The major in composition follows this prescribed program of study in addition to the common core courses you take in your first year. You will choose music options and non-music electives to complete your degree.
MUSC 201 - Theory III: Jazz Harmony and Analysis
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Building on the rudiments of jazz harmony introduced in Year 1, this course presents an in-depth study of the vertical and linear structures that are characteristic of traditional and contemporary jazz compositions. Critical listening aligned with score reading is an important activity in this course. Topics include harmonic function, chord construction, chord substitution and linear embellishment, voicing and voice leading, melody, rhythm and form. Students complete analytical, critical listening and critical writing assignments that draw from the significant styles and genres of jazz. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 104 or MUSC 102. |
|
MUSC 207 - Songwriting I
| Hours:30:15:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course is an introduction to the art and craft of songwriting in which students develop proficiency in a variety of songwriting techniques. An examination of the songwriting process and related concepts include the relation of meter and rhythm to motive and melody, form, attaching lyrics to melody, and song refinement. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 104 or MUSC 102. |
|
MUSC 208 - Songwriting II
| Hours:15:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course, students continue to explore the art and craft of songwriting. Students examine and develop skills in a variety of songwriting techniques and concepts including writing lyrics and melodies, utilizing song forms, setting lyrics to melody, rewriting, and co-writing. A component of this course examines market trends, song demos, marketing songs, and other aspects of the business of songwriting. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 104 or MUSC 102. |
|
MUSC 211 - Composition I
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course introduces students to the art and craft of composition and prepares them for further study in this area. Through lectures, demonstrations, score study and listening, students acquire familiarity with the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements and techniques of composition that apply to a wide range of genres and styles in the context of jazz and contemporary idioms. Students develop essential skills as they complete a variety of compositions that focus on blues, modal, and groove/ostinato based composition. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 104 or MUSC 102. |
|
MUSC 212 - Composition II
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students continue the study of jazz and contemporary idioms through lectures, demonstrations, score analysis and listening. Compositions in this course address complex formal structures, counterpoint and ensemble writing. Students develop essential skills as they complete a variety of compositions that explore contrafact ballads, complex modal forms and an introduction to string quartets and film scoring. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 211. |
|
MUSC 213 - Ear Training III
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Ear Training III addresses three interrelated areas of study: aural skills, sight-reading skills, and music theory. The ability to recognize and identify elemental musical structures and to determine their relationships through traditional and jazz theory is a primary focus of this course. Singing is practiced in class using the Tonic sol-fa system in conjunction with the scale-degree system. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 112. |
|
MUSC 214 - Ear Training IV
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In Ear Training IV, students continue to explore the relationship of aural and reading skills, and music theory. Regular activities include melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic dictation exercises, singing using the Tonic sol-fa system in conjunction with the scale-degree system, and performing rhythms in simple, compound, asymmetrical and composite meters. Examples and excerpts used in this course reflect a wide stylistic perspective (traditional, contemporary popular, and jazz). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 213. |
|
MUSC 215 - Functional Keyboard I
| Hours:0:30:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
In this course, instrumentalists and vocalists are introduced to the essential keyboard skills required of contemporary musicians. Students develop basic technical ability and reading skills through exercises, études, and examples drawn from jazz and contemporary popular repertoires. Students study a syllabus of scales, chords, voicings, progressions and voice leading models, and prepare for a final performance examination comprising technical, sight-reading, and repertoire components. Note: This course is not open to pianists (Principal and Applied Instrument). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 132 and (MUSC 104 or MUSC 102). |
OR
MUSC 217 - Accompanying I
| Hours:22.5:0:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
Accompanying I focuses on developing the skills required of pianists (Principal or Applied Instrument courses) to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists through the study of contemporary popular repertoires. Emphasis is also placed on developing an awareness of style and genre, fostering critical listening skills, and exploring the dynamic relationship between the accompanist and the soloist. Students prepare for a juried performance examination that consists of sight-reading and repertoire components. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 132 (piano). |
|
MUSC 216 - Functional Keyboard II
| Hours:0:30:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course continues to develop the concepts and skills introduced in Functional Keyboard I. Through the study of technical exercises and études in combination with examples drawn from jazz and contemporary popular repertoires, students develop essential techniques, reading skills, and basic accompanying skills. Students study a comprehensive syllabus of scales and chords, progressions, voicings and voice leading models, and prepare for a performance exam comprising technical, sight-reading, and repertoire components that reflect a diversity of contemporary styles. Note: This course is not open to pianists (Principal and Applied Instrument). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 215. |
OR
MUSC 218 - Accompanying II
| Hours:22.5:0:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
Accompanying II continues to develop the skills required of pianists (Principal and Applied Instrument courses) to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists through the study of standard blues and R&B, jazz, and contemporary musical theatre repertoires. Emphasis is also placed on developing an awareness of style and genre, fostering critical listening skills, and exploring the dynamic relationship between the accompanist and the soloist. Students prepare for a juried performance examination that consists of sight-reading and repertoire components. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 217. |
