Extensive individual and ensemble performance training, as well as ample opportunities to perform in solo, chamber, ensemble, and orchestral settings, comprise the core of this four-year woodwinds performance degree. Students receive instruction in Classical, Romantic, twentieth-century, and contemporary repertoire. They focus on orchestral excerpts to be played at auditions. Small class sizes, a closely knit community, and ample opportunities for collaboration across years highlight the program. Strings students become creative, entrepreneurial performers who respect and understand the traditions of music while embracing future directions.
Why it stands out
Students join a community of exceptional, mutually supportive peers taught by accomplished faculty and distinguished guest performers. Weekly gatherings of students, faculty, and guest woodwind players are essential to the program. Weekly coaching and rehearsal sessions augmented by three to four guest-led masterclasses per term and an end-of-term public concert comprise the rhythms of the Woodwind studies year. Inspirational Masterclasses focus on chamber music for smaller woodwind ensembles or playing specific instruments in the woodwind family.
Who it’s for
Students seeking careers as freelance performers, orchestral players, and/or private studio or institutional teachers are well suited for this degree. The program is ideal 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
Students engage in private applied learning, participate in masterclasses by resident and guest teachers, and benefit from a wide choice of performance electives. They acquire a thorough understanding of performance styles and literature. They have options of exploring pedagogy, music from other traditions, conducting, performance skills, and classes that focus on the business aspects of music.
Paid professional work both on and off campus is facilitated through our Music Booking Office.
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. Graduates typically pursue careers as solo, ensemble, or orchestral brass players. Some build careers as artist-teachers or as leaders in arts organizations in which a broad musical background is an asset.
Postgraduate opportunities
Students qualify to apply for admission to graduate brass performance programs. 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.
Something valuable that I’ve found while studying flute performance here at U of T is the overwhelming support from my peers. Various people that I’ve been fortunate to meet here are so encouraging, compassionate, and kind. I think that these traits are critical to have in the workplace because they motivate everyone involved to try their best, work hard, and ask for help if needed.
– Anwen Robertson
Bachelor of Music in Performance 2027 - Flute
What I value the most about studying at the University of Toronto is its commitment to providing a diverse range of experiences. From performing with various ensembles to working with world-renowned artists has expanded my knowledge to different kinds of music styles. These opportunities have significantly enhanced my skills as a musician and developed a professional mindset, preparing me for a successful career. Aside from learning, the meaningful connections with talented individuals have greatly contributed to my personal growth. By making music together, I have built lifelong relationships with colleagues and mentors who always make me feel supported and inspired, which enriched my music journey both professionally and personally.
– Rita Ren
Bachelor of Music in Performance 2025 - Bassoon
Maestro Uri Mayer at the Faculty of Music has been incredibly inspirational to me as a member of the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Under his mentorship and guidance, I have had the privilege of performing principal flute parts in a variety of repertoire, including Dvorak's Symphony No. 8, Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, and the piccolo part in Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9. Many other faculty members at the University of Toronto are just as generous as Maestro Mayer with their knowledge and expertise. Nora Shulman, the former principal flute of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and my applied teacher at UofT, has provided invaluable lessons throughout my four years at the Faculty of Music, shaping me into the musician and person I am today.
I could go on about the fabulous mentors that the Faculty of Music invites to inspire their students, but the truth is, you have to experience it yourself at the heart of Toronto in the Edward Johnson Building.
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 participate in the Instrumental Performance Classes, every year, which explores various approaches to performance and repertoire in instrument specific groupings. This is complemented with Applied lessons, Major Ensembles, Chamber Music, and Orchestral Studies. Other performance options include participating in the Faculty of Music’s Oasis Series, free concerts presented in non-traditional venues across the university. They also include playing in concerts held regularly at the Faculty of Music. Performing concerts at high schools throughout the Greater Toronto Area is an essential part of the curriculum of Woodwind chamber class.
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. Some examples include courses such as the the Business of Music, The 21st Century Creative Performer: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry to Performance and Performance Practice, Performance as a Freelance Artist in North America, Introduction to Computer Applications in Music to Japanese Taiko Drumming!
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. (The Minor in Composition is not available to students in the Bachelor of Music in Composition.)
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.
Maestro Uri Mayer at the Faculty of Music has been incredibly inspirational to me as a member of the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Under his mentorship and guidance, I have had the privilege of performing principal flute parts in a variety of repertoire, including Dvorak's Symphony No. 8, Brahms’ Symphony No. 1, and the piccolo part in Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9. Many other faculty members at the University of Toronto are just as generous as Maestro Mayer with their knowledge and expertise. Nora Shulman, the former principal flute of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and my applied teacher at UofT, has provided invaluable lessons throughout my four years at the Faculty of Music, shaping me into the musician and person I am today.I could go on about the fabulous mentors that the Faculty of Music invites to inspire their students, but the truth is, you have to experience it yourself at the heart of Toronto in the Edward Johnson Building.– Ray Zheng
