Music Program Changes
The Music I program will be suspending admissions as of September 2024 as the program undergoes a redesign.
Prospective students who are interested in studying music are encouraged to apply to Humanities I, and can then work towards a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Auditions are not required for this program.
If you are interested in this program and have already completed an OUAC application, please log in to your account and amend you application to Humanities I. If you have any questions, one of our academic advisors would be happy to meet with you. Please contact us as humanities@mcmaster.ca to set up a virtual appointment.
A message from Stephanie Springgay, director, School of the Arts
“Here in the School of the Arts, we’re rethinking how we teach music to our students. While we have paused admission to Music 1 program for September 2024, we are not closing Music at McMaster, but are working to revitalize it.
We’re committed to reimagining the Music program in a way that reduces barriers, speaks to the changed musical landscape of today’s world, and works with McMaster’s distinctive strengths.
As the redesign of the Music program continues, our current students in Music level 1, and Music degree programs (BMus, BMus(Music Cognition), BA in Music and the Combined Honours Degree in Music and Another Subject) will be able to finish their degrees without interruption.
Future students who are interested in studying music can enrol in our Bachelor of Arts with a music major. Students in this program take music history, performance, and theory, and have the option to take courses in music therapy, cognitive science of music, conducting, and popular music. They also take elective courses from other disciplines.
This option, which does not require an audition, makes an undergraduate education in music accessible to a wide range of students with varying levels of experience.
McMaster musical ensembles, including the concert band, choirs, percussion ensemble and orchestra will continue to provide performance opportunities to students from across the campus.”
Information for students currently enrolled in music
Programs (by Degree) and Minors
Program Information
Current Course Offerings
View our currently available Music courses.
Music Program Course Calendar
The course calendar is an essential resource for choosing your courses.
Tuition
Learn about costs associated with the program including music lesson fees.
Undergraduate Course Outlines
View your course outline including assignment due dates, assessments and more.
Awards & Scholarships
Hundreds of awards and scholarships are available. Discover awards and find out how to apply.
Study Abroad
Would you like to live and study Music in a different country, increase your global awareness and obtain credit towards your McMaster degree? Find out how, here.
Program Life
Music is not just an area of study. It’s part of the culture here in the School of the Arts and at McMaster University. Students from within our Music Program as well as those from all across our campus participate in musical and performance life through our research, our ensembles and our live concerts.
McMaster Performance
Listen to or take part in McMaster's music ensembles, performance groups, and artist shows.
Music Ensemble Audition Reference
Thinking about applying to a McMaster ensemble? Learn more about how to apply and changes to applications in the latest season.
McMaster Arts & Entertainment
From talent showcases, workshops, social events and more, discover all that our vibrant campus community has to offer.
Celestial Sounds concert
Celestial Sounds concert
Ensemble performances are an essential part of the student experience at McMaster. See our McMaster Chamber Orchestra present their Celestial Sounds concert.
Social Media
Follow the official Music program at McMaster Instagram account to engage with our social music community!
Find a Humanities Expert
Research-focused and student-centered. Humanities researchers promote interdisciplinary approaches to local and global leadership. Learn more about our researchers by searching by name or keyword.