Study with us
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20+
Student ensembles
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40
Spacious, light-filled practice rooms
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1:5
Ratio of faculty members to students
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$600,000+
Value of scholarships, bursaries and prizes awarded annually
Program details
The Bachelor of Music four-year program allows students to pursue a degree within the following concentrations: Performance, Composition, History, Education and General Music.
Expected duration: 4 years
For the first two years of study, all Bachelor of Music students follow the General program, which provides essential academic, performance and ensemble training. After the second year, students can choose to stay in the General program or they may move into one of the concentrations provided they meet the requirements.
Throughout the duration of the program, students can explore a wide range of elective courses; will receive individual lessons through Major Practical Study; and will participate in two ensembles each year.
Bachelor of Music (General)
The BMus General program provides excellent preparation for a wide range of career paths. All Bachelor of Music students follow this program for the first two years of study. Many students choose to remain in the General program, where there is considerably more flexibility in elective courses in years three and four.
Bachelor of Music (Composition)
Composition students develop their skills in composing music through projects with ensembles and solo performers as well as our state-of-the-art computer music studio, aided by award-winning composition professors. Students interested in Composition will normally do a Composition entrance audition. If a student wishes to transfer to Composition from another B. Music program or from the B. Jazz Studies, they must submit a portfolio of compositions and meet with the Associate Dean (undergraduate programs) and the Composition faculty to discuss their request.
Bachelor of Music (History)
In the History concentration, students learn from dynamic scholars who are internationally respected for their research and publications. The areas covered by core and elective courses range from early music to 21st century popular genres. Students may apply to move into the History concentration at the end of second year if they have maintained minimum grades of B+ in specified courses.
Bachelor of Music (Performance)
Students in the Performance concentration are mentored by outstanding artists whose teaching is informed by years of professional experience. Students may apply to move into the Performance concentration at the end of second year if they have maintained a satisfactory standing and receive the recommendation of the second-year jury panel.
Bachelor of Music (Music Education)
This innovative program provides a route for future music educators to complete an in-depth study of music and music education before moving on to a Bachelor of Education After Degree. Students choose one of four concentrations: Early/Middle Years, Choral, Instrumental, or Guitar/Strings and can use their electives for further study in music or to gain background in one of the other music education concentrations.
Students are accepted into Music Education program in third year provided they are in good academic standing and have successfully completed MUSC 2100 (Introduction to Music Teaching and Learning) and MUSC 2460 (Conducting).
Sample course offerings
- MUSC 1004: Introduction to Music in History 1 (3 credit hours)
- MUSC 1280: Musical Style and Structure 1 (3 credit hours)
- MUSC 2072: Jazz History 1 (3 credit hours)
- MUSC 2110: Music Theory 3 (3 credit hours)
- MUSC 3044: Renaissance Music History (3 credit hours)
- MUSC 3090: Introduction to Ethnomusicology (3 credit hours)
- MUSC 4130: History of Women in Music (3 credit hours)
- MUSC 4140: History of Canadian Music (3 credit hours)
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar
Admission requirements
The following are minimum academic requirements for entry into the BMus program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Direct entry applicants are those who have not attended a post-secondary institution or have completed fewer than 24 credit hours at a recognized university or college.
If you do not meet the requirements for Direct entry into the BMus program, your application will be automatically considered for admission to University 1. You do not have to reapply or pay a second application fee.
Advanced entry applicants are those who have completed one year (24 credit hours) or more of studies in another faculty at the University of Manitoba or another recognized post-secondary institution.
Non-academic requirements
All applicants (Direct or Advanced Entry) must successfully pass the following non-academic requirements, in addition to the applicable academic requirements:
- Audition:
- For detailed information on audition requirements, please refer to Appendix 1: Audition Requirements for Bachelor of Music (B.Mus.).
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
How to apply
Domestic student application fee: $100
International student application fee: $130
Applications to the University of Manitoba are completed online. To begin your application, select the "Start or continue your application" button. The online application includes several parts, and you may be required to submit transcripts, proof of English Language proficiency, and other documents.
To be considered for Desautels Faculty of Music scholarships, applicants must meet the application deadline and audition during the advertised audition dates. Applicants will be notified 2-3 weeks after the application deadline to arrange their audition and interview.
For detailed information on audition requirements, please refer to Appendix 1 (B.Mus) and Appendix 2 (B.Jazz).
Audition and Theory Diagnostic exam dates
| Date | |
|---|---|
| Audition | February 9 - 20, 2026 |
| Theory Diagnostic exam | February 9 - 20, 2026 |
Learn more
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Mailing address
Undergraduate Admissions
424 UMSU University Centre
University of Manitoba
65 Chancellors Circle
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
Office location
Room 424 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Submit a question
Phone: 204-474-8808
Toll-free: 1-800-224-7713 ext 8808
Program inquiries
Desautels Faculty of Music
Room T319
150 Dafoe Road West
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2