Wilfrid Laurier University’s Bachelor of Music (BMus) is designed for today’s musicians. Whether your background is in classical music, contemporary music or both, learn in a flexible curriculum that encourages collaboration, creativity and cross-training while giving you the freedom to explore the music that matters most to you.
Receive high-level coaching from expert faculty and build the skills, experience and connections to pursue a wide range of musical and professional opportunities. Grow as a composer, conductor, singer-songwriter, performer, producer or educator, or discover where your music will take you.
Discover what makes this Laurier program unique and how you’ll gain real-world experience.
Your future professors work hard to keep your education relevant, well-rounded and career-focused. Here’s what you can expect:
Here are some of the top ways our students love applying what they learn throughout their degree:
Laurier welcomes applications from musicians across a wide range of instruments and voice. The following are the primary instruments and areas of study available for audition.
Do you play an instrument that’s not listed? Contact us at musicauditions@wlu.ca to discuss audition options.
Each musician follows a path unique to them. That's why Laurier's Bachelor of Music program offers a range of specializations that allow you to tailor your degree to your interests, strengths and future goals.
You can pursue up to two specializations as part of your degree, creating a personalized academic experience that complements your musical training and supports your individual aspirations.
Program requirements vary; consult the academic calendar for complete details.
You can also apply to the Bachelor of Music program and the Teaching Minor directly through OUAC. The Teaching Minor is a direct-entry minor and provides a pathway to Laurier's Bachelor of Education program (Primary/Junior or Junior/Intermediate).
Explore a sample weekly schedule to see what your day-to-day might look like in this program.
Get a glimpse of what you will study throughout your degree. See what your first-year classes will look like through sample courses and start exploring what your upper academic years can offer.
*Non-piano majors with RCM Level 3 piano proficiency or a contemporary equivalent may be eligible for an exemption.
**Intended for piano majors.
***Separate sections for vocalists and non-vocalists (MUST101: Foundational Vocal Techn for Voice Majors).
Explore a variety of courses, specializations and pathway options that let you shape your degree around your unique interests and goals. Find out how you can customize your experience and prepare for what’s next.
Apply to a direct entry pathway to the Bachelor of Education program (BEd). Students applying for an honours degree with the Teaching Minor will be considered for admission directly into the BEd program. The Teaching Minor is designed to provide you with a variety of courses and hands-on learning opportunities to prepare you for future studies and a rewarding teaching career.
Apply directly to Music with Teaching Minor on OUAC by choosing ‘Teaching Minor’ as your program enhancement.
The Management Minor is for students interested in adding management-specific education to their degree. This is a direct-entry, 4.0-credit minor that includes courses covering all the core pillars of business and economics.
Apply directly to Music with Management Minor on OUAC by choosing ‘Management Minor’ as your program enhancement.
Interested in combining music with another field? A double degree is possible in many areas. Contact us at choosemusic@wlu.ca to learn more.
Earn both a Laurier Bachelor of Music degree and a Audio Production & Engineering Diploma from Metalworks Institute—combining traditional music training with cutting-edge, hands-on experience in audio engineering. Complete both programs in as little as four years.
Two Pathways to Choose From (subject to individual student progress and planning):
Want a taste instead of the full pathway?
A la carte Metalworks courses are also available to Laurier music students.
Enhance your Laurier Bachelor of Music by completing the two-year Suzuki Pedagogy Program through the Suzuki String School of Guelph. This specialized training prepares you to teach young violin, viola or cello students using the internationally recognized Suzuki Method. Students who complete the program can also earn 1.0 music elective credits toward their Laurier degree.
OUAC Code: UM
If you have additional work you’d like to share, you may include a link to a portfolio, Google Drive folder, YouTube channel or other online collection. This can include original compositions, performances on your major or additional instruments, work across genres or anything else you feel showcases you as a musician. Not submitting a portfolio will not negatively affect your application.
If you have additional work you’d like to share, you may include a link to a portfolio, Google Drive folder, YouTube channel or other online collection. This can include original compositions, performances on your major or additional instruments, work across genres or anything else you feel showcases you as a musician. Not submitting a portfolio will not negatively affect your application.
Students applying to this program from a Canadian province outside of Ontario are encouraged to review our course equivalents by province chart. This chart will show you what courses from your province are equivalent to the admission requirements listed under the Ontario High School Admission Requirements section.
