Bachelor Of Music - Composition + Sonic Arts at University of Alberta - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Music - Composition + Sonic Arts program at the University of Alberta is designed for students passionate about creating original music and understanding the theoretical principles and technologies involved in contemporary musical practice. This program emphasizes a diverse range of musical styles, including contemporary acoustic composition, electroacoustic music, sound art, and free improvisation. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with world-class faculty, student ensembles, and professional musicians from Edmonton, showcasing their compositions in public concerts every semester. Admission to this intensive program requires a successful performance audition and the submission of a portfolio of recent compositions.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Music - Composition + Sonic Arts program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in music creation and theory. The program length is four years, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in their studies and artistic development. Key features of the program include:

Access to award-winning teachers and renowned performers.
Opportunities for collaboration with artists from various media.
Public performances of student compositions every semester.
Intensive focus on both practical and theoretical aspects of music.

Students will also benefit from a close-knit academic community that fosters creativity and innovation, preparing them for successful careers in the music industry.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Music - Composition + Sonic Arts program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Collaboration with professional musicians and ensembles in Edmonton.
Public concerts showcasing student compositions.
Access to a variety of musical styles and practices.
Engagement in free improvisation and sound art projects.
Opportunities to work with faculty specializing in diverse areas of music.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music - Composition + Sonic Arts program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Composer: Create original music for various media, including film, television, and live performances.
Sound Designer: Develop soundscapes and audio elements for games, films, and other multimedia projects.
Music Teacher: Educate students in music theory, composition, and performance in schools or private settings.
Music Therapist: Use music as a therapeutic tool to help individuals improve their emotional and mental well-being.
Chamber Musician: Perform in small ensembles, collaborating with other musicians to create intimate musical experiences.

These career options reflect the diverse skills and knowledge gained through the program, preparing students for success in the dynamic field of music.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Alberta official website

Last updated on 2025-05-14

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For students interested in the Bachelor of Music - Composition + Sonic Arts program at the University of Alberta, the following Academic Requirements must be met:

Audition: A successful performance audition is required for admission.
Theory Placement Exam: Students must complete a music rudiments placement test.
Composition Portfolio: Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of recent compositions.

International students should be aware of the following:

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

It is important to note that the deadline for application and document submission is specified in the University Calendar. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all necessary requirements.

For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you.

Language Requirements

The University of Alberta requires all undergraduate applicants to demonstrate adequate English language proficiency before admission. This requirement applies to all programs except for the Faculté Saint-Jean, which has its own language requirements. The following are the accepted methods to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement:

Successful completion of three years of full-time education in English in Canada or in another country where English is recognized as an official language of instruction.
Completion of one of the following:
- A final blended grade of 75% or better in English Language Arts 30-1 from Alberta or English 12 from British Columbia.
- A final or predicted grade of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate English A1, A2, or a grade of 6 or better on English B.
- A final or predicted grade of 5 or better on the International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature.
- A grade of 4 or better on the Advanced Placement English College Board examination.
- A grade of B or better in a GCE Advanced Level (A-level) or Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-level), GCSE, IGCSE or O-level English Language or Literature course.
- A grade of B+ or better in 6 units of course weight of university-level English studies completed at a recognized English language institution.
Graduation from a recognized degree program offered by an accredited university where English is the primary language of instruction.
A score of at least 90 on the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-based) with no less than 21 on each band.
A score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) with no band less than 6.0.
A score of at least 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language assessment: CAEL (paper) or CAEL CE (computer) with no band less than 60.
A score of at least 61 on the PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) with no less than 60 in each communicative skill.
An overall Cambridge English scale score of at least 180 on the C1 Advanced with no less than 170 in each skill.
An overall Cambridge English scale score of at least 180 on the C2 Proficiency with no less than 170 in each skill.
Successful completion of the University of Alberta’s EAP 136/INT D 137.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!