Music » School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
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Musicians performing with saxophones, featuring a prominent "MUSIC" graphic design on the side.

Program Overview

Incoming students share a common curriculum in the first two years, when they take courses across various areas. Throughout the program, students can explore courses in jazz, gospel, Western classical, world and contemporary music to develop musical skills and engage in music creation, studies, and community practice.

Sample Courses

As a Music student you can take courses like:

Career Possibilities

As a Music student you can become:

  • Musician
  • Composer/Arranger 
  • Music Director 
  • Music Teacher 
  • Sound Designer 
  • Producer 
  • Music Curator/Presenter

Degree Level
Undergraduate

Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department
Department of Music

Duration
4 years

Evaluation process
Questionnaire and Audition

Entry Options
Fall, Winter, Summer

Next Steps

We’re excited that you’re considering applying to York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD). Check out our step-by-step guide to submitting an application.

Student & Alumni Testimonials

Program Highlights

Flexibility to choose courses from different areas or to focus and specialize.

Diversity of music traditions and styles from classical, jazz, popular, and traditional music.

Opportunities to perform, participate in workshops, and benefit from community and industry placements.

Access to the Sound and Moving Image Library, which offers valuable resources, including scores, critical editions, films and recordings, a comprehensive holding of books and journals, and special music collections. 

Faculty who are dedicated performers, composers and scholars who give students individual attention.

World-class performance facilities, recording studios/classrooms including a Music-Computer lab, recording studio and a 3D audio control room to teach immersive techniques.  

A collage of images showcasing a performance and filming in colorful, illuminated spaces.

Create your own pathway or specialize

The Undergraduate Curriculum offers flexibility: as a student in the program, you may choose from any number of courses and areas of interest through four years. In addition, you may choose courses to develop an area of specialization. This offers you a way through the program based on your interests and personal career goals.

  • The Foundation
  • Jazz & Gospel Music
  • Western Classical Performance
  • World Music & Ethnomusicology
  • Contemporary Improvisation
  • Composition
  • Digital & Electronic Music
  • Black Music Studies
  • Studies in Music Cultures
  • Music Education & Community Music
  • Concurrent Education

The Foundation

Incoming students take a common curriculum in the first two years. 

Workshop in Musicianship I and II develop musical sensitivity, imagination, and practical skills through group and individual exercises in singing, composing, playing, listening, and critical analysis focused on the elements of music and harmonic training.

Musics and Cultures I and II introduce specific styles and repertoires to understand how music is tied to racial, class, and gendered identities, socio-economic structures, and political systems. By understanding music within a broader set of meanings, students also explore community connections.  

In addition to these foundation courses, students may select course electives.

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Jazz & Gospel Music

The Department of Music at York University was the first music program in Canada to include jazz as an integral part of its curriculum. A full range of courses, including private lessons, jazz theory and musicianship, small ensembles, jazz orchestra, and jazz history are offered each year. York University was also the first music program in Canada to include Gospel music, and today students can join the gospel choir as well as study gospel history and performance practice. Related courses include a rhythm and blues ensemble.

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Year 1 

  • Private lessons 
  • Theory: Jazz Theory and Musicianship 
  • Small ensemble: Introduction to Jazz Performance or Jazz Workshop 
  • Larger ensemble (choices): Jazz Orchestra, York Rhythm and Blues Ensemble, Jazz Choir, York University Gospel Choir, Gospel Ensemble: Instrumental 

Year 2 

  • Private lessons 
  • Small ensemble: Jazz Workshop, Jazz Workshop: New Directions 
  • Theory: Jazz Theory and Musicianship 
  • Large ensemble (choices): Jazz Orchestra, York Rhythm and Blues Ensemble, Jazz Choir, York University Gospel Choir, Gospel Ensemble: Instrumental 

Year 3 

Continue with combination of Year 2, adding from below (for example): 

  • Jazz History I 
  • Jazz History II 
  • History of Gospel Music 
  • African-American Popular Music 

Year 4 

Continue with combination of Year 3, adding 

  • Jazz Theory in Practice 
  • Field Placement in Music 
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Western Classical Performance

Western classical music has been central to the Department of Music since the beginning. Students may choose from various courses in classical performance, including private lessons, large ensembles, small ensembles, choral singing and solo performance. Early music continues to thrive at York with opportunities for students interested in harpsichord, Baroque and early music. A full suite of courses supports those students interested in a specific concentration such as classical voice, piano or other instruments, with associated learning opportunities.

