Preparing to Apply
How do I apply to the Schulich School of Music?
You apply by using the Â鶹AV online application. After creating a profile, you can apply to one undergraduate program at a time. After applying to one program, you can go back into your profile and submit a second, or more applications. These can be two different programs in music or one in music and one in another faculty. Please note that no priority is given to your choices. You will receive separate decisions to all applications made.
I am a current Â鶹AV student in a non-music faculty and I want to transfer, how do I apply?
Current Â鶹AV student must apply on Minerva as inter-faculty transfers. The inter-faculty transfer request form will be open between December 15 and February 1. Â鶹AV students are not required to pay an application fee; however, an audition fee is required per instrument/voice. This is billed to your student account
What is the language of instruction at Â鶹AV?
The language of instruction at Â鶹AV is English. Students may, if they wish, write term papers and examinations in French.
If I am required to provide proof of English proficiency, can I apply for admission before I have written the exam? What is the deadline date to submit my results?
You must apply for admission by the January 15th application deadline so that there is enough time to schedule an audition date and time. As soon as your file is complete, your application will be considered. However, a final decision will not be made available until the results of the English proficiency exam have been received and the minimum undergraduate requirement has been met - see here: /applying/requirements/prep.
We strongly suggest that proof is submitted by February 1. However, the longer it takes to get the results, the longer the wait time before an official decision can be provided for your application. If there is too long a delay, you will be unable to obtain the proper immigration papers in time to study at Â鶹AV.
What credits can be transferred from another university?
Arts/Science elective credits are transferred following an appraisal of the student's transcript(s). Credit may be granted for courses passed with a grade of C or better at other universities, up to the limit imposed by Â鶹AV residency requirements and program requirements. This evaluation is done automatically in late August, just prior to advising interviews. As far as Music credits are concerned, applicants seeking exemption from program requirements based on advanced music studies or work done elsewhere will be required to sit placement examinations in late August in Theory, Musicianship (Ear Training & Keyboard Proficiency) and Music History, to determine their course levels.
Can I do a double major?
A double major is two programs within the same faculty and within the same degree, e.g., B.Mus. Performance and B.Mus. Composition. You can apply to two program choices and be accepted into two programs. However, you can only confirm acceptance into one or the other. It is possible to add the second program after registration. If you are interested in programs in two different faculties, e.g., Schulich School of Music and Faculty of Arts, you can apply to two program choices and be accepted by both faculties. However, you can only confirm acceptance into one or the other. It is best to confirm the music program and then add the non-music program later, subject to approval by the other faculty.
How do I apply for the qualifying year in Sound Recording -- what application do I use?
It is not a qualifying year in Sound Recording. We offer a package of undergraduate courses to be taken in order to be considered for admission to graduate studies at a later date. Therefore, the undergraduate web application should be completed by indicating 'Non-Degree -- Special Student' in the program section. Applicants are required to send official transcripts and to submit an outline of experience and study in the field of music recording.field of music recording.
What do I need to qualify as a mature student?
A Mature Student is one who does not have the academic qualifications to be considered, i.e., no high school diploma. Music students have to be 21 years of age as of September 1 and must still have official transcripts sent in support of their application.
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Where can I find information about a Minor in Music?
A Minor in Music can only be done if a student is already registered for a degree program -- it cannot be done as a program by itself. Please see here for minors in music.
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Can I still take Music courses if I am majoring in another faculty?
Students in another faculty can take class courses as electives -- see Faculty of Arts listing in the undergraduate course calendar. Practical lessons are not available as electives.
Costs & Financing
Is there any financial assistance available for Schulich School of Music applicants?
Â鶹AV offers a need-based Entrance Financial Aid program to students from modest income families who have been accepted for undergraduate studies. Where eligible, students must apply for and receive government student aid to be considered for need-based student assistance. Upon acceptance to the University, entering undergraduate students may apply for entrance aid on the Financial Aid Menu on MINERVA. In addition, Â鶹AV offers a program of In-Course Financial Aid to students who are experiencing financial difficulties while they are in full time attendance. For more information on our financial aid programs, please contact the Student Aid Office.
When are Music scholarships awarded?
If a Music scholarship is awarded, notification of the award will be contained in the acceptance letter or shortly after.
