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MMus Performance

MMus Performance

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MMus Performance

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  3. MMus Performance

The Master of Music (MMus), Performance degree program offers a wide variety of Western Art Music genres and styles. The program provides exceptional artistic and academic experiences delivered by world-class faculty in outstanding facilities in the heart of Western University.

Concentrations are offered on piano, voice, collaborative piano, orchestral instruments, guitar, and choral and instrumental conducting.

Admissions

Application Deadline

December 1

Admission Requirements

Application Materials

In the online application, you will be prompted to upload the following supplementary materials:

  • A statement of interest (one page)
  • A current resume or CV 
  • Transcripts - Upload a transcript from each university or college program you've attended. 
  • Two academic references - Provide their names and email addresses and a unique link will be emailed to each referee to submit an online reference or upload a reference letter. 
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)

    • Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their proficiency in English through satisfactory achievement on an accepted language test within the past two years:

      • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (internet-Based Test): For tests taken before January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 86, with no individual section score below 20. For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, Western requires a minimum overall score of 4.5, with no individual section score below 4. Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984.
      • International English Language Testing Service Academic (IELTS Academic). The minimum acceptable score is 6.5 out of 9.
      • The Duolingo English Test. Applicants must attain a minimum score of 115.
      • For the full list of acceptable proficiency tests, please see the SGPS website.

In their words

photo of Xi Li

Xi Li, MMus Performance with specialization in Music Cognition, 2023

Thrive in an engaging environment

"I think the main thing about this progam that can make me successful is the ability I'm learning from my professors [...] of how to research, how to engage in the community and how to communicate with other musicians. The program generally is really shaping me into a professional performer and a better person."

Program Requirements

Duration: 20 months (5 terms)

Required courses (3.5 credits):

Applied music lessons (weekly studio lessons):
Year 1: 9509 (Fall), 9584 (Winter)
Year 2: 9585 (Fall), 9786 (Winter)

Performance research seminars:
Year 1: 9593 (Fall), 9594 (Winter)
Year 2: 9595 (Fall)
Or equivalent as approved by the Department Chair

Electives (minimum of 1.5 credits):

Chosen in consultation with the Department Chair. 

Check timetable for current course offerings. 

To support success in graduate studies, all incoming graduate students are required to complete the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) Academic Integrity Module in order to progress beyond the first term of their degree. Eligible students can access the module in the Graduate Student Web Services Portal.

Students who do not complete the module will not be able to progress beyond the first term of their degree.

MMus students must present two public recitals, consisting of approximately fifty to sixty minutes of music each. 

Jurors are assigned by the Division Co-ordinators of the Music Performance Studies Department. Recitals are marked as Acceptable or Not Acceptable and this decision is emailed to the student by the Graduate Program Assistant. A note is then added to the student's academic record indicating that this milestone has been met.

If the recital is judged unacceptable, a student will be allowed to repeat it, with the same jury if possible.

All MMus in Performance students are required to participate in at least one Large Ensemble (e.g. Opera, Western Symphony Orchestra, Choirs, etc.). Auditions are required.

Timeline

 

Year 1 Year 2

4 required courses: 9509, 9584, 9593, 9594

3 required courses: 9585, 9786, 9595

Electives

Electives

Academic Integrity Module
Recital 1

Recital 2
Ensemble

Additional ensemble (optional but recommended)

Questions? Contact us!

For more information, please contact:

Graduate Program Assistant
Audrey Yardley-Jones
Office: TC 216
Phone: 519-661-2111, ext. 85354
Email: ayardley@uwo.ca

Music Performance Studies Department, Acting Chair
Prof. Torin Chiles
Office: TBA
Phone: TBA
Email: tchiles@uwo.ca

Email Graduate Program Assistant Email Department Chair

Ready to Apply?

Start your application