Programs, Courses, Electives
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Programs, Courses, Electives
The Department of Music's three Honours programs allow students to develop their performance skills while deepening their awareness and understanding of music history and literature, theory and analysis, and related topics.
Instruction is available in voice, all standard orchestral instruments, saxophone, classical guitar, piano, and organ. Studies in conducting, and orchestration, participation in ensembles, plus elective courses, contribute to the study of music as an intellectual discipline and creative and performing art.
Five programs of study are offered:
Our four-year Honours Bachelor of Music program will provide you with a comprehensive background in all aspects of music theory, history and performance. The program is designed to prepare you to enter the workforce as a professional musician or to pursue graduate studies in such fields as musicology, composition, music theory, music librarianship, conducting and performance.
The Honours Bachelor of Arts (Music) program, while offering a wide range of courses in music, also allows you to take a number of non-music electives. If you are interested in pursuing a career in music education, this program has been designed especially for you. Upon completing your HBA, you may further prepare yourself for this goal by pursuing the one-year consecutive Bachelor of Education degree.
Our six-year Concurrent Honours Bachelor of Arts (Music)/Bachelor of Education program offers a wide range of music courses as well as non-music electives. This program enables you to obtain a teaching certificate with music credentials at the Primary/Junior level or in the Intermediate/Senior level. Field placements are optional at the third-year level.
The Minor in Music program is available to students who have a keen interest in music but have other career goals. It consists of 4 FCEs balanced between Music History, Music Theory, Performance, and music electives.
The Artist Certificate Program in Performance and Pedagogy is a non-degree program designed for select post-baccalaureate musicians and music teachers who wish to pursue advanced career opportunities in music performance and music education.
Students in the certificate program will have the opportunity to deepen their artistry and broaden their musical perspective beyond the typical academic requirements of an undergraduate music degree program.
This program is reserved for advanced performers who have completed an undergraduate degree, post-secondary conservatory diploma, or a foreign equivalent in music, and are seeking an intensive, one-year immersion in piano performance and pedagogy.
Here you will find a complete list of Music Courses. Please note that certain courses are available on a rotation basis.
Here you will find Music Program Regulations regarding Concert Attendance, Ensembles, Performance Courses and Piano Proficiency.
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Links to Elective Courses
Type A
Type B
Type E
Program Learning Outcomes
Honours Bachelor of Music Program Learning Outcomes
After completing this program, students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate advanced technical and musical proficiency in performance.
2 Analyze and interpret a broad range of music literature and historical contexts.
3 Apply conducting skills in ensemble or educational settings.
4 Develop critical thinking and research skills applicable to music scholarship.
5 Engage in creative and collaborative musical practices.
6 Integrate music study with broader artistic, cultural, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
7 Demonstrate preparedness for advanced study or diverse professional careers in music.
8 Participate effectively in diverse musical communities and contribute to cultural life.
Honours Bachelor of Arts (Music) Program Learning Outcomes
After completing this program, students will be able to:
1 Analyze and interpret music literature, history, and theory within broader cultural and interdisciplinary contexts.
2 Develop critical thinking, writing, and research skills applicable to music scholarship and related disciplines.
3 Apply musical knowledge and skills in educational, cultural, and community-based settings.
4 Engage in creative and collaborative practices across performance, research, and interdisciplinary projects.
5 Communicate effectively about music in oral, written, and creative formats for academic, professional, and public audiences.
6 Reflect critically on the role of music in society, acknowledging diverse perspectives, traditions, and cultural contexts.
7 Demonstrate preparedness for diverse careers in music or interdisciplinary fields, as well as for lifelong learning.
8 Participate in cultural and educational activities with integrity, professionalism, and social responsibility.
Concurrent Honours Bachelor of Arts (Music) / Bachelor of Education Program Learning Outcomes
After completing this program, students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate knowledge of music theory, history, and literature across diverse styles and periods.
2 Develop technical and artistic proficiency in individual and ensemble performance appropriate to the HBA level.
3 Analyze and interpret musical works within their historical and cultural contexts.
4 Communicate musical ideas effectively in written, oral, and performance formats.
5 Integrate musical study with broader disciplinary perspectives through elective and professional education courses.
6 Apply critical thinking and independent learning skills relevant to teaching, performance, and further study in music or related fields.