If I am a current music student, how do I apply for a scholarship?
No applications are required as all eligible music students will automatically be considered. You may meet with your Area Coordinator or with Music Student Affairs to request advice on your academic/performance standing.
Who do I speak with if I think I should be eligible for an in-courseÌýscholarship, but am not sure I will automatically be considered?
Scholarships are awarded primarily based on sessional GPA, level of achievement on your practical instrument, and by Area recommendation. The Scholarships Committee includes all Area Coordinators to ensure that all students are well represented. You may meet with your Area Coordinator or Music Student Affairs to request advice on your academic/performance standing.
How many credits must I register for to be eligible for Scholarships?
Yes, 24 credits is considered full time (minimum 12 credits per term). However, to be eligible for scholarship consideration or renewal in the next academic year, students must register for 27 credits in the preceding year. **Please note that courses flagged with the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option will be excluded from the credit load. Students must be registered for a minimum of 27 credits in addition to any S/U.
I’ve been told that I only need to register for 24 credits to be considered full time. Is this true?
Yes, 24 credits is considered full time (minimum 12 credits per term). However, to be eligible for scholarship consideration or renewal in the next academic year, students must register for 27 credits in the preceding year. **Please note that courses flagged with the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option will be excluded from the credit load. Students must be registered for a minimum of 27 credits in addition to any S/U.
What will my tuition be if I am double majoring or doing a double degree?
Music students enrolled in a double major, or double degrees will pay the music per credit cost (plus associated fees.) However, students in double degrees may be required to pay additional fees associated with that faculty (for example, Science student society fee for students pursuing a double degree with science.) NOTE: this is subject to change at any time.
What if I am graduating, and do not have enough credits remaining to register as a full-time student? Can I still accept my scholarship?
Yes. An exception can be made in your graduating year with Departmental approval.
When will I receive my scholarship funds?
Scholarships and awards are normally credited to the student's fee account, one half for each of the Fall and Winter terms, and students should reduce the payment of their fees by the appropriate amount.
What happens if my scholarship is not deposited into my student account by my tuition deadline?
You should contact the undergraduateadmissions.music [at] mcgill.ca (undergraduate music admissions office) to ensure that there is no problem with the implementation of your scholarship. You will not be penalized for administrative delays that are beyond your control.
What if the value of my scholarship is more than my tuition?
After the course add/drop deadline has passed, you may apply for reimbursement of the balance left in your student fee account - Request for Refund Form.
Ready to Apply
I am having trouble logging into Minerva -- who can I contact for help?
You can contact the Service Point at /servicepoint/contact-us.
How do I send my documents?
By accessing your application, you can upload some of the required documents. Applicants can upload unofficial transcripts, composition samples and other documents. If applying from a Canadian or US High School, you will self-report your grades directly into your application (after applying). Reference letters are only required for Music Education applicants. These letters will be uploaded directly to MCGill by the referee.
How do I send my recordings?
We require that all recordings (audition material) be uploaded to your portfolio in your application. Please see audition requirements for instructions.
When are supporting documents due? What if I can't submit the reference letters, transcripts, etc., by the deadline date?
All supporting documents must be uploaded or entered by February 1 including audition recordings. Send in whatever remaining documents are available as soon as possible thereafter. However, please note that documents received after the deadline date could delay the decision process.
I am a high school student from the Unites States; do I have to submit SATs or ACTs?
Currently, SATs or ACTs are not required for admission to the Schulich School of Music. However, if applicants wish to be considered for university academic scholarships candidates must have board schools and meet the university academic requirements.
My supporting documents are arriving after the deadline. Will this affect my chances of being accepted?
We will still accept supporting documents after the deadline date. Priority will be given to those applicants who complete their files promptly -- decisions are made on completed files only. Decisions on files without transcripts and/or English Language scores, where applicable, are delayed until the appropriate documents are received
Auditions
Do I need to play an instrument to enter a program that is not in performance, for example composition?
Yes. All applicants to undergraduate music degree and diploma programs must pass an audition in their principal instrument or in voice, regardless of the program choice. Even applicants to the Music Studies program who do not wish to take practical studies (lessons) must submit video recordings of a recorded vocal or instrumental performance (any instrument, or combination of instruments; any musical genre).
