Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Music, Community Music concentration consists of 20.0 credits, of which at least 12.0 and no more than 16.0 credits may be MU courses; 9.0 senior level MU credits are required to graduate.

Required Courses

• MU100, MU121, MU140, MU146 or MU181, MU194, MU195
• MU200, MU240, MU242 or MU265, MU243, MU246 or MU281, MU295K* or MU295G*
• MU340, MU341, MU346 or MU381
• MU440*
• 1.0 credit from group A electives: MU269, MU344, MU441*, MU446
• 2.0 credits from group B electives: MU251T, MU267, MU274, MU275, MU310, MU342, MU343, MU472, MU473
• 4.0 credits of non-music electives
• Music or non-music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

In addition to the courses above, Community Music students must complete either: (a) one of the following modules, or (b) a minor or option in another discipline.

Modules

• 1.5 credit Studio module (by audition): MU196(C), MU296(C), MU396C
• 2.0 credit Multi-Instrumentalist module: MU202 and 1.5 credits selected from the MU201 series, excluding MU201R, MU201J, MU201G°, MU201T°
• 2.0 credit Education module: chosen from MU202, MU203, MU204, MU208, MU302, MU304, MU308, MU353*, MU402, EM202, EM203, EM300
• 1.0 credit Entrepreneurship Core: ENTR300, ENTR301 (BU111 and BU121 are strongly recommended)

Notes

• Students may apply up to 0.5 senior-level credits from the Studio module, or Conestoga Modern Audio Arts courses toward the group A requirement.
• Community Music students are encouraged to consider the following minors/options:
  • Applied Digital Option
  • Christian Studies and Global Citizenship Option
  • Christian Studies and Global Song Option
  • Film Production Option
  • Legal Studies Option
  • Music and Cultural History Option
  • Education Minor.
• Note that some of the options and minors may contain additional prerequisite courses.
• A maximum of two minors/options are allowed in a degree program.

This concentration allows the student to maximize their Music electives in order to design a program of study in accordance with the student's own musical interests. A student in the Bachelor of Music, Comprehensive concentration must complete 20.0 credits, of which at least 14.0 and no more than 16.0 credits may be MU courses; 9.0 senior level MU credits are required to graduate.

Required Courses

• MU100, MU136°, MU137°, MU161, MU162, MU181, MU190A*
• MU236°, MU237°, MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271, MU281, MU290A*
• MU336°, MU337°, MU375, MU381, MU396 or MU390A*
• MU481; MU496 or MU490A*
• 0.5 credit chosen from MU377, MU461
• An additional 0.5 credit chosen from the MU372–378 or the MU470–475 series
• An additional 0.5 credit chosen from the MU470–475 series
• 2.0 credits Music electives
• 4.0 credits non-music electives
• Music or non-music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Notes

• MU264* may count in lieu of MU266 and MU268.
• For students who take MU390 and MU490, the extra half credit(s) earned shall count as music electives.

Students in the Contemporary Music concentration: Composition stream are required to write works for various ensembles and to participate in a Composition master class. Those students wishing to continue in the Composition stream beyond Year 2 must submit a portfolio of their work to the composition faculty. Upon approval, the student can enrol in Year 3 and Year 4 composition courses (MU360* and MU460*), which can be taken by composition majors only. During Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4, students study individually with members of the faculty; in the final year students write an extended work as their graduation composition.

A student in the Bachelor of Music, Composition stream must complete 20.0 credits, of which at least 14.5 and no more than 16.0 credits may be MU courses; 9.0 senior level MU credits are required to graduate.

Required Courses

• MU100, MU136°, MU137°, MU161, MU162, MU181, MU190A*
• MU236°, MU237°, MU251T, MU252, MU260* MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271, MU281, MU290A*
• MU336°, MU337°, MU360*, MU381, MU396 or MU390A*
• MU460*, MU496 or MU490A*
• 0.5 credits chosen from MU361, MU461, MU463
• 0.5 credits chosen from MU375, MU377
• 4.0 credits non-music electives
• Music or non-music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Notes

• MU264* may count in lieu of MU266 and MU268.
• For students who take MU390 and MU490, the extra half credit(s) earned shall count as music electives.

