A degree in music should be pursued in Canada by any student who is enthusiastic about music and wants to improve their academic and practical skills. As a music student, you will learn how to play an instrument and deepen your knowledge of musical theory.

Music courses place equal emphasis on the theoretical and performative aspects of the field for international students wanting to advance their academic or technical endeavours in music in Canada. Music is an interdisciplinary field focusing on everything from history and theory to composition and performance.

More than 60 Canadian institutions provide music education across the country. You'll be exposed to various musical genres with a degree in music, from jazz to classical, traditional world music to contemporary repertoires, and electronic and digital music applications.

Additionally, you will have the exciting opportunity to perform solo or in an ensemble in public recitals and concerts.

In Canada, many different career options are available in the music industries, including performing, composing, conducting, producing, distributing, educating, festivals, film, television, video games, advertising, arts administration, and more.

Thesis projects must be submitted in the last year of study by students pursuing a music master's degree based on a thesis. Collaboration with neighbourhood arts and music organisations is also necessary to sharpen and develop abilities, acquire relevant experience, create profiles, and complete the theoretical component of coursework.

Music graduates can work as music therapists, teachers, promoters and entrepreneurs, technicians, and professional musicians.

In Canada, the average annual salary for a musician can range from 40,000 CAD – 75,000 CAD.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: QS World Ranking 2022

100,000+ students achieved their study abroad dreams with us.  Start your journey today.   Talk to an Expert

Academic excellence and excellent standards of education are two of the main reasons Canada is one of the most sought-after study locations in the world for pursuing music degrees. Canadian universities frequently score first in worldwide rankings.

Some of the top universities are listed below with  QS world ranking 2022.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Bachelor of Music

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree is intended for students who want to pursue careers in music as performers, instructors, composers, theorists, historians, or critics. Students who major in performance, composition, or integrated studies can do so through the BMus.

A bachelor's degree in music can be completed in four years. Several Bachelor of Music programs in Canada also features a paid co-op for three to six months. Throughout this internship, you will be a music instructor, teaching assistant, business improvement analyst, and music director assistant.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Bachelor of Music, Program and Course Duration

Canada's Bachelor of Music program offers multiple specialisations, dual degrees, and paid job experience options.

Some of Canada's best institutions for bachelor's degrees in music are listed below with program and course details.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Bachelor of Music, Tuition Fees

Some of Canada's best institutions for bachelor's degrees in music are listed below with tuition fee details.

Bachelor of Music in Canada: Academic Requirements

McGill University

• Describe your musical experience, including performance and theoretical studies.
• Statement of Intent, describing why you would like to study music and where you see yourself in the future once you have completed your degree.
• Music Reference Letter
• Transcripts from all academic institutions you attended
• Must self-report their grade 11 and 12 marks through the designated webform
• Proof of English proficiency: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 79 - 80, PTE 60

The University of Calgary

• Hold a High School degree in English with a minimum of B grade. Equivalent baccalaureate degrees are also accepted.
• IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE score: A minimum of 6.5 in IELTS/ 86 in TOEFL and 60 in PTE.

University of Ottawa

• You must complete all prerequisites in the last year of your secondary studies or at the postsecondary level.
• Submit official transcripts
• You might have to submit other documents to complete your application, such as a resumé or cover letter.
• Language requirements: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL IBT 86, PTE 60, Duo Lingo 120

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Master of Music

A master's degree in music in Canada can be finished anywhere from 1 to 4 years, depending on the concentration picked. It covers many various areas of the arts, including ethnomusicology, instrumental music performance, music education, music composition, music entrepreneurship, music technology, music therapy, and conducting.

Fieldwork approaches and other introductory courses in music are taught together with some other general music courses during the first year of a master's degree in the music program in Canada. Students must participate in seminars and conduct real-world research during their second year of studies.

After completing of master's in music, Graduates have careers as professional musicians, music therapists, instructors, music promoters and business owners, and music technologists.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Master of Music, Programs and Course Details

Some of Canada's best institutions for bachelor's degrees in music are listed below with program and fee details.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Master of Music, Tuition Fees

A master's degree in music from a Canadian university typically costs between 20,000 and 75,000 CAD.

Some of the best institutions for bachelor's degrees in music are listed below with program and fee details.