When do audition recordings have to be submitted? If I send recorded material, do I still pay the audition fee?
If you cannot attend the live auditions in March, you will be required to submit a video recording by February 1st. All other instruments opting to audition by recordings should submit them no later than February 1. The non-refundable audition fee is for evaluating all audition material, whether it is live or recorded.
Am I still eligible for a Music scholarship if I don't audition live?
Applicants who do not attend a live audition will be eligible for Music scholarships provided a video audition is submitted on time. All applicants are automatically considered for a Music scholarship if you attend an on-campus audition or submit video audition recordings by February 1.
Am I allowed to audition on two different instruments? Can I 'minor' on a second instrument?
In general, students should choose and audition on one major instrument or in voice. Within any program, only one instrument is required, and students receive lessons and perform exams on one instrument only. However, an audition on a second instrument or in voice is possible upon completion of a second audition form and payment of a second non-refundable audition fee. There is no minor in a second instrument. However, if accepted on both instruments, a student can opt for lessons in the second instrument but would be charged an additional fee above the per credit tuition rate.
Can I apply to more than one program? Does that mean two auditions?
You can make multiple application choices; they can be either one program in the Schulich School of Music and another Faculty or multiple programs in Music. If you have only one instrument or voice, there is only one audition. However, if you wish to apply for a classical program and a jazz program, it is considered two separate instruments, e.g., piano and jazz piano, and requires separate auditions.
When will I get my audition date and time?
Once the application deadline date has passed, your audition will be scheduled according to the dates by instrument found on the Audition Information page. The school assigns the individual date and time -- you do not have to call to schedule an audition. You will be notified via your application. Normally, notifications will come approximately 3 to 4 weeks prior to the exact audition date
If I foresee a conflict, can I request a specific date? What if I am unavailable on the date(s) for my instrument?
As those dates are established with the availability of the audition panel members, we can only accommodate you on the date(s) for your instrument. If you know of any conflicts you may have within the specific dates for your instrument, you can notify us by email. If you are unable to attend, you will have to submit a recorded audition.
What about accompanists? Will an accompanist and their contact information be provided?
The Schulich School of Music will provide an accompanist free of charge for the audition time only. Only voice applicants will require an accompanist, all classical/early music instruments are unaccompanied. Rehearsal costs are the responsibility of the applicant and vary depending on the accompanist. However, applicants may bring their own accompanists, if they wish, at their own expense. Contact information will be provided with the audition notice. Note for Jazz applicants, a rhythm section will be provided (rehearsal time cannot be arranged.)
Can you suggest places to stay when we come to Montreal to audition?
Information on a full range of accommodations available can be found on the Visiting Â鶹AV website. Â鶹AV has agreements with several hotels within walking distance of the campus. More detailed listings can be found at Â鶹AV official hotels.
Waiting for News? Already Admitted?
How will I know if my web application has been received?
When you complete the web application, the final page will ask for your credit card information. If the credit card is approved, you will see a receipt, which can be printed for your records.
I have applied online -- what happens now?
Please continue to monitor your application and upload or report any required documents. You can also send the admissions office any questions through your application.
Is the audition the only thing that decides if I am accepted or not?
The audition is a very important aspect in determining admission. However, the academic record carries equal weight, as does the Statement of Intent (included in the web application.) We also take into account the number of available spaces in certain instruments and/or programs. TranscriptsÌýor self reported grades must be provided, as indicated in your supporting document checklist. We look at each applicant's academic record. While the minimum average required is 75% (or above), most successful applicants have higher grades.ÌýMusic ResearchÌýprograms (e.g. music education, history, theory, faculty) require a higher minimum of 80%. Please note that these averages do not necessarily guarantee admission.
How many students are accepted each year?
The number varies from year to year, depending on the number of students who graduate or who do not return. These numbers are normally established just prior to the audition period.
When will I find out if I've been accepted?
Following the March audition period, all completed files will be appraised for submission to the Schulich School of Music Â鶹AV Committee. Decisions begin to be released by the beginning of April. You may log into your application to check the status of your application.
Can I defer my acceptance to next year?
The Schulich School of Music does not permit deferring an acceptance from one year to the next year. Applicants must re-apply and re-audition.
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