Admissions

To apply for the Bachelor of Music, you must complete an application to UBC and a BMus supplemental application.

UBC application deadline: January 15, 2026

Applicants who do not receive final grades for required English coursework or language exams until after February 15:

1. Contact undergraduate admissions via their online form
2. Provide them with your name, student number, name of your course/exam, and the date you expect to receive your results

BMUS Supplemental Application

UBC Music applications open: Early October 2026

To complete an application to the Bachelor of Music, applicants must:

• Apply to the University of British Columbia
• Complete the BMUS/Diploma Supplementary Application
• Pay the supplemental fee via the Applicant Service Centre
• Provide two letters of reference

BMUS supplementary application & fee deadline: January 15, 2026

Preparing to fill out the supplemental application

Please have the following information ready:

• Your planned audition format (in person/video*)
• Audition instrument(s)/voice part
• Proposed audition repertoire (see audition details below)
• Major(s) for which you are applying

*Domestic applicants are expected to audition in-person for the BMus program. If distance, accessibility considerations, or extenuating circumstances impact your ability to attend an audition in-person at UBC, please contact music.admissions@ubc.ca in advance. 

Three short-answer questions (250-400 words each):

1. What is your most significant musical experience?
2. What are your motivations and goals for pursuing a BMus degree?
3. Why are you interested in studying at UBC Music?

Supplemental Fee

The application form requires a separate fee. Applicants may submit their supplemental fee via the Applicant Service Centre before the deadline.

Letters of Reference

Letter of reference deadline: January 20, 2025

Applicants must send the reference form link to two referees. UBC Music will not contact your referees on your behalf: referees must use the linked form to submit their letter of reference. Reference information is confidential, and the applicant cannot fill out the form. Institutional emails are required for references from secondary or post-secondary educators. Personal emails may be used for all other referees.

Typically, references are supplied by private studio teachers and ensemble directors. However, any referees who can speak to an applicant's musical abilities, work ethic, accomplishments, and aptitude are considered.

Late references are accepted but are not guaranteed to be considered.

All applicants to the BMUS program are required to complete an audition.

In-person audition dates:

Voice, Woodwinds (flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, bassoon), & Brass (french horn): January 31, 2026

Voice & Brass (trumpet, trombone, tuba)/Percussion: February 1, 2026

Strings (cello, double bass, guitar, harp) & Piano: February 7, 2026

Strings (violin, viola) & Piano: February 8, 2026

Applicants located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia are expected to audition in-person. Applicants from Vancouver Island may request audition times that accommodate their ferry schedule. If you are an applicant from outside the Lower Mainland (E.g. Vancouver Island, Canada, United States) and you plan to audition in-person, please complete the relevant questions on the supplemental application.

Your audition timeslot will be confirmed after January 15.

Video Auditions

Applicants who are unable to travel or have extenuating circumstances preventing them from auditioning in-person may submit a video audition.

Please submit high-quality video recordings of your audition selections, preferably recorded by a professional technician. The recording of each individual selection must be an unedited performance that has been recorded within the past 6 months. If you are performing a multi-movement work, the entire work must be recorded in one take and uploaded in one file. Each recorded selection must not be edited or manipulated in any way.

Video audition deadline: January 30, 2026

Scholarships and Awards

Scholarships and bursaries are available for incoming Canadian and international undergraduate students. Note that UBC funding sources may have application deadlines.

For a comprehensive list, visit our undergraduate funding page.

Application deadline for: Presidential Scholars Awards and UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards: December 1, 2025 (all applicants)

School of Music Entry Scholarships: Applicants are awarded merit-based scholarships based on their audition. No additional applications are required for these scholarships.

Financial aid

Canadian and US students are eligible for financial assistance in the form of student loans, need-based bursaries, and emergency funding. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid (if applicable) as soon as possible. Dates and deadlines for financial aid resources vary.

Deadline: May 1

We recommend submitting your housing application concurrently with your UBC application.

To apply for on-campus housing, visit UBC Student Housing, where you can take a virtual tour of the residences and submit your application.

Housing is not guaranteed for students who apply after the May 1 deadline.

Note: Students with a disability or ongoing medical condition are eligible for priority access to on-campus housing.

