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Prospective Students


The music industry is constantly evolving and music professionals must be flexible and multifaceted to succeed. The Professional Music program combines academic study with hands-on opportunities to help students develop the skills, creativity, and business savvy necessary for a successful career in music. Students experiment with new technologies, make original work, and explore what it takes to make music their life.


At the core of the program is a focus on promoting diversity and equity for emerging artists


Professional Music at The Creative School is the first undergraduate program of its kind in Canada.

Students not only learn about making and producing music, they also learn about other industry roles like talent management, business development, entrepreneurship, live entertainment, branding, and marketing.

 

 

Course Schedules

Fall Semester (1st)
 
  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 101 Modern Music Fundamentals I
  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 201 Digital Music Production I
  • CRI 100 Creative Industries Overview
  • Liberals One lower level
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD

Winter Semester (2nd)

  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 102 Modern Music Fundamentals II
  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 202 Digital Music Production II
  • CRI 200 IP Issues
  • Liberals One lower level
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD

BPM 101 - Modern Music Fundamentals 1

Through a combination of lectures and studio workshops students broaden their understanding of fundamental musical concepts. Through a practical framework basic music theory is broadly surveyed. Concepts include diatonic harmony, melody, and basic 4/4 rhythm and how these fundamentals relate to songwriting and production. Studio workshops and self-directed assignments empower students to express their own musical styles, genres and aesthetics while integrating and understanding fundamental music theory concepts.

BPM 201 - Digital Music Production 1

Through a combination of lectures and studio workshops students examine foundational skills in digital music production. Introduced through a low-cost, home recording approach fundamental production concepts are surveyed. Concepts include digital audio interfaces, digital audio workstations, recording, editing, songwriting, and production. Studio workshops and self-directed assignments build on these concepts and empower students to advance their own musical projects and reflect on their production style and aesthetic.

Fall Semester (3rd)

  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 301 Performance Production I
  • RTA 927 Business of Music I
  • CRI 600 Creative Process
  • Liberals One lower level or one upper level
  • Business Ted Rogers CRI Elective

Winter Semester (4th)

  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 302 Performance Production II
  • CRI 400 Entrepreneurship in Creative Industries
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD
  • Liberals One upper level
  • Business Ted Rogers CRI Elective

BPM 301 - Performance Production 1

Through a combination of lectures and collaborative projects students examine relationships between creative, practical, and business aspects of live music. The course familiarizes students with the logistics and communication processes required to balance stakeholders and manage a successful live musical event. Students choose areas of specific study including performance, lighting, administration, marketing, and mixing and work in groups to produce live performances throughout the term.

Fall Semester (5th)

  • CRI 710 Research Methodologies
  • CRI 300 Digital Design Studio
  • Liberals One upper level
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD

Winter Semester (6th)

  • CRI 620 Concert and Festival Management
  • RTA 937 Business of Music II
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD

Fall Semester (7th)

  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 401 Capstone Project
  • CRI 670 Music and Brands
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD

Winter Semester (8th)

  • (New Core Curriculum) BPM 402 Masterclass
  • CRI 800 Managing Creative Enterprises
  • Liberals One upper level
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD
  • Electives Open or CRI, RTA, Performance, MUS, FCD

  

FAQs

The Professional Music program equips students with the knowledge and technical know-how of working within the music innovation industry. Students will learn the ins-and-outs of music production, live entertainment and performance, and innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Professional Music program isn’t a conservatory program. Students receive hands-on instruction in class, in labs, and in studios and work directly with the professional music industry.

4 years with an internship component to be completed before entering the final year of study.

Students earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Professional Music (BFA Professional Music).

The Professional Music program is perfect for musicians and music enthusiasts interested in working in the music industry – not just as musicians, but also as producers, promoters, talent managers, and entrepreneurs. The program prepares students for a rewarding career as a well-rounded music industry professional.

The program will commence in Fall 2021. The application and admissions process begin in Fall 2020.  



Real-world Skills

Digital audio production & recording

Music composition

Live performance

Business management & entrepreneurship

Accounting & finance

Marketing & promotion