Admissions

You will need to apply to both UBC and for the BMUS (details below)

1. Apply to UBC

UBC application deadline: January 15, 2025

2. Apply for the BMUS

UBC Music applications open: October 4, 2024

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, 2025

Preparing to fill out the form

Please have the following information and documents 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

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?

Submission of the supplementary application form requires a separate fee. 

*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 the graduate programs assistant at music.admissions@ubc.ca in advance for permission to send a recording.

Letters of Reference

Letter of reference deadline: January 20, 2025

Applicants must send the reference form link to two referees. Your referees must use this form to submit their letter of reference. Reference information is confidential, and the applicant cannot fill out the form.

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.

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

Domestic applicants are expected to audition in-person for the Bachelor of Music program. If distance, accessibility considerations, or extenuating circumstances impact your ability to attend an audition in-person at UBC, please indicate this on your supplemental application. You may be contacted for further details.

International applicants may choose to audition in-person or via a recording for the Bachelor of Music program.

In-person audition dates:

Voice & Strings: February 1 & 2 2025

Piano & Winds,  Brass, and Percussion: February 8 & 9 2025

Video materials submission deadline: February 1, 2025

Your audition timeslot will be confirmed after January 15.

Video Auditions

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.

Scholarships and awards

Scholarships awarded by UBC:

Deadline: Varies by award | most are December 1

Several scholarships and bursaries are available for incoming Canadian and international undergraduate students.

For a comprehensive list, visit our undergraduate funding page.

UBC application deadline for International entrance scholarships: November 15, 2024  

Application deadline for: Presidential Scholars Awards and UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Awards: December 1, 2024 (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

Deadline: Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid (if applicable) as soon as possible. Bursary dates vary.

Canadian and US students are eligible for financial assistance in the form of student loans, need-based bursaries, and emergency funding.

Please note: UBC's policy on financial support declares that no eligible Canadian student will be prevented from attending the university for economic reasons alone.

Deadline: May 1

We recommend submitting your housing application along 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. We recommend choosing Place Vanier as your first choice because it's very close to the School of Music building and has at least four practice rooms. Their front desk closes at 11pm. It is worth noting that all residences have practice rooms.

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.

If you're interested in renting accommodation outside the university, check out UBC's guide to off-campus housing.

To enrol in any honours, major or minor within the UBC BA degree, 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.

There are no performance requirements for entrance into the honours, major or minor in music. Entry to the minor in music is through the course Music 100: Principles of Musical Form.

Students who are not in the BMus program should register for the waitlist of MUSC 100, and they will be contacted about admission to the course.

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, 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 six original scores and corresponding audio recordings to CLAS. A link will be provided after submission of a supplemental application.

The deadline to upload all supporting materials is February 1, 2025

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. Concerti are not permissible.
• All auditions will include sight-reading. The auditioning committee may request the technique (scales, chords, and/or arpeggios). This requirement does not apply to video auditions.
• 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 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 concerti are not permissible.
• All auditions will include sight-reading. In addition, the technique (scales, chords, and/or arpeggios) may be requested by the auditioning committee. This requirement does not apply to video auditions.
• No repertoire for the current audition may have been performed for any previous audition at UBC.

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. This requirement does not apply to video auditions.
• 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. This requirement does not apply to video auditions.
• 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. This requirement does not apply to video auditions.
• 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

• For applicants wishing to enter the orchestral instrument major, a Grade 10 RCM level is required.
• 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*.
• All students auditioning in-person will be asked to play some scales.
• Students 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.
• All students auditioning in-person will be asked to play some scales.
• Students 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

• For general studies majors a Grade 10 RCM level is required
• Applicants will be asked to play two pieces: a movement from a concerto and a movement from a solo sonata, partita, or suite by J.S. Bach*.
• All students auditioning in-person will be asked to play some scales. Students 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.
• All students auditioning in-person will be asked to play some scales.
• Students 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.

Through the BMus/BSc, you can earn a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Science in approximately six years.

Admission to the dual degree program is considered only after a student has reached second-year standing.

Students who are in year 1 and intend t apply for the dual degree must be enrolled in ensembles and lessons while completing their first year in the sciences. 

1. Apply to UBC
   Incoming applicants (applying for year 1) interested in the dual degree program must list the BSc as their first degree choice and the BMus as their second choice on their UBC Admissions application. Both the BSc supplementary application and BMus supplementary application must be completed.
2. BMUS Supplemental Application
   Applicants must indicate their interest in the dual degree by completing the dual degree section of the BMUS supplemental application.
3. Audition
   Your audition will be scheduled after you complete the Supplementary Application
4. Submit All Documentation
   Submit your requested documentation to the Applicant Service Centre
5. Respond to Your Offer
   If you are admitted to both the BMus and the BSc and you intend to pursue the dual degree, accept your offer to the BSc.

Potential BMus students interested in the dual degree program must consult both a senior advisor in the School of Music and the Science Information & Advising Centre.

Acceptance into the program will be based on the following:

1. The recommendation from the School of Music.
2. A review of the applicant’s transcript to determine that both the prerequisite studies and competitive admission standards of the Faculty of Science have been met.
3. A review of a statement of academic purpose.

Registered first- or second-year BMus students who did not apply for the dual degree as incoming students may also apply to the dual degree program. They must meet the current requirements of the Faculty of Science and must have met the academic standing requirements of the program while at UBC.

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.

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.

Do I need permission to apply as an incoming student (applying for year 1)?

No. Permission to enter the dual degree is needed after the completion of your first year.

If I decide I do not want to pursue the dual degree, can I pick one program?

Provided you are admitted to your program of choice, you may choose to study in one program instead of the dual.

Why do I I apply for the dual degree as an incoming student, but I cannot formally enter the program until after my first year?

Prospective dual degree students must complete one year of science and music courses to assess suitability for the program.

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 2025W session. 

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

International Student Advising: 1-604-822-5021