Best Music Schools in Canada – Part 2 – University of Toronto Faculty of Music

Are you dreaming of becoming a world-class opera singer, perhaps a well-respected conductor for a famous symphony orchestra? Whatever your musical aspiration might be, the best way turn your dream into reality is by enrolling in one of the best music schools in Canada.

Leading the list is the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto (U of T), an internationally-renowned institution located near the Queen’s Park. Given its exceptional faculty members, high-tech facilities and wide array of programs, here are some reasons why the U of T is the best academy for your musical aspirations.

In this article series, MyCanadianUniversity.com will present to you the Best Music Schools in Canada. These schools were chosen based on a number of factors: student experience, overall quality of education, and student

feedback. The schools presented to you here are in no particular order. Therefore, if they are on this list you can assume that these Canadian Music Schools are doing something right.

Please note that this part 2 of the article series. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for the rest.

The Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto

Established in 1884, the Faculty of Music traces its humble beginnings from the former King’s College. The opening of the college started late compared to other degrees; with the late recognition of Music as a worthy discipline. In order to pave the way for formal music education for students, examinations were held for aspirants who wished to covet a degree in Music.

With the developments and the demand that came along, the Faculty of Music was formally established in the year 1818. By 1934, the “Courses of the Instruction” were introduced, and these served as the first programs that were ever taught in the Faculty. With its rich tradition of excellence in music, the Faculty has managed to elevate its rank as one of the best music schools in Canada.

The Faculty of Music is currently housed at the Edward Johnson Building, with Dean Don McLean leading the prestigious list of U of T’s Music professors.

Description of the Program (Faculty of Music University of Toronto)

The Faculty of Music of the University of Toronto offers diplomas, certificates and bachelor’s degrees for Undergraduate students, as well as Masteral and Doctorate degrees for graduate applicants.

Undergraduate Degrees

• Advanced Certificate in Performance – a 1-year degree focused on brass, woodwinds, percussion, piano, strings and voice education.
• Diploma in Operatic Performance – a 2-year program for operatic repetiteurs and operatic stage directors.
• Artist Diploma – a 3-year program devoid of academic subject prerequisites.
• Bachelor of Music – a 4-year degree with specializations in Education, History and Theory, Composition and Concurrent Teacher Education.
• Bachelor of Music in Performance – a 4-year degree leading to a classical stream specialization (brass, woodwind and string) or jazz specialization (piano, percussion, guitar, double bass, trombone and saxophone.)

Graduate Degrees

• Music Performance and Composition – Graduate degrees specializing in Collaborative Piano, Conducting, Instrumental, Piano Pedagogy, Opera, Vocal Pedagogy and Composition.
• Music Program (Masteral or Doctorate) – Graduate degrees focusing on Theory, Musicology, Music Education and Ethnomusicology.

Why is the U of T one of the Best Music Schools in Canada?

To become a great musician, you need to study in a distinguished school with excellent professors and world-class facilities. Fortunately, these are just some of the things that the U of T presents to the table. If you are truly motivated to become a class A musician, then these factors should endear you to the U of T’s Faculty of Music:

Distinguished Faculty Members

Spearheaded by Dean Don McLean, the Faculty of Music takes pride in its internationally-recognized professors, including pianist Jacques Abram, conductor Raffi Armenian, cellist Dennis Brott, composer Robert Aitken, violinist

Andrew Dawes, jazz saxophonist Kelly Jefferson and guitarist Nortbert Kraft, to name a few. With their assistance and guidance, you can become just like them – maybe even better.

World-class Facilities

The study of music is not just about playing instruments and singing on a daily basis. If you want to improve your talents, you need to be familiar with the usage of the latest devices and technologies that concern the practice of music.

The university’s foremost pride and glory is its enormous library, known as the biggest music research collection in the country. It has more than 300,000 printed materials, as well as 3,500 titles from the Performance Collection.

U of T also cradles high-tech musical facilities, including the Computer/Keyboard Lab, a comprehensive area where you can train your skills in singing and composing. Another is the Electroacoustic Studio, the second of its kind in North America.

Comprehensive Research Undertakings

Established in 2012, the Music and Health Research Collaboratory is an exploratory collective that aims to study the linkages of sound with health and other human experiences. With its four focuses, namely Therapy and Medicine; Body, Brain and Mind; Society and Culture and Teaching, Learning and Performing, the collective aspires to incorporate the positive effects of music with the different aspects of everyday life.

Fine Recital Halls

At the U of T, you can demonstrate your talents at its fine recital halls, such as the Walter Hall, a 490-seater recital hall embellished with two grand pianos and an exquisite Casavant organ. The university also plays home to the MacMillan Theater, an 815-seater auditorium that can accommodate an orchestra of over 60 musicians.

Brief Feedback from Students

A beautiful campus and world-class education – these are the common praises that students and alumni have for the Faculty of Music of the U of T. If you want to study in a great city and receive the best education you can ever get your hands on, then the University of Toronto should be your top choice.

Advantages & Disadvantages of the Program

If you are still undecided about the great education that the Faculty of Music can offer you, then let these advantages help you lean towards the exciting career that comes with being a U of T student:

• Leading faculty members in the field of performance and research.
• State of the art facilities including recital halls, practice rooms and music labs.
• Comprehensive library with more than 350,000 resources and performance titles.
• Diverse array of programs, ranging from electroacoustic composition to jazz trumpet.
• A memorable student experienced characterized by small classes, comprehensive instructions and co-curricular opportunities.
• The chance to show your talents with the U of T’s numerous events and performances.
• Substantial financial assistance for graduate students.

The fortune of learning from the world’s leading musical authorities, with the U of T’s resident and visiting artists program.

With the many advantages associated with a Music degree from the University of Toronto, maybe you can make amends the fact that it is more expensive than other schools (tuition fee average of CAD 5,450 a year) – the only disadvantage known to getting a U of T education.

Excellent professors, world-class education and fine facilities – these are just some of the many things that the University of Toronto has in store for you. If you are dedicated in pursuing a rewarding career in music, then make sure to build your basic knowledge at U of T’s distinguished Faculty of Music.

1. Best Music Schools in Canada – Part 1
2. Best Music Schools in Canada – Part 2
3. Best Music Colleges in Canada – Part 1

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