Choose Music at The University of Waterloo
At the University of Waterloo, you have the freedom to study music as a major or minor, to sample courses, or combine studies in music with almost any program. Waterloo’s diverse selection of courses, choirs, and instrumental ensembles will help you fulfill your musical dreams. Be part of a supportive academic community with flexible programs, inspiring classes, excellent teaching, and extraordinary musical experiences. You’ll receive a University of Waterloo degree and have access to all the resources of a world-class university.
Explore the many ways that music is meaningful in today's world
Conrad Grebel University College is home to the University of Waterloo's Department of Music and offers instruction in more than 20 instruments as well as vocal lessons.
The flexible Bachelor of Arts program will allow you to:
- Pursue a major or minor in music.
- Combine music courses and ensembles with most other areas of study.
- Study performance, music history, and theory while discovering the ways music relates to technology, film, gender, and global culture.
- Be a part of small class sizes to provide opportunity to get to know classmates and professors.
Events
Balinese Percussion Ensemble Concert
Directed by Dewa Suparta, the 18 member Balinese Percussion Ensemble and the 17 member Grebel Community Warga Santi Ensemble will perform a selection of both traditional and modern Indonesian gamelan pieces.
Jazz Ensemble: Big Band Swing concert
This term will feature a mixed program of straight ahead big band swing inspired by the "Count Basie Orchestra", Gordon Goodwin and his "Big Phat Band" as well as Rob McConnell’s "Boss Brass”.
Instrumental Chamber Ensembles Concert - Winter 2025
Six different Instrumental Chamber Ensemble groups will play delightful classical music, including Astor Piazzolla's 4 Seasons in Buenos Aires.
News
Connecting Through Music at OMMC
Before attending Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC) at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, campers Julia and Jaren thought the idea of making close friends there seemed too good to be true. Little did they know, they were entering an environment where friendship and music come together to create a sense of belonging for everyone, no matter their age or musical experience. In this article, they reveal why they encourage those interested in music to experience OMMC for themselves. "OMMC is where I found some of my greatest friends; my people. The people that let me be me,” Jaren said. “No matter who I was with at OMMC, I always felt I belonged," said Julia.
Second annual Culture Fest celebrates student research
Students present research results, including musical topics such as "Don Giovanni" and "The Musical of Unusual Size", aka The Grebel musical in its many iterations.
2025 Concerto & Aria Competition Winners
The winners of the orchestra@uwaterloo Concerto & Aria Competition are:
1. Bowei Zhang, piano.
2. Jacob Lee, piano.