To enroll in any honours, major or minor in Music, students must meet the academic admission requirements of the Faculty of Arts. Minors are declared at the end of the second year, although coursework usually commences in the first year.

BA honours, major/minor in Music Admissions

There are no audition requirements for entrance into the honours, major, or minor in music. Students may declare their specialization after they reach second year standing.

Students who are not in the BMus who are registering for music courses must join the waitlist to be contacted about registration.

For both performance and general studies majors:

Bass trombone

Print out the trombone audition pieces which must be performed for your bass trombone audition along with a piece of your choice.

• For second-year transfer applicants, your piece of choice must be one work of a substantial nature.
• For third-year transfer applicants, your piece(s) of choice must be two contrasting works or movements.

French Horn

Euphonium

Print out the trombone audition pieces (below) which must be performed for your euphonium audition along with a euphonium piece of your choice.

• For second-year transfer applicants, your piece of choice must be one work of a substantial nature.
• For third-year transfer applicants, your piece(s) of choice must be two contrasting works or movements.

Trombone

Print out the trombone audition pieces which must be performed for your Trombone audition along with a piece of your choice.

• For second-year transfer applicants, your piece of choice must be one work of a substantial nature.
• For third-year transfer applicants, your piece(s) of choice must be two contrasting works or movements.

Trombone audition pieces

Trumpet

Print out and perform the trumpet audition pieces for both performance and general studies majors.

Tuba

Print out the tuba audition pieces which must be performed for your tuba audition along with a piece of your choice.

• For second-year transfer applicants, your piece of choice must be one work of a substantial nature.
• For third-year transfer applicants, your piece(s) of choice must be two contrasting works or movements.

For both performance and general studies majors:

• All applicants will be expected to play mallets, timpani, and snare drum for this audition.
• Any applicants having advanced playing skills in world percussion instruments or drums set are encouraged to demonstrate these skills as an additional part of their audition. However, any applicant choosing to do so must inform the School of Music so that we may adjust your audition time to accommodate the extra material being presented.

First-year

• Print out the first-year audition pieces which you must perform for your percussion audition.
• You need only play up to letter B for the Bach, but you are welcome to play the entire movement if you choose.
• In addition, one work of a substantial nature of the player’s choice may be added if desired.
• Please bring one copy of your added piece(s) for the committee. You can play these works with or without accompaniment.
• The audition will include sight-reading and testing basic techniques such as rolls, rudiments, scales, etc.

Second-year

• Print out the second-year audition pieces which you must perform for your percussion audition.
• In addition, applicants should prepare one or two other works to represent their current level of performance.
• Please bring one copy of your added piece(s) for the committee. You can play these works with or without accompaniment.
• The audition will include sight-reading and testing basic techniques such as rolls, rudiments, scales, etc.
• Note: you must contact Vern Griffiths, percussion instructor, at vern.griffiths@ubc.ca to discuss and receive approval of appropriate audition material.

Third-year

• Print out the third-year audition pieces which you must perform for your percussion audition.
• In addition, applicants should prepare two other works to represent their current level of performance.
• Please bring one copy of your added piece(s) for the committee. You can play these works with or without accompaniment.
• The audition will include sight-reading and testing basic techniques such as rolls, rudiments, scales, etc.
• Note: you must contact Vern Griffiths, percussion instructor, at vern.griffiths@ubc.ca to discuss and receive approval of appropriate audition material.

An audition is required for applicants to the composition major. Audition requirements for the composition major are the same as those for the general studies concentration on all instruments and voice, though we will give a lower level consideration if the applicant is especially strong creatively.

If you have chosen the composition major (regardless of whether it is your first or second choice), you must upload three to five original scores (pdf) and corresponding audio (mp3) recordings to CLAS. A link will be provided after submission of a supplemental application.

Score Guidelines:

• Scores should be properly formatted and include all musical indications (tempo, dynamic markings, articulations, etc.)
• Please submit full scores only (no individual parts)
• Electronic works are accepted in the portfolio. Please include a brief program note and a description of the technology (software, equipment, etc.) used to create the work.

The deadline to upload all supporting materials is January 30, 2026 

Competitive applications to the composition major have an overall combined average* of 85% or higher.