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Year 1 

Vocal/Keyboard/Instrumental 

  • Private lessons 
  • Topics in Vocal Performance I/Piano Literature & Pedagogy 
  • Small ensemble (choices): Chamber Choir, Chamber Music Performance, New Music Ensemble, Baroque and Early Music Ensemble 
  • Large ensemble (choices): York University Concert Choir, York University Wind Symphony, York University Orchestra 

Year 2 

Vocal/Keyboard/Instrumental 

  • Private lessons 
  • Topics in Vocal Performance II/Piano Accompanying II 
  • Piano Accompanying II 
  • Small ensemble (choices): Chamber Choir, Chamber Music Performance, New Music Ensemble, Baroque and Early Music Ensemble 
  • Large ensemble (choices): York University Concert Choir, York University Wind Symphony, York University Orchestra 

Year 3 

Continue with combination of Year 2, adding from (for example): 

  • Master Class in Performance I 
  • Recital I 
  • Renaissance Music 
  • Baroque Music 
  • Classical Music 
  • Romantic Music

Year 4

Continue with combination of Year 3, adding from (for example): 

  • Master Class in Performance II 
  • Recital II 
  • Canadian Music 
  • J. S. Bach 
  • Field Placement in Music
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World Music & Ethnomusicology

The Department of Music at York has offered world music study and performance as an essential part of its curriculum from its earliest days. Today, we offer our Music majors and minors the opportunity to experience other music cultures through performance in ensembles, private lessons, and related studies courses. Reflecting our broader environment, this area is directly relevant to community music and music education.

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Ensembles 

In addition to private lesson instruction in a range of world music instruments, the following are examples of ensembles from which to choose: 

  • Celtic Canadian Folk Ensemble 
  • Balkan Music Ensemble 
  • Cuban Music 
  • Escola de Samba 
  • Caribbean Ensemble 
  • West African Drum Ensemble: Ghana 
  • Studies Courses

The following studies courses are among those offered to complement the above performance courses: 

  • Music in the Modern Era 
  • Music of the Americas 
  • Music, Voice, and Society 
  • Music, Myth, and Ritual 
  • Music Performance in Global Perspective 
  • Field Placement in Music
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Contemporary Improvisation

The Department of Music has valued improvisation as contributing to the musical flexibility required for success in performance. Studies in contemporary improvisation, through private instruction, class engagement, and ensemble performance, guide students in developing the musical versatility required to flourish in today’s evolving creative environment. The courses listed below complement studies in other areas of performance.

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Students may choose from the following performance courses: 

  • Private Lessons in Open Style Improvisation 
  • Contemporary Musicianship and Improvisation 
  • Electro-Acoustic Orchestra 
  • New Music Ensemble
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Composition

The Department of Music addresses the expanding area of music composition by offering courses in both traditional compositional practices and digital and electronic media as early as first year. Students may then continue in traditional composition or focus on composing for films, games, and motion media. Specialized studios and labs are available to students studying composing for screens.

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Year 1 

  • Composition Studio I 

Year 2 

  • Composition Studio II 

Year 3 and 4 

Choose from among courses (for example): 

  • Composition Studio III 
  • Introduction to Scoring for Film, Games, Motion Media 
  • Instrumentation and Orchestration 
  • Song Writing and Repertoire 
  • Composition Studio IV 
  • Composing for Film
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Digital & Electronic Music

From its earlier digital music labs, the Department of Music has expanded this area to address increasing interest in digital audio workstations, digital composition, and hybrid performance that includes both acoustic and computer-based instruments in real and virtual contexts. This area intersects with composition and contemporary improvisation, and with the Department of Computational Arts in AMPD.