Students in this stream are required to write works for various ensembles and to participate in a contemporary music master class. Those students wishing to continue in the Composition/Improvisation concentration must submit a portfolio of their work to the composition faculty and pass an improvisation audition. Upon approval, the student can enrol in Year 3 and Year 4 composition courses (MU360i* and MU460i*), which can be taken by Composition/Improvisation majors only. During Year 2, Year 3 and Year 4 students study individually with members of the faculty, but in Year 3 and Year 4 their studio instruction is divided: 0.5 hours per week with a composition instructor, and 0.5 hours per week with an improvisation instructor.

All Composition/Improvisation majors are required to take part regularly in improvisational ensemble performances and recitals, and during Year 4 to give a full-length formal improvisational recital that will include at least one of the student’s original compositions. A student in the Bachelor of Music, Composition/Improvisation stream must complete 20.0 credits, of which at least 15.0 and no more than 16.0 credits may be MU courses; 9.0 senior level MU credits are required to graduate.

Required Courses

• MU100, MU136°, MU137°, MU161, MU162, MU181, MU190A*
• MU236°, MU237°, MU251T, MU260* MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271, MU281, MU290A*
• MU336°, MU337°, MU360i*, MU390A*
• MU460i*, MU490A*
• 0.5 credit chosen from: MU361, MU461, MU463
• 0.5 credit chosen from: MU375, MU377
• At least 0.5 credit, and no more than 1.0 credit chosen from MU281(K), MU381(K) or MU481(K)
• 4.0 credits non-music electives
• Music or non-music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Notes

• MU264* may count in lieu of MU266 and MU268.

Additional Program Regulations

• Students must audition at the end of Year 2 for admission into the Composition/Improvisation Stream (which starts in Year 3). The audition panel will consist of one member of the composition faculty and one faculty member in performance who teaches the instrument on which the student is auditioning.

The Performance concentration is designed for students who intend to become professional performers and teachers of performance. Students who demonstrate at audition time or during Year 1 or Year 2, that they have the potential to succeed as performers may apply to enter this program. Students in Year 1 and Year 2 of the Performance program receive one-hour weekly lessons, and are encouraged to take part in noon hour student recitals. Students in Year 3 and Year 4 receive 1.5 hours of private instruction per week, and are required to take part in noon hour student recitals. In addition, students in year 4 are required to give a full-length formal recital.

Students in Performance violin (Year 3 and/or Year 4) may take one-hour lessons on violin and half-hour lessons on viola (or vice-versa). Depending on the split, the student would be required to fulfill two thirds of his/her performance activity (recital, ensemble, chamber music) on the instrument for which one-hour lessons are given and one third of his/her performance activity on the instrument for which half-hour lessons are given. If a student chooses this option in Year 4, the Graduation Recital would be split between the two instruments.

Grading

Term work will be averaged between the two instructors based on the proportion chosen (e.g. 33% viola, 66% violin). There will be no change in grading procedure for the graduation recital or juries.

Required Courses for All Performance Areas

• MU100, MU136°, MU137°, MU161, MU162, MU181, MU190A*
• MU236°, MU237°, MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271, MU281, MU290B*
• MU336°, MU337°, MU375, MU390B‡
• MU490B‡
• 4.0 credits non-music electives

Notes

• MU264* may count in lieu of MU266 and MU268.
• If a request is made in writing and signed by a student and instructor, MU290D‡ (1.5 credits with 90 minute lessons) may be taken in place of MU290B* by permission of the dean. In this case, MU390A* will be taken for 1.0 credit only (1 hour lessons) in place of MU390B‡.

