Intakes for this program have been postponed indefinitely.

Description

All prospective music students apply to enter the Bachelor of Music in Musical Arts Degree. Those students who wish to graduate with a Diploma in Music may apply after completing one of six concentrations.

The Diplomas in Music are two-year, four-semester programs. Each concentration is designed to help students develop their abilities in both academic and applied studies. All students receive four semesters of private instruction on their chosen instrument and participate in a large ensemble each semester. The core curriculum is augmented by electives chosen by the student in consultation with a faculty advisor.

The facilities at the Langley Campus have been designed to accommodate music instruction in solo performance, orchestral, band, choral, and chamber music.

Intake occurs once a year in September for full-time program students. It is expected that most students will enroll in a full-time program, but part-time participation will be allowed subject to seat availability and the fulfillment of the course prerequisites.

Credit for courses completed at other institutions may be transferred subject to the approval of the Music Chair. As well, first time registration for some courses may be allowed in January subject to the approval of the Music Chair and fulfillment of any course prerequisites.

It is recommended that prospective music students attend a music information session where program content and application procedures will be explained. For more information, please visit kpu.ca/music.

Diploma Concentrations

There are six concentrations within the Diploma program:

• Comprehensive Studies
• Guitar Performance (Not currently offered)
• Orchestral Instrument Performance (Not currently offered)
• Piano Performance (Not currently offered)
• Vocal Performance (Not currently offered)
• General Studies

Foundation Courses

Some prospective students may have musical talent but have not had private lessons or do not have the rudimentary knowledge of music theory necessary for university music study. Such students can be given the opportunity to register in one or more foundation courses to upgrade specific musical and technical skills. Generally these courses do not count toward the Bachelor of Music degree or Diploma programs. The Foundation courses include:

• Music Rudiments (i.e. Theory): MUSI 1120
• Songwriting and Arranging: MUSI 1291
• Music Technology: MUSI 1130
• History of Popular Music: MUSI 1111
• Classical Music in Western Culture: MUSI 1115
• Studio Lessons (i.e. Private Lessons): MUSI 1105 & MUSI 1205

Faculty's website: kpu.ca/arts

Department's website: kpu.ca/arts/music

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:

Audition/interview - Applicants will have a scheduled audition on their instrument to demonstrate their musical and technical skills. For details, see the Music Department's website kpu.ca/arts/music

For all instruments except piano, the standard of practical work expected at the time of audition is equivalent to Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Grade 6. The entrance standard for piano is equivalent to RCM Grade 10.

A satisfactory score on the KPU Music Placement Test - The placement test assesses the knowledge and skill of the applicant in music theory, music history, and aural musicianship (i.e., ear training). The results will help determine the best point of entry for prospective students.For details, see the Music Department's website kpu.ca/arts/music

Applicants who have successfully completed the RCM – Advanced Rudiments Examination in Theory or Conservatory Canada, Theory IV may be exempt from writing the theory section of the placement test upon presentation of the certification of completion on or before the day of the audition.

Applicants who have successfully completed the RCM History 1 Examination may be exempt from writing the history section of the placement test upon presentation of the certification of completion on or before the day of the audition.

Curricular Requirements

Comprehensive Studies Concentration

This concentration provides a solid foundation in the academic, theoretical, and practical areas of music. The curriculum prepares students for continuation into a Bachelor of Music degree program. Graduates can go on to further studies in the fields of music theory, composition, history, education or the arts in general.

To complete the Diploma in Music with a concentration in Comprehensive Studies, students must successfully complete:

Plan of Study Grid

Term 1		Credits
MUSI 1150	The Language of Music I	3
MUSI 1151	Aural Musicianship I	2
MUSI 1153	History of Music I: Cornerstones of Music History	3
MUSI 1157	Major Instrument - Concentration I	2
Select 3 credits from courses not in the MUSI subject area		3
Select a course in ENGL numbered 1100 or higher		3
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1154	Keyboard Skills I
MUSI 1155	Secondary Instrument - I 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1167	Kwantlen String Orchestra I
MUSI 1168	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble I
MUSI 1169	Kwantlen Chorus I
	Credits	19
Term 2
MUSI 1250	The Language of Music II	3
MUSI 1251	Aural Musicianship II	2
MUSI 1253	History of Music II: Heroes, Politics, and War	3
MUSI 1257	Major Instrument - Concentration - II	2
Select one non-music elective		3
Select one English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1254	Keyboard Skills II
MUSI 1255	Secondary Instrument - II 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1267	Kwantlen String Orchestra II
MUSI 1268	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble II
MUSI 1269	Kwantlen Chorus II
	Credits	16
Term 3
MUSI 2350	The Language of Music III	3
MUSI 2351	Aural Musicianship III	2
MUSI 2353	History of Music III: Music and the Arts	3
MUSI 2357	Major Instrument - Concentration III	2
Select two non-music electives		6
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2354	Keyboard Skills III
MUSI 2355	Secondary Instrument - III 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 2367	Kwantlen String Orchestra III
MUSI 2368	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble III
MUSI 2369	Kwantlen Chorus III
	Credits	19
Term 4
MUSI 2450	The Language of Music IV	3
MUSI 2451	Aural Musicianship IV	2
MUSI 2453	History of Music IV: Challenging the Conventions of Music	3
MUSI 2457	Major Instrument - Concentration IV	2
Select two non-music electives		6
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2454	Keyboard Skills IV
MUSI 2455	Secondary Instrument - IV 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 2467	Kwantlen String Orchestra IV
MUSI 2468	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble IV
MUSI 2469	Kwantlen Chorus IV
	Credits	19
	Total Credits	73

¹

Upon graduation from the Diploma-Comprehensive Studies, all students must be able to demonstrate piano proficiency (including repertoire, sight reading, score reading) and knowledge of keyboard harmony skills equivalent to MUSI 2454. Enrolling in MUSI 1154 - MUSI 2454 Class Piano normally fulfills this. A student may choose to demonstrate proficiency in the required material at the beginning of each semester and, if successful, may be given permission to enroll in MUSI 1155 - MUSI 2455 Secondary Instrument.

Guitar Performance Concentration (Not currently offered)

The guitar performance concentration is designed for musically and technically advanced students who plan to enter the field of performance. Graduates may continue to complete a Bachelor of Music degree and pursue graduate study. They may enter careers in public performance and teaching (university, conservatory, or private studio). Eligibility for the performance program is determined by audition.

To complete the Diploma in Music with a concentration in Guitar Performance, students must successfully complete:

Plan of Study Grid

Term 1		Credits
MUSI 1150	The Language of Music I	3
MUSI 1151	Aural Musicianship I	2
MUSI 1153	History of Music I: Cornerstones of Music History	3
MUSI 1156	Major Instrument - Performance I	3
MUSI 1171	Guitar Chamber Ensemble I	2
Seelct one English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1154	Keyboard Skills I
MUSI 1155	Secondary Instrument - I 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1167	Kwantlen String Orchestra I
MUSI 1168	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble I
MUSI 1169	Kwantlen Chorus I
	Credits	16
Term 2
MUSI 1250	The Language of Music II	3
MUSI 1251	Aural Musicianship II	2
MUSI 1253	History of Music II: Heroes, Politics, and War	3
MUSI 1256	Major Instrument - Performance II	3
MUSI 1271	Guitar Chamber Ensemble II	2
Select one English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1254	Keyboard Skills II
MUSI 1255	Secondary Instrument - II 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1267	Kwantlen String Orchestra II
MUSI 1268	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble II
MUSI 1269	Kwantlen Chorus II
	Credits	16
Term 3
MUSI 2350	The Language of Music III	3
MUSI 2351	Aural Musicianship III	2
MUSI 2353	History of Music III: Music and the Arts	3
MUSI 2356	Major Instrument - Performance III	3
MUSI 2371	Guitar Chamber Ensemble III	2
Select one non-music elective		3
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2354	Keyboard Skills III
MUSI 2355	Secondary Instrument - III 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 2367	Kwantlen String Orchestra III
MUSI 2368	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble III
MUSI 2369	Kwantlen Chorus III
	Credits	19
Term 4
MUSI 2450	The Language of Music IV	3
MUSI 2451	Aural Musicianship IV	2
MUSI 2453	History of Music IV: Challenging the Conventions of Music	3
MUSI 2456	Major Instrument - Performance IV	3
MUSI 2471	Guitar Chamber Ensemble IV	2
Select one non-music elective		3
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2454	Keyboard Skills IV
MUSI 2455	Secondary Instrument - IV 1
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 2467	Kwantlen String Orchestra IV
MUSI 2468	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble IV
MUSI 2469	Kwantlen Chorus IV
Music Electives
MUSI 1133	Fretboard Studies I	2
MUSI 1233	Fretboard Studies II	2
	Credits	23
	Total Credits	74

¹

Note: Upon graduation from the Guitar Performance concentration, all students must be able to demonstrate piano proficiency (including repertoire, sight reading, score reading) and knowledge of keyboard harmony skills equivalent to MUSI 2454. Enrolling in MUSI 1154-MUSI 2454 Class Piano normally fulfills this. A student may choose to demonstrate proficiency in the required material at the beginning of each semester and, if successful, may be given permission to enroll in MUSI 1155-MUSI 2455 Secondary Instrument.

