Music Education

Students interested in teaching music must contact the Department of Music for information on the Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education (B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.)).

Upon completion of the four year B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.) program students may choose to complete the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. Students who successfully complete the B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.) program will be automatically accepted into the College of Education. The full program comprises six years of study: four years in the B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.) program followed by two years in the B.Ed. program.

For detailed information about the Bachelor of Education degree please see the Education section of the Course and Program Catalogue.

Scholarships and financial aid available to music students are described in the Department of Music section of the Awards Guide, available online.

Admission Procedures

All applicants planning to enter the B.Mus. (Music Education) program must first arrange for an Interview, Audition, and a Theory Placement Examination with the Department of Music. Advanced standing in Applied Music, Theory, and History may be granted upon special examinations. All applicants will be expected to demonstrate performance ability in the audition.

For the audition, applicants will be expected to prepare two contrasting music selections. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their music teachers, or consult with the Department of Music to determine suitable repertoire for the audition. Students are responsible for making their own accompanist arrangements if required. Audition application forms are available on the Department of Music website.

Applicants are required to submit an application to Admissions, Student and Enrolment Services as well as an Application to Audition to the Department of Music.

Recommended Preparation for Music Programs

Private instrument study will be a strong contributor to a successful audition, and is highly recommended.  Students are encouraged to study theory (we recommend the equivalent of Grade II Rudiments - Royal Conservatory of Music), history, and music appreciation, in order to be prepared for university-level study.

Band, choir, and orchestra participation is highly recommended as a way of improving performance skills and increasing knowledge of the literature.

Keyboard experience is essential for all music students. Candidates are encouraged to seek keyboard training prior to entering our programs.

General Information

The Department of Music at the University of Saskatchewan offers courses for those who desire a major in music as well as elective courses in music. Access to music courses requires prerequisites as listed or permission of the Department.

In addition to the academic courses, the following performing ensembles are open to all university students. Music majors may participate in up to ten one-credit unit ensembles over their undergraduate course of study as a music student/major. For further information, contact the Department of Music.

The following evaluation method will be common to all sections: Attendance and Preparation (40%); Concert Participating (30%); Individualized testing (15% per semester).

Note: An unexcused absence from a concert performance will result in an automatic fail.

Attendance and preparation means regular attendance at rehearsals and ensemble events, and evidence of prior preparation of the musical materials.

Concert participation includes quality contribution to the ensemble, reflected in attitude, punctuality, responsibility in duties related to the concert and rehearsals, and quality of musical performance.

Individualized testing will take place at the end of November (well before the drop date for full-year courses) and at the end of March. The results of this testing, as well as evaluation for concert participation and attendance/preparation, will also be given at this time.

Music Theatre: This activity has arisen out of normal class activities in vocal literature, conducting, theatre and applied voice. Short operas, scenes, musicals or excerpts are chosen and students are involved in both the staging and performance. Performances are held at the university and in the community. Audition required.

Collegium Musicum: This group is open to all singers and instrumentalists interested in the performance of mainly pre-18th-century vocal and instrumental music. The ensemble frequently collaborates with seminars in counterpoint, wind instrument history and literature, and performance practices.

Concert Band: This band is open to all wind and percussion players on campus without audition. This group plays and performs a variety of literature for Concert Band.

Contemporary Music Ensemble: This group, of variable instrumentation is devoted to the performance of significant contemporary works. The ensemble performs several times a year.

Greystone Singers: A mixed-voice choir open by audition to all University of Saskatchewan students who love singing and enjoy learning a challenging and varied repertoire.

Jazz Ensemble: Designed to provide insight into the tradition of large ensemble jazz music via the rehearsal and performance of significant repertoire. Ensemble goals are achieved via the study of historically significant styles and key representative composers as well the exploration of leading contemporary jazz styles and composers.  Audition required.

Percussion Ensemble: Membership is determined by audition and is open to all students on campus. This ensemble involves most of the instruments in the percussion family including xylophone, vibraphone and marimba.

University Chorus: This chorus is open to all interested singers both on campus and in the community. The music studied includes masterworks of the choral literature from all eras. The chorus collaborates every year with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra in the presentation of large choral works.

Chamber Ensemble with Piano: Open to all students on campus. This ensemble provides experience in vocal and instrumental chamber music. Third- and fourth-year piano students may use this ensemble for Ensemble A Category credit.

Wind Orchestra: This organization is open to all wind and percussion players on campus by audition. This ensemble performs a challenging repertoire and a large percentage of music written originally for the modern wind ensemble.

Small Ensembles: Brass, Woodwind (including Recorder), Vocal, String and Keyboard Ensembles are open to all students on campus. Although the nature and number of these groups may vary from year to year, there is always some opportunity for chamber music performances on campus.

University Chamber Orchestra: A chamber orchestra performing works primarily for strings. Participation in the orchestra is open to all interested musicians both on campus and in the community.

Concerts and Recitals

On campus many concerts and recitals are presented each year by outstanding artists. A valuable adjunct to any student's education is the opportunity to attend the guest artist series and any departmental ensemble and student recitals. Note that the series involves a fee for tickets. Many significant concerts and recitals are also available in the community.

Standards of Academic Performance

It is the expectation of the Department of Music that students attend all rehearsals, recitals, and applied lessons as scheduled. Class attendance policy as established by the University is also to be followed.

Alternating of Courses

Students should be advised that not all courses listed in the Calendar are offered in any given year. Some courses are given in alternate years. Careful planning in consultation with the Department of Music will eliminate any problems.

Major Average

The major average in Music Education programs includes the grades earned in:

  • All EMUS, MUS and MUAP courses

Residency Requirements in the Major

To receive a degree in Music Education, students must complete at least two-thirds of the following coursework (to the nearest highest multiple of 3 credit units) from the University of Saskatchewan.

  • All required credit units in EMUS, MUS and MUAP.

See Residency for additional details.

Bachelor of Music (Music Education) (B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.)) - Elementary/Middle Years

Bachelor of Music (Music Education) (B.Mus.(Mus.Ed.)) - Secondary