Additional Credits Required in Specified Performance Areas

Guitar

• MU381
• 0.5 credit from the MU372–378 or MU470–475 series
• 2.0 credits Music electives
• Music or non-Music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Orchestral Instruments

• MU381, MU387, MU481
• 0.5 credit from the MU372–378 or MU470–475 series
• 1.0 Music elective credit
• Music or non-Music electives to make a total of 20 credits
• Students whose principal instrument is violin, viola, or violoncello must take 1.5 credits from MU183, MU283, MU383 and MU483; those whose principal instrument is double bass, woodwind, or brass must take one of MU183, MU283, MU383, MU483. Students are required to complete their chamber music requirements (MUX83) on their major instrument. An ensemble placement audition must be successfully completed before the end of the second week of the fall term for placement in an instrumental ensemble.

Organ

• MU292A, MU292B, MU361, MU365, MU367
• Music or non-Music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Piano

• MU253 (in place of MU281), MU293, MU393, MU493
• 0.5 credit from the MU372–378 or MU470–475 series
• 0.5 credit chosen from MU383 or MU483
• 1.0 credits Music elective credit
• Music or non-Music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Voice

• MU294, MU298*, MU291, MU381, MU391
• 0.5 credit from the MU372–378, MU461 or MU470–475 series or MU386
• 0.5 credit music elective
• Music or non-music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

This concentration is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in teaching music at the elementary or secondary level. It combines the core Music credits of the BMus program with instruction in conducting, instrumental and choral techniques, and methods and philosophy of music education. A student in Music Education must complete 20.0 credits, of which at least 14.0 and no more than 16.0 credits may be MU courses; 9.0 senior level MU credits are required to graduate.

Required Courses

• MU100, MU136°, MU137°, MU161, MU162, MU181, MU190A*
• MU202, MU236°, MU237°, MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271, MU281, MU290A*
• MU336°, MU337°, MU367, MU375, MU381, MU394, MU396 or MU390A*
• MU481, MU496 or MU490A*
• 0.5 credits chosen from MU203, MU208
• 0.5 credits chosen from MU358, MU494
• 0.5 credits chosen from the MU386 or the MU372–378, MU461 or MU470–475 series
• 1.5 credits from the MU201 series, including courses from three of the following groups, beyond the group of the principal practical study:
  • Percussion: MU201A°, MU201J
  • Brass: MU201F°, MU201M°, MU201N°, MU201O°
  • Woodwinds: MU201B°, MU201C°, MU201E°, MU201H°, MU201L°
  • Strings: MU201D°, MU201G°, MU201P, MU201Q°, MU201T°
  • Voice: MU201R
• 4.0 credits non-Music electives
• Music or non-Music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Notes

• MU264* may count in lieu of MU266 and MU268.
• For students who take MU390 and MU490, the extra half credit(s) earned shall count as music electives.
• Students with sufficient documented proficiency on an instrument may be exempted from the relevant techniques (MU201) course; students are strongly discouraged from enrolling in more than two secondary instruments at one time.
• Non-music electives should be chosen so as to constitute preparation for teaching at least one other subject.
• MU251T is strongly recommended for students interested in teaching at the secondary level.

The Music History concentration allows students to emphasize the academic and research-oriented courses in music. It serves as excellent preparation for graduate work in musicology. Admission to the Music History concentration normally requires: 

• A minimum GPA of 8.00 in the core academic courses (MU100, MU161, MU162, MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271).
• Submission of an essay from any 200-level music or non- music course (minimum grade B-).
• Demonstrated aptitude in core musical skills.
• An interview with the Music History, Theory, and Critical Analysis faculty.

A student in Music History, Theory, and Critical Analysis must complete 20.0 credits, of which at least 15.0 and no more than 16.0 credits may be MU courses; 9.0 senior level MU credits are required to graduate.

Required Courses (9.5 - 10.5 credits)

• MU100, MU136°, MU137°, MU161, MU162, MU181, MU190A*
• MU236°, MU237°, MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271, MU281, MU290A*
• MU336°, MU337°, MU375, MU396 or MU390A*
• MU496 or MU490A* 
• 3.5 credits chosen from List A and List B courses, with at least a 0.5 credit from each list:
• • List A: MU359, MU372, MU373, MU374, MU376, MU377, MU378, MU470, MU471, MU472, MU473, MU474, MU478*, MU479
  • List B: MU361, MU461, MU463, MU475
• 2.0 credits Music Electives
• 1.0 credits in any combination of French, German, Italian or Latin
• 3.0 additional credits non-Music electives
• Music or non-Music electives to make a total of 20.0 credits

Notes

• MU264* may count in lieu of MU266 and MU268.
• For students who take MU390 and MU490, the extra half credit(s) earned shall count as music electives.

