Music Major
The bachelor of fine arts (BFA) with a major in music is a flexible program that offers several options for the music student to pursue an interest in composition or electroacoustic music. The program takes full advantage of the opportunities to experience and study other art forms that are provided in the School for the Contemporary Arts.
At the upper division, students complete one of two streams: composition or electroacoustic. The requirements at the lower division are the same for all streams but students are advised to select their chosen stream as early as second year, so that the proper prerequisites can be completed.
Students whose interest in music is related primarily to its historical, critical, or theoretical aspects should consider the Visual Culture and Performance Studies major program which leads to a bachelor of arts degree. Contact the school's general office for information about entry to specific music courses.
¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Requirements
Program and course admission is contingent upon University admission. Contact Student Services for admission procedures, requirements and deadlines.
Although the University operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are planned in a two term (fall and spring) sequence. Consequently, students enter in the fall term (September) and are advised to contact the school in the preceding January for program entry and requirements information.
Entry to the music program requires that students read music staff notation at a good to excellent level and possess a solid understanding of music fundamentals. Students must pass the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Music Entrance exam with a grade of B (or better) OR take the course CA 104 Music Fundamentals and achieve a grade of B (or better). ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Music Entrance exams are held regularly throughout the year, so prospective students should contact the School for information regarding this requirement.
Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing
Unassigned or general elective (type 2 and 3, respectively) transfer credit awarded for courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions will not automatically entitle students to advanced standing in the school’s programs. Advanced standing is generally given on an individual basis as a result of an audition or interview.
About the School’s Course Offerings
Students are encouraged to take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings within the school. As many programs depend on a continuing sequence of courses completed in order, students should plan carefully to gain the maximum benefit and efficiency from their study.
Note that not all courses are offered every term and several are offered on a rotational basis, i.e. every third or fourth term. An advisor is available to help plan study programs.
Students are reminded that the school is an interdisciplinary fine and performing arts department, and are strongly advised to acquaint themselves with the many disciplinary courses that are available.
Special Topics Courses
The subject matter (and prerequisites) of special or selected topics courses vary by term.
Prior Approval Prerequisite
Where a prerequisite is or includes ‘prior approval,’ approval must be obtained before enrolling in the course. Contact the school for further information.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
Academic Continuance Policy
Policy:
All students who successfully complete the acceptance process within the School for the Contemporary Arts are offered the status of “Major” in a specific area of study entering the first year. In order to remain a major, all students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA in CA courses of 2.67. Students that fall below the 2.67 will have a limited time (see process below) to bring the average up before losing their status as a major.
Process:
All SCA student GPA levels will be evaluated at the end of each academic year, normally at the end of the Spring semester. A student who falls below the required cumulative GPA in CA courses of 2.67 will be notified of their probation status as a major with a limited time to adjust their CA GPA. Students will need to meet with the Area Coordinator and Advisor and plan their academic career for either re-establishing the Major or pursuing an FCAT BA with a double minor program. If the student does not bring the cumulative GPA in CA courses to 2.67 in the allotted time, he/she will be dropped from the major. If the student is in first or second year of study within the major and falls below the required cumulative GPA in CA courses of 2.67, the student will have two semesters to bring up their average to 2.67. If the student is in third year of their major, they will have one semester to bring their average to 2.67. Students who lose their status as a major in the SCA will have the option of pursuing the extended minor as part of the double minor BA option in FCAT, or via other options in the university. In extraordinary circumstances, the area coordinator and director of the school will review academic continuance policy cases.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 36 units, including all of
Three core courses below:
Introduction to acoustics, psychoacoustics, sound synthesis, audio sampling and signal processing, and sound production in general as relating to music, film sound, radio, new media, art installations and live performance. Students who have taken CA (or FPA) 184 cannot take CA (or FPA) 149 for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 149 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Stefan Smulovitz |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduces innovations in the fine and performing arts to show the range of possibilities open to those who wish to employ or understand the use of moving images in their disciplinary and multidisciplinary art practices. By the completion of the course students should have a good sense not only of previous innovations and traditions, but of the contemporary scene as well. Students with credit for FPA 186 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Joseph Clark |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
| E101 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
| E102 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 8:30–9:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
| E103 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E104 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 7:30–8:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E105 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E106 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E107 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
|
| E108 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 6:30–7:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
An introduction to the techniques of artistic composition as experienced in a collaborative interdisciplinary studio environment. The emphasis is on the creation, analysis and critique of new compositions created in collaborative groups by students in dance, music, theatre, film/video and visual art. Prerequisite: One of CA (or FPA) 122, 130, 145, 150, 160, 170. Students with credit for FPA 285 may not take this course for further credit.
