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 your first year. Students will choose music options and non-music electives to complete their degree.

Bachelor of Music in Jazz and Contemporary Popular Music

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

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 almost 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

1	The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Major Requirements
MUSC 201	Theory III: Jazz Harmony and Analysis	3
MUSC 202	Theory IV: Chromatic Harmony, Form and Analysis	3
MUSC 207	Songwriting I	3
MUSC 208	Songwriting II	3
MUSC 211	Composition I	3
MUSC 212	Composition II	3
MUSC 213	Ear Training III	3
MUSC 214	Ear Training IV	3
MUSC 215	Functional Keyboard I	1.5
or MUSC 217	Accompanying I
MUSC 216	Functional Keyboard II	1.5
or MUSC 218	Accompanying II
MUSC 221	Applied Instrument I	1.5
MUSC 222	Applied Instrument II	1.5
MUSC 263	Introduction to Music Technology and Production	3
MUSC 294	Performance Ensemble 1	0
MUSC 295	Performance Ensemble 1	0
MUSC 313	Arranging I: Introduction to Arranging	3
MUSC 314	Arranging II: Arranging for Large Ensembles	3
MUSC 326	Composition III	3
MUSC 327	Composition IV	3
MUSC 361	Introduction to Music Career Management	3
MUSC 396	Performance Ensemble	1
MUSC 397	Performance Ensemble	1
MUSC 415	Orchestration	3
MUSC 416	Scoring for Film and Other Visual Media	3
MUSC 417	Composition V	1.5
MUSC 418	Composition VI	1.5
MUSC 424	Ethnomusicology	3
MUSC 426	History of Electro-Acoustic Music	3
MUSC 427	Cultural Studies of Music	3
MUSC 474	Graduation Recital and Portfolio (Composition) 1	0
Options - Choose four courses from the following list:		12
Music Career Management - Choose at least one course from the following list:
AGAD 209	Publicity and Media Relations in the Arts
AGAD 225	Performing Arts Management
AGAD 226	Museum and Gallery Management
AGAD 227	Managing in the Music Industry
AGAD 300	Internal Practicum in Arts Management
AGAD 301	Cultural Policy and Advocacy
MUSC 362	The Business of Music
MUSC 476	Health Issues and the Professional Musician
Music Education
MUSC 341	Woodwind Techniques
MUSC 344	Brass Techniques
MUSC 345	Percussion and Rhythm Instruments
MUSC 431	Conducting Techniques
Music Technology - Choose at least one course from the following list:
MUSC 253	Live Sound Reinforcement I
MUSC 254	Live Sound Reinforcement II
MUSC 364	Applications in Music Technology I
MUSC 366	Introduction to the Recording Studio
MUSC 465	Applications in Music Technology II
MUSC 467	Recording Studio Production
MUSC 468	Acoustics
Other
INTA 360	The Arts and Pedagogy
MUSC 301	Special Project I
MUSC 302	Special Project II
MUSC 303	Special Project III
MUSC 380	Directed Project
MUSC 482	Independent Study
MUSC 498	Performance Ensemble 2
MUSC 499	Performance Ensemble 2
Elective - 100 level or higher		3
Electives - 200 level or higher		9
Total Credits		92

1	The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.
2	Two terms of Performance Ensemble (MUSC 498 and MUSC 499) may replace one 3 credit MUSC option.

Note: Not all option courses are offered in every year.

Exit Diploma

Year 1 Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
ENGL 102	Analysis and Argument	3
Choose an ENGL course from the following:		3
ENGL 103	Approaches to Literature: Trends and Traditions
ENGL 104	Approaches to Literature: Narrative Across Media
ENGL 105	Approaches to Literature: Contemporary Literature and Culture
MUSC 103	Theory I: Introduction to Music Theory	3
MUSC 104	Theory II: Harmony, Voice Leading, and Function	3
MUSC 111	Ear Training I	3
MUSC 112	Ear Training II	3
MUSC 123	Musicology I: Historical Musicology	3
MUSC 124	Musicology II: Popular Music Studies	3
MUSC 131	Principal Instrument I	3
MUSC 132	Principal Instrument II	3
MUSC 141	Master Class I	3
MUSC 142	Master Class II	3
MUSC 188	Performance Ensemble 1	0
MUSC 189	Performance Ensemble 1	0
Total Credits		36

1	The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.

Year 2 Requirements - Composition

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
MUSC 201	Theory III: Jazz Harmony and Analysis	3
MUSC 207	Songwriting I	3
MUSC 208	Songwriting II	3
MUSC 211	Composition I	3
MUSC 212	Composition II	3
MUSC 213	Ear Training III	3
MUSC 214	Ear Training IV	3
MUSC 215	Functional Keyboard I	1.5
or MUSC 217	Accompanying I
MUSC 216	Functional Keyboard II	1.5
or MUSC 218	Accompanying II
MUSC 263	Introduction to Music Technology and Production	3
MUSC 294	Performance Ensemble 1	0
MUSC 295	Performance Ensemble 1	0
MUSC 361	Introduction to Music Career Management	3
Elective - 100 level or higher		3
Total Credits		33

1	The minimum passing grade for this course is CR.

Program Regulations

Declaration of a Major and Minor (Concentration)

Students are required to declare a major and minor concentration, where applicable, by the time they have successfully completed all Year 1 core requirements per the Program of Study. Students are required to consult with the appropriate section head and the department's university advisors in determining their major or minor choice.

Students who declare a major in Performance, Composition, 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 Technology and Production, Music Career Management, or Music Education. Students should note that minors in Music Technology and Production, and Music Education are competitive.

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 (Performance, Composition, Recording and Production, and General). Students are encouraged to consult with the department’s university advisors for guidance on selecting elective courses. Program courses cannot be used to fulfill elective requirements.

Music 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 MUSC courses to fulfill music option requirements in their declared major or minor. Specified music 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 must consult with the department’s university advisors for guidance and availability of music option courses prior to registration.

Arts and Cultural Management (AGAD) Courses

Students following the General route with a minor in Music Career Management (which requires three Arts and Cultural Management courses defined in the Program of Study), as well as students seeking to use approved Arts and Cultural Management courses as Other Music Options must take MUSC 361 (Introduction to Music Career Management) 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 Music Education courses alternate each year:

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
MUSC 341	Woodwind Techniques	3
MUSC 344	Brass Techniques	3
MUSC 345	Percussion and Rhythm Instruments	3
MUSC 431	Conducting Techniques	3

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.