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Examinations and Goals in Practical Music Subjects
Different levels of achievement are required of students depending upon the program of study for which they are registered. These levels are defined in part by the difficulty of material and length of the program required at the various examinations, and in part by the examiners’ assessment of how well the student plays this material.
In general, there are five categories of practical study:
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
Concentration Study
Concentration Study in the Schulich School of Music
Students in the:
- B.Mus. Faculty Program
- Faculty Program – Jazz concentration or
- Major in Music Composition, Music Education, Music History, or Music Theory
are obliged to present one examination in order to fulfil the practical requirement of these programs: the Concentration Final Examination (MUIN 283). Grades of C or higher in all practical requirements are mandatory for continuation in the program.
The sequence would normally be:
| Concentration Study Sequence | |
|---|---|
| MUIN 180 | BMus Practical Lessons 1 |
| MUIN 181 | BMus Practical Lessons 2 |
| MUIN 280 | BMus Practical Lessons 3 |
| MUIN 281 | BMus Practical Lessons 4 |
| MUIN 283 | BMus Concentration Final Examination |
Examination:
| BMus Concentration Final Examination (MUIN 283) |
|---|
|
Purpose: To determine that the student is sufficiently accomplished to qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Music. In the event that the student is inadequately prepared, the panel may recommend to the department in which the student is registered that: a) the student be asked to withdraw from the program; or b) the student be permitted to redo the examination. Panel: A minimum of two staff members (not including the teacher), one of whom must be from the area. The panel is appointed by the Chair of the Department of Performance. At the discretion of the Departmental Chair, the teacher may be included on panels of three or more examiners. Distribution of Marks: The final mark for the examination is the average of the marks submitted by the examination panel. |
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
Major Study
Major Study in the Schulich School of Music
A student majoring in Performance must show talent for this field before being admitted to the program. The practical requirement for these programs comprises examinations and recitals as specified in the programs.
B.Mus. Major in Performance, Major in Early Music Performance, and Major in Jazz Performance
B.Mus. Major in Performance, Major in Early Music Performance, and Major in Jazz Performance
The sequence would normally be:
| Major Study Sequence | |
|---|---|
| MUIN 180 | BMus Practical Lessons 1 |
| MUIN 181 | BMus Practical Lessons 2 |
| MUIN 280 | BMus Practical Lessons 3 |
| MUIN 281 | BMus Practical Lessons 4 |
| MUIN 282 | BMus Performance Examination 1 |
| MUIN 380 | BMus Practical Lessons 5 |
| MUIN 333 | Piano Techniques 2 (pianists only) |
| MUIN 381 | BMus Practical Lessons 6 |
| MUIN 382 | BMus Performance Examination 2 |
| MUIN 480 | BMus Practical Lessons 7 |
| MUIN 433 | Piano Techniques 3 (pianists only) |
| MUIN 481 | BMus Practical Lessons 8 |
| MUIN 482 | BMus Performance Examination 3 |
| MUIN 369 | Concerto (mandatory test for pianists) |
Examinations:
| BMus Performance Examination 1 (MUIN 282) |
|---|
|
Purpose: To assess the student’s progress in the practical area and determine whether or not the student may continue in the program. The panel may recommend to the Department that the student be: a) asked to withdraw from the program; b) permitted to continue to the BMus Performance Examination 2. Panel: A minimum of three staff members, one of whom may be the student’s teacher. The panel is appointed by the Chair of the Department of Performance. Distribution of Marks: The final mark for the examination is the average of the marks submitted by the examination panel. |
| BMus Performance Examination 2 (MUIN 382) |
|
Purpose: To assess the student’s ability to perform a program of sufficient length and suitable repertoire as specified in the requirements for each instrument. Panel: A minimum of three staff members, one of whom may be the student’s teacher. The panel is appointed by the Chair of the Department of Performance. Distribution of Marks: The final mark for the examination is the average of the marks submitted by the examination panel. |
| BMus Performance Examination 3 (MUIN 482) |
|
Purpose: All recitals are to be performed in public before a jury and are intended to demonstrate technical mastery of their instrument/voice as well as an understanding of different musical styles appropriate to their level of study. Panel: A minimum of three staff members, one of whom may be the student’s teacher. The panel is appointed by the Chair of the Department of Performance. Distribution of Marks: The final mark for the examination is the average of the marks submitted by the examination panel. |
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
Licentiate Study
Licentiate Study in the Schulich School of Music
Students must show talent for this field before being admitted to the program. Grades of A- or higher in all practical requirements are mandatory for continuation in the program.
