COURSE CURRICULUM

The three-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music at Cape Breton University is designed to give students a strong foundation in music while emphasizing Cape Breton’s traditional and global musical cultures. In the first year, students take introductory music courses along with general arts electives, focusing on fundamentals such as music theory, listening skills, basic performance, and understanding music in cultural contexts. The second year develops these foundations through intermediate studies in music theory, performance, ethnomusicology, and popular music, with a strong emphasis on Atlantic Canadian traditions as well as global musical styles such as West African and Eastern European music. Students also begin exploring how music functions within society and culture. In the third year, the curriculum becomes more advanced and applied, including courses in composition, genre studies, music history, cultural tourism, research methods, and music industry studies. Students may also engage in experiential learning opportunities such as internships, archival work, or performance-based projects. Across all three years, the program combines practical and theoretical learning, including performance, analysis, and creative work, while also developing an understanding of the music industry and cultural heritage. Overall, the degree prepares students for careers in performance, education, arts administration, cultural industries, media, and community-based music work.