The Music and Cultural History Option provides students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge about music’s connection to the field of cultural history. The option is designed both for Music majors interested in contextualizing their studies in history and theory and for non-Music students seeking to enhance their musical appreciation and understanding.

The Music and Cultural History Option consists of 4.0 credits, taken from the list of recommended courses. Students with a minimum overall GPA of 7.0 at the end of Years 1 to Year 3 are eligible to apply for the option. A cumulative GPA of 7.00 in the courses specific to the Music and Cultural History Option is required to graduate. At least 3.0 of the required 4.0 credits in the option must be completed at Wilfrid Laurier University. Completion of the option requirements will result in a "Music and Cultural History Option" designation on the student transcript. The option is open to all students.

Music majors shall be permitted to apply MU121 and MU274 toward completion of this option; music majors may not count any other MU courses towards completion of this option.

Bachelor of Arts students are required to take a minimum of 1.0 credit of MU courses to complete this option. Note that some of these courses may have prerequisites that must be fulfilled before the course can be taken.

A minimum of 0.5 credits must be taken from the list of visual culture courses (HI234, HI260, HI308).

Recommended Courses

• HI234: Canadian Art
• HI251: Show Business: An American History
• HI260: History on Film
• HI308: Renaissance Art
• HI342: Culture and Ideas in the Modern World: Descartes to Darwin
• HI343: Culture and Ideas in the Modern World: Marxism to Post-modernism
• HI387: American Protest Music
• HI380: American Culture and Society, 1890-1950
• HI381: American Culture and Society since the Second World War
• MU121: History of Rock Music
• MU122: Music Appreciation: Baroque and Classical
• MU224: Music of the 19th and 20th Centuries
• MU274: Women and Music
• MU275: Music of the World (offered as an online course)
• MU377: Contemporary Music Since 1975
• MU379: (currently being revised to be an online course)
• MU471: Medieval Culture in Pop or Art Music
• MU472: Cross-Cultural Intersections
• MU473: Music in Popular Culture
• MU474: Music, Culture and Technology
• MU475: Studies in Music Aesthetics and Criticism

A minor in music consists of 3.0 credits chosen from the courses listed below in music theory, music history/appreciation, music aesthetics, world music, psychology of music, music and new technology and elementary music education. The minor must include at least one term in music theory (normally MU118) and one term in music history/appreciation (normally MU122) and at least 1.0 senior credit. A minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 is required in all courses of the minor subject. Courses where the emphasis is on musical performance do not count towards the minor.

• Courses designed for non-Music students: MU118, MU122, MU218, MU224.
• Courses designed primarily for honours Music students but which may be used towards the minor: MU100, MU161, MU162, MU202, MU203, MU208, MU266, MU268, MU270, MU271, MU394.
• Courses open to honours Music and to non-Music students: MU251T, MU275, MU377, MU475.

The Opera Diploma program is intended for singers who have completed an undergraduate degree or diploma in music and who wish to continue their studies in voice and opera. The diploma requires the completion, within two consecutive academic terms (fall/winter) of 4.5 credits with an overall GPA of 7.00 (B-). For admission to the program, students must have completed all prerequisites, perform a live audition successfully, and be admitted to the university. Pre-screening tapes (audio or video with good audio quality) may be submitted for consideration, but are not substitutes for a live audition.

Prerequisites

• MU298*
• MU490
• Two 100-level (or equivalent) language courses from French, German, Italian and Russian, or permission of the dean

Required Credits

MU398* or MU498*; MU491B*; MU491R; and 2.0 additional credits chosen from voice, drama, acting, languages, and music history (200 level or higher) courses.

