Music
GENERAL INFORMATION
Douglas College's comprehensive Music Department offers the following programs:
The University Transfer Music Program (UT) is a two-year open enrolment program leading to a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts degree. Students must transfer to a university after two years to complete their degree.
The Basic Musicianship Program is a one-year limited enrolment program for those who wish to gain basic musical knowledge and skills or for those who do not meet the entrance requirements of the University Transfer Music program.
The Music Technology Certificate (MTC) is a one-year limited enrolment program that provides an in-depth exploration of the new technology redefining the way we make music in the 21st century. The Douglas College Music Technology Certificate is designed to give the student a thorough foundation in the technologies and processes involved with modern music making.
The Community Music School offers non-credit music instruction for students of all ages and abilities.
Department Website
For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.
Contact Information
For information regarding the University Transfer Music Program, the Basic Musicianship Program or the Music Technology Certificate, please contact the Performing Arts Office at 604-527-5495.
For more information about the Community Music School, please call 604-527-5469.
Mission Statement
The Douglas College Music Department attempts to provide a solid artistic and intellectual basis for further music studies, with the tradition of Western classical music at the core of the curriculum. The ultimate goal is to create informed, imaginative, and articulate musicians who can contribute meaningfully and skillfully to the society in which they live.
Career/Further Educational Opportunities
Most University Transfer Program students intend to pursue a music teaching career in the public school system. The programs at Douglas College do provide a basis, however, from which students can direct further studies to performance, musicology, composition, private teaching, music technology and other careers in music.
Location
Courses are offered at the New Westminster Campus.
Intake Dates/Application Deadline
Intake occurs once a year, in September, for full-time program students, with the possibility of first-time registration for some courses in January subject to the permission of the Music Coordinator.
Seats are limited in all programs. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
See Application Deadlines.
EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all
applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those
applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.
Information Sessions
This program offers a free information session.
Prospective students for all music programs are strongly advised to attend an information session at which an Academic Advisor and a member of the Music faculty will explain all programs and procedures. For more information about information sessions contact the Registrar’s Office.
Prospective students for either music program are strongly advised attend an Information Session at which an Academic Advisor and a member of the Music faculty will explain all programs and procedures. For more information about Information Sessions contact the Office of the Registrar.
Program Participation
UT and Basic Musicianship Program students are expected to take all the required music courses each semester: Theory, Ear Training, History, Ensemble and Private Lessons. Students whose concentration instrument is not piano must also take Class Piano unless they have achieved Grade 7 RCMT level or higher.
English and other non-music electives required for the credential do not need to be taken in the same semester as the Music courses.
Students may take some music courses on a part-time basis subject to course prerequisites and seat availability. Private music lessons are not available to part-time students.
Music courses run during the day with some evening requirements in ensemble rehearsals and performances. Students may also have to take an elective in the evening.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available only to students enrolled full-time in the University Transfer Music or Basic Musicianship Program. The concentration instrument is the student's main instrument of study. All instruments in the Western Classical Music tradition are available for study. Secondary private lessons are available with permission of the Music Coordinator.
UNIVERSITY TRANSFER MUSIC PROGRAM
The University Transfer Music Program is a two-year open enrolment program leading to a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts degree. Students must transfer to a university after two years to complete their degree. This program also contains the core requirements for the Education Major Streams (see below).
See the Basic Musicianship Program for information about the Elementary Music Major Stream, a one-year program transferring to SFU.
The University Transfer Music Program is for those wanting an advanced general education in music and for those intending to enter such fields as music education, performance, music scholarships, composition, etc.
All students who complete the UT program, including those who decide not to continue on to university, are eligible to receive the Douglas College Diploma in Performing Arts Music.
Transfer to a University
Students who have completed the requirements of the two-year University Transfer program at Douglas College are eligible to apply for entry into the third year of a bachelor of music program at a university. As part of the application process, students are required to audition on their instrument or voice.
In British Columbia, agreements between post-secondary music programs ensure the transferability of individual required courses. However, specific degree programs may have requirements in addition to those for general studies in music. For example, students who intend to major in performance, composition or scholarship should check the specific requirements of the degree program to which they are applying.
Students who wish to transfer to a post-secondary institution outside British Columbia should consult the specific institution for information regarding transfer options.
All music and non-music courses are assesssed and accredited on an individual basis by each university.