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Year 1 and 2 

  • Digital and Electronic Media I and II, and/or Introduction to Interactive Digital Media I (DATT) 

Year 3 and 4 

Choose from among courses (for example): 

  • Introduction to Scoring for Film, Games, Motion Media 
  • Composing for Film 
  • Electro-Acoustic Orchestra 
  • Interactive Sonic Arts 
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Black Music Studies

The Department’s commitment to diversity is demonstrated in its courses devoted to Pan-African traditions. These offer both performance-based opportunities and focused studies that reflect the range of Pan-African musical experience that is found around the world and contributes to local music communities. As an African-American music, jazz-related courses also contribute to this pathway. 

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Yearly 

Performance-based courses (can be taken every year): 

  • York University Gospel Choir 
  • Gospel Ensemble: Instrumental 
  • Rhythm and Blues Ensemble 
  • Cuban Music Ensemble 
  • Escola de Samba 
  • Caribbean Ensemble 
  • West African Drum Ensemble: Ghana 

Year 3 

Third-year Studies courses: 

  • Music of Africa 
  • African-American Popular Music 
  • History of Gospel Music 
  • Popular Music in the Era of Rock 
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Studies in Music Cultures

A broad array of courses allows students to specialize in the critical and cultural study of music. Students may select from these courses to complement their primary area of study in the BFA, or move to a four-year Honours BA to engage more intensively with music studies, for example, musicology, ethnomusicology, popular music studies and music writing. These courses offer students the opportunity to focus on different repertoires, styles, historical periods, and areas of the world to explore issues related to the critical analysis of music and to gain a deeper understanding of music within its broader socio-political and cultural contexts.

SAMPLE COURSES 

  • Music in the Modern Era 
  • Music of the Americas 
  • Renaissance Music 
  • Baroque Music 
  • Classical Music 
  • Romantic Music 
  • Music of the Avant-Garde 
  • Music in the Modern Era 
  • Opera 
  • Western Art Song 
  • The Musical Voice 
  • Music in Film 
  • Jazz History I and II 
  • History of Gospel Music 
  • Popular Music in the Era of Rock 
  • African-American Popular Music 
  • Music, Myth, and Ritual 
  • Music Performance in Global Perspective 
  • J. S. Bach 
  • Canadian Music 
  • Honours Seminar in Music Studies
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Music Education & Community Music

The Department of Music distinguishes itself in providing students with practical experience relevant to teaching in today’s classroom. It offers a full range of courses that prepare students for a career in music education and the expanding opportunities in community music. Instructors with practical experience in the Ontario classroom address issues and methodologies required for teaching music and facilitate placements in classrooms. These studies complement those offered at York through both the unique Concurrent Education program and popular Consecutive Education program in the Faculty of Education (see below).

SAMPLE PROGRAM PATHWAY 

Year 1 and 2 

Performance and ensemble courses relevant to interests and career direction, possibly including: 

  • Guitar for Non-majors and Majors 
  • Chamber Ensembles 

Year 3 and 4 

Continue with a combination of performance courses, adding from (for example): 

  • Choral Conducting and Performance Techniques 
  • Conducting and Score Study 
  • Issues in Music Education 
  • World Music in the Classroom: Issues and Practice 
  • Instrumental Music Education 
  • Vocal Music Education 
  • Issues in Community Music 
  • Field Placement for Music
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Concurrent Education

Bachelor of Education (BEd) 

4 year BA or BFA Program + 2 year BEd Program

The Concurrent Bachelor of Education (BEd) program allows you to work toward an education degree while completing your Music undergraduate degree at the same time as early as first year. 

Students are admitted on the basis of academic achievement, oral communication abilities, experience and personal characteristics relevant to the teaching profession.

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Learning Outcomes

Share your MUSIC, find your VISION, build the FUTURE

Build a solid foundation & explore:

  • Develop essential concepts and practical skills in musicianship, music theory, and performance. 
  • Expand your awareness of musical cultures of the world. 
  • Explore new areas of study. 
  • Gain an understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts of music.

Differentiate, consolidate, & apply: 

  • Deepen your expertise to apply techniques, skills, and knowledge to performances and research.
  • Specialize in your chosen area or continue to explore options. 
  • Connect and integrate your skills with others in creative projects and critical studies. 
  • Apply your skills through performance, community connections, and placements. 

Get in Touch

Reach out to us for more information on our programs, upcoming events, open houses, and applying to AMPD. We're here to assist you with any questions you may have and to help guide you through the application process.

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