Master of Music in Canada: Academic Requirements

University of Toronto

• The undergrad degree or diploma requires a 75 per cent (B+) average.
• A Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Therapy degree with a final-year average grade point average of mid-B or above or an equivalent program and grade point average from another accredited university.
• Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant's professional accomplishments and promise.
• English Language Requirements:
• TOEFL: I scored 93/12022 on the writing and speaking portions.
•  PTE Marks - 7/9 in IELTS A minimum of 6.5 for each component.

University of British Columbia

• The candidate must have a B.Mus., B.S., or B.A. degree.
• A music major is recommended, with courses in World Music Cultures and intensive examination of various world locations.
• Before applying, students having Bachelor's degrees in these areas are urged to examine this program and review its requirements.
• A solid foundation in performance and fieldwork is advantageous.
• TOEFL: 100/120, 22 in reading, hearing, and writing, and 21 in speaking.
• IELTS: 7/9 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component

McGill University

• A bachelor's in Music Education degree, or equivalent, from a McGill-recognized university.
• An overall grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 or a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in the previous two years of full-time study.
• English Language requirements:
• TOEFL: 86/120, with at least 20 in each of the four component scores
• IELTS: 6.5/9 overall.
• GRE: There is no precise cutoff for the GRE; all applicants must take the test.

The University of Montreal

• A Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent from a recognised institution is required.
• A bachelor's in musicology, or an equivalent degree, from a McGill-approved university.
• An overall grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 out of 4.0 or a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 out of 4.0 in your most recent two years of ongoing studies.
• IELTS: a band score of 6.5 or higher is required (Academic module).
• TOEFL: 86 overall, with a minimum of 20 in each of the four component scores.

University of Alberta

• Students must have a B.A. Honours in Music or B.Mus. degree, or an equivalent.
• Students without an Honours B.A. or B.Mus. degree are encouraged to apply.
• English language requirements: 
• TOEFL: 100/120, with a minimum score of 20 in each section.
• Marks: 68/90 for PTE.
• IELTS: 7/9, with a minimum of 5.5 in each test band.

University of Ottawa

• Applicants must have one of the following qualifications: A Bachelor of Music, A four-year honours bachelor's degree in music. 
• A four-year bachelor's degree with a major in music or an equivalent degree or diploma.
• English Language Requirements:
• TOEFL: 92 with at least a 30 in each of the four components, 
• PTE: 65 or higher and no part less than 60, 
• IELTS: 6.5 overall score band

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Doctor of Music

This educational program seeks to provide students with a solid foundation in musical analysis and study procedures and uses. The PhD in Music offers three options for emphasis: musicology, music theory, or ethnomusicology. This distinction is reflected in the degree's qualification.

Bachelor of Music in the USA: Course Guide

Music research comprises historical musicology, composition, analysis, and music awareness. Candidates who pass this course usually become music educators and scholars.

The research course usually takes 3-5 years to complete in Canadian Universities. The program supports students in pursuing careers as musicians, educators, researchers, and professionals across various musical disciplines. A composer, accompanist, music author, music school administrator, or music instructor can work in the film industry.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Doctor of Music, Program and Course Duration

Some of Canada's best institutions for doctoral degrees in music are listed below with program and course details.

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Doctor of Music, Tuition Fees

Some of Canada's best institutions for doctoral degrees in music are listed below with Tuition Fees details.

Doctor of Music in Canada: Academic Requirements

• A Master's degree or equivalent
• a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC)
• English Language test: TOEFL IBT 93, IELTS 6.5
• Take the General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test
• Submit one or more writing samples that demonstrate substantial prior training in ethnomusicology

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Scholarships

Both domestic and international students can apply for music scholarships in Canada. There are wide ranges for someone interested in a music career. It will be rewarding and challenging at the same time.

Here is a list of music scholarships for college students if music is your passion.

Canadian universities are still developing scholarship programs to support the country's top musicians in completing their degree programs.

The following are some of the scholarships available to international students studying music in Canada:

Top Universities for Music in Canada: Career and Job Scope,

A rewarding profession in music can be created by blending creativity with the most recent technological advancements. Today's music trade can include working in a studio as a composer, planning events and concerts, assisting recording artists, playing sessions, or starting your musical ventures.

Students who studied music in Canada have been spotted working in marketing, education, and the music business. For both local students and students from other countries, a music degree can lead to some of these prospective job choices.

In Canada, the annual average music pay is $48,750. Most experienced workers earn up to $73,125 annually, while entry-level roles start at $39,000.