McGill.CA / Music / Programs / Licentiate in Music / All Instruments; L.Mus. (Major)

Yearly Program Study Plan; L.Mus. Performance

Use this 3-year guide to plan your studies and graduate from your Licentiate in Music (Performance, all instruments except piano, voice and jazz) program on time.

If you're a transfer student or a CEGEP graduate, you may be able to complete the program in less than 3 years.

Which courses to take each year

This is a basic 3-year plan for students from high school with no advanced standing.

Program audit

You will receive a summary of exemption credits from placement exams, transfer credits, Advanced Placements (AP), etc, before you begin your first semester at the Schulich School of Music. You can access this information via a Program Audit (PA) customized for you. Visit the PA web page to learn more about how you can view your personalized program plan.

Meet with your academic advisor to review your program plan at least once a year.

Course load

You should normally register for 20-23 credits per term.

  • Full-time course load: 12 credits or more
  • Part-time course load: 11 credits or less

Practical instruction and practical exams

  • You must complete 3 practical exams (MUIN 252, 352 and 452) during your program. In some cases, you might take your exams at different times than what we suggest in our sample 3-year plan.
  • Determine when to apply for these exams with your practical instruction teacher.
  • For practical instruction registration details, visit Registration. 

Sample year 1 course plan (with no course exemptions)

  • You have the option to take placement exams in theory, musicianship and keyboard proficiency before school starts. Depending on the basis of admission and the placement test results, you may be exempt from music history (MUHL 186), first year theory (courses with MUTH prefixes) or musicianship/keyboard proficiency (courses with MUSP prefixes). To learn more about the course exemption criteria, see Placement Exams.
  • If you choose not to write the placement tests, you will register for courses as presented in this sample first year course plan.
  • If you are exempt from MUHL 186, you may consider taking an elective in the first semester.
  • You must be proficient in English for all courses, especially Music History. Non-anglophone students should defer MUHL 186 until their second year and register for an English as Second Language (ESL) course in year 1. ESL courses can be accepted as non-music electives. Contact the Writing Centre for information on ESL course registration.

Fall term

MUTH 150. Theory and Analysis 1.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Diatonic chords and harmonic progressions, focus on outer-voice framework, cadences, embellishments, building chordal fluency in common-practice tonality, applied chords.
  • Corequisites: MUSP 140 and MUSP 170
  • Prerequisite: Matriculation Music or McGill Conservatory Theory Secondary V or its equivalent.
  • Corequisites: MUSP 140 and MUSP 170

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUSP 140. Musicianship Training 1.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Rhythm and metre basic subdivisions and conducting patterns; intervals, chords, and scale patterns; non-modulating tonal melodies with treble and bass clefs; harmonic progressions emphasizing two-part outer voice structures.
  • 2 hours
  • Prerequisite: Matriculation Music or McGill Conservatory Theory Secondary V or its equivalent.
  • Corequisites: MUTH 150, MUSP 170

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUSP 170. Musicianship (Keyboard) 1.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 1
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Harmonic, melodic and rhythmic analysis at the keyboard through the study of rudiments, repertoire, chorale/score reading, transposition and harmonization.
  • 1 hour
  • Prerequisite: Matriculation Music or McGill Conservatory Theory Secondary V or its equivalent.
  • Corequisites: MUTH 150 and MUSP 140.
  • Course contents parallel with those of MUTH 150 and MUSP 140.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUPD 135. Music as a Profession 1.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 1
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Music Professional Development: An introduction to information, resources, and skills related to physical, mental, and professional well-being for the musician and scholar.
  • Open to B.Mus. students or by permission of the instructor.

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(optional course though not required)

  • We recommend that you take this course even though it's not required. It covers useful topics such as injury prevention skills and wellness.

MUIN 250. L.Mus. Practical Instruction 1.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 6
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Practical instruction in an instrument or voice.
  • Prerequisite: Admission to the L.Mus. program by audition
  • Prerequisite: Admission to the L.Mus. program by audition

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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One large ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 2 credits

One small ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 1 credit

MUHL 186. Western Musical Traditions.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

A survey of Western music from the Middle Ages to the present. Emphasis on key musical concepts and genres in their historical context and aural recognition of style.
  • 3 hours
  • 3 hours

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Winter term

MUTH 151. Theory and Analysis 2.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Sequences and modulation, chromatic vocabulary, analysis of simple theme types (sentence, period, hybrids) and fugal techniques.
  • Corequisites: MUSP 141 and MUSP 171
  • Course equivalent to MUTH 210.
  • Pre- or Co-requisites: MUTH 150, MUSP 140 and MUSP 170
  • Corequisites: MUSP 141 and MUSP 171

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUSP 141. Musicianship Training 2.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Rhythm and metre mixed divisions and syncopations; triadic and seventh chord voicings and disjunct pitch collections; chromatically embellished melodies adding alto clef; simple modulating harmonic progressions emphasizing two-part outer voice structures.
  • Corequisites: MUTH 151, MUSP 171
  • 2 hours
  • Prerequisites: Matriculation Music or McGill Conservatory Theory Secondary V or its equivalent. MUSP 140
  • Corequisites: MUTH 151, MUSP 171

