Master of Music
Intake
Program components
Coursework and Thesis
Registration options
Full-time: 24 months
Description
The Master of Music (MMus) degree program is a two-year, full-time program of applied and academic study. The program offers students the opportunity to pursue graduate study in performance or composition, and to join a dynamic community of experienced and active professional musicians and scholars. In addition to required coursework, the MMus involves master classes and lectures with visiting artists and numerous performance/recording and research opportunities on-campus and in the larger community of Lethbridge, culminating in a Thesis Project. Although grounded in classical music, students are encouraged to study broadly and synthesize their work into a personalized artistic expression.
Building on our reputation for excellent undergraduate education in performance, composition and digital audio arts, the MMus offers students the opportunity to join a dynamic community of experienced and active professional musicians and scholars. It also involves master classes and lectures with visiting artists and numerous performance/recording opportunities on-campus and in the larger community of Lethbridge.
Funding
The University provides substantial financial support to all full-time graduate students. Additional scholarships are also available once entered into the program.
Studios & facilities
- University Recital Hall with state-of-the-art acoustics
- University Theatre – 450-seat proscenium theatre
- 24/7 access to individual practice studios and 2 large ensemble rehearsal rooms
- Steinway D concert grand pianos and a Yamaha S6 handmade grand and 50 rehearsal pianos
- Canada’s most extensive percussion collection
- Studio One: world-class recording studio
- Studio Two: post-production studio
- Music technology lab and audio editing suites
- Professional audio gear loan centre
Areas of study
- Composition & Digital Music Creation
- Collaborative Piano
- Euphonium
- Guitar
- Music Production
- Percussion
- Piano
- Trombone/ Bass Trombone
- Trumpet
- Tuba
- Violin
- Voice
Admission information
Applicants will meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (i.e. an undergraduate degree) in a related discipline from a recognized degree-granting institution
- Have a minimum grade point average of 3.00 (based on 4.00 scale) on the last 20 graded university-level term courses OR calculated on the most recently completed master’s degree if the applicant is applying for another master’s degree
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (ELP) for graduate students
Step 1: Prepare Supporting Documents
Please see Supporting Documents for the Master of Music program below. If additional documents are required, the School of Graduate Studies will contact you.
Step 2: Submit Online Application by Deadline
Submit your complete application by midnight (MST/MDT) on the deadline date. Review our Dates and Deadlines page for information on relevant deadlines.
Step 3: Find A Supervisor
Prospective students must secure a supervisor before applying. Faculty members may not be accepting students or may only be accepting students in specific areas. Visit our Search Supervisors webpage for more information.
Step 4: Arrange for Official Documents
Official documents (e.g., transcripts, ELP test scores) are required prior to registration.
Note: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending an institution participating in ApplyAlberta do not need to arrange for official transcripts to be sent to uLethbridge from the issuing institution. A list of participating institutions is available at www.applyalberta.ca.
Step 5: Admission Decision Process
The departmental committee reviews your application and makes a recommendation on admission to the program committee. You will be notified of your official admission status by the Registrar’s Office no later than April 1 (February 1 deadline).
*Note: Students who are graduates of non-Canadian universities must provide notarized English translations of all documents not in the English language.
For more details please see the Graduate Studies Calendar and Course Catalogue.
As program capacity is limited, students are admitted based on the following criteria:
- Academic record and letters of recommendation
- Additional Fine Arts submission requirements (by major)
- Recourses available for the proposed project
- Financial support available
Not all students who meet the minimum admission requirements will be admitted due to enrolment limitations.
Supporting documents
You will need to upload and submit your unofficial transcripts, including proof of graduation for your completed degree(s) and transcripts of all post-baccalaureate work, if any, via the online application system.
You will also need to arrange for your official transcripts to be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Your official transcripts are required to be received prior to course registration.
Applicants who have attended or are currently attending institutions NOT participating in ApplyAlberta must arrange to have official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to the Admissions Office. A list of participating institutions is available at applyalberta.ca.
Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope to:
Registrar’s Office
University of Lethbridge
4401 University Drive West
Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4
Canada
Your transcripts are required to display your up-to-date coursework, including grades/marks received for completed coursework.
Applicants to the Master of Music program are required to submit three (3) academic reference letters. You should have studied with at least two of your references.
| You are: | Who is an acceptable academic referee? |
| A current or recent graduate of an undergraduate program |
|
| A current or recent graduate student |
|
| Working and completed a degree several years ago |
|
Please see our Supporting Documents page for detailed information regarding submitting reference letters.
The School of Graduate Studies is not able to:
- Accept Letters of Reference submitted via email or regular mail
- Re-use a Letter of Reference submitted in support of a previous application
- Edit/change your referees or send them reminders to submit their Letter of Reference
- Accept Letters of reference from a friend or family member
Your CV is a comprehensive document with a formal structure and academic focus. It should include your background, work experience, awards, scholarships, publications, and other achievements. If you are a current or former University of Lethbridge student, contact Career and Employment Services for additional information on the content and structure of a CV.
Your Letter of Intent for the Master of Music program must contain:
- The direction of the applicant's current area of research and practice, and the specific nature of interest in the program and the discipline to which they are applying.
- Maximum length is 1500 words.
You should address your letter to the School of Graduate Studies.
English is the primary language of instruction and communication at the University of Lethbridge. Prior to registration, all applicants to the School of Graduate Studies must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) sufficient to meet the demands of classroom instruction, written assignments, research, and participation in tutorials and discussions, regardless of their citizenship or country of origin. Please see the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for graduate students for detailed information.
Additional creative documents are required as part of the MMus application and must be submitted with your application for admission before the application deadline.
Prospective students must secure a supervisor before applying. Faculty members may not be accepting students or may only be accepting students in specific areas. Students should have a strong background in music, either through an undergraduate degree in Music or significant experience as a practitioner (in any tradition). Formal writing skills are also a critical component for the successful completion of the degree.
Applicants submit s portfolio including material relevant to their area of studies. Applicants focusing on performance will submit a video that displays a professional level of repertoire. Applicants focusing on composition will submit scores and sound files.
Following review of the above documents, shortlisted applicants will be invited for a live audition of approximately 30 minutes that displays a professional level of repertoire. A short interview will occur following the audition. A placement test will also be given to assess the applicant's proficiency in Music Theory, Musicianship Skills, and Music History.