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
Noon Hour Concert Series - Xueao Yang and Felix Hong
Prism---Lyricism-Complexity-Energy
This recital explores the versatility of the violin through three contrasting sonatas by Schnittke, Kapustin, and Grieg. Each work presents a unique musical language, sound, and perspective, highlighting the violin's ability to express styles, sounds, and stories across different music genres.
FREE ADMISSION
Noon Hour Concert Series - Piano Quartet Annette-Barbara Vogel
Contemplative Piano and Strings
Music by members of London's Magisterra Soloists.
FREE ADMISSION
Noon Hour Concert Series - The Grebel Jazz Collective
The Grebel Jazz Collective
Featuring some familiar faces from University of Waterloo's Music Department faculty, Michael Wood (percussion) and Ernie Kalwa (baritone & tenor sax). Joined by fellow jazz musicians, enjoy an hour of tunes to tap your feet to.
FREE ADMISSION
News
Tiffany Chan is Music's Top Student
At each spring Convocation, the University of Waterloo honours the top graduating scholar with the highest cumulative average in each honours program of study. In the Music Department, combining strong scholarship and dedication to her program, Tiffany Chan has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Music Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement.
Exploring Métis History Through Baroque Music
Karen Sunabacka’s latest piece "nitatisipwētānān: We are Leaving" for soprano and baroque orchestra will be premiered by Tafelmusik.
Voice Graduation Recital
We are proud to have another music student, Josiah Ropp, present his solo tenor performance this Sunday April 19 at 4:30pm at Grebel.