Bachelor of Music History, Culture & Theory

Overview

What to expect

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. 

Curriculum

Bachelor of Music

20
Total Credits over 4 years
  • Core courses
  • Specialization courses
  • Music electives
  • Breadth electives

Core Courses

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.

See Classical Core Curriculum for more information.

Specialization Courses

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.

For further details on any of the above options, please refer to the Classical Core Curriculum.

Visit our Music Theory and Musicology Areas

The admission requirements include two components:

  • academic admission requirements
  • theory admission requirements

The application process is the same for all Classical undergraduate programs:

  • review the application deadlines and save them to your calendar
  • follow the steps outlined on Apply to Degree Programs
  • prepare for your audition

Connect with the Admissions and Recruitment Team

U of T Music brings together the brightest researchers, educators, creators and performers. 

We welcome you to join us. 

A Student Ambassador tour guide holds a Tour sign, and poses for a picture with a U of T Music staff member.