BA, BFA offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design
Have you always loved performing and wanted to compose and showcase your own music or be part of a musical group or orchestra? A degree in Music will expose you to a vast diversity of music styles, from classical to jazz, from traditional world music to contemporary repertoires and electronic and digital music application. Your study will combine course and studio work in music history and theory as well as composition and musical arrangement. Furthermore, you will have the exciting opportunity to perform in public concerts and recitals, as soloist and as part of ensembles.
Career Options in Music
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check Canada’s Job Bank for regional requirements.
- Audio Software Developer
- Brand Strategist
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Concert Promoter
- Conductor
- Critic
- Curator
- Data Analyst (for streaming platforms)
- Editor/Publisher
- Event Sound Designer
- Exhibit Designer
- Fashion Consultant (for musical artists)
- Film Researcher/Consultant
- Fundraiser
- Instrument Maker/Designer
- Marketing Director
- Media Correspondent
- Music Industry Agent
- Music Industry Journalist
- Music Librarian
- Music Therapist
- Musician
- Non-profit Administrator
- Orchestra Director
- Performing Artist
- Personal Assistant (for high-profile musicians)
- Producer
- Radio Host
- Recording Artist
- Recording Engineer
- Software Engineer for Music Technology
- Sound Specialist
- Special Events Organizer
- Stage Crew Manager
- Stage Designer
- Talent Scout
- Teacher
- Theatre Administrator
- Video Game Sound Designer
- Vocal Coach
- Vocalist
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
Entry-Level Positions in Music
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
- Artist Management Assistant
- Choral Director Assistant
- Concert or Event Usher
- Event Planner Assistant
- Marketing Assistant (Music Industry)
- Music Assistant
- Music Blogger or Content Creator
- Music Coordinator
- Music Licensing Assistant
- Music Library Assistant
- Music Program Coordinator
- Music Retail Associate
- Music Sales Representative
- Music Teacher (Private Lessons)
- Production Assistant (Live Shows/Film/TV)
- Public Relations Assistant
- Recording Studio Assistant
- Sound Design Intern
- Stagehand
- Stage Crew Member
For career descriptions, visit Canada’s Job Bank. Some occupations may also be found on Career Cruising; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in Experience York.
Skills Developed through a Degree in Music
Core Skills
- The ability to compose, analyze and present music to peers and audiences
- Exposure to hands-on studio settings and the confidence to create with different instruments
- An ability for creative thought and expression through music
- Knowledge of the theory, the history and the practice of music in a variety of contexts
- A good understanding of contemporary music industry software and modern music media and techniques
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
- The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
- The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
- The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work
Management and Teamwork Skills
- The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended end result
- The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
- Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
- The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA): Advocates for and supports the growth of independent music creators and businesses across Canada.
- Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN): Represents Canadian music creators and publishers, focusing on copyright protection and royalties.
- Songwriter's Association of Canada (S.A.C.): Provides support and advocacy for songwriters, helping them navigate the music industry and protect their rights.
- Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA): Supports and promotes the Canadian country music industry, celebrating artists, producers, and fans.
- Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT): Focuses on the professional development and recognition of music therapists in Canada.