Courses for non-music majors or minors

FAQ's for the 2012 Winter Session

1. I’m not a Music major or minor. Which Music courses can I take during the 2013 Summer session?

The following courses are open to non-music majors:

a) The following courses have no prerequisites. Note: MUSC 103, 322B, and, 326 do not can count towards a Music Major or Minor.

Course no.	Title		Time
MUSC 403J	Introduction to Popular Music	This course will probably be offered in 13S, but check back to be sure.

b) This course is also open to non-music majors, but has a prerequisite:

Course no.	Title	Dates	Time

2. I’m not a Music major or minor. Which Music courses can I take during the 2012 Winter session?

Along with the ensembles listed below, the following courses are open to non-music majors:

a) The following courses have no prerequisites. None of the first four can count towards a Music Major or Minor.

Course no.	Title	Term	Time
MUSC 103	Introduction to Music Theory	1	MWF 14:00-15:00
MUSC 103	Introduction to Music Theory	Distance Ed. starting both September 2012 and January 2013
MUSC 104	Introduction to Diatonic Harmony	2	MWF 14:00-15:00

b) The courses in the next list are also open to non-music majors, but have prerequisites (if you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact the instructor):

Course no.	Title		Time
MUSC 120	History of Music I (must be able to read music)	1	TTh 9:30-11:00
MUSC 121	History of Music II (must be able to read music)	2	TTh 9:30-11:00
MUSC 220	History of Music III (must be able to read music)	1	TTh 9:30-11:00
MUSC 221	History of Music IV (must be able to read music)	2	TTh 9:30-11:00
MUSC 328A	Global Popular Music	2	TTh 9:30-11:00
MUSC 354	Baroque Music	1	TTh 11:00-12:30
MUSC 357	History of Music since 1900	2	TTh 11:00-12:30
MUSC 403B	South Indian Rhythm	2	MWF 9:00-10:00
MUSC 409C	Jazz Theory & Arranging	1-2	TTh 9:30 to 11:00
MUSC 411	Analysis of Tonal Music	2	TTh 9:00 to 10:30
MUSC 428E	African Music/Dance	1	TTh 11:00-12:30
MUSC 455	History of Opera II	1	MWF 9:00-10:00

3. Can I play or sing in ensembles for credit?

Yes! Ensemble courses may be taken and repeated for credit, as stipulated by your faculty (if you are unsure, it is your responsibility to consult your faculty). There are many student ensembles in which you may participate:

Large Instrumental Ensemble (MUSC 150): Either symphony orchestra or wind ensemble or concert winds, 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.

Chamber Music Ensemble (MUSC 161, 160, 161, 156, 162): Student ensembles explore the rich chamber music repertoire through a diversity of instrumental groupings such as string quartets, wind quintets and various other mixed groupings.

Asian Music Ensembles (MUSC 165): There are four sections, a Chinese music ensemble, a Balinese gamelan ensemble, a Korean drumming ensemble and an African Music & Dance 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)

4. How do I register for ensembles?

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. Audition requirements are noted under the online course listings or on this page. 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 music.office(at)ubc.ca.

5. 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; you may find information on the B.Mus program here.
However, you may take non-credit private lessons from faculty and graduate students. Teachers set their own hourly rates. View the list of available teachers.

The University of British Columbia

Courses for non-music majors or minors

FAQ's for the 2012 Winter Session