Music (BA)

What will you study?

Your coursework will explore music from multiple perspectives, connecting sound, culture and society. Areas of study may include:

• Musicology
• Music theory
• Music therapy
• Auditory health and psychological and addiction therapy
• Emerging trends in music
• Copyright and intellectual property
• The historical relationship between music and social justice
• The cultural relevance of music genres

What skills will you develop?

In this program, you will:

• Apply musical knowledge and understanding to diverse musical repertoires
• Recognize issues of social injustice in historical and contemporary musical practices
• Advocate for equity and inclusion through the study and practice of diverse musical genres
• Identify connections between music and personal identity across political, sexual, social, and cultural themes

These skills prepare you for both creative and professional pathways, where communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness are essential.

Which degree is right for you?

Both the BA in Music and the Bachelor of Music (BMus) offer strong musical foundations, but they are designed for different goals and learning styles.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music

The BA is ideal if you want to study music within a broader academic context. It offers flexibility to combine music with other subjects, does not require an audition, and focuses on cultural, historical, theoretical, and social aspects of music alongside ensemble participation. This degree suits students interested in interdisciplinary careers, graduate study, or applying music knowledge across industries.

Bachelor of Music (BMus)

The BMus is a professionally focused degree for students who want intensive musical training. It typically requires an audition and centres on performance, composition, or specialized musical practice. This path is best for students pursuing careers that demand advanced technical mastery. BMus program areas include:

• Composition and Theory
• Music Education
• Musical Arts
• Musicology and Sound Studies
• Performance

Student life & community

Ensemble participation is a key part of the BA in Music experience. Students can perform in a variety of groups, including:

• UVic Symphony Orchestra
• UVic Wind Symphony
• UVic Concert Band
• UVic Chorus
• UVic Chamber Singers
• UVic Vocal Jazz Ensemble
• Vikes Band
• UVic Jazz and Creative Ensemble Baroque Collegium

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

• Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
• Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
• On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
• Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Inspiring courses

• Music Appreciation 
• Indigenous Peoples and Music 
• Music and Culture of Cuba
• Topics in World Music 
• History of Rock and Roll 
• The History of Electronic Music and Sound Studies 

Career possibilities

• Arts and cultural programs coordinator
• Music producer or audio production specialist
• Composer for film, games, and digital media
• Audio or recording engineer
• Ensemble or choral director
• Music technology or creative technology developer
• Recording artist or freelance performing musician

Career outcomes

Admission

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Alternatively, you can choose another major and add this program as a minor to broaden your studies.

Ready to apply?

We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.