Academic Calendar

Composition Major – Bachelor of Music

Overview

The Composition major focuses on the art and craft of writing and arranging music in a wide range of genres and styles for a variety of ensembles and media. In addition to the core Bachelor of Music courses in performance, theory, aural skills, cultural studies of music, music technology and the business of music, composition courses address trends in 20th-century and contemporary composition, film scoring and video game music, songwriting and choral music, orchestration, and arranging. Composition majors acquire skills in industry standard music production and notation software, present works in public performance, and are prepared to enter the industry as professional commercial and artistic composers and arrangers.

The Composition major follows this prescribed Program of Study in addition to the common core courses students take in first year. Students will choose music options and non-music electives to complete their degree.

Bachelor of Music - Composition

Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications
MacEwan.ca/MusicDegree

The Bachelor of Music focuses on the study of jazz and contemporary popular music, responds to the current demands of the industry and combines a high degree of professionalism along with the academic rigour required for further education at the graduate level. The opportunity to study with internationally renowned professionals while following a challenging academic curriculum will give you the skills, insights, competency and credentials to pursue a career as a performer, creator and leader in the evolving music industry.

Year 1

All Bachelor of Music students share a common curriculum in the first year that focuses on individual study (voice, piano, guitar, bass, drums, winds, brass or violin), performance ensemble, theory (jazz and traditional), aural skills, and musicology).

years 2-4

After successful completion of the first year, students pursue a major route (specialized Program of Study).

Major routes include: Composition, General, Performance, and Recording and Production. Students following the four-year General route also have the opportunity to pursue one of four unique minors: Music Career Management, Music Education, Music Technology and Production, or Songwriting.

Students can obtain a diploma credential after completing their second year.

Career Potential

The Department of Music has been training some of Canada’s most talented musicians for over 50 years. The Bachelor of Music prepares students for the music profession and for further studies at the graduate level. Graduates have gone on to successful careers as performers, songwriters, arrangers, composers, electronica creators, sound designers, recording engineers and producers, record distributors, music managers, agents, marketers and promoters, music directors, accompanists, sound technicians, technologists, consultants, educators, researchers and academics. The Department of Music has a world-class faculty that includes highly skilled performers, creators, educators and academics, many of whom hold doctorates and master’s degrees in music as well as a variety of regional, national and international awards.

Contact Information

musicdegree@macewan.ca

Degree Requirements

Program Element Description Credits
Core Year Requirements Students complete 30 credits of Music courses and 6 credits of university English (ENGL) courses. 36
Major Requirements Students complete 38 to 74 credits of required Music courses in their chosen major. The number of required courses varies by major. 38-74
Minor Requirements Students in the General Major complete 15 to 18 credits in one of the four minors: Music Career Management, Music Education, Music Technology and Production, or Songwriting. Students in the General Major also have the option of having no minor. 15-18
Program Options Students complete 6 to 36 credits of program options, depending on their chosen major. The number of program options students complete varies by major. 6-36
Electives Students complete 12 to 18 credits of electives. The number of electives students complete varies by major. 12-18
Total 128

Core Year Requirements

ENGL 102Analysis and Argument3
Choose an ENGL course from the following:3
Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions
Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media
Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture
MUSC 103Theory I: Introduction to Music Theory3
MUSC 104Theory II: Harmony, Voice Leading, and Function3
MUSC 111Ear Training I3
MUSC 112Ear Training II3
MUSC 123Musicology I: Historical Musicology3
MUSC 124Musicology II: Popular Music Studies3
MUSC 131Principal Instrument I3
MUSC 132Principal Instrument II3
MUSC 141Master Class I3
MUSC 142Master Class II3
MUSC 188Performance Ensemble 10
MUSC 189Performance Ensemble 10
Total Credits36
1

The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.

