A rich and varied offering of courses designed to prepare thoughtful, musically sensitive, passionate, and technically skilled music educators who engage in music teaching and learning at all levels and in many contexts. The goal of the program is to educate students to be critically aware, community oriented and reflective persons who are professionally prepared to be transformative leaders in the education of a musical society. The program is designed to provide students with both breadth and depth in their musical studies.
Why it stands out
Exceptional teaching has made the Faculty of Music a national leader in music education for over 75 years. Students receive expert guidance from instructors with deep professional experience as educators, performers, entrepreneurs, and researchers. They also benefit from opportunities to connect with the vibrant music education scene within the university and the City of Toronto at large.
Who it’s for
Curious, motivated, collaborative, and versatile students who are are passionate about music, demonstrate potential for musical growth, and are willing to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to them.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
The program provides both breadth and depth. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of music pedagogy fundamentals. Small classes, courses balancing theoretical and practical instruction, and ongoing mentorship are highlights of the program. Students may identify an area (or areas) of specialty within Music Education (for example: Elementary, Choral, Instrumental, Music from other Traditions), but they are also encouraged to explore the richness of musical experiences offered. Core program requirements are complemented with an incredible breadth of fields across music, which speaks not only to music as an interdisciplinary practice, but to its relevance in society today.
Opportunities after graduation
This program will train students to respond to the changing landscape in musical fields by preparing for a diverse set of career paths. Many graduates teach in community organizations or (after obtaining an additional Bachelor of Education degree) in educational institutions, from preschools to high schools. Some build careers as artist-teachers or as leaders in arts organizations in which a broad musical background is an asset.
Postgraduate opportunities
The Bachelor of Music qualifies graduates for further study. Students who want to teach in a school system will apply to a teacher certification degree such as the Bachelor of Education (at another university) or the Master of Teaching at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at UofT). The Faculty of Music, in collaboration with OISE offers a Combined Master of Teaching degree, that students in year 3 of the Music Education program can apply to. Students accepted into the program begin working on the requirements of the Master of Teaching in year 4 of their undergraduate degree. Students also pursue a wide range of other programs after graduation, depending on their interests. Graduates could apply to pursue further study within Music, or professional programs such as business, medicine and law.
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.
In Year 1, students complete the Introduction to Music Education, to understand the concepts and contexts to music education with an emphasis on a critical examination of current practice. The course also introduces the basics of various approaches to music teaching and learning. This is complemented with introductory instrumental courses, in strings, brass and woodwinds. In Year 2, Theoretical Inquiry in Music Education introduces students to theoretical concepts related to students, teachers, music, and music educational settings while the Psychological Foundations course lets students critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of prevailing psychological theories in the context of music teaching and learning. These courses lay the foundation for music education electives that provide opportunities for further in-depth study.
In order to complete their Music Education Electives, students may identify an area or areas of specialty within Music Education (for example, elementary; choral; instrumental; music from other traditions; social change), or explore the richness of musical experiences offered.
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. Students have the opportunity to benefit from the diverse course offerings, that span different areas and traditions of music.
Breadth Electives
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. For those intending to teach at the intermediate or senior levels in the school system in Ontario, proficiency in a second teachable is required (this must be a subject taught in schools). A great resource is http://www.ouac.on.ca/teas/, which outlines the second teachable requirements of all institutions in Ontario that offer a Bachelor of Education. By planning ahead, students are able to complete the second teachable requirements as part of the breadth electives.
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 History and Culture, 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.
My four years as a undergraduate Music Education student at the Faculty of Music provided the most amazing learning and growth opportunities. The supportive learning community of peers, staff and faculty (many of whom I consider lifelong mentors and friends) provided a great foundation upon which to grow as a pre-service music educator. The mix of theory and practical application in classes, and opportunities for leadership, extracurricular musical theatre productions, and the Faculty of Music Undergraduate Association, have prepared me extremely well for my current work as a freelance conductor-educator and high school music teacher of a diverse and creative community of students.
Headshot photo credit: Danielle Sum Photography @daniellesumphoto
– Kevin Vuong
Bachelor of Music 2019 - Music Education (Clarinet)
Studying at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music has been a truly transformative experience. The Faculty's exceptional instructors, diverse course offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities have helped me grow both as a musician and as a person. The opportunity to perform with talented peers, attend master classes with renowned artists, and engage in enriching discussions with musicologists has broadened my musical understanding and inspired me to reach new heights. The U of T Music community's warmth, support, and passion for music have made me feel at home, and I am forever grateful for the skills, knowledge, and memories I've gained during my time here.
– Dimitra Kahrimanidis
Bachelor of Music 2024 - Music Education (Voice)
For my 4 years of study at U of T's Faculty of Music, I am grateful for the exceptional training and tremendous amount of support from my professors. The program's rigorous curriculum and performance opportunities significantly enhanced my skills and prepared me for a successful career in music education. The vibrant musical community made my experience truly unforgettable.
– Tina Wang
Bachelor of Music 2023 - Music Education (Piano)
Studying at the University of Toronto allowed me to explore different career paths within the music industry and combine my passion for education and business into a fulfilling career as an educator and arts administrator. I have taught students from all ages and skill levels, and worked on projects that promote music education in classrooms and communities across Canada at CBC Music.
– Emily Tam
Bachelor of Music 2021 - Music Education (Piano)
I will be forever grateful for the music education program at the University of Toronto. The program gave me a wealth of experience in both theoretical and practical concepts, and also allowed me the leeway to participate in performance-related activities, as well as interact with composers, performers and educators alike. Although my career became one based in performance, I would still have done the music education program if I had to redo it all over again. The information I retained, as well as the symbiotic relationship between education and performance that this school fosters will forever be valuable to me.
– Jacob Valcheff
Bachelor of Music 2020 - Music Education (Percussion) Advanced Certificate in Performance 2021 - Percussion Master of Music in Performance 2023 - Percussion
My studies at U of T provided me with a diverse set of skills and experiences that have set me up with the confidence to explore my greatest musical ambitions. I believe that everything I learned while studying both music education and trumpet performance contribute to my development as multi-faceted musician, as well as a person. Though I am now mainly pursuing performance, I don't think I would change anything about the programs of study that I chose. I will be forever grateful for the amazing faculty members who went above and beyond to give their students the best possible education. Even after graduating, I still feel attached to the wonderful community that I found there.
– Charlotte McIntosh
Bachelor of Music 2022 - Music Education (Trumpet) Advanced Certificate in Peformance 2023 - Trumpet
I will be forever grateful for the music education program at the University of Toronto. The program gave me a wealth of experience in both theoretical and practical concepts, and also allowed me the leeway to participate in performance-related activities, as well as interact with composers, performers and educators alike. Although my career became one based in performance, I would still have done the music education program if I had to redo it all over again. The information I retained, as well as the symbiotic relationship between education and performance that this school fosters will forever be valuable to me.– Jacob Valcheff
