Music

Our music degree programs have been carefully designed to offer students a fine balance between academic and performance courses. As a student, you will explore the various dimensions of music through courses taught by teachers of national and international stature as well as receive mentorship opportunities from seasoned musicians and professionals in the field.

As a music student, you will have the opportunity to take courses in:

  • Performance
  • Theory
  • Conducting
  • Composition
  • Orchestration
  • Canadian Music
  • World Music
  • Pedagogy

It is our goal to develop your talent as both a soloist and a collaborative musician, and cultivate your creativity by exposing you to diverse musical genres, traditions, and innovations. Instruction is available in all orchestral instruments as well as:

  • Classical Guitar
  • Piano
  • Voice
  • Saxophone
  • Organ

You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of music ensembles such as:

  • Vocal Ensemble
  • Chamber Ensemble
  • Wind Ensemble
  • New Music Ensemble
  • Jazz Ensemble

Our strong community connections open the door to academic and professional opportunities with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, New Music North, Consortium Aurora Borealis, and more. You will be able to share your talent and develop your professional skills as you progress through the program.

The Lakehead Advantage

Our well-rounded approach to music education sets our Department of Music apart from other programs across Canada in that you are required to touch on every aspect of music throughout your undergraduate studies, from performance to musicology, composition, conducting and more. This breadth of study allows you to discover and develop hidden talents and abilities.

Our department is small and conducive to an interactive and intimate learning environment. All course are taught by our renowned faculty – setting the stage for academic excellence and professionalism.

The A.L. Musselman Music Library is located in the William H. Buset Centre for Music and Visual Arts and is open to all students. The library includes a large number of musical scores, recordings, and resources to support any project or personal interest in the field of music.

Transfer Options 

It’s easy to transfer to Lakehead. Our pathway and general transfer policies are designed to help you maximize your credits from your current or previous studies at either college or university – or even both. 

There are a number of ways to transfer to Lakehead. Let us help you achieve your degree completion goals. For more information regarding specific admission requirements from college or university, check out the “Admissions Requirement” tab above and select your most recent level of study.

 

Applying to Lakehead University is easy and we are here to help you along the way.

Step 1 – Determine your general admission requirements:

To determine your general admission requirements, select one of the definitions below:

Ontario High School Students
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD);
  • A minimum of 6 Grade 12U or M courses, or equivalent, including program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average**

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.
**Admission averages are calculated using the top 6 Grade 12 U or M courses.  

Other Canadian High School Students
 General Admission Requirements: 
  • Completion of Grade 12 and the Secondary School Diploma (see the Program Specific Prerequisites section for your particular provinces requirements);
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum 70%* overall final average

*Higher averages may be required for admission to programs in which the demand for places by qualified applicants exceeds the supply of available spaces.

International Secondary School/ College or University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Successful graduation from an academic secondary school program or equivalent (For most countries, the same academic preparation as is required for university entrance in that country is required for consideration. Refer to Admission Requirements by Country.) 
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • Equivalent of a minimum 70% overall final average (Canadian)

    Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Canadian College
 General Admission Requirements:

College transfer applicants who are applying to a program that does not have a college transfer pathway are eligible for admission consideration if they have:

  • Completed a minimum of 1 year of full-time academic studies at an accredited community college since leaving high school;
  • Completed the appropriate program-specific prerequisite courses; and
  • Achieved a minimum overall average of 70%. 
Canadian University
 General Admission Requirements:
  • Attended a university and successful completion of university level course work since leaving high school/college;
  • Program specific prerequisite courses;
  • A minimum overall average of C or 60%.
Canadian Bible College
 General Admission Requirements:
  • A minimum overall average of C / 60% or equivalent;
  • College must be accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE);
  • Successfully meets the minimum program specific preparatory course prerequisites at the Grade 12U or M level or equivalent;
  • If not eligible right out of high school, a minimum of two years of full time studies must be completed at the Bible College.

Step 2 – Determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements for your program(s) of choice:

To determine your program-specific prerequisite requirements, choose from the drop-down menus below:

Program Specific Requirements



  • Music
    Degree:
    Arts
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Music
    Degree:
    Arts and Education (PJ)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Music
    Degree:
    Arts and Education (IS)
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B
  • Music
    Degree:
    Music
    Alberta/NWT/Nunavut:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for Ontario High School Students:
    English (ENG4U)
    Program Specific Requirements for Alberta/NWT/Nunavut High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30-1
    Program Specific Requirements for British Columbia/Yukon High School Students:
    English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
    Program Specific Requirements for International Students:
    English
    Program Specific Requirements for Manitoba High School Students:
    English Language Arts (Comprehensive Focus, Literary Focus, or Transactional Focus) 40S
    Program Specific Requirements for Mature/Transfer Students:
    English (ENG4U). Other secondary or post-secondary courses that are equivalent to the English prerequisite requirement are accepted.
    Program Specific Requirements for New Brunswick High School Students:
    English Language Arts 121 or 122
    Program Specific Requirements for Newfoundland/Labrador High School Students:
    English 3201
    Program Specific Requirements for Nova Scotia High School Students:
    English 12 or English 12 African Heritage
    Other Admission Requirements & Important Information:

    An audition is required.