|
MUSC 263 - Introduction to Music Technology and Production
| Hours:30:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course provides students with the technological foundations commonly used in the music profession. The course is delivered in a blended model, which includes online lectures and learning modules, supported with a lab component where students acquire fundamental skills for various music technologies. Delivered through a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), topics include: an introduction to the principles of sound, microphones and recording; computer-based notation; sequencing, mixing, and effects processing; an introduction to MIDI; and synthesis. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 104 or MUSC 102. |
|
MUSC 294 - Performance Ensemble
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:0 |
|
MUSC 294 fulfills the performance ensemble requirement in Term III of the Bachelor of Music. Through focused independent practice, weekly rehearsals and public performances, this course provides each student the opportunity to develop and interpret repertoire drawn from jazz and contemporary popular music. Based on an audition process, students are placed in an appropriate ensemble under the directorship of a music faculty member. The ensembles vary in instrumentation and size, which are determined by stylistic specificity and repertoire. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 189. |
|
MUSC 295 - Performance Ensemble
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:0 |
|
MUSC 295 fulfills the performance ensemble requirement in Term IV of the Bachelor of Music. Through focused independent practice, weekly rehearsals and public performances, this course provides each student the opportunity to develop and interpret repertoire drawn from jazz and contemporary popular music. Based on an audition process, students are placed in an appropriate ensemble under the directorship of a music faculty member. The ensembles vary in instrumentation and size, which are determined by stylistic specificity and repertoire. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 294. |
|
MUSC 361 - Introduction to Music Career Management
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course is an overview of fundamental issues that have an impact on the contemporary musician’s career. Students will be introduced to a broad range of topics, providing them with basic knowledge and tools to begin managing their own careers, as well as a foundation for more advanced study in subsequent music career management courses. Topics include ethics and professional practice, career planning, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, marketing, intellectual property, project planning, fundraising, musician's health, and social issues in the music industry. |
| Prerequisites: N/A |
|
Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
|
MUSC 202 - Theory IV: Chromatic Harmony
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course examines the formal, structural, and harmonic techniques used in tonal music from the late eighteenth century through to the early twentieth century. The study of tertian harmonic structures and chromatic manipulation, and the crucial relationship between harmony, function, and form is the focus of this course. Topics include chromatic harmony, sequences, mixture, modulation, form and analysis. Repertoire for study draws from the symphonic, concerto and chamber music literature from the historical periods in question. Students enhance their theoretical and practical understanding of chromatic harmony by completing a number of compositional, analytical and critical listening assignments. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 201. |
|
MUSC 221 - Applied Instrument I
| Hours:0:5.25:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
Upper-year students in the Composition and General routes receive bi-weekly private lessons on their major instrument with focus on technique, repertoire development and style. The private teacher and the student select pieces from standard jazz and popular music repertoires for study and examination. Students also prepare for a juried technical examination that is given at the end of term. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 132. |
|
MUSC 222 - Applied Instrument II
| Hours:0:5.25:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course builds on the skills developed in Applied Music I. Upper-year students in the Composition and General routes continue to receive bi-weekly private lessons on their major instrument, with focus on technique, repertoire development and style. The private teacher and the student select pieces from standard jazz and popular music repertoires for study and examination. Students complete a juried repertoire examination given at the end of term at which they are assessed on presentation, technical ability, interpretation and stylistic aspects. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 221. |
|
MUSC 313 - Arranging I: Introduction to Arranging
| Hours:15:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students acquire practical knowledge of arranging for the small jazz ensemble. Topics include woodwind, brass and rhythm section instruments, rhythm section arranging, two, three and four-part harmonizations, “thickened line” writing, background writing, linear/contrapuntal concepts in 2-part writing, and considerations of form and balance in planning an arrangement. Course content is structured towards a full-scale arrangement as the final major project. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 201. |
|
MUSC 314 - Arranging II: Arranging for Large Ensembles
| Hours:15:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Building on the concepts, techniques and skills acquired in Arranging I, students expand their knowledge of harmony and orchestration in order to write for the contemporary jazz orchestra (big band). Concepts and techniques presented in lectures, in addition to insights gained through the analysis of seminal recordings and scores, are developed through practical assignments. Students are encouraged to develop their personal style, and will produce a complete, original arrangement for big band as the final project. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 313. |
|
MUSC 396 - Performance Ensemble
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:1 |
|
MUSC 396 fulfills the performance ensemble requirement in Term V of the Bachelor of Music. Through focused independent practice, weekly rehearsals and public performances, this course provides each student the opportunity to develop and interpret repertoire drawn from jazz and contemporary popular music. Based on an audition process, students are placed in an appropriate ensemble under the directorship of a music faculty member. The ensembles vary in instrumentation and size, which are determined by stylistic specificity and repertoire. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 295. |
|
MUSC 397 - Performance Ensemble
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:1 |
|
