Flexible, personalized, and well-rounded, the Bachelor of Music in Composition offers an exceptional student experience delivered by distinguished faculty, including some of Canada’s most active and distinguished composers. Students learn to write in the Western art music tradition for instruments and voices in solo, small, and large ensemble contexts. They develop strong compositional techniques, sound notation practices, and familiarity with the music technology tools essential to the craft. Exploring the strengths and limits of individual instruments (instrumentation) and discovering how to blend groups of instruments effectively (orchestration) are important areas of study.
Why it stands out
Our program performs. We provide students with opportunities to present their work to real audiences. Our numerous resident ensembles issue calls for student works, our New Music Festival stages a complete student-composed operas, and our annual Karen Kieser Prize competition culminates in the professional performance of a student chamber work. These are just some of the ways students get their music heard.
Who it's for
Composition is designed for student composers eager to explore their creativity in collaboration with conductors and performers. The program welcomes students with interdisciplinary interests in film/animation, dance, opera, and theatre. It encourages the kind of applicants who attend performances of works of living composers whenever they can.
Successful candidates will demonstrate some experience in composition through a portfolio of music written for various ensembles. Students will typically enter the Bachelor of Music in Composition after having completed their first year at U of T Music, but they may be admitted into the program directly based on positive review of a composition portfolio during the admissions process.
Admissions Cycle
This program is offered on a full-time basis and begins in September.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
Students encounter a broad spectrum of opportunities for developing their artistic talents and creating works performed in public.
Instruction occurs in studio, small-class, and weekly private formats. Coursework addresses subjects such as counterpoint, orchestration, songwriting, specialized instrumental techniques, compositional techniques, and musical style. Courses on electronic and computer music and composing for film and other media are also available.
Collaboration plays a key role. As well as participating in our “Composer’s Forum” workshops and presentations, students have options for collaborating across years and within programs. They are also provided opportunities to interact with the several guest composers the Faculty of Music hosts each year.
Opportunities after graduation
Graduates emerge ready for the broader world of contemporary composition. They will have a thorough grounding in compositional theory and practice and a comprehensive understanding of music’s culture, history, theory, and performance. Some graduates explore work in related areas such as music technology and production, arts administration, and new music curation.
Among the key benefits of a U of T Composition degree are the connections students will have established with fellow composers, performers, arts organizations, and audiences on and off campus. Through their studies at the Faculty of Music, students gain access to the vibrant music community of one of North America’s great centres of culture. Toronto is home to many organizations that specialize in presenting the music of living composers.
Employment opportunities include working as an independent composer and teaching. Many graduates pursue opportunities writing music for film, television, and games.
Postgraduate opportunities
A Bachelor of Music in Composition qualifies graduates for further study at the postgraduate level. The two-year Master of Music (MMus) in Composition provides advanced course learning and independent composition under faculty supervision. The four-year Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) culminates in the supervised creation of an extended composition (a “thesis”) defended at a final oral examination. Opportunities include composing for music and dance, collaborative opera, and orchestra.
After four years at U of T, I found my compositional voice here. The amazing faculty encouraged me to step outside the box I had put myself in and embrace my unique interests. I had the opportunity to compose for an opera and a 16-piece rock band in the same year! Alongside the world-class education I received, the community of musicians at U of T is unparalleled. Through the diverse programs offered, I was able to collaborate with many talented individuals across different specialties, each of whom inspired me in their own way. I graduated with a strong sense of direction and confidence in how to build my career.
– Chiara Urban
Bachelor of Music 2024 - Composition (Voice)
As a composition student, I think the most valuable thing in studying music at U of T is the opportunity to collaborate with the amazing performers here. The best way to improve at composing for a particular instrument or voice, is to send your work to people who specialize in performing that instrument or voice. They also helped me get great recordings of some of my pieces.
– Bennett Luo
Bachelor of Music 2025 - Composition (Piano)
Studying at U of T’s Faculty of Music has been pivotal to my development as a composer. I chose to study at the University of Toronto because it is a leading institution where I knew I would be challenged and inspired by a talented and diverse community of people. The composition program provided exceptional opportunities for creative projects and collaborations, and the world-class faculty and dynamic city pace propelled me to new levels of creativity and productivity. The supportive and vibrant community continues to inspire and nurture my professional and personal growth.
– Katharine Petkovski
Bachelor of Music 2019 - Composition (Piano) Master of Music 2021 - Composition
Whatever their existing or eventual areas of specialization, all Bachelor of Music students complete a first Common Year of foundational courses addressing music history, culture, theory and performance.
Composition students begin their specialized studies in second year unless they apply to and are accepted for direct entry into Composition in Year 1. The first-year requirements for direct-entry students are enriched with opportunities for private lessons in composition.
Specialization courses are required courses in Composition, including Introduction to Computer Applications in Music, Introduction to Composition I & II, Orchestration, and Counterpoint.
Music & Breadth Electives
All programs require the completion of a specific number of Music Electives and Breadth Electives. A Music Elective is any Faculty of Music course (excluding Basic Music Courses) that is not required for a specific program. A Breadth Elective is a typically a course offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science, but up to one full credit of designated Music courses can be counted the breadth elective requirement.
Options within the Degree
Currently there are Minor programs offered in History and Culture, Composition, and Historical Keyboard. (The Minor in Composition is not available to students in the Bachelor of Music in Composition.)
Certificates are offered in conjunction with a degree. Currently there are Certificates offered in Health Applications in Music, Music Technology, Popular Music Studies and Ethnomusicology, and Piano Pedagogy.
Studying at the University of Toronto was truly an integral step in my journey to becoming a professional composer. Some of my fondest memories include working on projects in the newly finished electronic music studio (EMS), participating in student-composer concerts, and hearing evocative contemporary music at the annual New Music festival. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue my craft in such a vibrant and dedicated community.”
– Sami Anguaya
Bachelor of Music 2020 – Composition (Voice) Master of Music 2022 – Composition
The time studying at U of T Music was unforgettable. I enjoyed interacting with the excellent and caring faculty, as well as collaborating with supportive colleagues. Being in a multicultural environment inspired me as a musician, allowing us to be creative, sensitive and expressive. U of T helped enrich my compositional experience and grow towards professionalism.
– Chiara Urban
– Bennett Luo
– Katharine Petkovski
– Sami Anguaya
– Yu-Pin Lai
