The major in performance follows this prescribed program of study in addition to the common core courses you take in your first year.
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 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 233 - Principal Instrument III
| Hours:0:10.5:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Performance majors receive individual instruction in technique and its application to repertoire. The course consists of private lessons that primarily prepare the student for two juried examinations: a technical jury and a repertoire jury. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 132. |
|
MUSC 235 - Principal Instrument IV
| Hours:0:10.5:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Performance majors receive individual instruction in technique and its application to repertoire. The course consists of private lessons that primarily prepare the student for two juried examinations: a technical jury and a repertoire jury. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 233. |
|
MUSC 243 - Master Class III
| Hours:22.5:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Master Class III is the third in a series of courses that develop a wide variety of essential performance skills and abilities within an ensemble environment. The Master Class courses address style, repertoire, technique, reading, improvisation, performance, listening and other skills that are necessary for the professional jazz and contemporary popular musician. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 132 and MUSC 142. |
|
MUSC 244 - Master Class IV
| Hours:15:30:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Master Class IV is the final course in the series of courses that develop a wide variety of essential performance skills and abilities within an ensemble environment. The Master Class courses address style, repertoire, technique, reading, improvisation, performance, listening and other skills that are necessary for the professional jazz and contemporary popular musician. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 243. |
|
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 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 335 - Principal Instrument V
| Hours:0:10.5:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Performance majors receive private lessons on their major instrument with a focus on technique, repertoire development, style, applied theory and development of aural skills. In addition, the private lesson prepares performance majors for the juried repertoire performance examination held at the end of the term. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 235 or MUSC 234. |
|
MUSC 336 - Principal Instrument VI
| Hours:0:10.5:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Performance majors receive private lessons on their major instrument with a focus on technique, repertoire development, style, applied theory and development of aural skills. In addition, the private lesson prepares performance majors for their Junior Recital (MUSC 371). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 335.
Co-requisites: MUSC 371. |
|
MUSC 348 - Contemporary Issues in Performance Practice and Techniques I
| Hours:0:30:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course examines issues and performance practices in jazz and contemporary popular music from theoretical and practical viewpoints. Students analyze performance practice, investigate artistic and style-related topics, prepare repertoire to perform in master-class settings, and research pertinent issues and present findings. This course also prepares students for the Junior Recital (MUSC 371). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 244 and MUSC 235. |
|
MUSC 358 - Improvisation I
| Hours:22.5:0:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course is a study of improvisation practices and techniques idiomatic to jazz music, with an emphasis on standard and bebop repertoire. Through analyses of seminal recorded performances, transcription and listening assignments, and in-class performance, students will develop a practical understanding of jazz language, sound, feel, and phrasing, as well as theoretical concepts such as melodic and rhythmic development, chord/scale relationships, and motivic development. The vital role of the rhythm section in improvisation, including comping, interplay, texture, and dynamics, will also be examined. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 201 and (MUSC 247 or MUSC 244). |
|
MUSC 359 - Improvisation II
| Hours:22.5:0:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course builds on skills and knowledge presented in MUSC 358 (Improvisation I). This course is a study of improvisation practices and techniques idiomatic to jazz music, with an emphasis on modal, modern, and contemporary repertoire. Through analyses of seminal recorded performances, transcription and listening assignments, and in-class performance, students will develop a practical understanding of modern jazz language, sound, feel, and phrasing, as well as theoretical concepts such as thematic development, modal harmony, chromaticism, melodic and harmonic superimposition, and polyrhythms. The varied roles of the rhythm section and ensemble in modern jazz performance, from comping and interplay to collective improvisation, will also be examined. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 358. |
|
MUSC 371 - Junior Recital
| Hours:0:0:0 |
Credits:0 |
|
The Junior Recital is a juried public recital in which performance majors demonstrate their ability to prepare and rehearse a varied repertoire, and exhibit stylistic awareness, technical and artistic prowess, musical imagination, and professionalism. Students create the arrangements and direct the rehearsals, prepare the printed programme and provide the posters, and coordinate with production and recording technicians. The repertoire draws from the Jazz, World and Contemporary Popular areas, and is selected in consultation with the student’s private lesson instructor and faculty supervisor [section head]. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 335.