    Program Specific Requirements for PEI High School Students:
    English 621A
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (CEGEP) Students:
    2 English (603 or 604)
    Program Specific Requirements for Quebec (Private) Students:
    English (ENG4U) or equivalent
    Program Specific Requirements for Saskatchewan High School Students:
    English Language Arts 30 A or English Language Arts 30 B


First year music majors are required to take:

  • Music 1312 – Music History I (Before 1600)
  • Music 1313 – Music History II (1600-1800)
  • Music 1340 – Theory of Music I
  • Music Performance: Primary I
  • Music Performance: Secondary I (HBMus only)
  • Music 1318 – Musicianship I
  • Music 1333 – Vocal Ensemble

For a balanced education, additional elective credits are available within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

As an undergraduate student, you will attend your in-class lectures, one-on-one music lessons with an instructor, performance/ensemble course(s), and plan your practice time either on campus or at home.

Our professors are always available for advice and have an open-door policy. Due to the small size of our department, we encourage you to get to know your peers and professors. We host a variety of social events throughout the year to promote community spirit.

The William H. Buset Centre for Music and Visual Arts is home to the Jean McNulty Recital Hall, the A.L. Musselman Music Library, classrooms and teaching studios, as well as various practice modules equipped with instruments – all of which are available for student use.

The Lakehead University Music Association (LUMA) is an official student club dedicated to increasing music awareness within the university and the community. LUMA hosts a variety of activities throughout the year including social events, student concerts, fundraisers, and music trips, as well as sponsors the esteemed LUMINA Concert Series.

In your third and fourth year, you will have the option to enroll in advanced music courses such as Musicology, Conducting, Orchestration and Composition to enrich your undergraduate experience and prepare yourself for diverse professional opportunities in the future.


More information about Payment Methods, and Payment Due Dates can be found here: Student Fees Information



All fees are displayed in Canadian Dollars ($CAD)

Arts (Includes, but is not limited to: ISTEM, ILIP, HBMus, HBFA, Palliative Care, Dementia Studies, etc)
Thunder Bay
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$5,984.51
$1,399.44
$7,383.95
$3,691.98
$3,691.97
$1,196.90
$1,335.84
$598.45
$667.92
2
$5,955.86
$1,319.44
$7,275.30
$3,637.65
$3,637.65
$1,191.17
$1,330.11
$595.59
$665.06
3
$5,915.30
$1,319.44
$7,234.74
$3,617.37
$3,617.37
$1,183.06
$1,322.00
$591.53
$661.00
4
$5,398.29
$1,319.44
$6,717.73
$3,358.87
$3,358.86
$1,079.66
$1,218.60
$539.83
$609.30
YearTuitionAncillary FeesTotal1st Installment2nd Installment1.0 FCE Tuition1.0 FCE Total0.5 FCE Tuition0.5 FCE Total
1
$28,500.00
$1,399.44
$29,899.44
$14,949.72
$14,949.72
$5,700.00
$5,838.94
$2,850.00
$2,919.47
2
$28,113.85
$1,319.44
$29,433.29
$14,716.65
$14,716.64
$5,622.77
$5,761.71
$2,811.39
$2,880.86
3
$28,113.85
$1,319.44
$29,433.29
$14,716.65
$14,716.64
$5,622.77
$5,761.71
$2,811.39
$2,880.86
4
$27,318.18
$1,319.44
$28,637.62
$14,318.81
$14,318.81
$5,463.64
$5,602.58
$2,731.82
$2,801.29
In addition to the above, International Students must pay the mandatory University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) which is payable in full with your first installment. Please click here for more information about UHIP

2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Athletic Building FundSABFF70.00
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den) SABWF  99.00
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF134.84
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF79.45
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF30.00
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 438.29
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF56.00
LUSU Medical/DentalSMEDF *399.00
LUSU Bus PassSLBUS **225.75
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF149.00
Aboriginal Programming FeeSLRAB2.00
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF 0.50
Nanabijou FeeSLRNA5.00
Social Action FeeSLRSA2.00
SustainabilitySLRSU5.50
WUSC - World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SLRWU7.00
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) FeeSLCFS19.40
LU Radio FeeSRADF10.00
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 881.15
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay)  1319.44

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Senior, and Graduate students are not covered, but may purchase the Plan.

