Academic Programs - Undergraduate

Music

In the School of Music, we strive to create versatile, confident, and well-rounded musicians who are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

A female student plays marimbas onstage at the Festival Theatre

Get to know the program

At Acadia University’s School of Music, we believe music is about so much more than notes on a page: it’s a journey, a voice, and a passion that defines who you are. We’re here to support the musical interests you bring with you, and to help you shape them into a path that’s uniquely yours. Whether your passion is performing, composing, producing, or exploring music in new and creative ways, our flexible, personalized program lets you pursue the music education that excites you most.

A journey you won't travel alone

From your very first audition, our faculty invests in getting to know you as an individual, not just your voice or your instrument. We want to understand your ambitions, your creativity, and the unique energy you bring to the program. This approach ensures your education is personalized, meaningful, and geared toward your success.

Hands-on mentorship from day one

Weekly, one-on-one applied lessons give you direct guidance from expert faculty. More than just technique, these lessons help shape your vision as a musician. Alongside this mentorship, you’ll have opportunities to perform externally, collaborate with peers, and engage in faculty-led projects. Early exposure to real-world music-making builds confidence, skill, and a professional mindset.

Discover your sound. Discover yourself.

Our curriculum balances practical performance, theory, history, composition, songwriting, and recording, giving you a strong foundation while letting you explore your passions. Small classes, ensembles, and workshops foster collaboration, discussion, and mentorship. Students also have access to paid roles as teaching assistants, peer tutors, or research assistants after their first year, gaining real-world experience while contributing to the department’s vibrant musical community.

Sample Courses

Explore the diversity of music study at Acadia. From performing to production, history to improvisation, these courses open doors to creative exploration and professional skills.

MUSI 1823
PRACTISING MUSIC
Deepen your craft with strategies to improve technique, efficiency, and musical consistency.

MUSI 2003
JAZZ HISTORY
Explore jazz’s roots, evolution, and cultural impact across eras and styles.

MUSI 3223
MUSIC IN CANADA
Trace the unique stories, styles, and voices that shape Canadian music and identity.

MUSI 3283
MUSIC PRODUCTION WORKSHOP
Get hands-on experience recording, editing, and producing music in real studio settings.

MUSI 3713
IMPROV AND THE CREATIVE PROCESS
Develop spontaneity and expression through improvisation techniques and creative experiments.

MUSI 4343
MUSIC IN CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITIES
Investigate how music shapes, reflects, and strengthens communities in the cultural landscape.

At Acadia’s School of Music, we see your education as a living composition, one you’ll shape note by note. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. Just as every student is unique, so too is their journey. Whether your dream is to perform, teach, compose, produce, or lead, your degree can be tailored to fit your goals, strengths, and creative vision.

Learn by creating, performing, and connecting

Your core music courses build a strong foundation in theory, performance, and musicianship, while your electives (in music and other disciplines as well) give you room to explore. You might dive deep into jazz history or digital production, experiment with improvisation, or explore how music connects communities. Our flexible approach lets you pursue what moves you most, while gaining the skills and confidence that make a modern musician thrive.

Shape your own pathway

As a liberal arts university, Acadia encourages curiosity that extends beyond music. You can broaden your education by pairing your music studies with courses in education, business, psychology, or community development— connecting what you learn in the practice room to what’s happening in the world around you.

Examples of Bachelor of Music Pathways

Whatever inspires you most, there’s a pathway that helps you follow it. Here are just a few of the pathways our students take within the Bachelor of Music degree.

  • Community Music
  • Music Education
  • Performance
  • Songwriting and Production
  • Theory and Composition
  • Pedagogy and Leadership
  • Music History and Culture

Expand Your Horizons

Within our Bachelor of Arts in Music degree you may tailor your pathway with elective options in other disciplines to invest in an interdisciplinary experience, while maintaining a focal point in music. This flexible program allows you to explore how music interacts with the wider world, balancing performance, research, and creative exploration.

For those interested in graduate studies or advanced research, the Bachelor of Arts in Music (Honours) offers a thesis option
and one-on-one mentorship in your area of interest.

Combine, specialize, and go further

You can also combine your music degree with another program, such as Community Development, Math & Music as a Double Major, or Music as a Second Major.  

Career Options After Graduation

A degree in Music prepares you for a wide spectrum of careers. Graduates leave ready to inspire, lead, create, and innovate.

  • Arts administrator
  • Composer
  • Conductor
  • Community arts facilitator
  • Entrepreneur
  • Music educator
  • Music therapist
  • Performer
  • Producer
  • Promoter
  • Collaborator
  • Leader and manager
 

Degree Timeline

Create your own pathway

  • Complete the comprehensive core program of music courses
  • Work one-on-one with faculty to identify your ideal degree pathway
  • Play in ensembles and attend weekly Concert and Lecture Series presentations
  • Join clubs and get involved on campus and within the program

Follow your passion

  • Choose music electives from a variety of specialized courses to focus on your interests

Ignite your potential

  • Broaden your knowledge with electives from other disciplines
  • Choose the Honours program (BAMH) if you want to pursue graduate-level research
  • Earn your degree

Apply to
Acadia

If you’re looking for a high-quality, high-engagement university experience, you’ve come to the right place. Bringing out the best in you is what we do best.

Applying online takes about 15 minutes. Let’s get started!

Continue Exploring

Visit the School of Music

Related Programs

With your passion for performance and creativity, you may also be interested in programs including:

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