Canisius University

What you'll study

The Bachelor in Music blends applied performance, classroom theory, and broader liberal-arts study. Core areas typically include private lessons on primary instrument or voice, ensemble participation (choirs, bands, orchestras and chamber groups), music theory and ear training, music history and literature, and foundations in composition and arranging. Students also study music technology and notation software, keyboard skills, and pedagogy for musicians.

• Applied lessons and juries — regular one-to-one tuition with a faculty teacher plus periodic performance juries.
• Ensembles and performance — large and small ensembles, concert production, and collaborative recital opportunities.
• Theory and aural skills — sequential coursework in harmony, counterpoint and sight-singing/ear training.
• Music history and literature — survey courses examining western art music, as well as studies of jazz, popular music and non-Western traditions where offered.
• Composition, arranging and music technology — introductory to intermediate composition, digital audio workstations, and notation tools.
• Pedagogy and professional skills — methods for teaching private and classroom music, career preparation and entrepreneurship for musicians.
• General education — liberal-arts courses that support critical thinking, writing and interdisciplinary study typical of a Jesuit institution.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor's in Music normally requires a high-school diploma or equivalent and submission of secondary-school transcripts. Applicants are usually asked to complete an audition or submit a recorded performance showcasing technical and musical ability on their principal instrument or voice. Some programmes also require or recommend a short paperwork sample demonstrating music-reading ability or a portfolio of composition/arranging work.

Additional requirements commonly include a written application, academic references and, for non-native English speakers, evidence of English proficiency. Placement testing in music theory or keyboard skills may be used to determine the correct starting level. Successful applicants typically demonstrate both academic readiness and musical potential; applicants should consult the department for specific audition repertoire and format.

Career prospects

Graduates from a Bachelor's in Music move into a range of musical and arts-related careers. Typical pathways include:

• Performer (soloist, chamber musician, orchestral or ensemble musician)
• Music educator (private teacher, school music instructor with further certification, community music leader)
• Composer, arranger or music producer working in theatre, media, or commercial music
• Arts administration, presenting, concert management and community arts organisations
• Music technology and audio engineering roles in recording studios or media companies
• Further academic or professional study (master's in performance, music education, musicology, composition or related fields)

Why study at Canisius University

Canisius offers a small, student-focused environment where music students receive close mentoring from faculty and frequent performance opportunities across campus ensembles and local venues. The university’s liberal-arts framework encourages interdisciplinary study and critical thinking while allowing students to concentrate on practical musicianship and professional development.

Students benefit from a supportive community, opportunities for collaborative theatre-music projects, and access to the cultural life of the surrounding city, which can provide internship and performance outlets. The department emphasizes both artistic excellence and career readiness, preparing graduates for professional work, teaching, and advanced study.