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUSP 171. Musicianship (Keyboard) 2.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 1
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Building chordal fluency. Harmonic vocabulary including sequences, chromaticism and modulation. Chorale and score reading with transposing instruments and alto/tenor clefs.
  • Course contents parallel with those of MUTH 151 and MUSP 141.
  • 1 hour
  • Prerequisite: MUSP 170
  • Corequisites: MUTH 111 and MUSP 131; or MUTH 151 and MUSP 141
  • Restriction: All students admitted to B.Mus. and L.Mus. programs, including those with keyboard or guitar as their principal instrument, are required to take MUSP 171 Keyboard Lab, unless exempt on the basis of a placement test. Students who are exempt from MUTH 111 through placement tests must still take MUSP 171 (unless exempt) since this course forms the foundation of keyboard-based musicianship tasks at upper levels. (All Majors in Jazz Performance substitute MUJZ 171 for MUSP 171. Students in Jazz Performance who have completed MUJZ 170 and MUJZ 171, and who transfer to a Department of Theory program, will be required to complete MUSP 171.) Students who do not achieve a continuation pass in MUSP 171 must reregister for the course in the semester immediately following. Students who do not achieve a continuation pass after repeating the course will not be allowed to proceed with further Musicianship or Theory studies until a continuation pass is achieved. Tests for MUSP 171 are held in August-September, December-January, and April-May [as well as during the Summer Session when course(s) offered], the exact dates determined by the Department of Music Research.
  • Course contents parallel with those of MUTH 151 and MUSP 141.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUIN 251. L.Mus. Practical Instruction 2.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 6
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Practical instruction in an instrument or voice.
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 250
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 250

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUIN 252. L.Mus. Performance 1 Examination.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 4
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Assessment of student progress.
  • Note: Complete descriptions are to be found under Examinations and Goals in Practical Subjects in the Music Chapter of the University Calendar.

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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One large ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 2 credits

One small ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 1 credit

Year 2 course plan

Fall term

MUTH 250. Theory and Analysis 3.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
Terms Offered: Summer 2025
View offerings for Summer 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Compositional resources of late 18th and early 19th century music. Analysis of forms common to the period c. 1770 - 1840, including Classical sonata forms in several media.
  • 3 hours
  • Prerequisite: MUTH 151
  • Corequisite: MUSP 240

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MUHL 286. Critical Thinking About Music.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 3
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
Terms Offered: Summer 2025
View offerings for Summer 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Examination of various periods and styles: e.g., central works from different traditions, the interaction of music and society, performance practice, and music's relation to other arts.
  • Prerequisite: MUHL 186 or MUJZ 187
  • Restriction: Not open to students who have taken MUTH 301

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MUSP 240. Musicianship Training 3.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
Terms Offered: Summer 2025
View offerings for Summer 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Rhythm and metre mixed divisions and two-part work; additional chordal voicings and pitch collections; melodies modulating to closely-related keys adding tenor clef; harmonic progression including applied chords; two-part keyboard-style passages.
  • Prerequisites: Matriculation Music or McGill Conservatory Theory Secondary V or its equivalent. MUSP 141
  • Corequisite: MUTH 250

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUIN 350. L.Mus. Practical Instruction 3.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 6
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Practical instruction in an instrument or voice.
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 251
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 251

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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One large ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 2 credits

One small ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 1 credit

Winter term

MUSP 241. Musicianship Training 4.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 2
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
Terms Offered: Summer 2025
View offerings for Summer 2025 in Visual Schedule Builder.

Description

Changing metres; chord voicings and atonal pitch collections; modulating tonal melodies and score reading of transposing instruments; harmonic progression including chromatic chords; two-part passages.
  • Prerequisite: MUSP 240
  • Corequisite: MUTH 251

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUIN 351. L.Mus. Practical Instruction 4.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 6
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Practical instruction in an instrument or voice.
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 350
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 350

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUIN 352. L.Mus. Performance 2 Examination.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 4
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Assessment of student progress.
  • Note: Complete descriptions are to be found under Examinations and Goals in Practical Subjects in the Music Chapter of the University Calendar.
  • Prerequisite(s): MUIN 252

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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One large ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 2 credits

One small ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 1 credit

Year 3 course plan

Fall term

MUIN 450. L.Mus. Practical Instruction 5.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 4
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Practical instruction in an instrument or voice.
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 351
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 351

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUSP 3xx upper-level musicianship:  2 credits

One large ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 2 credits

One small ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 1 credit

Winter term

MUIN 451. L.Mus. Practical Instruction 6.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 4
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Practical instruction in an instrument or voice.
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 450
  • Prerequisite: MUIN 450

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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MUIN 452. L.Mus. Performance 3 Examination.

Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.

Credits: 8
Offered by: Performance (Schulich School of Music)
This course is not offered this catalogue year.

Description

Assessment of student progress.
  • Note: Complete descriptions are to be found under Examinations and Goals in Practical Subjects in the Music Chapter of the University Calendar.
  • Prerequisite(s): MUIN 352

Most students use Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) to organize their schedules. VSB helps you plan class schedules, travel time, and more.

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  • To spread these 8 credits over fall and winter: Instead of MUIN 452, take
    Course information not available.
    in the fall and
    Course information not available.
    in the winter.

One large ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 2 credits

One small ensemble (MUEN 5xx): 1 credit

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