• A combined average of all Grade 12 courses at the time of application
• A combined average of all courses completed in a previous year of study at the time of application (transfer students only)

Transfer to the composition major for UBC BMUS students

UBC BMUS students currently in other majors can apply to transfer into the composition major by submitting only the written portfolio and corresponding audio by the deadline above. Further instructions are available on the AIR site.

Performance major

• All students applying for enrolment as a performance major must prepare a memorized program of advanced repertoire, which includes a complete (all movements) classical sonata, a virtuoso etude of any period, and at least one other contrasting work. A concerto or a movement of a concerto is not permitted.
• All auditions will include sight-reading. The auditioning committee may request the technique (scales, chords, and/or arpeggios).
• No repertoire for the current audition may have been performed for any previous audition at UBC.
• VIDEO AUDITIONS: If you are performing a multi-movement work, each movement must be recorded in one take during the same recording session, then clearly titled and uploaded in individual files.

General studies major

• First- and second-year: Students applying for the piano concentration in general studies (including the Education streams) must prepare two contrasting works at a minimum level of Grade 10 RCM or equivalency; memorization is strongly suggested.
• Third-year: Students applying for the piano concentration in general studies (including the Education streams) must prepare two contrasting works at a minimum level of the Associate Diploma (ARCT) of the RCM or equivalency; memorization is strongly suggested.
  • Please note that a sonata movement counts as one work and that a concerto or a movement of a concerto is not permitted.
• All auditions will include sight-reading. In addition, the technique (scales, chords, and/or arpeggios) may be requested by the auditioning committee.
• No repertoire for the current audition may have been performed for any previous audition at UBC.
• VIDEO AUDITIONS: If you are performing a multi-movement work, each movement must be recorded in one take during the same recording session, then clearly titled and uploaded in individual files.

Performance major

• All students applying for enrolment as a performance major must prepare at least three contrasting works from different major periods.
• All auditions will include sight-reading. The technique (scales, chords, and/or arpeggios) may be requested by the auditioning committee.
• No repertoire for the current audition may have been performed for any previous audition at UBC.

General studies major

• First- and second-year: Students applying for the organ concentration in general studies (including the Education streams) must prepare two contrasting works at a minimum level of Grade 10 RCM or equivalency.
• Third-year: as above at a level of the Associate Diploma (ARCT) of the RCM or equivalency.
• All auditions will include sight-reading. The technique (scales, chords, and/or arpeggios) may be requested by the auditioning committee.
• No repertoire for the current audition may have been performed for any previous audition at UBC.

For both performance and general studies majors:

• Students should have reached a level of performance on any keyboard instrument equivalent to the requirements for piano or organ (see above). For specific repertoire requirements for auditioning on harpsichord, please contact the School of Music.
• All auditions will include sight-reading. The technique (scales, chords, and/or arpeggios) may be requested by the auditioning committee.
• No repertoire for the current audition may have been performed for any previous audition at UBC.

There is no specific grade level required. Students should be prepared to sing five or six pieces from the standard concert repertoire and may include traditional folk songs if desired. 

An ability to perform in a language other than English is an advantage but not a requirement for 1st year. 

A pianist is provided for in-person auditions. A pianist is highly recommended for video auditions. If this presents a hardship, please get in touch with the Admissions Manager.

There is no specific grade level required. Students should be prepared to sing five or six pieces from the standard concert repertoire and may include traditional folk songs if desired.

Those students transferring from a college into 3rd year should display familiarity with languages and show some degree of technical proficiency as demonstrated by selecting appropriate repertoire.

A pianist is provided for in-person auditions. A pianist is highly recommended for video auditions. If this presents a hardship, please contact the Admissions Manager.

Performance major

First- and second-year

• A Grade 10 RCM performance level (or equivalent training) is expected for applicants.
• Applicants will be asked to play two pieces: a movement from a concerto (of the applicant’s choice) and a movement from a solo sonata, partita, or suite by J.S. Bach.
• Applicants should prepare at least one major, harmonic or melodic scale in 3 octaves, with accompanying arpeggio.
• The selections may be played with or without accompaniment.
• No sight-reading requirement.

