Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music is a four-year degree program. All BMus students receive individual instruction on their principal instrument or voice in each year of the program. During their first two years of study, all students complete a common “core” program that includes music theory, music history and culture, aural skills, keyboard skills, and music technology. At the end of their second year, students have the option to choose a major. Some majors provide the flexibility to do a minor in another discipline. Students in all majors are required to take courses outside of music in order to ensure a balanced university education.
Browse our majors below or read about our students’ experiences in our Meet the Majors feature.
Available Majors and Minors
The Composition major focuses on the study and composition of contemporary creative music and includes courses in advanced music theory, orchestration, and electronic music. This major is recommended for students who plan to pursue graduate study in composition or music theory, or who aspire to a career as a composer, arranger, producer, or university-based musician.
The Comprehensive major prepares students for further study in Music Education and includes a variety of instrumental techniques courses in addition to courses focusing on ensemble leadership and keyboard skills for classroom teachers.
This major is for those who are seeking a broad understanding and experience of music that will prepare them for a variety of career paths or advanced study options. The General Studies major also includes the option to complete a minor in another field of study.
Through courses in music history and culture, Musicologies majors explore the roles of music in society and are introduced to various forms of music scholarship. In their final year of study, students complete an independent research project, under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor. The Musicologies major is recommended for students who have an interest in music research or who plan to pursue research-oriented graduate study. The Musicologies major prepares students for a wide variety of careers in the music industry and beyond, including researcher, university-based musician, broadcaster, journalist, administrator, lawyer, archivist, and librarian.
The Performance major focuses on the development of performance skills in both solo and ensemble settings. In addition to presenting a public recital at the of their third and fourth years, Performance majors may take courses in career skills, body awareness, and performance psychology. The Performance major is recommended for students who plan to pursue a career as a performer, university-based musician, or private teacher.
Students with a strong interest in and aptitude for both performance and music research may wish to consider this major. In addition to presenting a public recital at the end of their third and fourth year, students complete an independent research project during their final year.This degree stream prepares students for careers in music such as performer, university-based musician, editor, researcher, or arts administrator, as well as careers outside of music in fields such as law, health care, education, the non-profit sector, and beyond.
Students with a strong interest in and aptitude for both performance and composition/music creation may wish to consider this Major. This major prepares students for graduate study in performance or composition or for a career as a performer, composer, arranger, or university-based musician.
The Minor in Jazz Studies is recommended for students with an interest in jazz and improvisation. Through courses in jazz theory and arranging, jazz history and culture, and improvisation, as well as participation in the MUN Jazz Orchestra and jazz combo, students develop the skills to successfully perform and teach in jazz and popular music contexts.
"Memorial also boasts one of the top composer-pedagogues in the country. Andrew Staniland was a huge influence on my current practice, encouraging me to listen to a wide variety of musical aesthetics and to always stay curious. His dedication in revamping MUN's electronic music studio has led to it being one of the best-equipped in the country, and very accessible to the student body."
- Bekah Simms '12, Composer