Written by Erin (she/her), student
Are you passionate about music? Whether you love jamming out with friends or creating your own music, you’ll find the musical opportunities at Waterloo to be next level.
No matter your vibe or favourite genre, there’s something for everyone at Waterloo. So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in the music scene during your university education, Waterloo has many opportunities to get involved!
Music programs
Although you don’t have to major in music, you definitely can! Our Music program is housed at Conrad Grebel University College, one of four University Colleges located on Waterloo’s campus. You can choose to major or double major in Music with almost any program of study, e.g., Music and business.
You can also choose to do a music minor or just take electives. Electives can range from taking a course or two focused in music or by participating in an ensemble, so you can get credits for just playing music or singing.
You can also take courses on music theory or culture and history or take a studio course which involves one-on-one instruction with a professor in your instrument of choice (we can find a professor for almost any instrument, including voice). While some courses require prerequisites or auditions, many are open to all students and are an excellent way to diversify your studies at Waterloo and include your hobbies and passions in your learning.
Join an ensemble
Another great way to get involved in music on campus is by joining one of our instrumental or vocal ensembles. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to participate in one of Waterloo's music ensembles which include the University Choir, Chapel Choir, Vocal Techniques, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, Jazz Ensemble, and the Balinese Gamelan Ensemble.
You can dive into the world of classical music with orchestra@uwaterloo. Comprising strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion players, this dynamic ensemble is re-formed each term through auditions, welcoming undergraduates, faculty, staff, graduate students, and alumni!
Every two years, orchestra@uwaterloo hosts a Concerto and Aria Competition open to all Waterloo students.
Music in residence
As mentioned above, Conrad Grebel is the home of music programs at Waterloo. The Living Learning Community at Grebel offers the opportunity to live with other students who are passionate about music regardless of your program of study.
So you could major in a STEM discipline and pursue music in your residence. Grebel also hosts a number of events in their residence such as open mic nights, talent shows, musicals, and even free concerts every Wednesday at lunch. Grebel is where the music happens!
Connecting music lovers
The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) has a bunch of clubs that are waiting for you to jam out with other music lovers! Here are just a few.
JamNetwork
JamNetwork was founded by three Faculty of Arts students and connects music lovers of all genres, backgrounds, and skills. With weekly drop-in meetings and outings, JamNetwork is all about expanding the music scene in Waterloo and connecting students through music!
I love JamNetwork. It brings together so many diverse people with different instruments, tastes, and personalities over a common love of playing music in such a low-key and welcoming environment.
DJ Club
Whether you're a seasoned DJ, eager to learn, or just love the music, this club is all about bringing the DJ community together. Every week UWDJ Club holds knowledge-sharing sessions where you can spin hip hop and electronic tunes.
In Full Colour
In Full Colour is another fantastic club! This auditioned, mixed voice club is an ensemble that is all about contemporary a cappella music and storytelling. With a passion for creating quality music and having a blast while doing it, In Full Colour is here to entertain and captivate audiences everywhere.
Canada's largest university a cappella
If you thought that a capella was only for the Barton Bella’s, you'll be excited to learn that Waterloo has the largest university a capella organization in Canada. Founded in 2010, the University of Waterloo A Capella Club (UWACC) has around 200 members and five different a capella groups. UWACC exists to support the existence, growth, and development of the a cappella groups they represent, and foster the development of a cappella at the University of Waterloo. UWACC also puts on concerts at the end of each school term, so there are there are plenty of opportunities to get those vocal cords warmed up or to live out your Pitch Perfect dreams.
Regardless of how you choose to pursue your musical passions, Waterloo provides an environment conducive to creativity, artistry, and exploration.