Master of Arts in Music (Thesis-based)

Students in the M.A. can follow either a thesis-based or course-based program. Each strives to produce outstanding graduates who deal critically and respectfully with a variety of musical traditions, while engaging in scholarly conversation across disciplines.

Students encounter a broad spectrum of approaches to music. Members of the faculty have published on a range of topics including music and health, global music history, theories of canon formation, studies of ownership in experimental music, and questions about how streaming, public policy, and copyright impact music industries. Faculty are eager to support a wide range of thesis topics.

The Department of Music offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Music, Doctor of Music, and Doctor of Philosophy. The MA and PhD include work in the areas of Musicology, Music Theory, Ethnomusicology, Popular Music, and interdisciplinary music studies. The MMus program includes specializations in Performance (keyboard instruments, piano pedagogy, orchestral instruments, wind band conducting, and voice), Choral Conducting, and Composition. The DMus program is offered in piano and organ performance, in choral conducting, and in composition, and is considered on an individual basis for applicants in other performance areas.

For the MA program the Department's minimum admission requirements are a Bachelor's degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution. The admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework. Applicants must also submit the following

a current Curriculum Vitae
a Statement of Interest one or two pages summarizing their background in music and outlining future career goals
a brief summary of personal achievements outside of music (involvement in student government and the university community, involvement in professional societies and volunteerism)
three letters of reference. Referees should be knowledgeable about the applicant's academic and research potential and capabilities.
a minimum TOEFL score of 100 (internet-based) with at least 21 on each of the individual skill areas
a minimum overall band score of 7.0 on the IELTS with a minimum of 6.5 on each band
an equivalent score on a recognized English language examination.