Music

What can I do with a major in Music

The Music Department is committed to the development of its students as fully rounded musicians. The Music program curriculum enables students to cultivate skills in areas of music that interest them most – performance, history, theory, sound, design and recording, or composition.

In the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science (16 music courses required) and Bachelor of Music (30 music courses required), students receive extensive musical training with personalized instruction on a chosen instrument. Musical training is reinforced by participation in performing ensembles and by completing courses in music theory, ear training, history, and literature.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Arts & Science may choose from one of two streams: the Theory/History stream, which allows students to understand composition and delve deeper into the development of music, and the General stream, which focuses on the performance and composition aspects of musical development.

Students interested in music can complete:

  • B.A. Music
  • B. Mus.
  • B.A. (Music)/ B.Ed. (Music Education)
  • B.Mus./B.Ed. (Music Education)
  • B.Mus./ B.Mgmt.

Program Planning Guides

Skills

  • Communication
  • Compiling & Selecting Information
  • Directing a Performance
  • Effectively Communicating
  • Evaluating Information
  • Leadership
  • Listening Objectively
  • Motivating People
  • Muscular Coordination
  • Music Composition
  • Organizing
  • Passion for Singing
  • Playing an Instrument
  • Problem Solving
  • Self-Discipline
  • Self-Motivated to Practice
  • Sense of Rhythm
  • Skilled Breathing Technique

Work Environment

Graduates of this program work in a variety of organizations and work environments, according to training and interest. Graduates may find employment as musicians in symphony orchestras, small ensembles, rock/jazz groups, choral groups or dance bands. Graduates may also work as accompanists, concert soloists or vocalists. Career opportunities can also be found in concert halls, club/restaurants, opera companies, music theatres, ballet companies, recording companies, radio/TV/motion picture companies, record companies, publishers, elementary and high schools, colleges and universities, recreation centers, music conservatories, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, music libraries and fine arts organizations.

Key Areas of Specialization:

  • Composition
  • Sound Production & Engineering,
  • Education
  • Music Therapy
  • Performance

Career Possibilities

These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.

  • Audio Faculty (Part -Time & Adjunct)
  • Fine Arts Teaching Assistant
  • Instrumental Music Teacher
  • Music & Video Program Assistant
  • Music Intern
  • Music Product Associate
  • Music Sales Associate
  • Music Sales Person
  • Music Teacher - Private, Conservatory and Studio Lessons
  • Musician
  • Private Music Teacher
  • Record Company Marketer
  • Record Company Sales Representative
  • Recording Artist

These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.

  • Artist & Repertoire Staff
  • Arts Administrator
  • Canadian Forces Band Member
  • Cantor
  • Choir Director
  • Classical Musician
  • Composer
  • Concert Master
  • Concert Promoter
  • Conductor
  • Creative Director
  • Disc Jockey
  • Editor
  • Film Music Editor
  • Instrument Repair Person
  • Instrument Restorer
  • Jazz Musician
  • Jingle Composer
  • Lyricist
  • Music Arranger
  • Music Critic
  • Music Executive
  • Music Librarian
  • Music License Administrator
  • Music Program Coordinator
  • Music Publisher
  • Music Researcher
  • Music Score Writer
  • Music Studio Owner
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Therapist
  • Music Video Production
  • Musical Performer
  • Musicologist
  • Orchestra Musician
  • Performer
  • Piano Tuner
  • Professor
  • Publicist
  • Record Producer
  • Record Technician
  • Session Musician
  • Singer
  • Song Writer
  • Sound Engineer
  • Stage Manager
  • Talent Agent
  • Transcriber
  • Voice Teacher

On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.

  • Announcer
  • Audio Programmer
  • Booking Agent
  • Business Manager
  • CD Manufacturer
  • Communication Expert
  • Copywriter
  • Entertainment Lawyer
  • Facility Director
  • Information Coordinator
  • Advance Interactive Audio Lab Specialist
  • Marketing Representative
  • Promotion Representative
  • Recording Engineer
  • Resident Sound Technician
  • Resident Stage Manager
  • Royalties Broadcast Monitor
  • Talk Show Host
  • Tour Coordinator

Useful Resources


Add Value to Your Degree

The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.

Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.

Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.

Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.

Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.

Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.

The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.

Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.

The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.

The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.

The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.

An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.

You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!

International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).

Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.