Unlock your inner soundtrack and make your musical mark.
Everyone knows music is your… thing.
Turn your constant drumming, singing, dreams of concert halls, or any other way you express yourself musically and study in a program that offers flexibility to follow your passions. You’ll have access to instruction in more than 20 instruments.
Know the difference between straight-tone and vibrato? There are vocal lessons too.
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 put your analytical skills to use and dissect pop, jazz, opera, film scores, and more.
You can even orchestrate some experience before graduation by enrolling in the co-op stream. Or apply for several entrance scholarships, available only for applicants who intend to do a Music major.
Whether you’re aiming to be a performer, composer, teacher, recording technician, or music software developer, you’ll gain the background needed to turn your love of music into a career.
Faculty:
Faculty of Arts
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Music
Available as a co-op program?
Yes
Available as a regular program?
Yes
Available as a minor?
Yes
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.
Co-op = relevant paid work experience
Waterloo's co-op program, the largest in North America, is an amazing way to explore potential careers, learn to interview for jobs, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience —and make money!
Sample co-op job titles
- Music instructor
- Business improvement analyst
- Teaching assistant
- Guidance / at-risk support assistant
- Senior business systems analyst
Co-op work-study sequence
Starting in second year, you'll normally alternate between school and work every four months, integrating your classroom learning with real-world experience. You can return to the same employer for a couple of work terms to gain greater knowledge and responsibility or work for different employers to get a broad range of experience.
If you choose to study Music through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be halfway through second year (January to April 2027).
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Third | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fourth | Study | Co-op | Co-op |
| Fifth | Study | Study | - |
or after second year (which can be May to August 2027), if you choose Honours Arts
| Year | September to December (Fall) | January to April (Winter) | May to August (Spring) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Study | Study | Off |
| Second | Study | Study | Co-op |
| Third | Study | Co-op | Study |
| Fourth | Co-op | Study | Co-op |
| Fifth | Co-op | Study | - |
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.
Get tips from Waterloo students
Join our newsletter for tips such as choosing a program, life at Waterloo, and finances.
Contact a student ambassador
Ask a Faculty of Arts student about their program, classes, getting involved on campus, and more!