Student Advising > B.A. & Minor (in Music)

The Bachelor of Arts in MUSIC & The Minor in MUSIC

1. Major 
2. Minor 
3. Frequently Asked Questions

Bachelor of Arts with a major in Music

Why should I major in Music?

• Music is a rich, diverse, and universal art that is profoundly rewarding to study and to perform.
• Music has been an integral part of the liberal arts curriculum since universities began.
• Music involves a distinct type of intelligence that is attracting increasing research.
• A B.A. in Music is a good preparation for music-related careers in elementary education, broadcasting and journalism, music therapy, and business.
• A B.A. in Music is a good preparation for graduate work in musicology, music theory, and ethnomusicology.
• A B.A. in Music is ideal for students who wish to integrate the study of music into a broad academic education in the humanities.

B.A. in Music versus the Bachelor of Music (BMUS):

• The B.A. in Music is a four-year curriculum offered in the Faculty of Arts for students not intending to pursue music performance professionally or who do not meet the special admission requirements for the School of Music's Bachelor of Music degree. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a Major, Minor, or Honours in Music includes core music courses similar to the Bachelor of Music degree, but does not include private instrumental or vocal instruction though all UBC students are eligible to audition for student ensembles.

Degree Requirements:  

• B.A. (Hons., Major) requirements 
• Additional degree requirements
• Music courses offered at UBC
• 24 credits of foundation courses in music theory and history, normally taken in the first two years of the B.A.: MUSC 100, 101, 120, 121, 200, 201, 220, and 221. To register: E-mail Dr. John Roeder at j.roeder(at)ubc.ca giving your background in theory. He will recommend the appropriate course to music.advisor(at)ubc.ca to register.
• 30 credits of 300- or 400-level Music courses. Any 300- or 400-level course in music history, music theory, ethnomusicology, or music composition, as well as MUSC 107 and 207, counts toward this requirement, along with up to eight credits of ensemble. Even though the ensemble courses in Music have 100 numbers, they will count as 300- or 400-level courses when taken in the third or fourth years, and hence as part of the requirements for the Major, Honours, or Minor in Music. At most eight credits of ensemble may be counted toward the Bachelor of Arts.
• In the third and fourth years, students must take at least 48 credits of 300- and 400-level courses, including the upper-level Music courses mentioned above, and at least 12 non-Music credits.

• Towards the B.A. degree with a major in Music, a total of eight ensemble credits may count, comprised of:
  1. lower level or transfer credits: up to 6 credits of lower level or transfer ensemble credit may count towards the Music major.
  2. upper level: 8 credits minus any lower level or transfer credits used, may count.

Admission to the B.A.

• UBC Admissions: admission requirements and how to apply to the BA. Majors, such as Music, are declared at the end of second year. 
• To enroll in the B.A., students must meet the academic admission requirements of the Faculty of Arts and UBC Admissions.
• There are no performance requirements for entrance into the B.A. in Music program, but students entering first year normally should have knowledge of theoretical rudiments at the level of Royal Conservatory Grade II (Harmony). Students who wish to register for ensembles must audition; see details in FAQ section below.

BA MUSC Admission & Academic Advising

• To apply to the BA in Music, interested students must contact:
  Dr. John Roeder - Music. Tel: 604-822-3715. E-mail: j.roeder(at)ubc.ca

B.A. majors in music are primarily advised by Arts Academic Advising except with regards to music coursework for which any of the following may be contacted:

• Rayne Graham/Ana Chicoine: Rm. 425, Music Building; 604-827-5502; music.advisor(at)ubc.ca
• Dr. John Roeder: Rm. 401, Music building; 604-822-3715; j.roeder(at)ubc.ca

Minor in Music

• Minor requirements:
  • 15 credits of foundation courses in music theory and history, normally taken in the first two years of the B.A.: MUSC 100, 101, and 200, and any two of MUSC 120, 121, 220, and 221.
  • 18 credits of 300- or 400-level Music courses. Any 300- or 400-level course in music history, music theory, ethnomusicology, or music composition, as well as MUSC 107 and 207, counts toward this requirement, along with up to eight credits of ensemble. Even though the ensemble courses in Music have 100 numbers, they will count as 300- or 400-level courses when taken in the third or fourth years, and hence as part of the requirements for the Major, Honours, or Minor in Music. At most eight credits of ensemble may be counted toward the Bachelor of Arts minor.
• Music courses offered at UBC
• To apply to the Minor in Music, interested students must contact:
  Dr. John Roeder - Music. Tel: 604-822-3715. E-mail: j.roeder(at)ubc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions - Information for the 2011 Winter Session

 Can I play or sing in ensembles for credit?

Yes! You may take up to 8 credits of music ensemble in the B.A. Ensemble courses may be repeated for credit. There are many ensembles in which you may participate:

• Large Instrumental Ensemble (MUSC 150): Either symphony orchestra or wind ensemble, for students who play stringed instruments, wind instruments, brass, or percussion.
• Choral Union (MUSC 154): A large choir open to the entire university.
• University Singers (MUSC 153): A smaller choir for good singers with extensive choral experience.

• Vocal Chamber Ensembles (MUSC 156): Chamber, women's, and jazz choirs, for good singers with extensive choral experience.

• Asian Music Ensembles (MUSC 165): There are three sections, a Chinese music ensemble a Balinese gamelan ensemble, and a Korean drumming ensemble. No specific experience in instruments of these cultures is required to audition.
• Early Music Ensemble (MUSC 157): Small ensemble specializing in Western music of the Baroque and earlier, for instrumentalists and singers.
• Contemporary Players (MUSC 163): A small ensemble specializing in recent art music, for singers and instrumentalists.
• Jazz Ensemble (MUSC 164): For brass, wind, and percussion players.
• Opera Workshop (MUSC 339)

Click here for more info on student ensembles.

How do I register for ensembles?

• If you have declared music as your major, you may register for any ensemble listed above. For most ensembles an audition is required to secure your place. During the audition you play or sing a prepared piece, and sight-read a short excerpt, for the conductor. Auditions are held in the last week of August and the first week of September. Sign up for audition times in-person at the Music Office in late August or call 604-822-3113 or e-mail musicoff(at)interchange.ubc.ca

Can I take private music lessons?

• No, not as a course for credit. You must be registered in the Bachelor of Music degree program to take lessons for credit. Admission to the B.Mus. is by audition, etc.; you may find information on the B.Mus program - BMUS WELCOMEhere.
• However, you may take non-credit private lessons from faculty and graduate students. Teachers set their own hourly rates. See the Private Instructor List on this page.

I’m entering the third year of the B.A. and haven’t taken any music courses yet. Can I finish a Music Major in two years?

• No, because you haven't taken the 24 credits of foundation courses that are prerequisite to many 300-level courses. It is possible to finish in three years, however. Consult one of the advisers listed above.

I’m entering the third year of the B.A. and haven’t taken any music courses yet. Can I finish a Music Minor in two years?

Yes, it’s possible, according to the following schedule:

This year = 3^rd Year

• 12 Credits of foundation courses: MUSC 100, 101, and any two of MUSC 120, 121, 220, and 221.
• 6 credits of upper-level Music courses that have no prerequisite: MUSC 328, MUSC 428

Next year = 4^th Year

• 3 credits of foundation courses: MUSC 200
• 12 credits of 300- or 400-level Music courses

FACULTY OF ARTS

UBC School of Music
Music Building
6361 Memorial Road

Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Tel: 604.822.3113
Fax: 604.822.4884