Students applying to this program from an international curriculum must present the following:
Students applying to this program from an international curriculum are encouraged to review our curriculum-specific requirements. You will find which courses from your country's curriculum are equivalent to the admission requirements listed above. If your country or curriculum is not listed, please reach out to international@wlu.ca.
If you have additional work you’d like to share, you may include a link to a portfolio, Google Drive folder, YouTube channel or other online collection. This can include original compositions, performances on your major or additional instruments, work across genres or anything else you feel showcases you as a musician. Not submitting a portfolio will not negatively affect your application.
Laurier's language of instruction is English, and so we may require you to provide evidence of your English proficiency to help make sure you are successful in your academic courses.
Your three most recent years of full-time education must be in English without taking any ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. If you do not meet this requirement, you must provide evidence of your English proficiency.
We reserve the right to request an English-language test from any applicant.
If you do not meet Laurier's English proficiency requirement but are academically qualified for your program, you may be eligible for a conditional offer of admission.
The Academic Transition Pathway (ATP) program is offered through our affiliated institution, Wilfrid Laurier International College, and provides an option for meeting our English-proficiency requirement. If you have received an offer to Laurier with a condition to meet our English-proficiency requirement, you can meet that condition by successfully completing the ATP program.
If you've completed studies at another college or university, you may be eligible to transfer into Wilfrid Laurier University's Music (BMus) program. Admission requirements vary depending on your academic background and the number of postsecondary courses you've completed.
To find out if you can transfer into this program, we encourage you to:
Visit our admission requirements section to find specific requirements for transfer students, indigenous applicants, mature learners, homeschooled applicants, senior citizens, refugees, and more.
Auditions and interviews are held in person on Laurier’s Waterloo campus, typically scheduled on the same day for your convenience. Virtual options are available for applicants who live more than 400 km away or have extenuating circumstances.
Auditions are scheduled from January to April, with available dates posted in the Audition Portal.
You may bring your own accompanist, or request one of Laurier’s professional coach-accompanists at no additional cost for in-person auditions.
Once we receive your application, you’ll receive an email with login details for Laurier’s Faculty of Music Audition Portal.
Audition Repertoire
Prepare your audition repertoire according to the specific requirements for your instrument. If you have any questions about repertoire, feel free to contact us at musicauditions@wlu.ca.
Meet with a Laurier faculty member to discuss your musical background, interests and goals. Come prepared to talk about your interest in pursuing a Bachelor of Music and what you hope to explore during your studies. In-person interviews take place on campus, while virtual interviews are held via Zoom.
Applicants must provide contact information for one reference who can speak to their musical abilities. This information is submitted through the Audition Portal and Laurier will contact your reference directly with a set of questions to be completed and submitted electronically.
You’ll receive login details for the Audition Portal once we’ve received your application.
It’s not only about the journey; it's about the destination. Let us help you get to where you're going.
Our Bachelor of Music (BMus) graduates go on to a wide range of rewarding careers. Here are just a few examples:
Note: Additional training and education may be required.
As a Laurier alum, you'll have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.
Below is a breakdown of tuition fees and expenses for Laurier Music students for one year (or two terms) studying full time. Fees are based on 2026/27 rates and are subject to increase. All fees are shown in Canadian dollars.
| Fee Type | Domestic Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,180 | $36,624 |
| Student Fees | $2,133 | $3,082 |
| Textbook Fees | $1,500 | $1,500 |
See a full breakdown of your first-year expenses.
In addition to entrance scholarships, you’ll automatically be considered for a Faculty of Music audition scholarship—no separate application required. These awards are based on your audition and recognize students who demonstrate strong musical ability, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and/or financial need. Audition scholarship results are communicated at the same time as your audition results.
Top first-year awards include the $5,000 Ken Murray Entrance Scholarship and the $2,000 Martens-Falk Voice Scholarship. Each year, we award approximately $100,000 in scholarships to incoming students.
Scholarship opportunities continue beyond first year, with additional awards available through an application process.
This is primarily an in-person program, meaning you'll attend classes on campus and learn face-to-face with professors and classmates. When you register for courses, you'll be able to select from available sections and create your timetable.
In-person delivery gives you direct access to faculty, hands-on learning opportunities and a traditional university student experience.
Become a Laurier insider to get quick, fun and informative updates along your application journey.
Have questions? Email choosemusic@wlu.ca, call 548‑889‑8888 or see all Music faculty and staff. Follow us on social media or request a Music Viewbook.
Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?