**
The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUS):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year
- Undergraduate Full-Time  Students (Thunder Bay)
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee SORIE80.00
Total Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay): 1319.44
 TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Students - Undergraduate Full-Time (Thunder Bay):
  1399.44
2023-24 Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students - Per Course (Thunder Bay)CodeAmount (1.0FCE)
Amount (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Athletic Building FundSABFF14.007.00
Athletic Building Fee (Wolf Den)SABWF19.80 9.90
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHF26.9713.48
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMF5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAF15.897.95
Capital Improvements C.J. Sanders BuildingSCISF6.003.00
Lakehead University Services Subtotal: 87.6643.83
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDF11.205.60
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSF 29.8014.90
Aboriginal Programming Fee SLRAB0.400.20
AFCASA African Caribbean Student Association FeeSLRAF0.100.05
 Nanabijou Fee SLRNA1.00  0.50
Social Action FeeSLRSA0.400.20
Sustainability FeeSLRSU1.100.55
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Student) FeeSLRWU1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSLCFS3.881.94
LU Radio FeeSRADF2.001.00
LUSU fees Subtotal: 51.2825.64
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 138.9469.47
    
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees For Part-Time Undergraduate First Year Students: Amount (1.0FCE)Amount (0.5FCE)
Orientation and First Year Experience Fee (Flat Fee - not per course)SORIE80.0080.00
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees (Thunder Bay): 138.9469.47
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate First Year/First Course (Thunder Bay): 218.94149.47
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO107.89
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO79.45
Lakehead Services Subtotal 212.34
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO56.00
LUSU U-Pass Fee SLBUO145.00
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDO399.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO149.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSO19.40
LUSU Fees (Orillia) Subtotal 775.40
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees - Undergraduate Full-Time (Orillia) 987.74

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op, Part-Time, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The LUSU Bus Pass Fee (SLBUO):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.


 First Year Students

2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Students (Orillia) Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIO80.00
LUSU and LU Services Fees Total 987.74
Total 1067.74
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Students (Orillia)CodeAmount Per Course (1.0FCE)Amount Per Half Course (0.5FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees
   
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHO21.5810.79
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMO5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAO15.897.95
Lakehead Services Fees Subtotal: 42.4721.23
Lakehead University Student Union Fees   
LUSU Capital FundSBLDO11.205.60
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSO29.8014.90
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSO1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Students) FeeSCFSO3.881.94
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 46.2823.14
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia): 88.7544.37
    
First Year Part-Time Orillia Students:   
Orientation & First Year Experience Fee (Flat fee - Not per course)SORIO80.0080.00
Part-Time Per Course Ancillary Fee (Orillia) 88.7544.37
TOTAL Part-Time Per Course/First Course, First Year (Orillia) 168.75124.37
2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering
 Code Amount
Lakehead University Services Fees  
Student Recreation and WellnessSATHG107.89
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG25.00
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG79.45
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 212.34
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees  
LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance *SMEDG399.00
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG149.00
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG56.00
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG7.00
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG19.40
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 630.40
Georgian/Barrie U-Pass Fee **SLBUB187.58
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Full-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs except Engineering:
 1030.32

* The LUSU Medical/Dental Insurance (SMEDF) policy is effective September 1, for the 12 months ending August 31. All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee. Should a student have comparable coverage and choose to opt-out they may do so by going to the LUSU Website at www.lusu.ca and clicking on opt-out to proceed. No exceptions or extensions. Opting out does not remove the fee from your student account. For additional information regarding LUSU services including Medical and Dental please go to www.lusu.ca or contact LUSU directly by phone (807) 343-8259

 Co-op students, Part-Time Students, Seniors, and Graduate students are not covered but may purchase the Plan.

** The Georgian/Barrie Bus Pass Fee (SLBUB):  All full-time undergraduate students who have registered in 3.75 or more FCEs by the last day to register in September are automatically assessed this mandatory fee.

 


 

2023-24 Compulsory Ancillary Fees for First Year Full-Time Lakehead-Georgian (Barrie) - Non-Engineering
 Code Amount
Orientation & First Year Experience FeeSORIB80.00
LUSU and LU Services and Bus Pass Subtotal 1030.32
Total 1110.32

 

2023-24  Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) All Programs
 Code Amount Per Course (1.0 FCE)
Amount Per Half Course (0.5 FCE)
Lakehead University Services Fees   
Student Recreation and Wellness 
SATHG21.5810.79
Computer Enhancement (Technology) FeeSCOMG5.002.50
Health Services Support FeeSHEAG15.897.95
Lakehead Services Subtotal: 42.4721.23
Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) Fees   
LUSU Activity FeeSLUSG29.8014.90
LUSU Capital FundSBLDG11.205.60
WUSC World University Service of Canada (Sponsor Refugee Students)SWUSG1.400.70
CFS (Canadian Federation of Student) FeeSCFSG3.881.94
LUSU Fees Subtotal: 46.2823.14
TOTAL Compulsory Ancillary Fees for Part-Time (Per Course) Undergraduate Lakehead-Georgian Students (Barrie) - all programs:
 88.7544.37