 

Major Requirements

MUSC 201Theory III: Jazz Harmony and Analysis3
MUSC 202Theory IV: Chromatic Harmony, Form and Analysis3
MUSC 207Songwriting I3
MUSC 208Songwriting II3
MUSC 211Composition I3
MUSC 212Composition II3
MUSC 213Ear Training III3
MUSC 214Ear Training IV3
MUSC 215Functional Keyboard I1.5
or MUSC 217 Accompanying I
MUSC 216Functional Keyboard II1.5
or MUSC 218 Accompanying II
MUSC 221Applied Instrument I1.5
MUSC 222Applied Instrument II1.5
MUSC 263Introduction to Music Technology and Production3
MUSC 294Performance Ensemble 10
MUSC 295Performance Ensemble 10
MUSC 313Arranging I: Introduction to Arranging3
MUSC 314Arranging II: Arranging for Large Ensembles3
MUSC 326Composition III3
MUSC 327Composition IV3
MUSC 361Introduction to Music Career Management3
MUSC 396Performance Ensemble1
MUSC 397Performance Ensemble1
MUSC 415Orchestration3
MUSC 416Scoring for Film and Other Visual Media3
MUSC 417Composition V1.5
MUSC 418Composition VI1.5
MUSC 424Ethnomusicology3
MUSC 426History of Electro-Acoustic Music3
MUSC 427Cultural Studies of Music3
MUSC 474Graduation Recital and Portfolio (Composition) 10
Program Options
Students choose 12 credits of options with at least 3 credits from Music Career Management options and 3 credits from Music Technology and Production options.12
Electives
Choose 12 credits of electives, with at least 9 credits at the senior level. INTA courses may be used as electives, except INTA 360, which is a program option.12
Total Credits92
1

The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.

Program Options

Students choose 3 credits from Music Career Management options, 3 credits from Music Technology and Production options, and 6 credits from any of the categories below. Please note that not all options are offered every year and are subject to space availability.

Music Career Management Options
AGAD 209Publicity and Media Relations in the Arts3
AGAD 225Performing Arts Management3
AGAD 226Museum and Gallery Management3
AGAD 227Managing in the Music Industry3
AGAD 300Internal Practicum in Arts Management3
AGAD 301Cultural Policy and Advocacy3
MUSC 362The Business of Music3
MUSC 476Health Issues and the Professional Musician3
Music Technology and Production Options
MUSC 219Technical Ear Training3
MUSC 253Live Sound Reinforcement I3
MUSC 254Live Sound Reinforcement II3
MUSC 364Applications in Music Technology I3
MUSC 365Recording and Production Techniques3
or
Introduction to the Recording Studio
MUSC 367Analog and Digital Signal Processing3
MUSC 368Psychoacoustics3
MUSC 465Applications in Music Technology II3
MUSC 467Recording Studio Production3
MUSC 468Acoustics3
MUSC 469Mastering3
Music Education Options
MUSC 341Woodwind Techniques3
MUSC 344Brass Techniques3
MUSC 345Percussion and Rhythm Instruments3
MUSC 431Conducting Techniques3
Other Music Options 
INTA 360The Arts and Pedagogy3
MUSC 220Jazz History in Cultural Context3
MUSC 301Special Project I1
MUSC 302Special Project II2
MUSC 303Special Project III3
MUSC 380Directed Project3
MUSC 482Independent Study3
MUSC 498
MUSC 499
Performance Ensemble
and Performance Ensemble
3

Diploma Exit

Students are eligible for a diploma in Composition after the completion of Year 2 of the Bachelor of Music - Composition major Program of Study. For more information about the diploma, please see Degree Regulations.

Year 1 Requirements

ENGL 102Analysis and Argument3
Choose 3 credits of ENGL from the following:3
Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions
Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media
Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture
MUSC 103Theory I: Introduction to Music Theory3
MUSC 104Theory II: Harmony, Voice Leading, and Function3
MUSC 111Ear Training I3
MUSC 112Ear Training II3
MUSC 123Musicology I: Historical Musicology3
MUSC 124Musicology II: Popular Music Studies3
MUSC 131Principal Instrument I3
MUSC 132Principal Instrument II3
MUSC 141Master Class I3
MUSC 142Master Class II3
MUSC 188Performance Ensemble 10
MUSC 189Performance Ensemble 10
Total Credits36
1

The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.

