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Applications for 2026
Applications for 2026 are now available through OUAC.
We recommend applicants submit their OUAC application as soon as possible to ensure that they have adequate time to receive access to the JOIN U of T Portal to complete the Music Questionnaire.
Holiday Alert: The University of Toronto will be closed from Wednesday December 23, 2025 until Sunday January 4, 2026. Normal activities will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. Welcome emails from the University of Toronto providing access to the JOIN U of T Portal will not be sent during the closure.
The JOIN U of T Portal and Music Questionnaire are now available.
We recommend applicants submit their Music Questionnaire by January 8, the final deadline is January 15.
Steps to Apply
These steps apply to all Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music in Performance and Artist Diploma programs and has been updated for programs beginning September 2026.
All applicants must apply to the University of Toronto through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) by the posted deadline.
Most applicants will complete the Undergraduate Application.
International Applicants: If you currently reside outside of Canada, are not currently studying (and have not previously studied) in Canada AND are not applying to any other Ontario University, please apply through the University of Toronto International Application.
Internal Applicants: If you are currently, or have previously been registered at the University of Toronto, please complete the Internal Application. Exception: Students who have previously been registered at the University of Toronto Faculty of Music, who are applying for readmission, do not need to apply through the OUAC. You should contact the Registrar's Office directly to inquire about the process for you.
Music Program Selection
You can select one (1) Faculty of Music program within your OUAC application.
Choose from the following program codes:
Program Name Degree OUAC Code Music Composition (Classical) MusBac TZ Music: Education (Classical or Jazz) MusBac TD Music: Interdisciplinary Music Studies (Classical or Jazz) MusBac TZ Music: History, Culture & Theory (Classical) MusBac TZ Music Performance (Classical or Jazz) MusBacPerf TX About a week after the university has received your OUAC application, you will receive an acknowledgment email from U of T with your U of T Applicant ID number and instructions on how to enable your JOINid and access the JOIN U of T Applicant Portal.
On the JOIN U of T portal, you can track the status of your application, submit your transcripts and other required documents, and get access to the supplementary application, the Music Questionnaire.
The Join U of T portal will also be where you can find applications for residence, financial aid and more.
Important: You must complete this step in order to proceed to the supplementary application, the Music Questionnaire.
After applying through the OUAC and enabling your JOINid you will be prompted to complete the supplementary application known as the Music Questionnaire, accessed through the JOIN U of T Portal.
NEW: You must receive your OUAC acknowledgement email and enable your JOINid before you gain access to the Music Questionnaire.
Within the Music Questionnaire, you can apply for up to three (3) program choices and/or instruments within the Faculty of Music.
You will also need to provide the following information within the application:
- Major instrument(s)
- Audition method confirmation (according to distance requirements)
- Audition repertoire selections
- Jazz pre-screening video recording links (if you are applying to any of our jazz programs)
- Contact information for two (2) references (e.g. teachers)* willing to provide a reference for you
- Music theory background
- Short essay (written response to one of four provided questions; 250-1000 words)
- Additional information (Optional: Opportunity to share other musical background, accomplishments and experiences)
- Optional Survey Questions
Once your Music Questionnaire is submitted and has been reviewed, you will be prompted to select your audition/interview date/time.
*Reference Information:
Provide the name and contact information for two (2) people who are willing to provide a reference on your behalf. Referees may include music teachers, high school teachers, ensemble directors, or any individual who is unrelated to you and is able to comment on your musical and/or academic abilities. We will contact your referees directly once you have submitted your Music Questionnaire.
Note for referees: You will receive an email request from the Faculty of Music with a request to submit a letter of reference once they have submitted their Music Questionnaire. The deadline to submit letters of reference is January 30. References are confidential and will not be shared with applicants.
Once your supplementary application has been submitted and reviewed, you will be able to book your audition/interview or online interview (for those intending to submit recordings) through the Music Questionnaire. For Jazz applicants, this step is contingent upon a successful pre-screening video submission.
You will receive an email notification once the audition/interview booking system has been made available to you. We strongly encourage you to book your audition/interview time promptly upon receiving this notification, as time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
You may view a tentative schedule of audition/interview dates.
If you have scheduling questions or concerns, please contact us directly at undergrad.music@utoronto.ca
Some applicants may need to return to the Music Questionnaire to provide link (URL) based on their program choice, or if they have selected the recorded audition option.
Jazz pre-screening video
For applicants to any jazz program
Jazz applicants may submit their Music Questionnaire with their jazz pre-screening link (URL) or they may submit the Music Questionnaire and return to enter their URL by the January 15 deadline.
Refer to the jazz audition repertoire guidelines for details on what to prepare for the pre-screening video.
Composition portfolio submission
For Direct-Entry Composition applicants
Electronic submission of a composition portfolio is required for consideration to the Direct-Entry Composition program. Composition portfolios are due February 1.
- Review guidelines for what should be included in your composition portfolio.
- Create an online folder (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive) where you can upload all of your scores, and any other relevant documentation. PDF format is preferred for scores.
- Recordings are not required unless you are submitting electroacoustic works without a score. However, you may submit recordings of your pieces to complement your written scores if you wish.
- If you are including any recordings of your compositions, upload your recordings to a streaming service (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud). Create a playlist for your recordings and provide one stable direct link to this playlist in your online folder containing the written copies of your compositions.
- Your recordings of your compositions should be formatted for streaming, not downloading (the above platforms should do this for you automatically). MP3 files will not be considered.
- Please ensure that all folders are accessible for viewing for at least 6 months. Double check that your links open (both to the folder and any videos) and do not contain any error messages prior to submitting them.