L.Mus. Performance
L.Mus. Performance
The sequence would normally be:
| Licentiate Study Sequence | |
|---|---|
| MUIN 250 | L.Mus. Practical Instruction 1 |
| MUIN 251 | L.Mus. Practical Instruction 2 |
| MUIN 252 | L.Mus. Performance 1 Examination |
| MUIN 350 | L.Mus. Practical Instruction 3 |
| MUIN 333 | Piano Techniques 2 (pianists only) |
| MUIN 351 | L.Mus. Practical Instruction 4 |
| MUIN 352 | L.Mus. Performance 2 Examination |
| MUIN 450 | L.Mus. Practical Instruction 5 |
| MUIN 433 | Piano Techniques 3 (pianists only) |
| MUIN 451 | L.Mus. Practical Instruction 6 |
| MUIN 452 | L.Mus. Performance 3 Examination |
| MUIN 369 | Concerto (mandatory test for pianists) |
Examinations:
| L.Mus. Performance 1 Examination (MUIN 252) |
|---|
|
Purpose: To assess the student’s progress in the practical area and determine whether or not the student may continue in the program. The panel may recommend to the Department that the student be: a) asked to withdraw from the program; or b) permitted to continue to the L.Mus. Performance 2 Exam. Panel: A minimum of three staff members, one of whom may be the student’s teacher. The panel is appointed by the Chair of the Department of Performance. Distribution of Marks: The final mark for the examination is the average of the marks submitted by the examination panel. |
| L.Mus. Performance 2 Examination (MUIN 352) |
|
Purpose: The recital is a public presentation, before a jury, intended to demonstrate competence in public solo performance. Non-keyboard performers and singers must use appropriate accompaniment. Panel: A minimum of three staff members, one of whom may be the student’s teacher. The panel is appointed by the Chair of the Department of Performance. Distribution of Marks: The final mark for the examination is the average of the marks submitted by the examination panel. |
| L.Mus. Performance 3 Examination (MUIN 452) |
|
Purpose: All recitals are to be performed in public before a jury and are intended to demonstrate technical mastery of their instrument/voice as well as an understanding of different musical styles appropriate to their level of study. Panel: A minimum of three staff members, one of whom may be the student’s teacher. The panel is appointed by the Chair of the Department of Performance. Distribution of Marks: The final mark for the examination is the average of the marks submitted by the examination panel. |
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
Postgraduate Study
Postgraduate Study in the Schulich School of Music
Master of Music (M.Mus.), Graduate Artist Diploma (Gr.Art.Dip.), Graduate Diploma in Performance (Gr.Dip.), and Doctor of Music (D.Mus.) candidates should consult Schulich School of Music > Graduate > Browse Academic Units & Programs > Schulich School of Music for program requirements.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
Elective Study
Elective Study in the Schulich School of Music
Students may elect to pursue further practical instruction in an instrument/voice beyond a program's curricular requirements. Students will first have to pass an audition in a second practical subject before they can apply for elective practical instruction (also known as elective lessons). Elective practical instruction is worth 2 credits for each approved term, which may be applied as music/free electives towards a B.Mus. program.
Additional student fees (Tuition Fees, Practical Instruction Fees, and Lesson Quotas) may apply when students apply for elective practical instruction.
For more information about elective study, contact the Music Students Affairs office at studentaffairs.music [at] mcgill.ca.
Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
Schulich School of Music—2022-2023 (last updated Feb. 7, 2022) (disclaimer)