MUSC 397 fulfills the performance ensemble requirement in Term VI of the Bachelor of Music. Through focused independent practice, weekly rehearsals and public performances, this course provides each student the opportunity to develop and interpret repertoire drawn from jazz and contemporary popular music. Based on an audition process, students are placed in an appropriate ensemble under the directorship of a music faculty member. The ensembles vary in instrumentation and size, which are determined by stylistic specificity and repertoire. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 396. |
|
MUSC 326 - Composition III
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
The focus of this course is writing for the voice. Through analysis and writing projects, students expand their knowledge of compositional issues as they apply and adapt techniques to the creation of Art Songs, Popular Songs and Chorale writing. In addition to lectures, students receive private lessons in which pertinent issues relating to their own compositions are addressed. Students present works-in-progress and discuss their process to the class, and present completed works in recitals. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 212. |
|
MUSC 327 - Composition IV
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course explores the primary movements of twentieth-century post-tonal composition, including impressionism, serialism, and minimalism. Students develop technique in these styles by writing for a variety of instrumentation. In addition to lectures, students receive private lessons in which pertinent issues relating to their creative compositional works are addressed. Students present works-in-progress and discuss their process to the class, and present completed works in recitals. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 326. |
|
MUSC 427 - Cultural Studies of Music
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course focuses on the analysis of contemporary popular music culture and the key thinkers and theorists from cultural studies and critical theory who have made seminal contributions to the field. The development of research and writing methods is an essential aspect of this course. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 123 and 124. |
|
|
Music Option
|
Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
|
Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
|
MUSC 415 - Orchestration
| Hours:15:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course introduces students to writing for the symphony orchestra through a brief survey of the historical development of the orchestra, with focus on the principal families of instruments that constitute the modern orchestra. Students acquire knowledge of the characteristics and roles of orchestral instruments, and the notational conventions associated with scoring for these instruments. Periodic writing assignments reinforce the essential principles of orchestration including featuring, combining and balancing instruments for pragmatic and expressive reasons, and realizing orchestral arrangements from piano scores, compositional sketches and other musical media. The final project for this course is a fully scored orchestration of an excerpt or piece. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 313 or (MUSC 203 and MUSC 204). |
|
MUSC 416 - Scoring for Film and Other Visual Media
| Hours:15:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
This course focuses on the aesthetic and technical demands of composing and producing music for feature films, episodic television, and other visual media, with emphasis on the concepts of musical association and musical meaning. Students are introduced to a wide variety of notable film scores, complete a series of scoring projects for mixed instrumentation using virtual and real instruments, and learn how to synchronize music with visual media through the use of computer software and real time methods. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 263 or MUSC 261 AND MUSC 313 or (MUSC 203 and MUSC 204). |
|
MUSC 417 - Composition V
| Hours:0:22.5:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
The focus of this course is the development of the student’s unique voice as a composer. Students continue to undertake extensive writing projects in anticipation of the Composition Graduation Recital. Lectures and labs address pertinent issues relating to their compositions, including labs in song writing, composing in the digital-audio workstation (DAW) environment, composing for chamber ensembles, and jazz combo/big band writing. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 327. |
|
MUSC 418 - Composition VI
| Hours:22.5:0:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course focuses on final preparation for the Composition Graduation Recital, which is a juried, public concert of original works. Lectures and labs follow the same structure as Composition V (MUSC 417), allowing students to continue developing their music toward the final recital. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 417.
Co-requisites: MUSC 474. |
|
MUSC 424 - Ethnomusicology
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Students will be introduced to development and current practice of ethnomusicology in Canada with special attention to the methods of research that make the discipline a unique form of musicology. Students explore music as sound and culture, as social practice, as a contributor to the creative economy, and as expression of meaning with emphasis on the development of ethnographic methods and contemporary methods of research dissemination. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 427. |
|
MUSC 426 - History of Electro-Acoustic Music
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
In this course, students examine the history of electro-acoustic music in relation to the significant composers of this music and their seminal works. Through lectures, readings, critical listening and analysis, students investigate the ideas, techniques and technologies that determined the development of this genre and its influence on other genres. Students are introduced to the various instruments inherent to the genre and the unique and often idiosyncratic notational systems used by various composers. Aesthetics of electro-acoustic music in context of other 20th-century musical and cultural movements, and the ethical problems and controversies arising from the use of musique concrète and sampling techniques are also addressed. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 263 or MUSC 261. |
|
MUSC 474 - Graduation Recital and Portfolio (Composition)
| Hours:0:0:0 |
Credits:0 |
|
The Graduation Recital is a “main stage” juried, public concert that represents the culmination of the candidate’s studies in composition. In this recital, students exhibit personal compositional style, technical mastery, artistic prowess, musical imagination, and professionalism. In addition to the creation of the compositions and preparation of the scores and parts, students direct the rehearsals, prepare the printed programme and provide the posters, and coordinate with production and recording technicians. |
| Prerequisites: (MUSC 417 or MUSC 413) and MUSC 415 and MUSC 314.
Co-requisites: MUSC 418. |
|
|
Music Option (MCM)
|
|
Music Option (MTP)
|
|
Music Option
|
Elective
| Hours:45:0:0 |
Credits:3 |
| Please see your university/faculty advisor for advice on choosing elective(s). |
|
Students must take a minimum of 3 credits in Music Technology options and a minimum of 3 credits in Music Career Management options.
