Public school

University of Victoria

Victoria, BC

Test-OptionalLGBTQ+

Start free

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Music performance

Theatre

Composition & music studies

Music education

Quick links

BM Composition and Theory

Composition

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

The BMus in Composition and Theory supports concert music, electronic music, interdisciplinary collaboration, and genre-specific approaches.

Training

Composition majors receive three years of weekly composition lessons beginning in second year, with a strong emphasis on music theory and analysis.

Student work is performed at composer concerts, reading sessions and workshops, and the annual West Coast Student Composers Symposium with UBC and SFU.

The degree culminates in a public capstone composition project.

Career Outcomes

Graduates become concert-music composers, sound artists, composer-performers, music educators, and arts administrators, and pursue graduate study.

Facilities

UVic describes its School of Music as Canada's only all-Steinway school, with more than 60 pianos.

Location

UVic is located in Victoria, with access to Pacific Opera, the Victoria Symphony, indie bands, music-tech companies, and local performance communities.

Program info updated Sep 13, 4:53 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

The BMus in Composition and Theory supports concert music, electronic music, interdisciplinary collaboration, and genre-specific approaches.

Training

Composition majors receive three years of weekly composition lessons beginning in second year, with a strong emphasis on music theory and analysis.

Student work is performed at composer concerts, reading sessions and workshops, and the annual West Coast Student Composers Symposium with UBC and SFU.

The degree culminates in a public capstone composition project.

Career Outcomes

Graduates become concert-music composers, sound artists, composer-performers, music educators, and arts administrators, and pursue graduate study.

Facilities

UVic describes its School of Music as Canada's only all-Steinway school, with more than 60 pianos.

Location

UVic is located in Victoria, with access to Pacific Opera, the Victoria Symphony, indie bands, music-tech companies, and local performance communities.

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

The BMus in Composition and Theory supports concert music, electronic music, interdisciplinary collaboration, and genre-specific approaches.

Training

Composition majors receive three years of weekly composition lessons beginning in second year, with a strong emphasis on music theory and analysis.

Student work is performed at composer concerts, reading sessions and workshops, and the annual West Coast Student Composers Symposium with UBC and SFU.

The degree culminates in a public capstone composition project.

Career Outcomes

Graduates become concert-music composers, sound artists, composer-performers, music educators, and arts administrators, and pursue graduate study.

Facilities

UVic describes its School of Music as Canada's only all-Steinway school, with more than 60 pianos.

Location

UVic is located in Victoria, with access to Pacific Opera, the Victoria Symphony, indie bands, music-tech companies, and local performance communities.

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

apply.educationplannerbc.ca School Website

Opens

Sep 1, 2026

Deadline

Most Degree Programs Application DeadlineJan 31, 2027

Theatre Application DeadlineMay 1, 2027

Index · uvic.ca Index · uvic.ca

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Auditions

Live Music Audition – Piano, Strings and VoiceFeb 27, 2027

Live Music Audition – Woodwinds, Brass and PercussionFeb 28, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Recorded Audition DeadlineFeb 28, 2027

Index · uvic.ca

Audition Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

This program has a required admission audition and a separate internal interview gate after enrollment. The gateway source documents the post-enrollment gate; admission requirement details may be separate.Gateway source

Essay

Required.

500 words or less.

Prompt: introduce yourself, your musical experience and interests, and your future goals.

Letters of Recommendation

Required.

Two reference letters are required.

Referees should know your musical background and experience.

Reference letters are due February 15 and may be attached in the portal or emailed directly to musicadmin@uvic.ca.

Portfolio

Optional.

Submit a portfolio of original compositions with the application — at least three contrasting pieces, as scores and/or recordings, in any idiom

Scores and recordings of original works strengthen the application.

Index · uvic.ca

Good to Know

Application Portal

Submit the UVic undergraduate application through EducationPlannerBC.

Complete the School of Music Application for Audition by February 15.

Major Declaration

All BMus students share a common first year.

Composition intake interviews are held at the end of first year, and the Composition and Theory major is declared in second year.

Successful completion of core theory and full-time status are required to continue in the major.

Theory Placement

Admitted students complete a 25-minute online music theory placement test for first-term theory course placement only — it does not affect admission.

An optional theory exemption test before classes can place students into second-year theory.

What's The Process

Audition Format

All BMus applicants, including prospective composers, audition on an orchestral instrument or voice for admission to the Bachelor of Music.

Applicants may audition live on campus or submit a recorded audition.

Admission depends on both a successful music audition and academic acceptance to UVic.

Portfolio

Prospective composers are encouraged to submit a portfolio of compositions with the application; it is recommended but not required for admission.

Composition Intake Interview

Composition intake interviews are conducted at the end of first year.

Declaration of the Composition and Theory major happens in second year.

Optional Interview

Applicants may request a 10-15 minute conversation with the School of Music Director; it is not required.

Program Recognition

The BMus in Composition and Theory supports concert music, electronic music, interdisciplinary collaboration, and genre-specific approaches.

Training

Composition majors receive three years of weekly composition lessons beginning in second year, with a strong emphasis on music theory and analysis.

Student work is performed at composer concerts, reading sessions and workshops, and the annual West Coast Student Composers Symposium with UBC and SFU.

The degree culminates in a public capstone composition project.

Career Outcomes

Graduates become concert-music composers, sound artists, composer-performers, music educators, and arts administrators, and pursue graduate study.

Facilities

UVic describes its School of Music as Canada's only all-Steinway school, with more than 60 pianos.

Location

UVic is located in Victoria, with access to Pacific Opera, the Victoria Symphony, indie bands, music-tech companies, and local performance communities.

Updated Sep 13, 4:53 PM