Year 2 Requirements

MUSC 201Theory III: Jazz Harmony and Analysis3
MUSC 207Songwriting I3
MUSC 208Songwriting II3
MUSC 211Composition I3
MUSC 212Composition II3
MUSC 213Ear Training III3
MUSC 214Ear Training IV3
MUSC 215Functional Keyboard I1.5
or MUSC 217 Accompanying I
MUSC 216Functional Keyboard II1.5
or MUSC 218 Accompanying II
MUSC 263Introduction to Music Technology and Production3
MUSC 294Performance Ensemble 10
MUSC 295Performance Ensemble 10
MUSC 361Introduction to Music Career Management3
Electives
Choose 3 credits from junior- or senior-level electives3
Total Credits33
1

The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.

Degree Regulations

Declaration of a Major and Minor (Concentration)

Students are required to declare a major and minor concentration, where applicable, within their first year. Major and Minor declarations may be submitted starting September 1. The declaration deadlines for competitive and non-competitive majors and minors can be found on the Academic Schedule. Students are required to consult with the appropriate section head and the department's university advisor in determining their major or minor choice.

Students who declare a major in Composition, Performance, or Recording and Production, should note that these majors are competitive.

Students who declare the General major may choose to declare a minor in Music Career Management, Music Education, Music Technology and Production, or Songwriting. Students should note that the minor in Music Technology and Production is competitive.

Please note, when you declare your major, you must also select the same instrument that you were admitted with.

Graduation Recitals – Performance and Composition Majors

Students in the Performance and Composition majors must undertake juried public graduation recitals in the fourth year of their program.  

  • The Performance major recital involves a program of works performed on the major (principal) instrument in ensemble and solo settings that demonstrates the student’s technical ability, musicality, creativity, professionalism, comprehension of jazz and contemporary popular genres and styles, and comprehension of other contemporary and near-contemporary genres and styles. 
    • Students in the Performance major must also successfully complete an area examination in preparation for their graduation recital.
  • The Composition major recital involves a program of original works and arrangements for a variety of instruments (ensemble and solo, instrumental and vocal) that demonstrates the student’s technical ability, musicality, creativity, professionalism, comprehension of jazz and contemporary popular genres and styles, and comprehension of other contemporary and near-contemporary genres and styles.

The proposed program of works intended to fulfill the Composition and Performance graduation recital requirements must receive prior approval from the appropriate section head.

Graduation recitals for the Performance and Composition majors are graded as credit/non-credit. For Performance majors, failure to complete this requirement also constitutes a failure in Principal Instrument VIII. For Composition majors, failure to complete this requirement also constitutes a failure in Composition VI.

Performance Ensembles

All students must participate in required Performance Ensembles as noted in the programs of study. The Performance Ensemble requirement for Year 1 core and Year 2 all majors (Fall & Winter terms) are 0 (zero) credit. The Performance Ensemble requirements for Year 3 all majors (Fall & Winter terms) are 1 credit per term, and Year 4 (Performance major or as music option, Fall & Winter terms) are 1.5 credits per term.  

For all majors, students may choose to participate in a maximum of two performance ensembles per term but will only be enrolled in and earn credit for one ensemble per term. The second Performance Ensemble will be 0 (zero) credit in any term. To avoid jeopardy, students may be advised to withdraw from a second Performance Ensemble if the directors detect that the students are overburdened and cannot cope with the additional responsibility.

Junior- and Senior-Level Courses

Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are considered junior level and courses numbered from 200 to 499 are considered senior level.

Elective Requirements

Elective requirements in each of Years 2, 3, and 4 of the program must be non-Music, baccalaureate level coursework, with a minimum of 9 credits earned at the senior level for all majors (Composition, General, Performance, and Recording and Production). Students may consult with the department’s academic advisor for guidance. Program courses cannot be used to fulfill elective requirements.