Third-year

• Transfer applicants must demonstrate competence on their instrument appropriate to the performance major and must be prepared to play a 30-minute audition of contrasting works.
• Applicants should prepare at least one major, harmonic or melodic scale in 3 octaves, with accompanying arpeggio.
• The selections may be played with or without accompaniment.
• No sight-reading requirement.

Harp and double bass applicants

• Bach is not required.
• Instead, please prepare two contrasting pieces that demonstrate your musical skills. A movement of a concerto is preferred.

Harp applicants

• No accompaniment is expected.
• The scale prepared should be C major, three octaves, followed by a single-line arpeggio of four octaves, beginning and ending on C.

General studies major

First- and second-year

• A Grade 10 RCM performance level (or equivalent training) is expected for applicants
• Applicants will be asked to play two contrasting works of their choice
• Applicants should prepare at least one major, harmonic or melodic scale in 3 octaves, with accompanying arpeggio.
• The selections may be played with or without accompaniment.

Third-year

• Transfer applicants must demonstrate competence on their instrument appropriate to the 3rd year level of the general studies program.
• Applicants should prepare at least one major, harmonic or melodic scale in 3 octaves, with accompanying arpeggio.
• The selections may be played with or without accompaniment.

Harp and double bass applicants

• Bach is not required.
• Instead, please prepare two contrasting pieces that demonstrate your musical skills. A movement of a concerto is preferred.

Harp applicants

• No accompaniment is expected.
• The scale prepared should be C major, three octaves, followed by a single-line arpeggio of four octaves, beginning and ending on C.

Performance major

First-year

• A 30-minute program including two studies of an RCM Grade 8-9 level is required.
• Knowledge of all major, harmonic and melodic minor scale patterns is expected.
• At the audition, your program is reviewed and select pieces are performed.

Second-year

• A 30-minute program including two studies of an RCM Grade 8-9 level is required.
• Knowledge of all major, harmonic and melodic minor scale patterns is expected.
• At the audition, your program is reviewed and select pieces are performed.

Third-year

• Performance majors should have the equivalent of a 2nd year UBC jury program (i.e. a 50-minute program with at least one major work and two advanced studies).
• At the audition, your program is reviewed and select pieces are performed.

General studies major

First-year

• Applicants for the concentration in general studies (including the Education streams) should prepare two pieces and two studies of a Grade 6 RCM level.

Second-year

• Applicants for the concentration in general studies (including the Education streams) should prepare two pieces and two studies of a Grade 6 RCM level.

Third-year

General studies students should prepare a 30-minute program including two studies of a Grade 7-9 RCM level. At the audition, your program is reviewed and select pieces are performed.

To gain admission into the third year of the music scholarship program, you must enter with proficiency on at least one instrument; requirements are the same as those for the third year of the general studies major.

Normally an applicant will not be admitted without at least an overall 80% average in the first- and second-year core courses in music theory and history, at least a 75% average in first-year English.

Students applying to transfer into the third year of the music scholarship major must also:

1. Submit original research papers on historical or analytical topics to the School of Music. One paper is sufficient, but two (good papers) give a better idea of your range of skills, especially if one paper is a history essay and the other a musical analysis.
2. Include an explanation of interest in the music scholarship specialization when completing the "short essay" question on the BMUS Supplementary Application.

UBC offers a Dual Degree BMus + BSc that is completed in six years. Admission to this program involves two stages: (1) evaluating applicants for the BMus and BSc programs, and (2) evaluating applicants for the dual degree program. This process takes place during the admission cycle (September 2025-February 2026) and admission to the dual degree is typically confirmed after a student’s first year (Summer 2027).

1. Apply to UBC

Prospective dual degree students applying to year 1 must select the BSc as their first choice and the BMus as their second choice in EducationPlannerBC.

2. Supplemental Applications

Complete any supplemental applications or submit any supporting documents for the BSc application. Please reach out to Undergraduate Programs and Admissions for BSc application/admissions inquiries.

Prospective dual degree students must also complete the BMus Supplemental Application, submit two letters of reference, pay the BMus Supplemental Fee, audition, and submit all required documentation. Applicants must complete the supplemental application by the deadline to schedule their audition/receive video audition instructions.

