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Professional Music

  • BPM 101 - Modern Music Fundamentals I
    Course DescriptionThrough a combination of lectures and studio workshops students broaden their understanding of fundamental musical concepts. Through a practical framework basic music theory is broadly surveyed. Concepts include diatonic harmony,melody, and basic 4/4 rhythm and how these fundamentals relate to songwriting and production. Studio workshops and self-directed assignments empower students to express their own musical styles, genres and aesthetics while integrating and understanding fundamental music theory concepts.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Custom Requisites:Available only to Professional Music students
  • BPM 102 - Modern Music Fundamentals II
    Course DescriptionThis course continues a practical survey of fundamental music theory concepts building upon Modern Music Fundamentals1. Concepts include an overview of common rhythms including groove analysis and compound time signatures, melodic structures including scale tendencies and voice leading, and harmonic concepts including root motion and harmonic rhythm.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 101
  • BPM 183 - Rhythm, Beat and Groove
    Course DescriptionLatin America's music spans nightclub salsa, Brazilian samba, Latin jazz, African-derived carnival music, Haitian voodoo, and urban hip-hop, among others, and reflects dynamic cultural fusions of past and present. Through hands-on musical exercises, lecture, and examination of audio-visual media, this course explores the socio-cultural and aesthetic impact of Latin American musical genres, with a particular focus on Latin rhythm, beat and groove. (Formerly RTA 183.)
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • BPM 201 - Digital Music Production I
    Course DescriptionThrough a combination of lectures and studio workshops students examine foundational skills in digital music production.Introduced through a low-cost, home recording approach fundamental production concepts are surveyed. Concepts include digital audio interfaces, digital audio workstations, recording, editing, songwriting, and production. Studio workshops and self-directed assignments build on these concepts and empower students to advance their own musical projects and reflect on their production style and aesthetic.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Custom Requisites:Available only to Professional Music students
  • BPM 202 - Digital Music Production II
    Course DescriptionBuilding on Digital Music Production 1 this course continues the examination of music production skills. The framework of this course includes home-recording, professional settings, and relationships between multiple recording environments.Concepts include digital recording session management, tracking, digital editing, effects processing, mixing, and mastering.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 201
  • BPM 301 - Performance Production I
    Course DescriptionThrough a combination of lectures and collaborative projects students examine relationships between creative, practical,and business aspects of live music. The course familiarizes students with the logistics and communication processes required to balance stakeholders and manage a successful live musical event. Students choose areas of specific study including performance, lighting, administration, marketing, and mixing and work in groups to produce live performances throughout the term.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 102 or BPM 202
  • BPM 302 - Performance Production II
    Course DescriptionBuilding on Performance Production I this course require students to have significant involvement with several performances over the term. Students are required to further explore and reflect upon the necessary theoretical and practical skills required for successful live music production.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 301
  • BPM 401 - Capstone Project
    Course DescriptionStudents conduct self-directed research into their future career path and develop strategies for making the transition from post-secondary to a career in their chosen field. This course culminates in writing a detailed and practical business plan which can be executed directly after graduation.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 301
  • BPM 402 - Masterclass
    Course DescriptionStudents prepare work to share with music industry professionals who offer feedback and provide insight. Students also discuss and analyze overarching issues within the music industry placing them in context of the theories and practices learned in the Professional Music program.
    Weekly Contact:Lab 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 401
  • BPM 406 - Chinese Instrumental Music
    Course DescriptionThis course explores the traditions and practice of Chinese instrumental music through score study, analysis of instrument technique and historiography, examination of pedagogy and transmission, and ensemble performance. Traditional folk, classical, and contemporary nationalized musical forms will be studied, with a particular emphasis on the stylistic differences of once discrete regions. Instruments studied may include: dizi, xiao, erhu, yanqin, ruan, sanxian, liuqin, guzheng, and Chinese percussion. (Formerly RTA 406.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Liberal Studies:LL
  • BPM 410 - Special Topics Creative Practice in Music
    Course DescriptionThis special topics course explores artistic development for students, offering a deep dive into creative processes, individual expression, and the integration of contemporary influences to cultivate a unique artistic practice.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Custom Requisites:Available only to Professional Music students
  • BPM 415 - Special Topics: Business of Music
    Course DescriptionThis special topics course explores the intricacies of the music business, covering emerging trends and important developments in the music industry
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 937
  • BPM 420 - Global Music Experience
    Course DescriptionThis course offers insights into a different marketplace and fosters connections with diverse actors within music ecosystems outside of Canada. This experience is crucial for understanding music industry dynamics in a global context.
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Consent:Departmental consent required
  • BPM 441 - Music and Film of India
    Course DescriptionThis immersive course explores the dynamic landscape of India’s music and film industries through a global lens. Students will engage with the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) factors shaping India’s creative sectors. From Bollywood to the thriving independent music scene, students will delve into the cultural significance of these industries while gaining firsthand insights through industry leader interactions. This transformative experience equips students with a deep understanding of India’s creative economy and its global impact. (RTA 441.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Liberal Studies:LL
  • BPM 474 - Christian Music: Songs of Hope
    Course DescriptionStudents will explore the history of Christian music from church hymns to the Jesus revolution to contemporary Christian music and radio. The role of music in worship and spiritual formation will be examined through a survey of the important theological, philosophical, and cultural aspects of Christian music. (Formerly RTA 474.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Liberal Studies:LL
  • BPM 484 - Music of the African Diaspora
    Course DescriptionAfrican traditions have fed into and shaped many genres of popular music around the globe, including funk, soul, reggae, son, salsa, zouk, rap, house and grime. This course explores the transnational flows through which the sonic practices and cultural traditions of African peoples have infused a succession of musical styles. Students will gain an understanding of the global history of Black musical innovation and its social, political and aesthetic implications. (Formerly RTA 484.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Liberal Studies:LL
  • BPM 530 - The Music of East Asia
    Course DescriptionThis course examines various historical, cultural, and political issues that have impacted the flow and transmission of music across East Asia (China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Mongolia) throughout the centuries. Students will gain an overview of the forces that have shaped the music of the region, with a focus on developments leading up to today’s popular music (C-pop, J-pop, K-pop, Cantopop). (Formerly RTA 530.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Liberal Studies:UL
  • BPM 905 - History and Culture of Popular Music
    Course DescriptionThis course will examine the history and development of popular music in Canada, the US, and the UK, from the 1950's through to the present. Students will study popular music, along with the performers, labels, and key individuals behind the scenes who made it all happen. The goal of the course is to examine popular music through the decades in musical, cultural, political, and industrial contexts. (Formerly RTA 905.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Antirequisites:MUS 505
  • BPM 927 - Business of Music I
    Course DescriptionThis course explores the history of the music business, music industry organization and the roles of record companies, publishers, songwriters, unions and managers. Topics include A and R, marketing, promotion, sales, business affairs, finance and the use of music in film, TV, and advertising. (Formerly RTA 927.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
  • BPM 937 - Business of Music II
    Course DescriptionExpanding upon the subject matter of Business of Music I, this course continues the examination of the inner workings of the music recording, publishing and management industries. Students concentrate on business models and practices, in-depth analysis of music industry contracts with a focus on emerging marketing and promotion tools and techniques. Students work concurrently with real artists, developing various marketing artifacts, culminating in a term-end public presentation of their selected artist. (Formerly RTA 937.)
    Weekly Contact:Lecture 3 hrs.
    GPA Weight:1.00
    Billing Units:1
    Count:1.00
    Prerequisites:BPM 927