Admission Requirements
1. General Admission Requirements
2. English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or approved substitution
Registration Requirements
1. Audition* The student must perform the following equivalent guidelines:
- Keyboard concentrators: Grade 10 RCMT or equivalent
- All other instruments and voice concentrators: Grade 6 RCMT or equivalent
- The audition will include a short aural test
Come to an information session or contact the Performing Arts Office at 604-527-5495 for detailed audition requirements.
For those living outside the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley area, it is acceptable to submit a cassette tape or audio CD based on the audition requirements. Students may be provisionally accepted on the basis of the audition tapes but are required to audition in person at the beginning of the program in September.
2. Theory Test* The student must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of musical rudiments. Come to an information session, visit Music/University Transfer or contact the Performing Arts Office at 604-527-5495 for a sample theory test.
Out-of-town applicants should call the Performing Arts Office to make arrangements to write the theory test under the supervision of a proctor.
*Students are responsible for ensuring they complete these requirements prior to registration.
Music Entrance Scholarships
Scholarship applicants must audition, pass the theory requirement and submit the scholarship application before the deadline in early May. Come to an information session or contact the Performing Arts Office at 604-527-5495 for detailed information and an application form.
Credential
Upon successful completion of all the University Transfer Music Program requirements at Douglas College, students will receive a Diploma in Performing Arts Music.
Program Requirements
Also see notes at end of course listing.
Semester I
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MUSC 1110 | Theory of Tonal Music I | 3 |
| MUSC 1111 | Ear Training and Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 1120 | History of Western Music I | 3 |
| MUSC 1130 | Concert Band I | |
| or MUSC 1140 | College Chorus I | |
| or MUSC 1144 | Douglas College Chorale I (by audition) | 2 |
| MUSC 1150 | Private Lessons (Concentration) I | 3 |
| Elective | English | 3 |
| Total credits | 15 |
Students may also select any of the following optional courses, subject to instructor permission:
| MUSC 1113 | Introduction to Composition I | 2 |
| MUSC 1131 | Jazz Band I | 1 |
| MUSC 1151 | Private Lessons (Secondary) I | 1 |
| MUSC 1157 | Keyboard Accompanying | 1 |
| MUSC 1161 | Class Piano I | 2 |
| MUSC 1163 | Class Brass | 2 |
| MUSC 1182 | Introduction to Music Technology | 3 |
| MUSC 1188 | Guitar Ensemble I | 1 |
Semester II
Required Courses
| MUSC 1210 | Theory of Tonal Music II | 3 |
| MUSC 1211 | Ear Training and Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 1220 | History of Western Music II | 3 |
| MUSC 1230 | Concert Band II | |
| or MUSC 1240 | College Chorus II | |
| or MUSC 1244 | Douglas College Chorale II (by audition) | 2 |
| MUSC 1250 | Private Lessons (Concentration) II | 3 |
| Elective | any non-music course | 3 |
| Total credits | 15 |
Students may also select any of the following optional courses, subject to instructor permission:
| MUSC 1164 | Class Percussion | 2 |
| MUSC 1213 | Introduction to Composition II | 2 |
| MUSC 1231 | Jazz Band II | 1 |
| MUSC 1251 | Private Lessons (Secondary) II | 1 |
| MUSC 1257 | Keyboard Accompanying | 1 |
| MUSC 1261 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| MUSC 1282 | Audio Recording Techniques | 3 |
| MUSC 1288 | Guitar Ensemble II | 1 |
Semester III
Required Courses
| MUSC 2310 | Theory of Tonal Music III | 3 |
| MUSC 2311 | Ear Training and Sight Singing III | 1 |
| MUSC 2320 | History of Western Music III | 3 |
| MUSC 2330 | Concert Band III | |
| or MUSC 2340 | College Chorus III | |
| or MUSC 2344 | Douglas College Chorale III (by audition) | 2 |
| MUSC 2350 | Private Lessons (Concentration) III | 3 |
| Elective | English | 3 |
| Total credits | 15 |
Students may also select any of the following optional courses, subject to instructor permission:
| MUSC 1113 | Introduction to Composition I | 2 |
| MUSC 1163 | Class Brass | 2 |
| MUSC 1182 | Introduction to Music Technology | 3 |
| MUSC 2331 | Jazz Band III | 1 |
| MUSC 2351 | Private Lessons (Secondary) III | 1 |
| MUSC 2357 | Keyboard Accompanying | 1 |
| MUSC 2361 | Class Piano III | 1 |
| MUSC 2388 | Guitar Ensemble III | 1 |
Semester IV
Required Courses
| MUSC 2410 | Theory of Tonal Music IV | 3 |
| MUSC 2411 | Ear Training and Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| MUSC 2420 | History of Western Music IV | 3 |
| MUSC 2430 | Concert Band IV | |
| or MUSC 2440 | College Chorus IV | |
| or MUSC 2444 | Douglas College Chorale IV (by audition) | 2 |
| MUSC 2450 | Private Lessons (Concentration) IV | 3 |
| Elective | any non-music course | 3 |
| Total credits | 15 |
Students may also select any of the following optional courses, subject to instructor permission:
| MUSC 1164 | Class Percussion | 2 |
| MUSC 1213 | Introduction to Composition II | 2 |
| MUSC 1282 | Audio Recording Techniques | 3 |
| MUSC 2431 | Jazz Band IV | 1 |
| MUSC 2451 | Private Lessons (Secondary) IV | 1 |
| MUSC 2457 | Keyboard Accompanying | 1 |
| MUSC 2461 | Class Piano IV | 1 |
| MUSC 2488 | Guitar Ensemble IV | 1 |
Notes:
1. Although MUSC 1120 (History of Western Music I) is a required course in the University Transfer Music Program, students who have achieved less than English 12 with a minimum grade of "B", or approved substitution are exempt from taking MUSC 1120 in the first year in order to take courses necessary to meet the English requirement.