3. Reviewing your Offer

If you are accepted to both the BSc and the BMus and you intend to apply to the dual degree, accept your offer to the BSc in the Applicant Service Centre. Email music.admissions@ubc.ca and notify them that you have been offered admission to both programs and you’ve accepted your BSc offer. After, students will then be connected with the Music Academic Advisor and the Science Academic Advisor to consult prior to course registration.

Note: at this stage, students have been successfully admitted to the BSc and the BMus. The remaining steps are for admission to the dual degree. Successful applications to both the BSc and the BMus does not guarantee admission to the dual degree.

4. Applying for the Dual Degree

Following the recommendation of the School of Music, dual degree prospective students must apply for the dual degree program via the Science Information & Advising Centre in the summer following their first year (see the Bachelor of Science Dual Degree page below).

Why do I need to apply to be a dual degree student at the end of my first year?

The BMus and BSc programs take into account first-year studies and second year specialization for acceptance to the dual degree. Students may also need to complete pre-requisites or improve their academic performance prior to beginning the dual degree program.

Current BMus Students

1. Identify yourself to Advisors
BMus students who are interested in the dual degree program must consult both the Music Academic Advisor and a Science Advisor.

2. Apply to Switch to Science
Second year BMus students must apply to transfer to science, complete a year in the BSc, and then apply to the dual degree. A re-audition may be required.

3. Submit evaluation materials
Acceptance into the program is based on: (1) the recommendation of the School of Music, (2) a review of the applicant’s transcript to determine if the prerequisites and competitive admission standards of the Faculty of Science has been met, and (3) review of a statement of academic purpose.

Current BSc Students

1. Identify yourself to Music Admissions
BSc students interested in the dual degree must email music.admissions@ubc.ca to identify themselves before the end of the calendar year prior to your intended start (if you intend to enroll in the dual degree September 2026, you must notify Music Admissions by December 2025).

2. Music Applications
Complete the BMus Supplemental Application, two letters of reference, audition, and pay the BMus supplemental fee before the deadline. Audition dates, deadlines, and requirements are available on the admissions page.

3. Reviewing your offer
If you have successfully auditioned, you may be registered for music courses in September.

4. Applying for the Dual Degree
Following the recommendation of the School of Music, dual degree prospective students must apply for the dual degree program via the Science Information & Advising Centre in the summer following their first year (see the Bachelor of Science Dual Degree page below). If you successfully audition in February/March of 2026, you will apply for the Dual Degree in the summer of 2026.

Prospective Dual Degree Students may note the following:

• Admission to specializations within science and music may be competitive, and admission to the dual degree program does not imply future admission to particular specializations.
• Admission at any time is conditional; maintenance of good academic standing and in each term are required throughout the program. Students must satisfy all of the degree and program requirements for both the major in the Bachelor of Music and the major in the Bachelor of Science.
• Individual courses may be considered to satisfy requirements for both degrees; MUSC courses may satisfy the Arts and Breadth requirements for the BSc major program and Science courses may satisfy the non-music elective requirements for the BMUS.
• Dual degree students should aim to register courses under the most appropriate degree, and if courses are found to be under the incorrect degree, they’ll be moved to the other degree.
  MUSC courses numbered below 300 may not count toward the upper-level credit requirement for the BSc program. Students should endeavor to satisfy lower-level course prerequisites for both programs in their first two years.
• Students must communicate with both an advisor in the School of Music in the Science advising office prior to enrolling in their first year of courses and at least annually thereafter.

Through this dual degree program, you can earn a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education in approximately five years and widen your perspective in both subject areas.

Graduates technically use these credentials for teaching at the secondary level as a music specialist, but are also well qualified to teach music at the elementary level.

By completing the BMus and the BEd simultaneously, you will be able to pursue a more focused program of study than the traditional, consecutive-degree (“4+1”) option. This dual degree program is strongly recommended if you are interested in a career in music education.

Qualified applicants may apply to transfer to UBC. To apply to transfer, applicants must complete an application to UBC and the B.Mus. Supplemental Application Form. Prospective students must apply and audition within the regular Music admission calendar. The next intake of transfer students will begin their studies with UBC Music in the 2026W session. 

International applicants are encouraged to contact International Student Advising to assist with documentation and entry requirements.

International Student Advising: 1-604-822-5021