The joint bachelor of music (B.Mus.) and bachelor of commerce (B.Comm.), is a five-year joint degree program in which students complete an undergraduate degree in music learning and development including applied studies and mentorship, ensemble performance, chamber music, musicologies, music theory (written theory and aural skills), music technology, and career skills. At the same time, they complete a full business degree program and develop knowledge and skills in business studies including accounting, finance, marketing, branding, management, strategy, and entrepreneurship.

Students enrolled in the joint degree program may choose from the following majors: composition, general musical studies, or performance.

Completing a joint degree significantly heightens the ability of graduates to pursue professional careers in music and related industries from entrepreneurial ventures (e.g. performance, composition, studio teaching, digital media) to professional and managerial work within established businesses and organizations.

Jump to

• Admission requirements - new Memorial students
• Your first year
• Sample courses
• Career opportunities

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Admission requirements to degree

New Memorial students

Students interested in applying for fall admission should select "Bachelor of Music - Joint with Bachelor of Commerce" as their academic program on the undergraduate application for admission.

Students are normally admitted to the B.Mus. degree program at the beginning of the fall semester. Successful applicants may enter the joint degree program after they complete the 10 courses (30 credit hours) that comprise Business One. All applications must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. The deadline for applications is January 15. All applicants must satisfy the general admission requirements of the university.

Application fee

In addition to the University’s general application fee, applicants are required to pay a music supplementary application fee of $40 CAD.

Additional documents required for admission

Your application to the bachelor of music will require you to submit the following:

• statement highlighting your relevant past experiences, career plans, and motivation for pursuing the joint degrees program
• musical teacher reference form
• performance audition (in-person or by video)
• assessments of musical literacy and competency

The School of Music provides full details on supporting documents required for admission.

Find the list of audition dates on the School of Music website. Late auditions may be scheduled if spaces are available.

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Your first year

Have a look at a sample schedule of courses you may need to take in your first year of the joint music and commerce program.

This is a sample only. Meet with an academic advisor to create a plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals.

1. Students who are required to take Mathematics 1090 prior to Mathematics 1000 or 1005 should complete Mathematics 1090 in Term 1, Mathematics 1000 or 1005 in place of Economics 1010 in Term 2, and Economics 1010 in Term 4.
   
   
2. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Theory Assessment. If unsuccessful, students should register for Music 1105. Co-requisite: Music 1117
   
   
3. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Theory Assessment. Co-requisite: Music 1107
   
   
4. The Piano Proficiency Test is a pre-requisite for required second-year Music Theory and Aural Skills courses. Students who have not yet passed the Piano Proficiency Test are expected to take private lessons in piano at their own expense in their first year.

Further assistance

For assistance with course selection, contact the Faculty of Business Administration's Academic Program Office or the School of Music Advisor, Annie Corrigan. 

For additional program information, visit the Faculty of Business Administration and School of Music.

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Sample courses

MUS 1105 - Elements of Music I
MUS 1107 - Materials and Techniques of Music I
MUS 1700 - Introduction to Music Technology

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Career opportunities

With a music degree, you are limited only by your imagination.

Music studies are recognized as among the best for future success. Our graduates go on to careers as performers, composers, teachers, orchestral musicians, entrepreneurs, theorists, musicologists, music therapists, sound engineers and more. Additionally, music has set up many of our graduates for celebrated careers as doctors, lawyers, engineers and business executives.

Here’s a short list of some of the amazing things our graduates do:

• Operatic tenor;
• Concert pianist;
• MTV vlogger;
• Film & TV composer;
• Tonmeister: technology specialist & sound design;
• Indie rockstar;
• Endocrinologist;
• Dean, School of Music;
• Videogame composer;
• Piano technician.

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