- Once all materials are available in your online folder, please return to the Music Questionnaire and provide one stable link to your online folder where indicated.
Recorded Audition Links
For applicants residing more than 300kms from Toronto selecting to audition by recording
Recorded Audition links (URLs) are due February 1 and should be submitted following the steps below:
- Review the Recorded Audition Guidelines prior to recording your audition repertoire.
- Create an online folder (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive) where you can upload performances of all your chosen audition pieces.
- Upload your recordings to a streaming service (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud). An individual video link should be created for each piece of repertoire you have prepared as part of your audition program. For instruments that require technical skills as part of the audition, a separate link to this recording should also be created.
- Your recordings must be formatted for streaming, not downloading (the above platforms should do this automatically). Please note that we do not accept downloadable recording files (e.g. MP3)
- Video submissions must be viewable/accessible for at least 6 months. Do not set viewing of the link to expire
- Double check that your links open to the correct videos and do not contain any error messages prior to submitting them. E.g. YouTube links must be set to "unpublished" to be viewed by the committee.
- Once all of your recordings are ready, compile all videos into a playlist with one shareable link, or create a single online document where you can indicate all your labelled recording URLS. You should end up with one shareable link (URL) that you will add within the Music Questionnaire where indicated.
- Return to the Music Questionnaire to provide your single stable link by February 1.
Note: Applicants who are unable to submit their video by these methods, must contact the Faculty of Music directly at undergrad.music@utoronto.ca well in advance of the application deadline for alternate instructions.
Recorded Quick Study
For Piano Performance/Artist Diploma applicants
Students who are submitting their piano performance audition by recording must also record their Quick Study performance and provide a direct link (URL) following the instructions above.
Academic transcripts
Grades for current Ontario high school students will be submitted electronically by your high school through the OUAC.
All other applicants must submit transcripts for all high school and post-secondary studies attended. Documents must be submitted electronically via Parchment/Naviance/OUAC whenever possible. Where an electronic transfer of documents is not possible, you will be required to submit your transcript directly on the JOIN U of T portal. Notarized translations of any documents issued in a language other than English or French are also required
Depending on your academic background, you may also be required to submit the online ‘self-reported grades’ form. If the self-reported grades form is listed in your JOIN U of T portal, it is important that you complete this form to be considered for admission.
Note: Please do not send any academic transcripts to the Faculty of Music.
Learn more about submitting required documents.
English language tests
You may also be asked to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency.
Review acceptable tests and how to submit your test results on the English Language Requirements page.
Applicants to all programs must participate in an audition and interview. Jazz applicants are required to submit a pre-screening video with the Music Questionnaire.
Full details on audition repertoire guidelines, accompanist requirements, and what to expect at the audition can be viewed on the Audition & Interview page.
Review Next Steps regarding:
- Scholarships and Awards applications - UTAPS Need Navigator is due February 28
- Preparing for the Entrance Theory Exam
- Applying for residence - applications are due March 31
- Admission results
- How to accept an offer
Application timelines
Mark important dates in your calendar to ensure you don't miss any steps! All programs start in September.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Late September 2025 | OUAC application opens |
| Late October 2025 | Music Questionnaire opens |
| 1 Dec. 2025 | Recommended OUAC application deadline |
| 8 Jan. 2026 | Recommended Music Questionnaire submission deadline |
| 15 Jan. 2026 | Final deadline for Music Questionnaire Submission Jazz pre-screening video submission deadline |
| 1 Feb. 2026 | Deadline to submit recorded audition videos and composition portfolios |
| 1 Feb. 2026 | Supporting documents recommended deadline (academic transcripts, English language test results) |
| 1 Feb. - 6 Mar. 2026 | Audition/Interviews in-person (schedule of dates posted in fall) |
| 28 February 2026 | UTAPS Need Navigator deadline |
| 31 March 2026 | Residence application deadline |
| Early April | Audition results |
| 12 April 2026 | U of T Entrance Theory Exam for applicants recommended for admission |
| 1 June 2026 | Offer acceptance deadline (for Ontario high school students) |
Fees
Application Fees
All applications require payment of fees associated with the OUAC application. Additionally, a non-refundable $70 CAD Faculty of Music Audition/Interview fee will be collected via your OUAC application.
Multiple auditions
Applicants applying for a Jazz program and a Classical program or applicants auditioning on more than one instrument will be required to complete more than one audition/interview. If you are uncertain about whether you will be required to complete two auditions, please contact us directly at undergrad.music@utoronto.ca
Accompaniment Fees
For instrumentalists/vocalists who require an accompanist, you will be responsible for arranging an accompanist and the cost of their service. See accompaniment guidelines for details.
Additional information for other applicants
Prospective students who do not meet the published academic admission requirements may qualify for admission through either the Academic Bridging Program, or the Transitional Year Program. See requirements for details.
Candidates attempting either of these options are still required to audition/interview as part of the application process for undergraduate programs, and should follow the same process to apply as all other applicants.
If you have completed music studies at the post-secondary level, you can apply for Advanced Standing to be placed in a higher year; this is requested within the Music Questionnaire. Admission is determined by your performance at the audition and your previous post-secondary academic record. The repertoire performed at your audition should be at the level for the year of entry for which you are applying.
All students must complete at least two full years of study in the Faculty of Music to obtain a University of Toronto degree or diploma.
Note: Transfer credits are only assessed after you receive and accept an offer of admission and complete the transfer credit application through the JOIN U of T Portal.
Please visit the following pages to learn about the application process for each program:
Apply for Opera Diploma
Apply for Advanced Certificate in Performance
Have a question?
We're here to help! Contact the Admissions Office for assistance with your application.