Music degree

students playing instruments

Unlock your inner soundtrack and make your musical mark

Take your singing, constant jamming, 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 be able to perform in one of our music ensembles and have access to instruction in more than 20 types of instruments.

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 paid work experience before graduation by choosing co-op. 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.

What courses will you take?

First-year courses

As an Arts student, you’ll choose your major at the end of first year. You’re encouraged to explore a second major in first year to discover potential new interests.

You can choose to study Music through Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

Honours Arts

September to December

  • MUSIC 110 – How Music Matters
  • MUSIC 226 – Music Studio (taken with MUSIC 116)
  • MUSIC 232 – Music as a Global Phenomenon
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • Prospective major #2

January to April

  • MUSIC 226 – Music Studio (if not taken in fall) or MUSIC 227 (taken with MUSIC 117)
  • MUSIC 233 – Musical Rhythms of the World
  • MUSIC 270 – Music Theory 1
  • Prospective major #2
  • Elective

Honours Arts and Business

September to December

  • ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
  • ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
  • MUSIC 110 – How Music Matters
  • MUSIC 233 – Musical Rhythms of the World
  • Prospective major #2

January to April

  • ARBUS 102 – Accounting Information for Managers
  • ARBUS 202 – Professional and Business Ethics
  • ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
  • MUSIC 226 – Music Studio (if not taken in fall) or MUSIC 227 (taken with MUSIC 117)
  • Prospective major #2

This is a sample schedule. Courses or when a course is offered may change depending on availability.

After first year

About 40% of the classes you’ll take will be Music courses. With your remaining classes, you can choose electives from many of the 100 subject areas at Waterloo.

Sample upper-year courses

MUSIC 222 – Conducting 1
MUSIC 246 – Soundtracks: Music in Film
MUSIC 275 – Music and Technology
MUSIC 332 – Aesthetics of Music

Customize your degree in Music

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. You can choose to live at Conrad Grebel University College, a welcoming on-campus residence. Benefit from being two floors away from classes, dedicated practice rooms, and a community with a passion for music.

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

In the world's leading co-op program, you'll 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.

Option one: If you choose to study Music through Honours Arts and Business, your first work term will be in the winter term of second year.

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 -


Option two: If you choose to study Music through Honours Arts, your first work term will be in the spring term after second year.

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 -


Learn more about co-op →

What can you do with a music degree?

Waterloo Music graduates often pursue careers in music, teaching, and marketing. They often work in arts schools, entertainment companies, and theatres.

The careers listed below are examples of what you might be able to pursue. Through the courses you take, specializations you choose, extracurriculars, and any work experience you gain, you will graduate with a degree that's uniquely you and be ready to pursue a career that is right for you!

Professional musician or performer

You would perform as a solo artist or as part of an ensemble, band, or orchestra. Many musicians combine live performances with recording, teaching, or freelance work to build a sustainable career.

Music teacher

You’d teach music in schools, private studios, or community programs. This role lets you share your passion while helping others develop musical and creative confidence.

Composer or songwriter

In this career, you would create original music for concerts, films, games, or recording artists. You might work independently or collaborate closely with performers and producers.

Music producer

You would oversee the creation of recorded music, shaping sound, arrangement, and performance. Producers blend musical knowledge with technical and creative decision‑making.

Music therapist (with further training)

You would use music to support mental, emotional, or physical well‑being. A Music degree provides the artistic foundation for graduate study in this helping profession.

Arts administrator

You’d manage programs, events, or budgets for music organizations, festivals, or cultural institutions. This role supports the arts while using planning and communication skills.

Music librarian or archivist

You would organize and preserve musical scores, recordings, and historical materials. This career is ideal if you enjoy research and working behind the scenes.

Film, TV, or game music coordinator

You’d help select, license, or manage music used in media productions. Understanding both music and storytelling is key to this role.

Music journalist

You would write about music, performances, and artists for magazines, blogs, or media outlets. Strong listening and writing skills are essential here.

Live event or concert coordinator

You’d help plan and run concerts, festivals, or performances. This role combines organization with a deep understanding of performers’ needs.

Graduate studies in music or musicology

If you enjoy academic study, you could continue into advanced research or performance training. This path often leads to teaching or specialized music careers.

Community arts facilitator

You would develop music programs that engage communities, schools, or youth groups. This career focuses on access, participation, and creative expression.

Music business or talent manager

You’d support artists by helping with contracts, promotion, and career planning. A strong understanding of music culture is a major advantage in this field.

Creative entrepreneur

You could start your own studio, ensemble, teaching business, or online music platform. A Music degree supports independent careers by developing creativity and self‑discipline.

If you enjoy creating, performing, and thinking deeply about music—and want skills that encourage creativity and collaboration—a Bachelor of Arts in Music offers both artistic depth and flexible career opportunities.

Learn about the future of careers in arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, and creative arts.

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Admission requirements

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: High 70s

Not studying in Ontario?

Search our admission requirements for Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business.

How to apply

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

Auditions are not required to declare a Music major. Students electing to register for a Music studio course or pursue the Performance Specialization must arrange for an audition during the first week of class. (Normally, a level of performance equivalent to about Grade Eight standing at the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto is expected for admission to Music studio. Non-western musical instruments will also be considered at the discretion of the Department.)

Get information about programs, applying, and more!

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From the Missing Manual

No matter your vibe or favourite genre, there’s something for everyone at Waterloo.