Music & Culture | Department of Arts, Culture and Media

Why study Music at UTSC?

The Music and Culture Program at UTSC encourages students to combine their music studies with a Major or Minor from other ACM programs and/or with other departments (I.e.: Music and Arts Management; Music and Journalism; Music and Mental Health Studies; Music and Neuroscience; Music and Psychology; etc.)

Our students enjoy the flexibility of choosing from a wide range of performance and classroom activities, as well as experiential education opportunities including concert performance, masterclasses with critically acclaimed visiting professional musicians, and in-the-field observation and engagement with through service learning

Our program sets our students up for success through musical knowledge and skill development, leading them toward innovative career paths and opportunities

We offer a unique 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

Our program includes courses in large and small ensemble music making (I.e.: Concert Band, Concert Choir, String Orchestra, Small Ensemble ), history and culture, theory, composition and electronic music

There is no audition required to register for the UTSC Music and Culture program

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

Roger Mantie | Associate 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 Performance Ensembles 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:

Concert Band (LEC01): MUZA/B/C60/61
String Orchestra (LEC02): MUZA/B/C64/65

Concert Choir: MUZA/B/C/62/63
Small Ensemble: MUZA/B/C66/67

Small Ensemble is a course open to instrumentalist of all kinds (e.g., guitar, erhu, tabla, accordion)

Do I have to audition for the music performance ensembles?

Ensembles are open to all UTSC students, regardless of ability or background. The ensemble directors do need to meet you at the beginning of each semester, however, so they can get a sense of your background and musical interests. Interviews are held at the start of each term. Your instructor will contact you about these interviews or let you know during the first day of class.

Auditions make me nervous and I’m not sure I’m good enough. Should I audition anyway?

ABSOLUTELY!!! It’s worth the risk and you won’t know until you try. The placement interviews are set up in a friendly environment. Instructors are here for you and will be able to provide you with valuable feedback in order to help you improve as a musician. And 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.

Do I need to prepare for my interview?

Interviews take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The directors would like to hear you sing or play something that you love to sing or play. All styles accepted. (Note: this is not an audition!)

Can I get a credit for participating in UTSC’s Music Performance Ensembles?

Yes you can! Simply enroll via ACORN and voila!

There are two options from which you may choose:

Graded stream for credit. Students will work to earn a numerical grade throughout the semester. Course work includes performance work (private practice, rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts); attending and writing about professional performances; and midterm and final performance assessments.

Credit stream for credit. Students will work to earn a CR status on their transcript. Course work includes performance work (private practice, rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts); attending professional performances; and midterm and final performance assessments.

Do I have to take UTSC’s Music Performance Ensembles for credit in order to participate?

Concert Band, String Orchestra, and Concert Choir are open to the UTSC community for non-credit status, including students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Students interested in Small Ensembles must be enrolled in the course to participate.

What will be expected of me if I choose to participate as a non-course member?

A successful music ensemble comprises a dedicated and engaged membership. The performance and attendance expectations in this stream are the same as those of all members of the ensemble, ensuring a balanced and fair approach for all. This includes performance work (private practice, rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts); attending professional performances held on campus; and midterm and final performance check-ups and feedback.

Does UTSC rent instruments for student use?

UTSC has a limited number of instruments available for student use. These are available on a first-come first-served basis once the auditions have been completed. Please contact ACM Departmental Assistant (AA301) for policies and guidelines regarding instrument rental. The rental fee typically is around $50/term. (Note this is subject to change, per university policy.)

Does UTSC have space to practice?

There are four rooms (with pianos) for student use on the third floor of the AA building. These rooms have restricted access during Winter 2022. Please contact your instructor to assess the possibility for access.

What instruments are normally accepted in each of the UTSC Instrumental Ensembles?

UTSC music performance ensembles are made up of a different assortment of instruments. Here are the instruments that are normally found within each:

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
Small Ensemble: Almost everything. (Almost everything.)

Are there other music making opportunities at UTSC?

Yes! We have a weekly ukulele jam called This Uke’s for U-TSC (Wednesdays, 1-2 pm in-person in AA303, and Thursday 12-1 pm online), Ruckus: The UTSC Alumni and Community Choir (Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 pm, online this year), and a student-led UTSC Glee Club. We welcome you to join any of these initiatives and/or meet with us to discuss the establishment of new music making groups.

How do I apply to this program?

High school students: To find this program on 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.

UTSC students: Declare your program on ACORN (see here for details)

UTSC Concerts

ACM hosts annual concerts in the Fall and Winter term featuring the UTSC ensembles. All are welcome to join this free event!

This Uke's For U-TSC (and friends!)

Join us for weekly ukulele drop-in sessions online. We invite acoustic guitar players and singer to join us. Check out our schedule.