The best music schools in Canada are curated in this blog post to give you insights into their program offerings and also present you with a wide array of options to choose from.
If you are looking for a music school to shape you and develop your talents then you need to look for one in a place where the music culture is going on strong. A place with a deep-rooted music background is a good place to pursue your music career because the environment will help shape your career and open you to varieties of big opportunities in the industry.
And Canada is one of such places, I mean, its music industry is the sixth-largest in the world and most of the prominent musicians, composers, and ensembles you know are from there. It is a country with diverse cultures, the Indigenous Peoples, the Irish, British, the French, and its close neighbor, America have influenced, shaped, and contributed to the musical heritage in Canada.
There are also various opportunities that its government provides like the Canada Music Fund, a program set up to assist various musicians and entrepreneurs in the country. Studying music in Canada presents you with such opportunities and many others. You can get the chance to meet popular award-winning artists such as The Weeknd, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, Drake, Neil Young, and Ruth B.
And aside from these artists, you can get a chance to meet or learn directly or indirectly from top producers and composers like Bryan Adams, David Foster, Raine Maida, Howard Shore, John Abram, and Jocelyn Morlock. Simply knowing that you may meet one of these people at a Canadian music school and gain some knowledge from them is a huge inspiration for you to consider enrolling in a music school in the country.
Canada is often perceived by many students as a country where you can only pursue serious courses like business, medicine, engineering, computer science, and the like. This is not completely true, it is one of the most fun countries in the world, with music festivals, carnivals, and the likes which will truly inspire your musical potential.
And if your talents do not lie in music but oin ther forms of art then my previous post on the best art schools in Canada should be your next read where I have outlined various art disciplines and the best schools to pursue such programs in the country. Since Culinary is also a form of art, I should direct you to our post on the best culinary schools in Canada where you can gain professional cooking skills.
We also have several posts on our blog relating to Canada like the one on the best government colleges in Canada and if you want to pursue an MBA, our post on top MBA programs in Canada should serve you well. For the international applicants who want to study in the country, take a look at some of the tuition-free universities for international students, this might offer you an opportunity to pursue a music degree program at no cost.
There are also other posts that you may find useful such as our wide array of free online courses and the scholarships in UAE for ex-pats. If you are considering getting a degree online, the online colleges in Ohio can be a good place to look at.
Now, back to the topic, let us see the things that are required of students who want to study music in Canada.
Requirements for Music Schools in Canada
The music schools in Canada comprise music academies and colleges or universities that offer degrees, certifications, or diplomas. For the academies, the requirements are usually to submit an application form, a passport-sized photo, and get auditioned or you could be asked to submit it as a file or link.
However, if you want to earn a music degree from college there are even more requirements such as:
- You must have completed high school if you are going for a bachelor’s program or completed and earned a bachelor’s degree if you are going for a master’s program.
- Submit high school transcripts from other previously attended institutions.
- Complete application, which is usually online
- Submit audition materials
- If you are a non-native English speaker you will need to submit an English language proficiency test score. The common tests are IELTS, TOELF, or PTE.
The requirements for music colleges are more complex than for academies. The entry requirements here are basic ones and there could be more because it varies from school to school, by applicants’ residency status, and degree type. To get the exact requirements, contact the admissions office of your desired music school.
Now that you have some idea of the requirements for music schools in Canada, let’s get into discussing these schools.
Best Music Schools in Canada
Some of the best music schools in Canada have been discussed here to give you insight into their program offering and, from here, easily select a school that best meets your interest.
1. Victoria Conservatory of Music
On our first list of best music schools in Canada is the Victoria Conservatory of Music located in Victoria, British Columbia, and popular among Canadian individuals who want to develop their musical talents. It is a community that inspires, nurtures, and enriches through excellence in music education, performance, and wellness.
The conservatory is organized into six schools and departments through which varieties of disciplines are offered to students. Courses include early childhood music, writing and arranging, recording and production, contemporary, tech and creativity, and music therapy. Follow the link below to learn more about specific entry requirements and tuition fees.
2. Don Wright Faculty of Music
The Don Wright Faculty of Music is the music school of Western University, a leading institution in Canada. It offers varieties of undergraduate programs including the Bachelor of Music, Music Recording Arts, and Music Administrative Studies. Six graduate programs are offered to lead to the MA, MMUs, Ph.D., and DMA degrees.
The graduate programs are Composition, Music Theory, Music Education, Music Cognition, Musicology, and Performance.
All of these programs are offered through the three departments in the faculty. The departments of music education, music performance, and music research and composition. There are ensembles and facilities designed to help you develop your abilities to the best.
3. The Royal Conservatory of Music
The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the leading music schools in Canada with international recognition. More than five million people composers, producers, pianists, violinists, and many more are alumni of this music school including Mychael Danna, Doug Riley, and Sarah Slean who are award-winning artists.
This music school has been around for more than 130 years and has rich experience in the music industry. This experience will also pass through you when you become a student here and help to shape and build your potential into a successful career in the music industry.
4. Dan School of Drama and Music
Dan School of Drama and Music is a faculty within Queens University responsible for offering undergraduate, graduate, and other research programs in the university. It offers undergraduate degrees in drama, music, music theater, a range of minors, medials, and cross-disciplinary specializations. Also offers graduate and diploma in arts management & leadership.
The school also has various communities you can join to participate in competitions, learn more, and expand your horizon beyond school walls.
5. UBC School of Music
The University of British Columbia (UBC) School of Music is among the leading music colleges in Canada known to be the oldest and largest music school in the country offering a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree training. The school offers a 4-year course of study leading to the Bachelor of Music and several dual degrees, double majors, minors, and diploma programs.
Graduate programs are offered in three broad fields of specialization: performance, composition, and music scholarship leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Music, and Ph.D. International students are accepted into all the programs and you must satisfy all entry requirements to be considered for admission.
6. MacEwan University
MacEwan University is an interesting place to study music. It houses a Conservatory of Music under the School of Continuing of Education and a Department of Music under the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications. The conservatory is for applicants of all ages with lessons offered either in a group or private classes and no degrees or certifications are offered.
The department offers a degree in bachelor of music in jazz and contemporary popular music, a diploma in music, and four other majors in composition, general, performance, and recording and production. You can get into anyone that you think will help develop your talents to the best.
Visit the Conservatory website
7. Canada Christian College School of Music
If you are inspired to become a Christian music artist and need a place where this is the only focus then the Canada Christian College School of Music is the place for you. It is dedicated to training and developing students for church music ministry, and worship leadership, and sets you on the path to becoming a successful Christian artist.
Degrees offered are Bachelor of sacred music, master of sacred music, doctor of sacred music, and certification in worship leadership. All programs are offered full-time and part-time study options.
To apply, you will pay a non-refundable application fee of $75, two reference letters from a pastor and a non-relative, and a personal statement. Scholarships and other financial aid options are offered to all applicants.
8. The University of Saskatchewan Department of Music
This is one of the leading music colleges in Canada that can help you discover your true potential as a musician, teacher, composer, or music theorist. Applying to this school will allow you to study performance, composition, music theory, and participate in ensembles. You will also examine the history of music and gain a rich perspective on music, the lives of composers, and their contribution to the industry.
The department offers a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts in Music, Master of Music, and Master of Arts. The estimated tuition for the programs is $9,528 for domestic students and $27,671 for international students.
Music Schools in Canada – FAQs
[sc_fs_faq html=”true” headline=”h3″ img=”” question=”Is Canada a good place to study music?” img_alt=”” css_class=””] Yes, Canada is a good place to study music due to its rich music influence on the world and amazing opportunities for upcoming music artists. [/sc_fs_faq]