Orchestral Instrument Performance Concentration (Not currently offered)

The orchestral instrument performance concentration is designed for musically and technically advanced students who plan to enter the field of performance. Graduates may continue to complete a Bachelor of Music degree and pursue graduate study. They may enter careers in public performance and teaching (university, conservatory, or private studio). Eligibility for the performance program is determined by audition.

To complete the Diploma in Music with a concentration in Orchestral Instrument Performance, students must successfully complete:

Plan of Study Grid

Term 1		Credits
MUSI 1150	The Language of Music I	3
MUSI 1151	Aural Musicianship I	2
MUSI 1153	History of Music I: Cornerstones of Music History	3
MUSI 1156	Major Instrument - Performance I	3
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1173	Percussion Ensemble I
MUSI 1174	Woodwind Ensemble I
MUSI 1175	Brass Ensemble I
MUSI 1179	String Chamber Ensemble I
An English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1154	Keyboard Skills I
MUSI 1155	Secondary Instrument - I 1
MUSI 1167 or MUSI 1168	Kwantlen String Orchestra I or Kwantlen Wind Ensemble I	2
	Credits	16
Term 2
MUSI 1250	The Language of Music II	3
MUSI 1251	Aural Musicianship II	2
MUSI 1253	History of Music II: Heroes, Politics, and War	3
MUSI 1256	Major Instrument - Performance II	3
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1273	Percussion Ensemble II
MUSI 1274	Woodwind Ensemble II
MUSI 1275	Brass Ensemble II
MUSI 1279	String Chamber Ensemble II
An English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1254	Keyboard Skills II
MUSI 1255	Secondary Instrument - II 1
MUSI 1267 or MUSI 1268	Kwantlen String Orchestra II or Kwantlen Wind Ensemble II	2
	Credits	16
Term 3
MUSI 2350	The Language of Music III	3
MUSI 2351	Aural Musicianship III	2
MUSI 2353	History of Music III: Music and the Arts	3
MUSI 2356	Major Instrument - Performance III	3
Select one of the following:		2-3
MUSI 2373	Percussion Ensemble III
MUSI 2374	Woodwind Ensemble III
MUSI 2375	Brass Ensemble III
MUSI 2379	String Chamber Ensemble III
One non-music elective
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2354	Keyboard Skills III
MUSI 2355	Secondary Instrument - III 1
MUSI 2367 or MUSI 2368	Kwantlen String Orchestra III or Kwantlen Wind Ensemble III	2
	Credits	16-17
Term 4
MUSI 2450	The Language of Music IV	3
MUSI 2451	Aural Musicianship IV	2
MUSI 2453	History of Music IV: Challenging the Conventions of Music	3
MUSI 2456	Major Instrument - Performance IV	3
Select one of the following:		2-3
MUSI 2473	Percussion Ensemble IV
MUSI 2474	Woodwind Ensemble IV
MUSI 2475	Brass Ensemble IV
MUSI 2479	String Chamber Ensemble IV
One non-music elective
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2454	Keyboard Skills IV
MUSI 2455	Secondary Instrument - IV 1
MUSI 2467 or MUSI 2468	Kwantlen String Orchestra IV or Kwantlen Wind Ensemble IV	2
	Credits	16-17
	Total Credits	64-66

¹

Upon graduation from the Orchestral Instrument Performance concentration, all students must be able to demonstrate piano proficiency (including repertoire, sight reading, score reading) and knowledge of keyboard harmony skills equivalent to MUSI 2454. Enrolling in MUSI 1154-MUSI 2454 Class Piano normally fulfills this. A student may choose to demonstrate proficiency in the required material at the beginning of each semester and, if successful, may be given permission to enroll in MUSI 1155-MUSI 2455 Secondary Instrument.

Piano Performance Concentration (Not currently offered)

The performance concentration is designed for musically and technically advanced students who plan to enter the field of performance. Graduates may continue to complete a Bachelor of Music degree and pursue graduate study. They may enter careers in public performance and teaching (university, conservatory, or private studio). Eligibility for the performance program is determined by audition.

