Music
The Marianopolis Music Program is a two-year comprehensive series of courses that prepares students for university studies primarily in Music. The Music Program includes courses in music theory, ear training, music literature, instrumental and ensemble playing, and music technology. The theory, ear training and literature courses are given at Marianopolis. The instrumental and ensemble courses are given at the McGill Faculty of Music.
Instruction is offered on all woodwind, brass and string instruments, as well as acoustic piano, acoustic guitar, voice, percussion, jazz voice and all jazz instruments.
Marianopolis students have the benefit of studying under the direction of Music professors at McGill University. Students in the Music program will study a principal as well as a complementary instrument. As a music student, you take one individual lesson per week in principal instrument or voice and also participate in weekly sight reading and accompaniment labs or jazz combos.
Who Should Take It?
If you have made the decision to pursue university studies in music and you have an interest in orchestral, choral, opera, baroque, chamber or jazz music, you should take Music at Marianopolis. The program combines intensive musical study with a range of other disciplines to provide you with a balanced course profile.
For more information about the Music program, please consult our program website.
Where Does It Lead?
The program can lead directly to studies for the Bachelor of Music degree at university. It can also prepare you for higher studies and a career in Performance, Education, Composition, Conducting, Technology/Computer Applications, Communication Arts such as Radio and Television, Musicology and Research, and Music Therapy. You can also choose to follow any of the Arts-based programs at university.
Special features of the Marianopolis Music program
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The facilities at Marianopolis include a recital hall with two grand pianos, practice rooms, secure instrument lockers and a state-of-the-art music technology lab with hardware and software for recording, editing, sound reproduction, score writing and ear training.
A Unique Relationship with McGill's Schulich School of Music
Marianopolis is fortunate in being able to share facilities with McGill University's Schulich School of Music. Marianopolis students have the benefit of:
- Studying under the direction of Music Professors at McGill
- Playing in McGill's ensembles
- Associating with more advanced music students
- Using the Marvin Duchow Library and practice rooms
About Applying
In addition to the general application requirements described on the Admissions web pages, students applying for admission to the Music program must have the specific pre-requisites and successfully complete an audition and testing process described below.
Prerequisites
Instrument or voice: Minimum requirement: McGill Conservatory, Secondary V, or Royal Conservatory (RCM), Grade 8, or Vincent d'Indy Supérieur I or equivalent. (It is strongly recommended that applicants in piano or violin be at least one level higher.) However, having attained this level does not guarantee acceptance to Marianopolis. The audition at McGill is the major determining factor.
Theory: Music 534 or the equivalent as evaluated by the College, such as: McGill Conservatory Secondary V, or RCM Grade 2 Rudiments or Vincent d'Indy 6e année (material in B. Wharram's Elementary Rudiments of Music).
Ear Training: McGill Conservatory Secondary V, or RCM ear training portion of Grade 8 instrument or voice exam, or Vincent d'Indy 6e année or equivalent. All students are required to write placement tests in Theory and Ear Training. Students who are weak in these areas may be required to take a summer course.
Auditioning for Admissions
There are two auditions that are part of the application process for the Music program. You must also include information on your principal instrument with your application to Marianopolis.
Pre-Auditions: The pre-audition gives you the opportunity to discuss and demonstrate your musical background with representatives from the Music Department before making an application. It is also required to qualify for the formal audition at McGill.
Auditions: Formal auditions are held in late March before a panel of professors at McGill University's Schulich School of Music. A successful audition is a requirement for acceptance into the Marianopolis music program. Students invited to audition at McGill will be notified.
Theory and Ear Training Placement Tests
Applicants who have successfully completed their pre-audition will be required to take Theory and Ear Training Placement Tests to determine levels in these areas. Students who are weak in these areas may be required to take a summer course.
Pre-auditions are held at Marianopolis during the months of November through January. To set a time for your pre-audition, please contact the Academic Dean's office at (514) 931-8792, ext. 261.
