Explore music from historical, cultural, and theoretical perspectives in this four-year undergraduate, research-focused degree closely aligned with Musicology, Ethnomusicology, and Music Theory. Students study with mutually supportive peers in small classes taught by distinguished scholars. Students emerge with advanced skills in research, presenting, and writing.
Why it stands out
This program is offered by an internationally recognized research university committed to supporting undergraduate research. Students have frequent opportunities to interact with faculty members who are active contributors to leading conferences and publications in musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory. Students access a large and diverse pool of academic courses in a musically and intellectually stimulating environment supported by the resources of a library that is the largest in Canada and third-largest in North America.
Who it’s for
Intellectually curious students deeply interested in the meaning and structure of music, its social role, and its relationship with contemporary cultural concerns are ideal candidates for this degree.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
Out-of-classroom learning opportunities include participating in colloquia, student-driven roundtables, workshops, and an annual Music Research Festival. Choosing among three different degree paths, students graduate as History, Culture & Theory Generalists, History & Culture Specialists, or Theory Specialists.
Opportunities after graduation
The program equips students with the skills and capabilities to pursue careers in academic teaching and research, arts administration, libraries and archives, communication and media, and writing.
Postgraduate opportunities
Graduates qualify to apply for admission to graduate programs in musicology, ethnomusicology, or music theory. They also qualify to apply for entry into professional programs in business, medicine, and law.
One of the standout aspects of the History, Culture & Theory program at the Faculty of Music was the variety of courses. I was able to engage in in-depth discussions with my professors and peers because of the small class size. Through this, I explored different interests and eventually found my unique academic path. Presenting my research at the Undergraduate Research Showcase hosted by the Music Library was such a memorable experience for me. Sharing my findings with an audience was incredibly rewarding, and I felt so supported by the encouragement of our community. The flexibility to shape my academic path, along with a super supportive faculty, have been truly invaluable in my journey, both academically and personally.
– Yuchen Zhang
Bachelor of Music 2024 - History, Culture & Theory (Piano)
Core courses focus on music history and culture, music theory, musical skills and keyboard harmony or skills. Students also receive individual instruction in their major performance medium and participate in major ensembles.
Students pursuing the General option take an equal number of upper level Music History and Music Theory courses, delivered in a seminar format. Those pursuing the History, Culture and Theory Specialist Options complete an increased number of electives, in the specialization of choice.
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 course offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science; however, up to one full credit of designated Music courses can be counted towards this requirement. Students have the opportunity to benefit from the diverse course offerings, that span different areas and traditions of music.
Options within the Degree
Music: 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.
Currently there are Minor programs offered in Composition, and Historical Keyboard.
Arts & Science: Within the Breadth Electives, students have the option of completing requirements towards a Minor or a Major from the Faculty of Arts & Science, in a discipline that sparks their interest.
The History, Culture, and Theory program at the Faculty of Music is the flagship academic music program in Canada. The defining feature is two-fold: the quality of the core undergraduate courses and the large variety of upper year academic courses. Budding academics can rejoice in receiving a solid foundation in musicology, ethnomusicology, and theory while also having the chance to explore the plentiful subfields of upper year academic music. In addition to the courses, there are so many opportunities for undergraduates to present their research from an annual music poster showcase to the hundreds of UofT-wide research programs.
– Eric Yang
Bachelor of Music 2025 - History, Culture & Theory (Voice)
One of the standout aspects of the History, Culture & Theory program at the Faculty of Music was the variety of courses. I was able to engage in in-depth discussions with my professors and peers because of the small class size. Through this, I explored different interests and eventually found my unique academic path. Presenting my research at the Undergraduate Research Showcase hosted by the Music Library was such a memorable experience for me. Sharing my findings with an audience was incredibly rewarding, and I felt so supported by the encouragement of our community. The flexibility to shape my academic path, along with a super supportive faculty, have been truly invaluable in my journey, both academically and personally.– Yuchen Zhang
