Acadia’s School of Music believes that an undergraduate music program at a liberal arts university should be more of a laboratory for creativity and experimentation than merely a conservatory of past traditions. We strive to create versatile, confident, and well-rounded musicians who are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The School of Music offers a comprehensive music curriculum where students develop expertise in a chosen area of specialization while being encouraged to broaden their horizons within our many diverse course offerings. The foundational curriculum combines courses in music theory, music history and culture, musicianship skills, keyboard skills, improvisation, composition, intensive ensembles, and one-on-one music lessons with professional teachers. The aim is to graduate well-rounded musicians who can thrive in a variety of professional contexts.

The innovative Bachelor of Music degree provides students the opportunity to study improvisation, classical and world music all while finding their own unique voice within the worlds of performance, composition, education or musicology. Our Bachelor of Arts in Music (BAM) students can also pursue a double major or an honours option. The Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT) degree is unique to Eastern Canada. Students who are interested in pursuing Music Therapy at Acadia will enter as a Bachelor of Music student, complete the common core requirements and apply to the School at the end of the second year of study for acceptance to this program.

Be Inspired

Our dynamic program aims to develop all students as performers, composers, educators, improvisers, and musical leaders. Weekly individual lessons establish strong technical and artistic foundations while classroom courses, ensemble opportunities, and major artistic projects ensure that students can function as contemporary artists in multiple genres including classical, popular, jazz, and world music’s. Students will study Bach alongside the Beatles, Ravel along with Ravi Shankar, and Miles Davis along with Miley Cyrus.

Future Careers

• Collaborator
• Composer
• Conductor
• Educator
• Performer
• Therapist
• Producer
• Promoter
• Arts Administration
• Business
• Education
• Health and rehabilitation
• Law
• Medicine
• Technology