If not already taken as part of the student’s undergraduate degree, diploma students must take MU284, MU294, and two 100-level language courses chosen from among French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish among the required credits. Depending on the student's prior experience in voice, opera, music history and drama, other electives may be considered such as accompanying, coaching and dance. Each student's program must be approved by the dean and by the coordinator of opera.

All students must be registered full-time while in MU491B* and MU491R, which must be completed in winter term.

Students in this program may not repeat courses.

The Chamber Music Diploma program is intended for performers who have completed an undergraduate degree or diploma in music and who wish to continue their studies in chamber music. Entrance to the program is competitive and performing excellence will be assessed to determine eligibility. 4.5 credits with an overall GPA of 7.00 (B-) over two consecutive terms of study (Fall and Winter) are required to complete the Chamber Music Diploma.

Pre-formed groups are encouraged to apply, although individuals may also be accommodated in faculty-approved collaborations with other Chamber Music Diploma students and/or in the WLU undergraduate Chamber Music course.

An 80-minute recital of works studied over the year will be given during the second term. If two recitals are preferred, a student may perform two 40-minute recitals, one at the end of each term.

All requirements stated in the course outlines for MU183, MU283, MU383 and MU483 will apply to Chamber Music Diploma students. Pre-formed groups will be required to perform two outreach concerts over the course of the year.

Pre-existing, ongoing groups may opt to study the entire year as a self-contained ensemble, but individual students will be expected to participate in at least two chamber groups as assigned by the chamber music director, appropriate chamber music area co-ordinator, and the individual private instructor.

Required Credits

MU491B*, MU491C, MU488*, MU482, MU376, Studies in the History of Music Genre: Chamber Music or another course in music history or theory focusing on chamber music, 1.0 music or non-music elective credit.

• Students who enter without a senior course in 20th-century music literature, history or theory must take such a course as an elective within the diploma program.
• The MU491C credit may be used for private instruction or for chamber coaching with particular emphasis on works that may not be coached as part of the chamber music class.
• Music performed on chamber recitals may not be used for the MU491B* jury.

The MA program in community music is normally completed in six consecutive terms of part-time registration. Students must develop their programs in consultation with the graduate coordinator.

In addition to the four required community music courses:

• MU620: Music and Meaning in Community Contexts
• MU621: Community Music Practices and Leadership
• MU622: Creativity and Interdisciplinary Arts
• MU623: New Media, Business, Administration and Marketing
• A research methods course and MU698: Applied Community Service and Research Project, students must complete one half-credit elective.

Elective courses will be chosen from an area relevant to the candidate’s research, subject to approval by the graduate coordinator, and may be chosen from a wide range of cognate disciplines available in the faculties of Music, Education, Arts, or from the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.

Research Methods

With the approval of the graduate student coordinator, students must take a research methods course appropriate to their program. Either quantitative or qualitative methods are acceptable, but must be directly relevant to the student’s research agenda. Normally this course is taken within the first two semesters of registration.

A range of graduate research courses are offered in various graduate programs at Laurier. Students should select a course that provides pertinent methodology to the type of investigation they plan to undertake. Consultation with the Graduate Coordinator is advised to assist in the Research Methods course selection.

Graduation Requirements

Master's students must attain a minimum B- in each course, as per university policy outlined in the academic calendar. Upon completion of the required course credits described above, and acceptance of the research paper and public demonstration, candidates shall be granted the Master of Arts in Community Music.

Two-Year Program (Full-Time)

Year 1

Fall Term

• MU501
• MU502
• MU503
• SK522

Winter Term

• MU504
• MU505
• MU506
• MU507

Spring Term

• MU508

Year 2

Fall Term

• MU601
• MU603
• MU606
• SK621

Winter Term

• MU602
• MU604
• MU607

Spring Term

• MU609
• MU610

One-Year Program (Full-Time)

Fall Term

• MU601
• MU603
• MU606
• SK621

Winter Term

• MU602
• MU604
• MU607

Spring Term

• MU609
• MU610