Program Option Requirements

All Bachelor of Music students must successfully complete one additional Music Technology and Production course beyond the introductory course and one additional Music Career Management course beyond the introductory course as part of their core requirements.    

Students must select from a list of program options to fulfill the requirements in their declared major or minor. Specified program option courses may also be required courses in one or more of the program’s majors or minors, therefore, registration priority will be given to students who must take these courses as part of their specific Program of Study. Students may consult with the department’s academic advisor for guidance and availability of program option courses prior to registration.

Arts and Cultural Management (AGAD) Courses

Students following the General route with a minor in Music Career Management, as well as students seeking to use approved Arts and Cultural Management courses as Music options must take MUSC 361 before entering Arts and Cultural Management (AGAD) courses.

Progression of Studies

Students are responsible for ensuring they meet the prerequisite and/or co-requisite requirements as noted on all courses that may fulfill Bachelor of Music program requirements. Any student who discontinues registration in degree courses for twelve months will be required to re-apply for admission.

Diploma Requirements

Students are eligible for a diploma after the completion of Year 2 of the Bachelor of Music degree Program of Study, any route. Students who have obtained the diploma, or are otherwise eligible to do so, may continue with the degree. Obtaining the diploma does not require a student to exit the degree program; however, any student who discontinues registration in degree courses for twelve months will be required to re-apply for admission.

Expected Course Offerings

The following courses are only offered every second year:

MUSC 341Woodwind Techniques3
MUSC 344Brass Techniques3
MUSC 345Percussion and Rhythm Instruments3
MUSC 431Conducting Techniques3
MUSC 476Health Issues and the Professional Musician3

Admission Requirements

Applicants may be admitted to one of the following:

Regular Admission 

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65 percent, with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:

  1. ELA 30-1 or 75 % in ELA 30-2
  2. Four subjects from Group A, B, C, or D courses

Notes:

  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to present a broad range of subjects in order to benefit from the breadth of learning and to increase flexibility of future program and course choices.
  • A maximum of two Group B subjects may be presented; they must be from different disciplines.
  • A maximum of one Group D subject may be presented. Group D subjects used for admission must be 5-credit or any credit combination of at least 5 credits (e.g., two 3-credit subjects).

Applicants with nine or more post-secondary credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Mature Admission 

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicants must be 20 years of age or older and have been out of full-time high school at least one year by the beginning of the intake term. Applicant must have the following:

  • ELA 30-1 with a minimum grade of 65 percent (or equivalent)

    OR
  • Six credits of university-level English with a minimum grade of C-

Applicants with nine or more post-secondary credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Previous Post-Secondary Work

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Admission in this category does not imply or guarantee the transfer of any coursework and/or credential unless a block transfer agreement (internal or external) is in effect and published in the calendar by the Office of the University Registrar. In addition, transfer of coursework does not imply or guarantee that an applicant will be admitted.

Applicants must have successfully completed one of the following from a recognized institution:

  • A minimum of 24 university-level credits with a minimum Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and must have completed the required core courses listed under the Regular Admission category.

    OR
  • A University Music Diploma Program or equivalent

Probationary Admission 

To be evaluated through the Program

This admission category will only be used if the program is not filled by Regular, Mature or Previous Post-Secondary applicants.

A limited number of probationary admissions may be granted to applicants with an Admission Grade Point Average (AGPA) less than 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. These applicants will be placed on probation.

Additional Admission Criteria

All applicants must meet the following:

1. English Language Proficiency

To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar

Applicable to All Admission Categories

All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.

2. Other Admission Criteria

To be evaluated through the Program Office

Applicable to All Admission Categories

All applicants must audition.

Limited space is available, and not all applicants who are eligible may be admitted. When admission becomes competitive, performance in the audition is the primary criterion for admission. Applicants must also be aware that admission for any category is limited based on the availability of spaces for the principal instrument.