X. Degree Programs

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Music (MUSC)

School of Fine Art and Music, College of Arts

The School offers courses in music history, theory, ethnomusicology, and performance. Many courses are open to all students, while others require knowledge of the rudiments of musical notation or other prerequisites. Students are urged to plan their program in consultation with a Music advisor. Music programs allow considerable flexibility for students to elect one or more areas of interest, such as individual study on an instrument, performing in vocal or instrumental ensembles, specialized historical or theoretical study, directed readings, or an independent project.

Courses in Music are offered in several of the semesters abroad, especially London. Credit for programs of study successfully completed may be applied towards the University of Guelph degree requirements.

Applied Music

MUSC*1500 is available only by audition. MUSC*1500 is restricted to students in Semesters 1-4 who are enrolled in a Music program: general program, area of concentration; honours program, major or minor. Students enrolled in a Music program, honours major, may audition for MUSC*1500 beyond the fourth semester.

Applied Music courses are designed to be taken during successive Fall and Winter terms. If this sequence is interrupted for more than one semester, students may be required to reapply (re-audition) before registering to continue in Applied Music. Students must achieve a minimum grade 70% in Applied Music courses in order to proceed to the next level.

Applied Composition

Private instruction is offered in music composition. In order to register in Applied Composition (MUSC*2410), students must submit a portfolio of compositions (scores and recordings) to the School of Fine Art and Music at the time of course selection. Interviews are held prior to the first day of classes each semester (see School of Fine Art and Music for interview schedule). In order to enrol in Applied Composition, students must be registered in a Music program: Area of Concentration (General Program), Major or Minor (Honours Program). Applied Composition courses are designed to be taken during successive Fall and Winter terms. If this sequence is interrupted for more than one semester, students may be required to reapply before registering to continue in Applied Composition. Students must achieve a minimum grade of 70% in Applied Composition courses in order to proceed to the next level.

Core Requirements

The Music core is designed to provide the concepts and skills students need for successful study in higher level courses. All students in honours program major must complete the following courses:

MUSC*1060 [0.50] “Classical” Music: Context and Codes
MUSC*1180 [0.50] Musicianship I
MUSC*2100 [0.50] Creating Music on the Computer
MUSC*2140 [0.50] History of Jazz
MUSC*2150 [0.50] Music and Popular Culture
MUSC*2180 [0.50] Musicianship II
MUSC*2270 [0.50] World Music
MUSC*2330 [0.50] Genre and Style in Western Art Music
MUSC*2660 [0.50] Materials of Music I
MUSC*2670 [0.50] Materials of Music II
MUSC*3630 [0.50] 20th Century Music
Note: MUSC*1130 does not count toward either the Major (Honours), Minor (Honours), or Area of Concentration (General Program).

Area of Concentration (General Program)

A minimum of 6.00 Music credits is required, including:

  1. MUSC*1060, MUSC*1180, MUSC*2180, MUSC*2330, MUSC*2660, MUSC*2670,(3.00 credits)

  2. 1.50 credits from MUSC*2100, MUSC*2140, MUSC*2150, MUSC*2270, MUSC*3630

  3. at least 1.00 Music credits at the 3000 level or above (excluding MUSC*3630)

  4. two of MUSC*2530, MUSC*2540, MUSC*2550, MUSC*2560.

Major (Honours Program)

A minimum of 9.00 Music credits is required, including:

  1. the Music core (5.50 credits)

  2. two of MUSC*2530, MUSC*2540, MUSC*2550, MUSC*2560.

  3. MUSC*4401/2 or MUSC*4450

  4. 2.00 additional credits of upper-level topics courses ( MUSC*3730, MUSC*3740, MUSC*3800, MUSC*3820, MUSC*3860, MUSC*3880)

Participation in Applied Music courses is strongly recommended for all honours students. Students contemplating graduate studies in Music should consult music faculty early in their program.

Minor (Honours Program)

A minimum of 5.00 Music credits is required, including MUSC*1180 and at least 2.00 Music credits at the 3000 or 4000 level. Students should be aware that courses at the 3000 or 4000 level may require additional prerequisites.

Honours students considering graduate work in ethnomusicology, performance, theory, and other music specializations should consult a faculty advisor early in their program. Students should take courses covering a broad range of historical periods and methodologies, and also consider courses in Humanities (HUMN), dramatic theory, art history, anthropology, and English literature. A reading knowledge of at least one language other than English is also recommended.

University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
Canada
519-824-4120