The Music and Culture program serves the diverse needs and interests of the UTSC community while providing artistic, cultural, academic, and civic leadership to the GTA and beyond. By combining their studies with other artistic and non-artistic disciplines, students co-create, join, and enliven musical and artistic communities, with a focus on creative music-making, intellectual development, community engagement and participation, health and wellness, and arts entrepreneurship.
Why study Music and Culture at UTSC?
- NEW! Music Industry and Technology Specialist 4-year joint program with Centennial College; admissions now open for September 2024
- Students are set up for success through musical knowledge and skill development, leading them toward innovative career paths and opportunities
- Students combine their music studies with a Major or Minor from other ACM programs and/or with other departments (e.g.: Arts Management; Journalism; Mental Health Studies; Neuroscience; Psychology; etc.)
- Students choose from a wide range of experiential learning opportunities including public performances, masterclasses and visiting guest lectures with critically acclaimed visiting professional musicians, and in-the-field observation and engagement with community partners
- Students choose courses from a unique curricular approach consisting of three areas of focus: Music and Society, Community Music, and Music Creativity and Technology; our students are encouraged to develop depth of learning through focused study in a combination of these areas
- Students engage in courses including composition and electronic music, theory, history and culture, and performance (Small Ensemble Digital/Amplified; Small Ensemble Acoustic; Concert Band; Concert Choir; String Orchestra)
- No auditions required
NEW! Music, Industry and Technology (MIT)
MIT Overview page
MIT Admissions page
MIT Course Calendar / Program Requirements page
MIT Course sequence page
Click here for the Music, Industry and Technology Supplementary Application form.
Contact
Should you have any questions regarding the Music & Culture program at the University of Toronto Scarborough, please send us an email.
Faculty
Mark Campbell | Assistant Professor
Tony Leong | Assistant Professor
Roger Mantie | Professor
Laura Risk | Assistant Professor
Alan Stanbridge | Associate Professor
Kotoka Suzuki | Associate Professor and Program Director
Lynn Tucker | Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
Retired Faculty:
William R. Bowen | Associate Professor | Former Chair of ACM (2012-2018)
John Mayo | Associate Professor
Alexander Rapoport | Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
Annette Sanger | Lecturer
Lenard Whiting | Lecturer
Music and Culture FAQs
Does UTSC have music performance ensembles and if so, what are they?
Yes! UTSC has several music performance course offerings from which to choose. Here is a list of our current offerings:
- Small Ensemble* (Digital/Amplified and Acoustic): MUZA/B/C/66/67
- Concert Band: MUZA/B/C60/61
- String Orchestra: MUZA/B/C64/65
- Concert Choir: MUZA/B/C/62/63
*There are two LEC sections of Small Ensemble. Students interested in popular, rock, jazz, or other contemporary styles should register for LEC 01 (Digital/Amplified). Students interested in musics including all forms of classical and folk, and/or other acoustic-based styles should register for LEC 02 (Acoustic).
Ensembles are open to all UTSC students, regardless of ability or background. Ensemble directors meet you at the beginning of each semester to learn about you, your musical interests, and discover where you are on your musical journey. Your instructor will contact you before the start of the term to set up a conversation and guide you on your next steps.
Set up a time for a conversation with us and we’ll support you in all the ways that make sense for you. Instructors are here for you and will be able to provide you with valuable feedback in order to help you meet your goals as a musician. If you’re not quite ready to participate in one of the ensembles, there are several options we can suggest that may help prepare you for entry and membership during the following semester or academic year. Contact course instructor.
Concert Band, String Orchestra, and Concert Choir are open to the UTSC community for non-credit status, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Due to the nature of the course, students interested in Small Ensembles must be enrolled in the course to participate.
UTSC has a limited number of instruments available for rent. These are available on a first-come first-served basis; ACM Music and Culture students are prioritized.
Please contact the course instructor with cc to the Technical Operation Manager by email for rental inquiries and approvals.
Learn more about policies and guidelines regarding instrument rentals at the ACM Student Resource page. The rental fee is $50/term; ukuleles required a refundable $50 deposit (Note: subject to change per university policy.)
Practice rooms are open to all UTSC students. Please note, however, that during periods of high demand, Music and Culture program students will be prioritized. Learn more about practice room policies and how to book spaces at the ACM Student Resource page.
Our performance offerings include a different assortment of instruments including:
- Small Ensembles: Almost everything, instrumental and vocals
- Concert Band: Piccolo; Flute; Oboe; English Horn; E-flat Clarinet; B-Flat Clarinet; Alto Clarinet; Bass Clarinet; Bassoon; Alto Saxophone; Tenor Saxophone; Baritone Saxophone; Trumpet; Cornet; French Horn; Trombone; Bass Trombone; Euphonium; Tuba; String Bass; Percussion
- String Orchestra: Violin; Viola; Cello; Double Bass
- Concert Choir: Soprano; Alto; Tenor; Baritone; Bass
Yes! SoundLife Scarborough offers weekly community music-making opportunities – no experience required. Student clubs (Music 303 & UTSC Glee Club) also offer music-making opportunities. We welcome you to join any of these initiatives and/or meet with us to discuss the establishment of new music-making groups.
Should you have any questions regarding the Music and Culture program at the University of Toronto Scarborough, please send us an email.
All students interested in post-secondary education in Ontario must apply via the OUAC website. Search under University of Toronto Scarborough (found under the University of Toronto entry) under the category "Visual and Performing Arts, Arts Management & Media" (program code TUC); you will then be able to choose this program under the 'Subject of Major Interest' drop-down menu. If you have any questions, please send us an email.
Learn how to declare your program on ACORN (see here for details). If you have any questions, please send us an email.