Students receiving a Douglas College Writing Assessment designation of "Writing Skills Review Courses" are advised to complete ENGL 1099, (or, alternately, CMNS 1099) before enrolling in MUSC 1120 or take ENGL 1099 (or CMNS 1099) at the same time as MUSC 1120.
Further information about the Douglas College Writing Assessment may be obtained from Assessment Services at 604-527-5501.
2. Please note that all full-time Music Program students must enrol in a minimum of 11 credits, including all the required music courses for which they are eligible. This also applies to students who are exempt from MUSC 1120 as in note 1.
3. Students whose concentration instrument is violin, viola or cello should register in MUSC 1130, but will be placed in an outside orchestra. Singers, pianists and guitarists should register in MUSC 1140 (College Chorus). Students may audition to take MUSC 1144 (Chorale) as their required large ensemble course.
4. It is not necessary to take English courses at the same time as the music courses; however, English courses are required for the Diploma in Performing Arts Music and for transfer to a university.
5. Class Piano is recommended for all students whose concentration is not piano. Students who intend to transfer to a university should be aware that Class Piano is required of non-pianists in most university undergraduate programs.
6. At the beginning of their studies at Douglas College, students should check the program requirements of any university to which they are considering transferring at the end of their studies here.
Secondary Education Stream
This program is for students intending to teach music at the secondary school level. Upon completion of the BMus degree, students will be required to complete teaching certification requirements in an education faculty. In addition to the requirements listed above, students take the following courses:
Semester III
| MUSC 1163 | Class Brass | 2 credits |
Semester IV
| MUSC 1164 | Class Percussion | 2 credits |
Elementary Education Stream
This program is for students who expect to become elementary music specialists rather than general classroom teachers. (See also BA, Major in Music degree.) Upon completion of the BMus degree students will be required to complete teaching certification requirements in an education faculty. Program requirements are the same as those for the Secondary Education Stream.
Major in Music or Honours in Music Stream
This program is for students wanting to concentrate on music as part of a BA degree. The distinction between Major and Honours is the number of course requirements in third and fourth years; the first two years are the same. Students must transfer to a university after two years to complete their degree.
Entrance requirements are an interview with a Music Department instructor and a theory test. Courses are taken in music theory, aural skills and music history. Class piano and/or ensemble may be elected but private lessons are not available.
This program is considered part-time within the Music Department and, as such, is subject to seat availability.
Program Requirements
Semester I
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MUSC 1110 | Theory of Tonal Music I | 3 |
| MUSC 1111 | Ear Training and Sight Singing I | 1 |
| MUSC 1120 | History of Western Music I | 3 |
| Plus other courses | 9 | |
| Total credits | 16 |
Semester II
| MUSC 1210 | Theory of Tonal Music II | 3 |
| MUSC 1211 | Ear Training and Sight Singing II | 1 |
| MUSC 1220 | History of Western Music II | 3 |
| Plus other courses | 9 | |
| Total credits | 16 |
Semester III
| MUSC 2310 | Theory of Tonal Music III | 3 |
| MUSC 2311 | Ear Training and Sight Singing III | 1 |
| Plus other courses | 2 | |
| Total credits | 6 |
Semester IV
| MUSC 2410 | Theory of Tonal Music IV | 3 |
| MUSC 2411 | Ear Training and Sight Singing IV | 1 |
| Plus other courses | 2 | |
| Total credits | 6 |
Elementary Music Major Stream
See Basic Musicianship Program below.
