York’s Music program is known for pioneering post-secondary music studies in jazz, world, gospel, contemporary improvisation, and digital music. Students may specialize or generalize according to their interests, developing expertise in a particular area of vocal or instrumental performance or composition, or working in a variety of musical practices and cultural forms.
Music at York combines a flexible program with individual attention to prepare students for their future careers. Options include solo, small and large ensemble performance; composition and arranging; music education and community music; popular music studies and ethnomusicology; and the growing field of music media production for cinema, gaming and motion media.
The Undergraduate Program is founded on the principles of diversity and inclusion, and is unique in recognizing students with musical talent and ambition who arrive with a rich variety of musical backgrounds. It builds on these experiences by providing a common foundation in the first two years through four core courses to develop the skills necessary for ongoing music creation, studies, and community practice. During their final two years, students specialize further and can explore the full range of options available to them.