COURSE CURRICULUM

The four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music at Cape Breton University is designed to develop strong musical, analytical, and professional skills with a special focus on traditional and tradition-based popular music. In the first year, students take introductory music courses along with general arts electives, building foundational skills in music theory, listening, and understanding Cape Breton’s musical heritage. The second year expands into core areas such as music theory, performance, ethnomusicology, Atlantic Canadian music traditions, and studies of global musical cultures, helping students connect music with cultural and historical contexts. In the third year, students engage in more advanced and applied learning, including composition, genre studies, popular music analysis, music industry practices, cultural tourism, and research methods, along with opportunities for internships or experiential learning. The fourth year focuses on advanced specialization through senior seminars, independent research projects, archival work, and professional placements, along with courses such as Arts Entrepreneurship and Understanding the Music Industry that help students prepare for real-world careers. Across all four years, students also develop performance skills, critical listening, and creative expression while gaining knowledge of music business and cultural industries. Overall, the program prepares graduates for careers in performance, education, arts management, cultural heritage, media, and the broader creative industries.