Explore, improvise and
create new sounds
Department of Music
Pursue your musical goals in York’s Department of Music, where diverse studies range from jazz and gospel to digital and classical music. Our flexible program allows you to focus on vocal or instrumental performance, music creation, audio engineering or other areas of interest, all within a collaborative and supportive environment. Enjoy first-class facilities, mentorship and opportunities to perform on and off campus.
Programs Offered
Music
Available to these degrees: BA, BFA, Minor
Evaluation Process: Audition
Degree Duration: 4 years
Entry Options: Fall, Winter or Summer
Integrative Arts
Available to these degrees: BFA
Evaluation Process: Admission to Integrative Arts is based on academic achievement. A portfolio review is not required.
Degree Duration: 4 years
Entry Options: Fall, Winter or Summer
Ethnomusicology/Musicology (MA)
In York University's MA program in Ethnomusicology and Musicology students and faculty examine the social, political, and global impacts of a variety of musical practices, including Jazz, Popular Music, and World Musics (including Western Art Music). Bringing together both scholarly research and practical engagement, the program fosters critical thinking, critical listening, and interdisciplinary approaches to music studies.
Composition
York University's MA program in Composition provides a dynamic environment for aspiring composers to develop their craft. Through rigorous coursework and personalized mentorship, students explore innovative approaches to musical creation across genres and styles. Emphasizing both tradition and experimentation, the program fosters artistic growth and prepares students for further graduate study and diverse careers in music.
Combined MBA and MA
The Schulich School of Business and the Graduate Program in Music offers a three-year combined program leading to both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts degree. The MBA/MA programs complement each other in focus and offer excellent preparation for those interested in management careers in the arts and cultural sector.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD program in Music at York University blends theoretical inquiry and interdisciplinary research to engage students across diverse musical traditions, fostering innovative scholarship in both musical creation (composition, improvisation) and studies (ethnomusicology, musicology, jazz studies, popular music studies). Faculty mentorship from world-renowned scholars and musicians enriches the scholarly experience.
Student & Alumni Testimonials
All these years later – in addition to singing and recording – I am still producing concerts, showcases and festivals, and all because of York, which truly did inspire me to redefine the possible.
Ori Dagan (BFA Music ‘07)
Photo: What A Difference O’Day Made: a celebratory concert honouring Anita O’Day that he produced at Burton Auditorium in 2005. Read more in The York University Magazine.
My experience in the Music program these last four years has been a rewarding one. Being able to study under highly accomplished instructors who also cared for my professional development was encouraging and pushed me to challenge myself in new ways. With the connections and friendships, I made at this institution, I can confidently say there was no program that could have been a more perfect fit for me.
Dulce Martinez
Fourth-year Music Student
When I studied at York University I wasn’t just studying performance or composition. I was studying everything and how they all connect together. Learning how to collaborate and appreciate all those different kinds of fine arts really did help me.
Dan Kanter (BFA ’07)
Musical Director and Producer for Justin Beiber
Featured News & Events
Celebrating 20 Years of Gospel Music at York University
This fall marks a significant milestone for York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) as it marks 20 years of gospel...
AMPD Professor Rob Bowman discusses taking on co-executive producer role on HBO documentary series: Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.
Prestigious Ella Fitzgerald Scholarship Renewed at AMPD with $20,000 Top-Up
Department Highlights
First in Canada to offer integrated studies in jazz, contemporary improvisation, gospel, world music and ethnomusicology.
Opportunity to attend seminars, specialized workshops, guest lectures and receive career guidance from faculty and special guests including the annual residency of Jazz Artist-in-Residence series supported by the Oscar Peterson Chair.
World-class performance facilities, recording studios/classrooms including a Music-Computer lab, recording studio and a 3D audio control room to teach immersive techniques.
Course-based, faculty-inspired and student-initiated opportunities to perform both on and off campus in a range of professional and community settings contribute to the dynamic atmosphere in the Department.
Students benefit from the active creative, scholarly and community-based activities of our faculty, whose teaching and mentorship are informed by their ongoing professional work as performers, composers and engaged scholars.
York’s library system offers valuable research and performance resources that include scores, critical editions, films and recordings, a comprehensive holding of books and journals and special collections including sheet music.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to connect with us. Our team is here to help! You can also schedule a visit to see AMPD in person.