Admission to BMus Degrees

Prospective students wishing to enter any of the programs in the School of Creative and Performing Arts must meet the criteria listed in section A.5 Undergraduate Degree Admission Requirements of this Calendar.

Admission requires evidence of successful completion of Royal Conservatory Level 8 Theory (formerly Advanced Rudiments) or the Division music theory diagnostic exam.

Admission to BMus Programs is also contingent on an audition and interview where applicants are assessed not only on actual performance, but also on talent, potential, and musicality.

Audition

After submitting the University of Calgary undergraduate application for admission, all applicants will be expected to audition.

Auditions are conducted by the Music Committee. During the audition, applicants will be required to perform repertoire outlined by the audition repertoire suggestions document provided online. Sight-reading and technique may be included as part of the audition.

Auditions can be completed in-person (preferred) or submitted in a virtual format. In-person auditions typically occur in February /March.

More information about the BMUS Audition can be found online: arts.ucalgary.ca/creative-performing-arts/future-students/undergraduate-music/how-apply/bmus-entrance-audition.

More information, deadlines and audition forms are available on the Admission Requirements and Auditions section of the Music Undergraduate page: arts.ucalgary.ca/creative-performing-arts/future-students/undergraduate-music/undergraduate-programs.

BMus applicants who do not wish to audition in person may submit a video audition. If a recording is submitted, the student may be required to perform a live audition upon arrival. The recording should consist of approximately 10 minutes of music and conform to the requirements for auditions given above. The recording should have been made not more than two months prior to submission, should be of good quality and should be solo or solo with accompaniment. More information and deadlines for the receipt of video or are on the Admission Requirements and Auditions section of the Music Undergraduate page: arts.ucalgary.ca/schools/creative-performing-arts/music/undergraduate.

Audition Requirements

Applicants should be prepared to perform two pieces (except for piano and voice, who should be prepared to perform three pieces), each from a different style period; singers and instrumentalists must provide their own accompanist. Applicants should be prepared to perform for approximately 10 minutes; in addition, they will be asked to sight-read a short piece of music appropriate to their instrument or voice.

Applicants audition on the instrument of their choice or in voice. Those who would like to audition on two instruments may do so. The jury will determine which instrument (or voice) will become the major when the applicant is admitted to a Music program.

Previously accepted students who have not been enrolled in a performance practicum course for a year or more may be required to re-audition in order to determine if the previous level of attainment has been maintained.

Guidelines

As an indication of the level for admission to Music, the following guidelines should be noted:

Pianists and vocalists should be prepared to perform repertoire at the Grade X level.
All others should be prepared to perform repertoire at the Grade VIII level. Students who have not reached the Grade VIII level, but who have a serious interest in a career in music, are encouraged to apply and to audition at the level of performance they have reached. Suggested audition repertoire guidelines are available on the Admission Requirements and Auditions section of the Music Undergraduate page: arts.ucalgary.ca/schools/creative-performing-arts/music/undergraduate.

Bachelor of Music (BMus) - Major of Composition

Bachelor of Music students take a common first-year program of study and then select one of the following Major Fields of specialization:

Composition program
Integrated Studies program
Performance program

Admission to each Major is conditional on:

The completion of Music 213, 214, 221, 223, 225, and 230 or 232 with an average of B- (2.70) or better in those courses.
Grades of B (3.00) or better in courses in their area of Composition.
Approval of the Division Lead.

Music Students: Keyboard Proficiency Tests

Music has a required minimum level of keyboard proficiency, which all Bachelor of Music students must achieve in order to graduate. Applicants who have never played a keyboard instrument, or whose proficiency does not meet the required level, will be advised to take remedial work in keyboard, either through the Music Division or privately.

Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Composition

Download as PDF

Overview

Admissions

Program Details