Bachelor of Arts Music
Ambrose is the place where you can focus on developing your musical skills while receiving the support and mentorship of award-winning instructors in a close-knit environment. You will receive broad-based instruction in performance, conducting, music theory, music history, and composition. You can choose between the classical and jazz streams and benefit from a variety of performance opportunities. You will be well prepared for a successful career in music performance, education, or research.
Bachelor of Music for those looking to pursue music education, music retail, or any related career path. Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Music is for those looking to pursue instrumental or vocal performance as a career, for example, a performance musician, conductor, or sound engineer.
The Bachelor of Music is offered as a four-year, 120-credit degree program. This timeline is based on a full course load (five courses/semester) with courses usually being three credits. To be considered a full-time student, you must be taking 3-5 courses per semester.
Performance and Research
As an Ambrose music student, your performance opportunities include: singing with a choral program which has toured across Canada and Europe; the chance to audition as a concerto soloist with the Ambrose Chamber Orchestra; placements in jazz combos; and opportunities for mentorship in chamber music or conducting. You also have the opportunity to perform and collaborate with other artists from the Ambrose Acting and Dance programs. Through these experiences, you will begin to build your professional network in this close community while learning from accomplished teachers and performers.
Ambrose also offers specialized courses in music theory and musicology where you can explore theoretical analysis and music in historical and contemporary culture. Music students regularly present their work at the annual Ambrose Research Conference and go on to study in graduate programs across Canada and the U.S.
Choose from one of the two streams to customize your degree for your personal career goals:
- Classical
- Jazz
The Bachelor of Music is a four-year (120 credit) program. This timeline is based on a full course load (five courses/semester) with courses usually being three credits. To be considered a full-time student, you must be taking 3-5 courses per semester.
Prepare for a notable career in music performance, education, therapy or ministry. Here is a sampling of the jobs our alumni have pursued with this degree or entered through further studies:
- Performance musician
- Conductor
- Music therapist
- Musicologist
- Sound engineering
"I have found the principles of Christianity to be very beneficial in managing people. Everyone needs grace and forgiveness. Learning more about the Christian faith and the unfathomable depth of God’s love and mercy helped me develop my leadership from a biblical perspective."
From a survey of Ambrose alumni
Featured Courses
MU 275 Fundamentals Of Music Technology
An introduction to the current technology for creating, recording, and producing music. Students will explore recording hardware and software, MIDI-based devices, Digital Audio Workstations (DAW), various audio file formats, basic acoustics, studio recording techniques, and music notation programs while learning to record their own work.
MU 309 Music And Culture
An inquiry into the various popular music styles of North America and Europe. This course will focus on popular musical practices, the connection to cultural movements, the use of various elements of music making, and significant performers in each style.
MU 308 Popular Music From 1945 To The Present
MU 312 Advanced Conducting
This course will involve inquiry and application of specific approaches, performance practices, and techniques of choral and orchestral conducting. Practical application in the form of conducting experiences in rehearsal will be a significant part of the course.
MU 337 Composition And Arranging
An applied course comprising structured composition projects for a variety of ensembles. Includes a focus on instrumental ranges, characteristics, and techniques.