THE FOUR STREAMS

Students are required to declare, at the end of year 2, one of the four areas of concentration, namely Composition, Pedagogy, Performance, and Research.

Composition Stream
The composition stream provides students with a solid foundation on the techniques of instrumentation and orchestration, and enables them to acquire the creative and theoretical tools necessary toward developing a unique personal voice in their music. Students who select this stream intend to pursue the career of a professional composer, and/or graduate studies in music composition.
Required courses:
  • MUSC3353 Composition II (3 units)
    [Pre-requisite: MUSC 3343 Composition I]
  • MUSC3363 Composition III (3 units)
    [Pre-requisite: MUSC3353 Composition II]

*Pre-requisite of MUSC3343: B or above in MUSC2262 Advanced Harmonic Practice

Recommended courses:
  • MUSC2333 Music Information Technology
  • MUSC3323 Counterpoint: Tonal and Modern
  • MUSC3333 Orchestral Techniques
  • MUSC3343 Composition I
  • MUSC3373 Scoring for Film and Television
  • MUSC3383 Electronic Music
  • MUSC3712 Composition Special Topic I
  • MUSC3722 Composition Special Topic II
  • MUSC3732 Composition Special Topic III
  • MUSC3742 Composition Special Topic IV
Composition Stream Assessment:
  • A 15-minute presentation of the Portfolio in MUSC3363 Composition III

Guideline

Pedagogy Stream
The pedagogy stream provides students with opportunities to explore the world of music education. It is designed especially for students who are interested perusing careers in studio teaching or, after postgraduate studies, as music teachers in primary or secondary schools.
In addition to the general requirements of the BA in Music, students complete 10 units of required courses. These include Research Methods in Music (2 units), Senior Pedagogy Project I and II (6 units), and either Conducting, Vocal/Instrumental Pedagogy, Piano Pedagogy (2 units).

In addition to the required courses, students are encouraged to choose from a list of recommended courses, including those offered by the Faculty of Education.

To enroll in the Pedagogy Stream, students must submit a personal statement of 200-300 words outlining their ideas for a project and discussing what they hope to gain from it (for instance, relating it to their plans after completing the BA).
Required courses:
  • MUSC4243 Research Methods in Music (2 units)
  • MUSC4513 Senior Pedagogy Project I (3 units)
  • MUSC4523 Senior Pedagogy Project II (3 units)

And at least one of the following:

  • MUSC2543 Conducting (2 units)
  • MUSC3502 Vocal/Instrumental Pedagogy (2 units)
  • MUSC3533 Piano Pedagogy (2 units)

Recommended courses:

  • MUSC2543 Conducting (2 units)
  • Applied Music
  • MUSC2545 Music Therapy (2 units)
  • Ensembles, Choir, Orchestra, Wind Orchestra
  • Courses offered by the Faculty of Education

Guideline

Performance Stream
The performance stream provides training for students to develop their performing skills in the context of comprehensive music study. It is designed especially for students who are interested in postgraduate training in performance, and for those who will become music teachers and professionals in the area.
In addition to the general requirements of the BA in Music, students complete 10 units of required courses. These include Applied Music XIII (2 units), Applied Music XIV (2 units), Senior Recital Preparation (3 units), and Senior Recital (3 units).

To enroll in the performance stream, students must earn a minimum grade of B+ in the streaming assessment jury examination in the second year. For this jury, students should prepare pieces in contrasting styles to demonstrate their technical mastery and musical understanding of the repertoire. Based upon the assessment of the jury examiners, students will be ranked in order of priority for the stream, and the top-ranked students will be accepted into the stream. Students must also provide a signed endorsement from their Applied Music teachers.
Required courses:
  • MUSC3012 Applied Music XIII (2 units)
  • MUSC3022 Applied Music XIV (2 units)
  • MUSC4000 Senior Recital Preparation (3 units)
  • MUSC4003 Senior Recital (3 units)

Guideline

Research Stream
The research stream provides training for students in the in the fields of music theory, music history, ethnomusicology, or Chinese music. Through coursework and in particular the capstone project of the final year, students will pursue independent research and writing projects. This stream is designed especially for students who intend to go on to pursue postgraduate studies, and also for those who will become music teachers in primary or secondary schools.
In addition to the general requirements of the BA in Music, students complete 10 units of required courses. These include Research Methods in Music (2 units) and Senior Thesis I and II (6 units). In addition to the required courses, students are encouraged to choose elective courses in consultation with the research stream coordinator as well as their academic advisor.
Senior Thesis projects may explore any aspect of research in music theory, music history, ethnomusicology, or Chinese music. Topics are expected to demonstrate original thinking, understanding of the relevant literature, critical awareness, and employment of a suitable methodology. The thesis should be unified by the pursuit of a focused argument, supported by analysis and evidence.
The prerequisites for the Research Stream are as follows:
  1. a minimum grade of B+ in the second-year required course which is most relevant to the student’s area of research interest – Theory, Music History, or Ethnomusicology/Chinese Music (MUSC2252, 2262, 2872, 2882, 2552, 2562), OR approval of the stream coordinator;
  2. a personal statement of 200-300 words;
  3. a writing sample.

Guideline