To complete the Diploma in Music with a concentration in Piano Performance, students must successfully complete:

Plan of Study Grid

Term 1		Credits
MUSI 1150	The Language of Music I	3
MUSI 1151	Aural Musicianship I	2
MUSI 1153	History of Music I: Cornerstones of Music History	3
MUSI 1156	Major Instrument - Performance I	3
MUSI 1158		2
MUSI 1172	Piano Chamber Ensemble I	2
Select one English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1167	Kwantlen String Orchestra I
MUSI 1168	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble I
MUSI 1169	Kwantlen Chorus I
	Credits	17
Term 2
MUSI 1250	The Language of Music II	3
MUSI 1251	Aural Musicianship II	2
MUSI 1253	History of Music II: Heroes, Politics, and War	3
MUSI 1256	Major Instrument - Performance II	3
MUSI 1258		2
MUSI 1272	Piano Chamber Ensemble II	2
Select one English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 1267	Kwantlen String Orchestra II
MUSI 1268	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble II
MUSI 1269	Kwantlen Chorus II
	Credits	17
Term 3
MUSI 2350	The Language of Music III	3
MUSI 2351	Aural Musicianship III	2
MUSI 2353	History of Music III: Music and the Arts	3
MUSI 2356	Major Instrument - Performance III	3
MUSI 2358		2
MUSI 2372	Piano Chamber Ensemble III	2
Select one non-music elective		3
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 2367	Kwantlen String Orchestra III
MUSI 2368	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble III
MUSI 2369	Kwantlen Chorus III
	Credits	20
Term 4
MUSI 2450	The Language of Music IV	3
MUSI 2451	Aural Musicianship IV	2
MUSI 2453	History of Music IV: Challenging the Conventions of Music	3
MUSI 2456	Major Instrument - Performance IV	3
MUSI 2458		2
MUSI 2472	Piano Chamber Ensemble IV	2
Select one non-music elective		3
Select one of the following:		2
MUSI 2467	Kwantlen String Orchestra IV
MUSI 2468	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble IV
MUSI 2469	Kwantlen Chorus IV
	Credits	20
	Total Credits	74

Vocal Performance Concentration (Not currently offered)

The performance concentration is designed for musically and technically advanced students who plan to enter the field of performance. Graduates may continue to complete a Bachelor of Music degree and pursue graduate study. They may enter careers in public performance and teaching (university, conservatory, or private studio). Eligibility for the performance program is determined by audition.

To complete the Diploma in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance, students must successfully complete:

Plan of Study Grid

Term 1		Credits
MUSI 1150	The Language of Music I	3
MUSI 1151	Aural Musicianship I	2
MUSI 1153	History of Music I: Cornerstones of Music History	3
MUSI 1156	Major Instrument - Performance I	3
MUSI 1169	Kwantlen Chorus I	2
Select one English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select one German language course
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1154	Keyboard Skills I
MUSI 1155	Secondary Instrument - I 1
	Credits	14
Term 2
MUSI 1250	The Language of Music II	3
MUSI 1251	Aural Musicianship II	2
MUSI 1253	History of Music II: Heroes, Politics, and War	3
MUSI 1256	Major Instrument - Performance II	3
MUSI 1269	Kwantlen Chorus II	2
Select one English course, numbered 1100 or higher
Select a German language course
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 1254	Keyboard Skills II
MUSI 1255	Secondary Instrument - II 1
	Credits	14
Term 3
MUSI 2350	The Language of Music III	3
MUSI 2351	Aural Musicianship III	2
MUSI 2353	History of Music III: Music and the Arts	3
MUSI 2356	Major Instrument - Performance III	3
MUSI 2359	Lyric Diction I	1
MUSI 2369	Kwantlen Chorus III	2
Select one non-music elective		3
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2354	Keyboard Skills III
MUSI 2355	Secondary Instrument - III 1
	Credits	18
Term 4
MUSI 2450	The Language of Music IV	3
MUSI 2451	Aural Musicianship IV	2
MUSI 2453	History of Music IV: Challenging the Conventions of Music	3
MUSI 2456	Major Instrument - Performance IV	3
MUSI 2459	Lyric Diction II	1
MUSI 2469	Kwantlen Chorus IV	2
Select one non-music elective		3
Select one of the following:		1
MUSI 2454	Keyboard Skills IV
MUSI 2455	Secondary Instrument - IV 1
	Credits	18
	Total Credits	64

¹

Upon graduation from the Vocal Performance concentration, all students must be able to demonstrate piano proficiency (including repertoire, sight reading, score reading) and knowledge of keyboard harmony skills equivalent to MUSI 2454. Enrolling in MUSI 1154-MUSI 2454 Class Piano normally fulfills this. A student may choose to demonstrate proficiency in the required material at the beginning of each semester and, if successful, may be given permission to enroll in MUSI 1155-MUSI 2455 Secondary Instrument.