Plus one additional CA history course from outside of the music discipline.
and all of
An introductory survey of major historical trends and practices of music in the 20th and 21st centuries as revealed by the study of selected music examples. Critical issues fundamental to an understanding of contemporary composition will be examined (e.g. impressionism, twelve-tone music, indeterminacy, the role of technology, improvisation). May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Students with credit for FPA 140 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Arne Eigenfeldt |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
This course introduces basic concepts of music composition such as melody and pitch organization, harmony, rhythm and form. The fundamental principles of theory and acoustics (e.g. voice-leading, overtone structure, metre) will be studied with particular reference to composition. Students will compose short works within given guidelines that address specific compositional issues. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 104. Students who have completed a music theory/notation course at another institution but who have not received transfer credit as CA (or FPA) 104 should seek a clearance/prerequisite waiver from the department. Students with credit for FPA 145 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mauricio Pauly |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
| LA07 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
| LA08 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
|
| LA09 |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
A continuation of CA (or FPA) 145 where students compose short works for instruments within given parameters that address specific compositional issues. Analysis of a wide range of music, score reading and recorded music of selected compositions will be included. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 140 and 145. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 244 may not complete this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 146 may not take this course for further credit.
Composition for small instrumental groups, electroacoustic resources or combinations of instruments and electronics. Students are also encouraged to do work involving collaboration with dance, film, theatre and visual art. In addition to individual composition lessons, students will be required to attend a composition seminar where the practice of composition will be discussed. Seminar topics will include orchestration, world repertoire, and issues of music technology. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 146. Students with credit for FPA 245 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder Owen Underhill |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
and three of
Practical and theoretical study of music for gamelan ensemble, based on, but not limited to, traditional Javanese music. This course is designed as an introduction to the study of the music of non-Western cultures and as a method of developing ensemble musicianship. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: Prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 243 may not take this course for further credit.
This course is a continuation of CA (or FPA) 245. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 140 and 245, and prior approval from the area. Students with credit for FPA 246 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder Owen Underhill |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
The theory and practice of electroacoustic music technology and composition. The course will examine through lecture and studio work the following topics: analog and digital synthesis, microcomputer use, the multi-track studio, signal processing, communication protocols such as MIDI and sampling techniques. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 149. Students with credit for FPA 247 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mauricio Pauly |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Introduces basic elements of conducting technique including metrical patterns, quality of beat, cueing, score preparation, rehearsal technique, showing expression and dynamics, and score reading. The course is primarily designed for composers or prospective music teachers. Students will gain regular practical experience through conducting ensembles comprised of members of the class. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 245. Students who have received credit for CA (or FPA) 249-3 Selected Topics in Music I: Conducting I may not receive further credit for CA 248. Students with credit for FPA 248 may not take this course for further credit.
A specific topic in music which is not otherwise covered in-depth in regular courses. The work may be practical, theoretical or a combination of the two, depending on the particular topic in a given term. May repeat for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 140 and/or prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 249 may not take this course for further credit.
An introduction to audio representation technology and a survey of the history of major sound-based media, including a discussion of the way sound design conventions have developed over time. Students both analyze sound in media and create audio-based applied projects. Specific techniques of field recording, interviewing, editing, sound processing, multi-tracking, and basic digital audio techniques will be explored using the school's studio facilities. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
and one additional CA studio course from outside the major.
* See advisor for course options.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a minimum of 45 units, including the requirements for one of the following three streams.
Composition Stream
Students who choose this stream will complete a minimum of 34 units, including all of
This course is a continuation of CA (or FPA) 246. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 246 or 247, and prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 345 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder Owen Underhill |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Students will undertake a large-scale project in music composition as the culmination of their undergraduate composition studies. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 445. Students with credit for FPA 446 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder Owen Underhill |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
and a minimum of 11 units chosen from
The relationship of music and culture, with emphasis on traditional and contemporary music in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and indigenous cultures of North America. Specific cultural areas may be selected for intensive study in any particular term. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FPA 341 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deirdre Anne Elizabeth Morgan |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 6:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Continuation of CA (or FPA) 243, with increased emphasis on the theoretical and ethnomusicological aspects of gamelan. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 243. Students with credit for FPA 343 may not take this course for further credit.
An in-depth investigation of selected social, critical and theoretical issues associated with contemporary music, with special emphasis on the period c. 1945 to the present. Issues discussed might include such theoretical concerns as integral serialism; indeterminacy; process music; timbral concerns; or new approaches to melody, harmony and tonality. Critical topics such as music and technology; popular music and the mass media; or critical issues connected with world music might also be considered. The material of the course will be presented through the study of scores, recorded examples and when possible, live concerts. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 245.
An advanced examination of the aesthetics, technology, and compositional approaches of electroacoustic music. Topics may include computer music programming, performance systems, compositional strategies and their relationship to technology, synthesis and processing techniques and the analysis of works. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 247. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 347 under its former title may take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 347 may not take this course for further credit.
Continuation of CA (or FPA) 248, with an increased emphasis on more advanced conducting projects. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 248 or CA (or FPA) 249-3 Selected Topics in Music I: Conducting I. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 349-3 Selected Topics in Music II: Conducting II may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 348 may not take this course for further credit.