Co-requisites: MUSC 336. |
|
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 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 (MTP)
|
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 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 460 - Improvisation III
| Hours:22.5:0:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course is a study of the improvisation techniques idiomatic to popular music. Students analyze performances drawn from the canonic repertoire of popular music. Practical applications of theoretical concepts including motivic development, chord-scale relationships, line and interval, and rhythmic development, as well as style, feel and expression are developed through analysis, transcription and performance. Performance constitutes the primary activity of this course. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 359. |
|
MUSC 461 - Improvisation IV
| Hours:22.5:0:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
This course is a study of the improvisation techniques idiomatic to jazz music. Students analyze performances drawn from the canonic repertoire of jazz music. Practical applications of theoretical concepts including motivic development, chord-scale relationships, line and interval, and rhythmic development, as well as style, feel and expression are developed through analysis, transcription and performance. Performance constitutes the primary activity of this course. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 460. |
|
MUSC 437 - Principal Instrument VII
| Hours:0:10.5:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Performance majors receive private lessons on their major instrument with a focus on technique, repertoire development, style, applied theory and development of aural skills. In addition, the private lesson prepares performance majors for the juried repertoire performance examination held at the end of the term. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 336 and MUSC 348 and MUSC 371.
Co-requisites: MUSC 472 and MUSC 452. |
|
MUSC 438 - Principal Instrument VIII
| Hours:0:10.5:0 |
Credits:3 |
|
Performance majors receive private lessons on their major instrument with a focus on technique, repertoire development, style, applied theory and development of aural skills. In addition, the private lesson supports preparation for the Graduation Recital (Performance major). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 437 and MUSC 452 and MUSC 472.
Co-requisites: MUSC 473. |
|
MUSC 452 - Contemporary Issues in Performance Practice and Techniques II
| Hours:0:30:0 |
Credits:1.5 |
|
Students examine issues and performance practices in jazz and popular music from theoretical and practical viewpoints, investigate artistic and style-related topics, prepare repertoire to perform in master-class settings, research pertinent issues and present findings, build a core repertoire, and develop ensemble directing skills. This course prepares students for the Area Examination (MUSC 472) and the Performance Graduation Recital (MUSC 473). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 348.
Co-requisites: MUSC 472. |
|
MUSC 472 - Area Examination
| Hours:0:0:0 |
Credits:0 |
|
Performance majors present and defend a programme proposal for their Graduation Recital (MUSC 473) that speaks to their knowledge of the repertoire in terms of historical and contemporary sources, the significance of the selected works, the important musicians associated with these works, the genres and styles, and the requirements of preparing for and mounting the recital. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 348, MUSC 336 and MUSC 371.
Co-requisites: MUSC 437 and MUSC 452. |
|
MUSC 473 - Graduation Recital, Performance Major
| Hours:0:0:0 |
Credits:0 |
|
The Graduation Recital, Performance (MUSC 473) is a “main stage” juried public concert. Performance majors prepare and rehearse a varied repertoire that speaks to their primary artistic and professional interests and goals. In this recital, students exhibit stylistic authenticity, technical mastery, artistic prowess, musical imagination, and professionalism. Students create the arrangements and direct the rehearsals, prepare the printed programme and provide the posters, and coordinate with production and recording technicians. The repertoire and all other aspects of this recital are determined and approved in consultation with the student’s private lesson instructor and faculty supervisor through the process of the Area Examination (MUSC 472). |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 472 and MUSC 452 and MUSC 437.
Co-requisites: MUSC 438. |
|
MUSC 498 - Performance Ensemble
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:1.5 |
MUSC 498 fulfills the performance ensemble requirement in Term VII 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.
NOTE: MUSC 498 is required only for the BMus Performance major, and is optional for the Composition and General routes. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 397. |
|
MUSC 499 - Performance Ensemble
| Hours:0:0:45 |
Credits:1.5 |
MUSC 499 fulfills the performance ensemble requirement in Term VIII 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.
NOTE: MUSC 499 is required only for the BMus Performance major, and is optional for the Composition and General routes. |
| Prerequisites: MUSC 498. |
|
|
Music Option (MCM)
|
|
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.