General Studies Concentration

This concentration provides a broad education in music, integrating theoretical, historical, and performance studies while enabling students to master the skills needed for a wide array of professions. The core curriculum consists of 46 music credits. The student supplements with a further 14 credits of electives that must include a minimum of 9 non-music undergraduate credits¹. Through a careful choice of electives, this concentration can lead to further study in liberal arts, music therapy, music education, business and arts management.

To complete the Diploma in Music with a concentration in General Studies, students must successfully complete: 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Music Theory
MUSI 1150	The Language of Music I	3
MUSI 1250	The Language of Music II	3
MUSI 2350	The Language of Music III	3
MUSI 2450	The Language of Music IV	3
Aural Musicianship
Select two of the following:		4
MUSI 1151	Aural Musicianship I
MUSI 1251	Aural Musicianship II
MUSI 2351	Aural Musicianship III
MUSI 2451	Aural Musicianship IV
Music History
Select four of the following:		12
MUSI 1111	Introduction to Popular Music
MUSI 1115	Classical Music in Western Culture
MUSI 1153	History of Music I: Cornerstones of Music History
MUSI 1253	History of Music II: Heroes, Politics, and War
MUSI 2353	History of Music III: Music and the Arts
MUSI 2453	History of Music IV: Challenging the Conventions of Music
Keyboard Skills 2
Select two of the following:		2
MUSI 1154	Keyboard Skills I
MUSI 1254	Keyboard Skills II
MUSI 2354	Keyboard Skills III
MUSI 2454	Keyboard Skills IV
Private Music Instruction 3
Select four of the following:		8
MUSI 1105	Major Instrument - Foundation I
MUSI 1157	Major Instrument - Concentration I
MUSI 1205	Major Instrument - Foundation II
MUSI 1257	Major Instrument - Concentration - II
MUSI 2357	Major Instrument - Concentration III
MUSI 2457	Major Instrument - Concentration IV
Large Ensemble
Select four of the following:		8
MUSI 1167	Kwantlen String Orchestra I
MUSI 1168	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble I
MUSI 1169	Kwantlen Chorus I
MUSI 1267	Kwantlen String Orchestra II
MUSI 1268	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble II
MUSI 1269	Kwantlen Chorus II
MUSI 2367	Kwantlen String Orchestra III
MUSI 2368	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble III
MUSI 2369	Kwantlen Chorus III
MUSI 2467	Kwantlen String Orchestra IV
MUSI 2468	Kwantlen Wind Ensemble IV
MUSI 2469	Kwantlen Chorus IV
Electives
Select up to 9 credits from non-music undergraduate courses		9
Select at least 5 credits from courses in MUSI		5
Total Credits		60

¹

It is strongly recommended that students take ENGL 1100, if they are considering any degree program upon completion of the Diploma in Music - General Studies Concentration.

²

Students with keyboard experience may be excused from one or both of the these courses, depending on the level of proficiency already achieved. In that case, secondary instruction in piano or other suitable instrument will be required. This will be achieved by completing MUSI 1155 and MUSI 1255.  In addition, piano majors may apply for a course substitution totaling a minimum of 2 credits.

³

Students may request a course substitution of one or all of MUSI 1156, MUSI 1256, MUSI 2356, and MUSI 2456 for any of the private music instruction courses.

The 9 credits of non-music electives may include any non-music undergraduate courses offered at KPU. Music electives may be any other diploma-level courses in MUSI numbered 1100 or higher. The following is a partial list of music electives: Music and Computers; Introduction to the Music Industry; and various small chamber ensembles (Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, etc.).

Selected courses within the diploma program may be applied to third-year entry into the BMMA program.

Other Information

Private Lessons

Students may major in one of the following: piano, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, guitar, or percussion. Private lessons are generally available only to students enrolled full time in the music programs.

Secondary Lessons

Students may be eligible for secondary lessons only if they have successfully met all Keyboard Skills requirements (covered in MUSI 1154, MUSI 1254, MUSI 2354, MUSI 2454).

Private Lesson and Chamber Ensemble Policies and Fees

To be eligible for private lessons, a student must enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester excluding the lessons themselves. Part-time music students must consult with the Music Chair regarding their private instruction options.

Fees in addition to course tuition apply for private music lessons and chamber ensembles. Please contact the Music Department for further information.

Credential Awarded

Upon successful completion of their concentration, students are eligible to receive a Diploma in Music.