Basic Musicianship Program
The Basic Musicianship Program is a limited enrolment program and is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to gain basic musical knowledge and skills but are not interested in pursuing a university music degree, or those who wish to pursue a university degree in music but require preparatory work.
The Basic Musicianship Program also contains the core requirements for the Elementary Music Major Stream transferring to SFU (see below).
Location
Courses are offered at the New Westminster Campus.
Intake Dates/Application Deadline
Intake occurs once a year, in September, for full-time program students, with the possibility of first-time registration for some courses in January subject to the permission of the Music Coordinator.
Seats are limited in all programs. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Although late applications may be considered if there is room in the program, full-time Basic Musicianship students should apply by June 1.
Part-time students may be accepted if space permits. Private music lessons are not available to part-time students.
Admission Requirements
1. General Admission Requirements
Please note: Basic Musicianship students do not require English 12 with a minimum grade of “C” or the equivalent.
There is no audition or music theory entrance test for admission to the Basic Musicianship Program. However, students are strongly advised to arrange for an in-person or telephone interview with the Music Coordinator. Please phone 604-527-5694.
Application Deadline
Although late applications may be considered if there is room in the program, full-time Basic Musicianship students should apply by June
Part-time students may be accepted if space permits. Private music lessons are not available to part-time
students.
Interview
To arrange an in-person or telephone interview with the Music Coordinator or a designated Music Department Instructor, contact the Performing Arts office at 604-527-5495.
Credential
Upon completion of all requirements in this program, a student will receive a Basic Musicianship Certificate.
Program Requirements
Also see notes at end of course listing.
Semester I
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MUSC 1101 | Materials of Music I | |
| or MUSC 1102 | Basic Theory I | 3 |
| MUSC 1104 | Aural and Sight Singing Skills I | |
| or MUSC 1103 | Basic Aural and Sight Singing Skills I | 3 |
| MUSC 1121 | Listening in Context I | 3 |
| MUSC 1133 | Beginning Instrumental Ensemble I | |
| or MUSC 1141 | Beginning Choral Ensemble I | 1 |
| MUSC 1155 | Individual Music Study (Keyboard) | |
| or both | ||
| MUSC 1156 | Individual Music Study (Instrumental or Vocal) I | |
| and MUSC 1160 | Introductory Class Piano I | 3 |
| English Elective | Developmental Studies (DVST) | |
| or English as a Second Language (EASL) | ||
| or English (ENGL) | ||
| or Communications (CMNS) | 3 | |
| Total credits | 16 |
Semester II
| MUSC 1201 | Materials of Music II | |
| or MUSC 1202 | Basic Theory II | 3 |
| MUSC 1204 | Aural and Sight Singing Skills II | |
| or MUSC 1203 | Basic Aural and Sight Singing Skills II | 3 |
| MUSC 1221 | Listening in Context II | 3 |
| MUSC 1233 | Beginning Instrumental Ensemble II | |
| or MUSC 1241 | Beginning Choral Ensemble II | 1 |
| MUSC 1255 | Individual Music Study (Keyboard) | |
| or both | ||
| MUSC 1256 | Individual Music Study (Instrumental or Vocal) II | |
| and MUSC 1260 | Introductory Class Piano II | 3 |
| English Elective | Developmental Studies (DVST) | |
| or English as a Second Language (EASL) | ||
| or English (ENGL) | ||
| or Communications (CMNS) | 3 | |
| Total credits | 16 |
Notes Regarding Music Requirements:
1. MUSC 1201/1204 and MUSC 1202/1203 are corequisite pairs. The choice of theory course is determined by the Music faculty.
2. Students for whom English is a second language may be advised to take an EASL course instead of MUSC 1121. Please phone 604-527-5097 to arrange for an EASL assessment.
3. All students in this program must register in either MUSC 1133/ 1233 or MUSC 1141/1241. Students with previous ensemble experience may, with permission of the Music faculty, take MUSC 1130/1230 or 1140/1240.
Students whose concentration instrument is violin, viola or cello should register in MUSC 1133, but will be placed in an outside orchestra. Singers, pianists and guitarists should register in MUSC 1141 (Beginning Choral Ensemble). Guitarists who have the permission of the instructor may take MUSC 1188 (Guitar Ensemble) instead of MUSC 1141.