7 Engage in reflective practice through self-assessment, peer feedback, and pedagogical evaluation.
8 Demonstrate foundational conducting and ensemble leadership skills suitable for educational settings.
Artist Certificate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy Program Learning Outcomes
After completing this program, students will be able to:
1 Demonstrate a deep understanding of musical style and structure through performance.
2 Apply advanced technical skills necessary for expressive, professional-level artistry.
3 Integrate previously acquired skills with new techniques to solve musical and interpretive challenges in diverse repertoire.
4 Exhibit advanced proficiency in solo and collaborative (chamber) performance.
5 Demonstrate historical and stylistic awareness to inform interpretive decisions.
6 Work independently to prepare and present performances at a professional standard.
7 Communicate interpretive ideas effectively through musical, verbal, and written expression.
8 Apply advanced pedagogical skills that reflect professional standards in piano teaching.
Music Electives for non-music majors
Music Appreciation, earn 0.5 Elective credit
Music 1010 FA and WA
A survey of Western Art Music and its connection to today's popular music. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of critical listening skills.
Music 1310 FA and WA
An introduction to rudiments of music, including note values, time signatures, scales, chords, musical terms, elementary harmony and transposition.
Join the Vocal Ensemble, earn 0.5 Elective credit
Students who enjoy singing in a choir can enroll for a half-credit elective to perform in the Lakehead University Vocal Ensemble. Rehearsals are from 7:00 to 9:00 pm every Monday in the Jean McNulty Recital Hall (MV 1004), William H. Buset Centre for Music and Visual Arts.
MUS 1333 YA
MUS 2333 YA
MUS 3333 YA
MUS 4333 YA
Join the Wind Ensemble, earn 0.5 Elective credit
Students who play wind and percussion instruments or bass can enroll for a half-credit elective to perform in the Lakehead University Wind Ensemble. Rehearsals are from 4:00 to 6:00 pm every Tuesday in the Jean McNulty Recital Hall (MV 1004), William H. Buset Centre for Music and Visual Arts.
MUS 1331 YA
MUS 2331 YA
MUS 3331 YA
MUS 4331 YA
Join the String Ensemble, earn 0.5 Elective credit
Students who play string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) can enroll for a half-credit elective to perform in the Lakehead University String Ensemble. Rehearsals are from 6:00 to 8:00 pm every Tuesday in the Jean McNulty Recital Hall (MV 1004), William H. Buset Centre for Music and Visual Arts.
MUS 1330 YA
MUS 2330 YA
MUS 3330 YA
MUS 4330 YA Join the Jazz Ensemble, earn 0.5 Elective credit
Jazz Ensemble (MUS 2335 and MUS 3335). Enroll for a half-credit elective to play jazz music. Class meets from 4:00 to 5:30 pm every Thursday in the Jean McNulty Recital Hall (MV 1004), William H. Buset Centre for Music and Visual Arts. (Enrollment is subject to a successful audition for the instructor during the first week of classes in the fall).
MUS 2335 WA
MUS 3335 WA
Music lessons for 0.5 Elective credit
You can earn credits by enrolling in music performance courses. As a non-music major you can take music lessons in any of the available instruments or voice (half credit). Since these are one-on-one lessons, you can start at any level - even as a beginner! What a great way to enhance your education and have some fun too! There is limited space and is available on a "first-come, first served" basis. For more information call the Department of Music at 343-8787.
Performance: Secondary I
Lessons 1/2 hour (24 weeks), practice time as required
Co-requisite: Music 1310
Individual instruction. Open to non-Music majors with or without a musical background. A prepared jury is required at the end of the year.
Rudiments of Music 1310 is a co-requisite. This requirement may be waived if the student successfully completes a challenge exam, to be administered periodically throughout the year. Consult the Department for further information.
Courses available:
| MUSI 1410 - Violin | MUSI 1412 - Cello |
| MUSI 1414 - Viola | MUSI 1416 - Bass (includes Bass guitar) |
| MUSI 1415 - Harp | MUSI 1418 - Classical Guitar |
| MUSI 1510 - Clarinet | MUSI 1512 - Oboe |
| MUSI 1514 - Bassoon | MUSI 1516 - Flute |
| MUSI 1518 - Saxophone | MUSI 1610 - Trumpet |
| MUSI 1612 - French Horn | MUSI 1614 - Trombone |
| MUSI 1616 - Tuba/Euphonium | MUSI 1618 - Percussion (not available for drum kit) |
| MUSI 1710 - Piano | MUSI 1712 - Organ (requires piano skills) |
| MUSI 1714 - Voice |