Carleton University Undergraduate Bachelor of Music
Carleton University Undergraduate

Carleton University Undergraduate

Bachelor of Music

Ottawa, Canada

Bachelor's degree

3 years

English

Full time

On-Campus

Key Summary

    About : The Bachelor of Music program offers students a comprehensive education in music theory, history, and performance. This degree prepares aspiring musicians for professional careers and includes opportunities for hands-on experience through performances and collaborations. You'll participate in a variety of ensembles and solo performances while developing your skills in various music genres.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue careers as professional musicians, music educators, composers, or music producers. They may work in schools, theaters, or studios, and some may choose to continue their education with a master's degree in music or related fields. This program provides a strong foundation for various roles in the music industry.

Whether you are an aspiring performer, a budding critic curious about how music shapes culture, or a talented musician who wants to share the joys of musicianship as a teacher, Carleton's Bachelor of Music will prepare you to achieve your goals.

Carleton University’s Bachelor of Music (Honours) program provides a solid grounding in the study and performance of a wide variety of musical instruments and traditions. Subjects of study include the practice, analysis, and history of European classical music from the Middle Ages to the present; Canadian music; computer music; composition; ethnomusicology; jazz; popular music and gender studies. One of the unique things about Carleton’s Bachelor of Music program is that it is possible for students to undertake individual performance instruction with highly qualified instructors in virtually any musical tradition. We also offer a wide range of music ensembles including choir, jazz, jazz-rock fusion, music theatre, African drumming, and more. In addition, Carleton is the only university in Canada to offer a performance program in carillon studies.

A degree in Music from Carleton provides a broad yet thorough education, giving graduates a competitive advantage in today's job market. The BMus program can lead to various careers in music, as well as graduate studies in musicology, theory, composition, or performance.

Applicants are required to submit a Creative Practice Portfolio, which is a digital portfolio that showcases their work.

A Bachelor of Arts (Honours, Combined Honours) in Music is also available.

The Carleton Advantage

While developing a strong background in performance, composition, and analysis, Carleton’s Bachelor of Music (BMus) students can choose between a range of musical styles.

  • Practicum placements provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experience in various arts, education, and media organizations
  • Carleton also offers a wide range of ensembles including choir, chamber music, guitar, roots, jazz, jazz-rock fusion, music theatre, opera, African drumming, and more
  • Admission to the program is by audition, and applicants may do so on any instrument (or voice) used in classical, jazz, traditional, or popular music
  • Carleton offers a wealth of performance, research, and study, research, and performance resources, including a world-class downtown performance facility at the Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.