of Music offers superb performance and academic instruction, pristine facilities in the Walker School and a professional auditorium in the 300-seat Recital Hall at the adjacent FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

There is a wide range of courses in music history, theory, general musicianship, solo and ensemble performance, composition, conducting, music technology and music education.

The concentration in Music Education is perfect for further studies in a Faculty of Education and eventual school teaching, or teaching in a private studio setting. This concentration includes music education foundations, techniques courses in voice and major instrument types, choral pedagogy, conducting, music technology and music cognition. Music Education-oriented practicum placements are also available.

The concentration in Performance (BMus) is for performers of the highest calibre who aspire to go on to graduate studies in performance and an eventual career concertizing. Entry to this concentration is via a juried audition at the end of first year. In years two to four students prepare for three public recitals, one at the end of each year.

The concentration in Music Therapy Foundations is kind of Music Therapy “pre-med,” and excellent preparation for graduate studies and certification in Music Therapy. Courses include introductory music therapy, music cognition, improvisation, techniques courses in voice, percussion and guitar techniques, as well as introductory, developmental and abnormal psychology. Music Therapy-oriented practicum placements are also available.

The concentration in Community Music (BA) is for those interested in making an impact through group music interaction, such as leading choirs or working with particular community groups.

The concentration in Choral Music (BMus) is for aspiring choir directors who wish to develop their choral conducting skills to a high level, in preparation for professional choral work or further study at the graduate level.

Alternatively, you don’t have to declare a concentration, and can graduate with our popular and comprehensive BMus or Honours BA degrees.

Students may also choose to pursue a combined major with Music and a second discipline.

Bachelor of Music applicants complete an audition, theory placement and interview. Bachelor of Arts applicants may apply directly, with an audition only required for optional private lessons. Visit brocku.ca/music for more information.

  • Bachelor of Music (BMus)
    Comprehensive training for the future professional musician. Lessons and masterclasses on your instrument or voice are an integral part of this degree, as are core academic courses.
  • BA Honours in Music
    Comprehensive education in all core areas of musicianship. Lessons are optional, allowing you room to explore academic interests in music and related fields.
  • BA with Major Program
  • BA in Music (pass degree)
  • BA Honours combined
    The “Music and…” combination, where you mix Music equally with another subject of your choice. Recent combinations chosen by our students include Music and French, Music and Mathematics, Music and English, and Music and Psychology.
  • Minor in Music, Choral/Vocal Music, or Instrumental Music
  • Certificate in Choral/Vocal Music
  • Certificate in Instrumental Music
  • Micro-certificate in Choral/Vocal Music
  • Micro-certificate in Instrumental Music
  • Micro-certificate in Music Making/Music Thinking

Please note: Students in Concurrent Teacher Education – Junior/Intermediate (Grades 4-10) may choose Music (Vocal) as a teachable subject. If you are interested in this program, you will apply to Concurrent Teacher Education – Junior/Intermediate, not the Bachelor of Music (BMus) or BA in Music programs. For more information on Concurrent Teacher Education – Junior/Intermediate, please visit their program page.

Expected cut-off: mid 70s
OUAC Code: BM (Bachelor of Music)
OUAC Code: BMM (BA in Music)

Not an Ontario Secondary School applicant? Find your admissions criteria here.


Career outcomes

  • Performer
  • Music teacher
  • Composer/arranger
  • Music therapist
  • Conductor
  • Music critic
  • Recording/audio engineer

Prerequisite requirements

  • English (ENG4U)
  • A theory placement test (RMC advanced Rudiments) and aural skills test must be passed.
  • Entrance evaluation required - see the department website for details.

Recommended subjects

  • One from 4U history, 4U Music, 4U philosophy, 4U classical studies, or 4U international language