Research and teaching at the Schulich School of Music spans two large departments with a total of 16 areas of concentration.
Department of Performance
The performance programs at McGill are designed to train professional musicians of the highest standard. Each individual is encouraged to reach her or his potential as a performer through private lessons with renowned faculty as well as performing opportunities provided by the Orchestral Training Program, jazz and choral ensembles, opera, Baroque Orchestra, and chamber music activities.
Learn more
The degree of Bachelor of Music in Performance is offered in the following areas: Keyboard Instruments, Guitar, Harp, Strings, Voice, Woodwinds, Brass, Percussion, Early Music, and Jazz. The Licentiate in Music diploma is designed for advanced instrumentalists and singers who wish to concentrate on their practical subject while limiting their theoretical studies to basic courses in Music History, Theory, and Musicianship.
The high level of artistry for which McGill's ensembles are renowned is made possible by an outstanding corps of instrumental instructors. Every year, the Department hosts a number of visiting artists and presents hundreds of concerts, workshops, masterclasses and other activities.
Music Performance areas
Department of Music Research
The Music Research Department offers B.Mus. programs in Composition, Music Education, Music History, and Music Theory, a more general B.Mus. Faculty Program (classical or jazz concentration), various undergraduate Minor in Music programs, as well as master’s and doctoral programs in Composition, Music Education, Musicology, Music Technology, Music Theory, and Sound Recording.
Learn more
The departmental faculty include some of the leading scholars and teachers in North America. It is the philosophy of the Schulich School of Music that all students should receive a substantial proportion of their instruction from full-time professorial staff rather than from teaching assistants. Every year, the Department hosts a broad range of public lectures and sponsors major conferences and symposia.
For students who wish to pursue a liberal arts education, the Department also administers the B.A. with a Major Concentration in Music (admission through the Faculty of Arts).