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University of Victoria

Victoria, BC

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Music performance

Theatre

Composition & music studies

Music education

Quick links

BM Musicology and Sound Studies

Musicology

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

Musicology and Sound Studies engages the critical study of music as a cultural practice and music's relation to sound.

Training

Undergraduates receive the same initial training as performers before focusing on critical study and scholarly writing.

The program is flexible enough to support performance, academic, and arts-administration paths.

Career Outcomes

Graduates have pursued study at Cornell, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, and careers in music criticism, journalism, arts administration, librarianship, and publishing.

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

Musicology and Sound Studies engages the critical study of music as a cultural practice and music's relation to sound.

Training

Undergraduates receive the same initial training as performers before focusing on critical study and scholarly writing.

The program is flexible enough to support performance, academic, and arts-administration paths.

Career Outcomes

Graduates have pursued study at Cornell, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, and careers in music criticism, journalism, arts administration, librarianship, and publishing.

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

Musicology and Sound Studies engages the critical study of music as a cultural practice and music's relation to sound.

Training

Undergraduates receive the same initial training as performers before focusing on critical study and scholarly writing.

The program is flexible enough to support performance, academic, and arts-administration paths.

Career Outcomes

Graduates have pursued study at Cornell, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, and careers in music criticism, journalism, arts administration, librarianship, and publishing.

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.

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.

Repertoire

Musicology and Sound Studies undergraduates receive the same initial training as performers.

Audition on your principal instrument or voice using that area's published audition repertoire.

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.

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

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

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

Recorded Auditions

Recordings may be made on any readily available device, such as a phone or tablet.

Recordings may be accompanied or unaccompanied and must include both video and audio.

A recording may be one continuous take or individual files for each piece.

Submit a YouTube or hosting-site link with the Application for Audition or by email.

Optional Interview

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

Program Recognition

Musicology and Sound Studies engages the critical study of music as a cultural practice and music's relation to sound.

Training

Undergraduates receive the same initial training as performers before focusing on critical study and scholarly writing.

The program is flexible enough to support performance, academic, and arts-administration paths.

Career Outcomes

Graduates have pursued study at Cornell, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, and careers in music criticism, journalism, arts administration, librarianship, and publishing.

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