Explore Beethoven to Bieber, solos to software

Study music in a program that offers you the flexibility to pursue your passions. At Waterloo, we offer instruction in more than 20 instruments, as well as vocal lessons. But that’s just the beginning.

Balance your study of performance, music theory, and music history with classes on the relationship between music and technology, gender, and peace. Unpack the psychology of music, or delve into pop, jazz, opera, film scores, and more.

Whether you’re aiming for a career as a performer, composer, teacher, recording technician, or music software developer, this program gives you the building blocks you need, and you can even orchestrate some experience before you graduate by enrolling in the co-op stream.

Program highlights

  • Create friendships for life. Conrad Grebel University College is home to an enthusiastic residence community. Music students benefit from being two floors away from their classes, dedicated practice rooms, and a community with its own passion for music. A residence application is required.
  • Study in Bali and beyond. Grab your passport! Experience concerts, festivals, and the rich cultural life of countries from Bali to the Baltics with a music & culture travel course.



What will you learn? 

First-year courses

During your first year, you'll take four introductory Music courses. Plus, you'll have electives to explore an additional major of your choosing.

In upper years, 40% of the classes you'll take will be Music courses.

Learn about courses you'll take for your Music degree.

Customize your degree

You can add additional areas of expertise to your degree by including one or more of the areas of focus in Music.

  • Music and Peace
  • Music in a Global Context
  • Church Music and Worship

You can also include one of the minors available to all Waterloo students. Popular areas of focus for Music students include Church and Worship Music and Intensive Music Specialization.

 

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Admissions

Apply to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business and choose Music as your major at the end of first year.

Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including

  • Any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)

Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)

Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

An audition is required when you would like to choose Music as your major, take your first studio course, or apply for specific music entrance scholarships. Entrance scholarship auditions take place in February and March.

Connect with us

Questions about courses, programs, requirements, careers?

Please contact our Faculty of Arts recruitment team who can answer any questions you have.