The University of Ottawa's School of Music is one of the country’s leading music schools. It is the ideal place to nurture your passion for all things musical and to pursue the rigorous training needed for an active and successful career in the field. We maintain close ties with renowned institutions such as the National Arts Centre (NAC) and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. We take pride in our state-of-the-art facilities and internationally recognized professors who perform around the globe and publish in leading academic journals. We are a full-service music school offering programs in performance, composition, music education, piano pedagogy, theory and musicology.

Why choose this program

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Renowned Faculty and Facilities: The University of Ottawa’s School of Music boasts internationally recognized professors who perform globally and publish in leading academic journals. With state-of-the-art facilities and close ties to prestigious institutions like the National Arts Centre and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, it offers an environment conducive to musical excellence.

Comprehensive Programs: Offering a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs in performance, composition, and music research, with multiple course offerings in theory, musicology, music education and piano pedagogy, the school caters to diverse musical interests and career paths.

Performance Opportunities: Students have the opportunity to hone their skills and showcase their talent through public performances and auditions. Performance-based profiles require successful auditions, ensuring that students receive rigorous training and practical experience in their chosen instrument or area of focus.

Flexible Course Options: The school offers a variety of courses covering topics such as popular music, world music, music and technology, theory and analysis, and advanced courses in music research. This diverse curriculum allows students to explore different aspects of music and tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

Generous Scholarship Program: The school provides a generous scholarship program that rewards academic achievements and offers financial support based on student needs. This ensures that talented individuals have the opportunity to pursue their passion for music regardless of their financial circumstances. 

Browse program options

120 units
Orchestra brass

Bachelor of Music (BMus)

Bachelor of Music (BMus): Admission to the Bachelor of Music (BMus) program requires that you audition on your main instrument and demonstrate an intermediate or advanced level. 

  • Piano Proficiency Requirement: to obtain a sample test, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies ([email protected])
  • Additional Resources
    • Sample placement exams
      • Theory: to obtain a sample test, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies ([email protected])  
      • Aural skills: to obtain a sample test, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies ([email protected] )

Program structure

Course sequence

120 units
Music score

Honours BA in Music

42 units
30 units
30 units
Pianist

Certificate in Piano Pedagogy

This program is currently not accepting any applications.

Program structure

Course Sequence

Admission requirements and deadlines for Music

After your studies

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After completing your undergraduate studies in Music, you have two main paths to consider: continuing your education or entering the workforce.

You may choose to pursue graduate studies, such as a Master’s degree (MA), to deepen your knowledge and develop advanced research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. A research-based MA is ideal if you’re interested in specializing in a topic or eventually pursuing a PhD.

Alternatively, you can move directly into the job market. Your degree can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as Musician, Composer, Sound Artist, Music Producer, Recording Assistant. These opportunities allow you to apply your creativity, active listening coordination and timing real-world settings.

Whether you choose further studies or enter the workforce, your degree provides a strong foundation to build a career in Music.

Student experience

SAFA

Student Association of the Faculty of Arts (SAFA)

SAFA represents the interests of undergraduate students of the Faculty of Arts within the UOSU, the Faculty, the University, the community, and the provincial and federal governments. The students’ association also works to foster a sense of community through social, academic, and cultural events, while at the same time offering a variety of services to its members.
student

Recitals

Held mostly in the Spring, our performance students perform their final recitals, which are free and open to the public.
Here is the list of our upcoming recitals. Eventbrite links for each will be available soon.
orchestra

Other Concerts

A wide array of concerts in all classical music genres: solo, chamber music, and other small ensembles.

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Students on campus

Meet our student recruitment officer

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Book an appointment with our student recruitment officer.