SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY · CANADA
Music and Sound Major (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 120 unitsTotal Units
- InterdisciplinaryCollaboration with Film, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts
- Contemporary CompositionFocus Area
- Experimental ApproachProgram Philosophy
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Music and Sound at Simon Fraser University offers an innovative and experimental approach to music creation and contemporary composition. Situated within an interdisciplinary School for the Contemporary Arts, this program provides unique opportunities to collaborate with students and faculty from film, dance, theatre, and visual arts, enriching your core training. The curriculum emphasizes creative music-making and sound exploration, preparing you for diverse artistic practices. Students interested primarily in the historical, critical, or theoretical aspects of music should consider the Art, Performance and Cinema Studies major, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Admission to the Music and Sound program, like many courses within the School for the Contemporary Arts, is often contingent upon an audition, interview, or specific application, in addition to general university admission requirements.
Curriculum
The program requires completion of 120 units. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67 in all School for the Contemporary Arts (CA) courses to remain in the major. Lower division requirements include a minimum of 39 units, with specific core courses. Note: While the university operates on a trimester system, most CA courses are sequenced over two terms (Fall and Spring). Students are advised to enter in the Fall term.
- Lower Division (Years 1-2)
- Art and the Moving ImageCA 186
- Interdisciplinary Studio - Composition/CollaborationCA 285
- Contexts in Creative Music and Sound PracticeCA 140
- Sound Fundamentals ICA 143
- Sound Fundamentals IICA 144
- Creative Sound Studio ICA 145
- Creative Sound Studio IICA 146
- Creative Sound Studio IIICA 245
Careers
The interdisciplinary nature of the BFA in Music and Sound, combined with its focus on contemporary composition and creative practices, prepares graduates for a wide range of artistic and professional roles.
- Composer
- Sound Designer
- Music Creator
- Performer
- Sound Artist
- Collaborative Artist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the BFA in Music and Sound?
- Applicants must first gain general admission to Simon Fraser University. Direct entry into the first year of the program typically requires an interview. For entry after completing lower division courses, a B or higher in CA 145 and CA 146 is required, along with completion of CA 140, CA 143, and CA 144.
- How do I apply to the Music and Sound Major?
- The application process involves first applying for general university admission. It is strongly recommended to contact the School for the Contemporary Arts (SCA) in January prior to your intended Fall enrollment to learn about specific program entry requirements, which often include an interview or audition.
- What is the duration of the BFA in Music and Sound program?
- The program requires the completion of 120 units. While the university operates on a trimester system, most School for the Contemporary Arts courses are sequenced over two terms (Fall and Spring), and students are advised to enter in the Fall term.
- What career paths can I pursue with a BFA in Music and Sound?
- Graduates are prepared for various artistic and professional roles, including Composer, Sound Designer, Music Creator, Performer, Sound Artist, and Collaborative Artist. The program's interdisciplinary focus supports diverse creative practices.
Entry requirements
University AdmissionSuccessful application for general university admission.
Program EntryDirect entry in first year is by interview. To apply for admission after completing lower division coursework, students need a B or higher in CA 145 and CA 146, and have completed CA 140, CA 143, and CA 144. Entry into many courses and programs requires an audition, interview, or specific application.
Students are strongly advised to contact the School for the Contemporary Arts (SCA) office in January preceding their intended Fall enrollment for specific program entry procedures and requirements. Advanced standing is typically assessed individually based on an audition or interview.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Specific tuition and living cost information is not provided on the program page. Prospective students should consult the university's general admissions and financial aid pages for the most up-to-date details.
How to apply
1. Apply for University AdmissionSubmit a general application for admission to Simon Fraser University.
2. Contact the School for the Contemporary Arts (SCA)Reach out to the SCA office, ideally in January prior to your intended Fall enrollment, to inquire about specific program entry requirements and procedures for the Music and Sound Major.
3. Prepare for Interview/AuditionDirect entry into the first year typically requires an interview. For later entry or advanced standing, an audition or interview may also be part of the assessment.
4. Fulfill Course Prerequisites (if applicable)If applying for direct entry after some university study, ensure you have completed prerequisite courses such as CA 140, CA 143, CA 144, CA 145, and CA 146 with the required grades (e.g., B or higher in CA 145 and CA 146).
5. Submit Program Application MaterialsFollow any specific instructions provided by the SCA for submitting portfolios, statements of intent, or other required documents for the Music and Sound Major.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the BFA in Music and Sound?
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Applicants must first gain general admission to Simon Fraser University. Direct entry into the first year of the program typically requires an interview. For entry after completing lower division courses, a B or higher in CA 145 and CA 146 is required, along with completion of CA 140, CA 143, and CA 144.
How do I apply to the Music and Sound Major?
+
The application process involves first applying for general university admission. It is strongly recommended to contact the School for the Contemporary Arts (SCA) in January prior to your intended Fall enrollment to learn about specific program entry requirements, which often include an interview or audition.
What is the duration of the BFA in Music and Sound program?
+
The program requires the completion of 120 units. While the university operates on a trimester system, most School for the Contemporary Arts courses are sequenced over two terms (Fall and Spring), and students are advised to enter in the Fall term.
What career paths can I pursue with a BFA in Music and Sound?
+
Graduates are prepared for various artistic and professional roles, including Composer, Sound Designer, Music Creator, Performer, Sound Artist, and Collaborative Artist. The program's interdisciplinary focus supports diverse creative practices.