A specific topic in music which is not otherwise covered in depth in regular courses. The work may be practical, theoretical or a combination of the two, depending on the particular topic in a given term. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 245.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
This course examines the role of music in the viewer's experience of moving pictures. Beginning with the early 1900s, the lectures will introduce important composers, directors, films, genres and historical periods. Specific films and other works will be analyzed. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours. Students who have taken this course previously as special topics may not take it again for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 386 may not take this course for further credit.
Continuation of CA (or FPA) 343 with emphasis on the technique of the elaborating instruments of the gamelan ensemble. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 343. Students with credit for FPA 443 may not take this course for further credit.
The theory and practice of digital techniques and computer systems as applied to sound synthesis and music composition. The course will consider the major types of hardware and software systems developed for music from 1955 to the present, and will discuss such issues as machine programmability, user interaction, acoustic models for sound synthesis, and compositional algorithms. Students will have the opportunity for practical compositional work. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 347. Recommended: CMPT 001 or 110. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 348 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 447 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
and a minimum of six CA units chosen from outside of the music discipline (CMNS 358 or 359 may be substituted)
Electroacoustic Stream
Students who choose this stream will complete a minimum of 32 upper division units including all of
An advanced examination of the aesthetics, technology, and compositional approaches of electroacoustic music. Topics may include computer music programming, performance systems, compositional strategies and their relationship to technology, synthesis and processing techniques and the analysis of works. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 247. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 347 under its former title may take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 347 may not take this course for further credit.
The theory and practice of digital techniques and computer systems as applied to sound synthesis and music composition. The course will consider the major types of hardware and software systems developed for music from 1955 to the present, and will discuss such issues as machine programmability, user interaction, acoustic models for sound synthesis, and compositional algorithms. Students will have the opportunity for practical compositional work. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 347. Recommended: CMPT 001 or 110. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 348 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 447 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
and a minimum of 18 units chosen from
An intermediate level studio workshop to develop the student's skills in sound production with an understanding of the communicational implications of sound design. Audio theory and its applications in both the digital and analog formats will be presented, along with practical studio techniques for stereo and multi-channel sound production. Prerequisite: CMNS 258 (or equivalent) with a grade of B or higher, and approval of instructor.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
David Murphy |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| D101 |
David Murphy |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 1:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Building on Sound Studies I (CMNS 259), this seminar and lab course is designed to support intermediate level project work in the field of sound studies using communications approaches as well as reflexive ethnography. Surveys a wide range of theory and research practices associated with orality and oral communication, auditory perception, systems for measurement and evaluation of sound, soundwalking and sound art practice, audio techniques and formats in music production, sound design, soundmapping hearing prostheses, and data sonification. Prerequisite: CMNS 259.
The relationship of music and culture, with emphasis on traditional and contemporary music in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and indigenous cultures of North America. Specific cultural areas may be selected for intensive study in any particular term. May be of particular interest to students in other departments. Prerequisite: 45 units. Students with credit for FPA 341 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deirdre Anne Elizabeth Morgan |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 6:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Continuation of CA (or FPA) 243, with increased emphasis on the theoretical and ethnomusicological aspects of gamelan. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 243. Students with credit for FPA 343 may not take this course for further credit.
An in-depth investigation of selected social, critical and theoretical issues associated with contemporary music, with special emphasis on the period c. 1945 to the present. Issues discussed might include such theoretical concerns as integral serialism; indeterminacy; process music; timbral concerns; or new approaches to melody, harmony and tonality. Critical topics such as music and technology; popular music and the mass media; or critical issues connected with world music might also be considered. The material of the course will be presented through the study of scores, recorded examples and when possible, live concerts. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 245.
This course is a continuation of CA (or FPA) 246. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 246 or 247, and prior approval. Students with credit for FPA 345 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder Owen Underhill |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
Continuation of CA (or FPA) 248, with an increased emphasis on more advanced conducting projects. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 248 or CA (or FPA) 249-3 Selected Topics in Music I: Conducting I. Students with credit for CA (or FPA) 349-3 Selected Topics in Music II: Conducting II may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 348 may not take this course for further credit.
A specific topic in music which is not otherwise covered in depth in regular courses. The work may be practical, theoretical or a combination of the two, depending on the particular topic in a given term. This course can be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 245.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Tue, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
This course examines the role of music in the viewer's experience of moving pictures. Beginning with the early 1900s, the lectures will introduce important composers, directors, films, genres and historical periods. Specific films and other works will be analyzed. Prerequisite: 60 credit hours. Students who have taken this course previously as special topics may not take it again for further credit. Students with credit for FPA 386 may not take this course for further credit.
Continuation of CA (or FPA) 343 with emphasis on the technique of the elaborating instruments of the gamelan ensemble. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 343. Students with credit for FPA 443 may not take this course for further credit.
Students will undertake a large-scale project in music composition as the culmination of their undergraduate composition studies. Prerequisite: CA (or FPA) 445. Students with credit for FPA 446 may not take this course for further credit.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sabrina Schroeder Owen Underhill |
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
GOLDCORP |
and a minimum of six CA units chosen from outside of the music discipline
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
| W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
| Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
| B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
|
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
|
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.