Music courses and programs

These courses are designed for non-majors:

Fundamentals of Music - MUSC 1001 (3cr, Winter)
This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts of music theory, including notation and technical terminology, as well as to listening, singing, and keyboard skills.

Introduction to Western Art Music History - MUSC 1201 (3cr, Fall)
This course introduces students to the history and literature of music in the Western World and provides an overview of the various styles, eras, and genres of Western Art Music. It considers and compares changing concepts, styles, forms, and media.

Introduction to Music, Culture, and Context - MUSC 1221 (3cr, Winter)
This course considers music's role in society and culture broadly through the comparison and consideration of musics from different locations and cultural contexts, including works of jazz, popular, Indigenous (resurgence), traditional, world, and art musics. The course aims to develop students' core research and critical thinking skills. It explores the theoretical frameworks of gender studies and decolonization, and their implications for music studies.

World Music - MUSC 2021 (3cr, Fall)
This course introduces different musical traditions from around the world and examines the innovative and eclectic mix that makes up world music today.

You may also receive permission to register for the following courses, depending on your background knowledge and experience in music. Contact the Department Head if interested.

Introduction to Music Theory - MUSC 1101 (3cr, Fall)
This course is an intensive review of the fundamentals of Western music in staff notation (rhythm and meter, scales and keys, intervals and chord qualities), coupled with an introduction to the field of music theory as a modern academic discipline.

Four-Part Writing - MUSC 1111 (3cr, Winter) 
This course explores methods of four-part composition from eighteenth-century Europe. Topics include chorale harmonization, figured bass realization in keyboard style, and model composition in various textures.

Aural Skills and Musicianship I - MUSC 1703 (3cr, Fall AND Winter)
This course covers the practical aspects of music theory. It includes practice in aural musicianship skills, including sight-singing, interval recognition, dictation, improvisation, and keyboard skills. 

Composition & Music Technology I & II - MUSC 2141/2151 (3cr, F/W)
Learn to compose and notate original musical ideas.

Women and Music - MUSC 3261 (3cr, Winter) 
This course explores the many roles women have played in music and music-making, as performers, composers, conductors, teachers, critics, patrons or subjects of musical composition. The main focus of the course is a detailed look at music and culture in diverse periods of history and from various styles, traditions, and ethnicities. It also looks at the role of feminist criticism and gender studies in challenging our perceptions and assumptions about music.

We welcome non-BMus students to participate in ensembles, most of which earn one credit per year. Ensembles include:

• Choral Society (no audition required)
• Symphonic Band
• Chamber Orchestra
• Elliott Chorale (chamber choir)
• Jazz Ensemble 
• New Music Ensemble - not offered in 2022-23
• Pep Band (no audition, no credit)

Attend some of the many exciting concerts offered by the Department of Music each year. All concerts, including faculty and guest recitals, student recitals, masterclasses, ensemble concerts, collegia, and colloquia are FREE to current MtA students!  See our Calendar of events page for more details.

Mount Allison’s Performing Arts Series also offers deep discounts on student tickets and subscriptions