4. Students taking keyboard lessons as their main applied study must enrol in MUSC 1155. Instrumentalists and vocalists enroll in MUSC 1156.
5. Instrumentalists and vocalists who have achieved Grade 7 RCMT level in piano may, with the permission of the Music Coordinator, enroll in MUSC 1151 instead of MUSC 1160.
Notes Regarding English Elective Requirements:
- There are no English requirements for acceptance into the Basic Musicianship program.
- There is an English requirement for program completion. Options are as follows:
- Must pass two courses (six credits) in either EASL* or DVST - the only prerequisite to register in these courses is a DVST Assessment. To arrange an assessment call the Developmental Studies Department at 604 527 5463.
- The above noted six-credit requirement may also include the successful completion of Communications or English courses (or combination) - students wishing to register in CMNS or ENGL courses must provide proof of English 12 with a minimum grade of "B" or an approved substitution.
*If a students' language assessments place them in EASL they are required to have a minimum level of 0200 in listening and speaking to receive the Basic Musicianship Certificate.
Elementary Music Major Stream
This program is specifically for those wishing to transfer to SFU and teach music at the elementary school level. This program is considered part-time within the Music Department and, as such, is subject to seat availability.
Entrance requirements include an interview with a Music Department instructor.
Program Requirements
Semester I
| Course | Title | Credits |
| MUSC 1101 | Materials of Music I | 3 |
| MUSC 1104 | Aural and Sight Singing Skills I | 3 |
| MUSC 1121 | Listening in Context I | 3 |
| MUSC 1161 | Class Piano I | 1 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Total credits | 16 |
Semester II
| MUSC 1201 | Materials of Music II | 3 |
| MUSC 1204 | Aural and Sight Singing Skills II | 3 |
| MUSC 1221 | Listening in Context II | 3 |
| MUSC 1261 | Class Piano II | 1 |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Total credits | 16 |
Music Technology Certificate
The Music Technology Certificate (MTC) is a one-year limited enrolment program that provides an in-depth exploration of the new technology redefining the way we make music in the 21st century. The Douglas College Music Technology Certificate is designed to give the student a thorough foundation in the technologies and processes involved with modern music making.
Location
Courses are offered at the New Westminster Campus.
Intake Dates/Application Deadline
Intake occurs once a year, in September, for full-time program students.
Seats are limited in all programs. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Although late applications may be considered if there is room in the Program, full-time Music Technology Certificate Program students should apply by June 1.
Part-time students may be accepted if space permits. Private music lessons are not available to part-time students.
Admission Requirements
- Douglas College General Admission Requirements
- Audition: All Music Technology Certificate students must demonstrate competency on an instrument or voice. There is no set music grade level requirement and no limits on genre or style of music. Music Technology Certificate students are required to participate in at least one College ensemble each term, and will be expected to participate in student recording sessions. These factors will be considered when assessing student auditions. For those living outside the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley area, it is acceptable to submit an audio CD or mp3. Students may be provisionally accepted on the basis of the recorded audition but will be required to audition in person at the beginning of the program in September.
- Music Literacy: The student must demonstrate the ability to read and write music, and understand basic theoretical concepts. Literacy can be demonstrated by writing the Music Literacy Test. Out-of-town applicants should call the Performing Arts Office to make arrangements for an online test. Students whose previous music background demonstrates proficiency must consult with the Program Coordinator.
- Technology Competency: The student must demonstrate a basic knowledge of music technology through completion of MUSC 1182 and 1282, or the Technology Competency Assessment test, or by upgrading skills in this area by taking preparatory courses through the Community Music School.
Credential
Upon successful completion of all the Music Technology Certificate requirements at Douglas College, students will receive a Music Technology Certificate.
Semester I Required Courses
Course |
Title |
Credits |
MUSC 3180 |
Audio Recording Techniques |
3 |
MUSC 3181 |
Sequencing and Synthesis |
3 |
MUSC 3183 |
Professional Score Production |
2 |
Ensemble |
Any music ensemble |
1-2 |
Elective |
Any music elective |
3 |
Elective |
Any non-music course |
3 |
|
|
|
|
Total credits |
15-16 |
Semester II Required Courses
MUSC 3280 |
Advanced Audio Recording |
3 |
MUSC 3281 |
Advanced Sound Applications |
3 |
MUSC 3284 |
Music for Film and Video |
2 |
MUSC 3285 |
Studio Setup and Maintenance |
2 |
Ensemble |
Any music ensemble |
1-2 |
Elective |
Any non-music course |
3 |
|
|
|
|
Total credits |
14-15 |