1. The School for the Arts will not tolerate any expressions or acts of discrimination towards any other person or group on campus on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability. Anyone exhibiting these behaviours will be asked to leave the premises.
2. Avoid any behaviour that disturbs the learning environment. This includes making loud noises in the hallways, chatting in classrooms whilst the instructor is speaking, using personal electronic devices in classrooms (except those directly linked with classroom learning), and any other actions identified by instructors as disruptive.
3. Be on time! In the music industry, it is expected that musicians arrive before the start of a class, rehearsal, or concert. If another commitment or an unavoidable occurrence causes you to be late, please reach out to your instructor or ensemble director to inform them as such.
4. When utilizing a university space, be sure to leave it the same as you found it (or better!). If you move furniture around, put it back in its place before leaving. The next inhabitant should not be required to clean up after you. 
5. Do not share key codes with anyone outside of the music program. These key codes are to ensure the safety of everyone in the program and of university equipment like pianos. They also make sure that music spaces are reserved for music members only.
6. Request permission from the Office Coordinator before circulating any public information to students or placing any advertisements on the bulletin boards.
7. Recording classes or concerts is only permitted with instructor or ensemble director approval. Do not operate a recording device in these settings unless you have already obtained permission.
8. Avoid critiquing the music making of other students unless you are invited to comment by either the student or an instructor. Please keep comments constructive and supportive. Every musician is on their own personal journey and it is important to be respectful of each other’s different directions and speeds.
9. In performance, show your appreciation to your audience by acknowledging them for coming, showing your enthusiasm, and dressing in appropriate concert attire. Please see your studio instructor or ensemble director for specific dress code information.
10. When attending a department event (or any performance), show your respect by adhering to the appropriate audience etiquette for the concert’s genre. It is common courtesy in performances of Western classical music to listen quietly, turn off electronic devices, and applaud at the end of each piece. Other musical traditions may differ so please ask about audience etiquette if unsure.
11. For any safety concerns while on campus, please contact Protective Services at (306) 966-5555. You can also download the USAFE app on to your cellular device to request supports like Safewalk or to get updates about safety concerns on campus.
12. Lastly, be kind, caring, respectful, and empathetic to all those around you. Stress is inevitable, particularly around exams, but we can still do our best to ensure that everyone feels welcome and supported!

Program-Specific Courses

Since the U of S hosts a number of different Music degree and certificate programs, required courses differ based on the program in which you are enrolled. By selecting the link below that corresponds to your program, you will be redirected to the appropriate program requirements.

Bachelor of Arts Honours – Music
Bachelor of Arts Four-year – Music
Bachelor of Arts Three-year – Music

Bachelor of Music - Individualized
Bachelor of Music in Music Education – Early/Middle Years
Bachelor of Music in Music Education - Secondary

Bachelor of Music Honours - Performance
Bachelor of Music Honours in Music Education – Early/Middle Years
Bachelor of Music Honours in Music Education - Secondary

Jazz Certificate
Music & Wellbeing Certificate

MUS 129-429: Event Attendance

All B.Mus students are required to take MUS 129-429 in the appropriate year (i.e. MUS 129 in their first year). These courses are Pass / Fail and track your attendance at music events throughout the academic year. Please check the Course Syllabus to confirm the event attendance requirements for the current year. There will be a sign in / sign out sheet at each event. Please ensure that you sign in AND out as you will only receive the attendance credit if both of these steps are completed. Your attendance will be tracked by the Office Coordinator. Please reach out to them at any time to confirm your current attendance credits.

MUS 160: Keyboard Proficiency

All music students are required to register for MUS 160.0 prior to graduation. Piano majors in any degree program are required to register for this course, but are not required to take the exam as they will be automatically given a P grade.

MUS 160 Coordinator: Professor Kathleen Solose

Contact Information:
Email: kathleen.solose@usask.ca  
Phone: (306) 966-6179 voicemail
Office: EDUC 1105
Office Hours: by appointment

• Overview
  The object of this course is demonstration of keyboard proficiency. Upon completion of this course, students will have a grasp of basic keyboard skills and be able to read and play basic keyboard music notation.
  
  
• Course Objectives
  This is a Pass/Fail class. In order to receive a Pass, students will be required to prove their proficiency in keyboard by making an appointment and performing three pieces, one from Lists A, B and C at a minimum of RCM Level 4, as well as the Level 4 technical requirements.  No ear training tests and no studies will be required.
  
  
• Certificate Alternative
  Students who have earned a minimum of level 4 through the Royal Conservatory of Music, the Canadian Conservatory of Music, or an equivalent may pass this course by providing the corresponding certificate of completion. Students with a certificate will still need to register in this course in order to complete the degree requirement.
  
  
• Required Materials
  Students will be working with materials from the current RCM Level 4 Piano Repertoire syllabus. Materials available for checkout from the U of S Library holdings are compiled on the following U of S LibGuide: http://libguides.usask.ca/music/keyboardskills
  
  
• Additional information
  It is recommended that students study with a qualified piano instructor during their undergraduate years of study.  It is recommended that students register in this course when they feel they are fully prepared to pass the test.  If students wish to do a “practice test”, they may schedule an appointment with the instructor any time

To request a class override, please complete and submit the Request a Class Override form. Make sure that you have listed the appropriate approver for your request (i.e. the course instructor or your Undergraduate Chair).

The following is the list of overrides a student can request:

• Special approval: for when a course requires departmental or instructor approval.
• *Class limit override: for when you want to register in a course that is full.
• Class restriction override: for when you want to register in a course outside your program.
• Time conflict override: for when you want to register in a course that conflicts with another course (this is sometimes required for the Event Attendance courses). 
• Lecture/Lab exemption: for when you want to register in a lecture course without the corresponding lab section.
• Pre-requisite / corequisite waiver: for when you want to register in class without having the required pre-requisite or co-requisite course(s).

* Please note that the Class Limit Override cannot be used to extend your own credit limit. To increase your credit limit, please fill out the Permission to Increase Credit Units Form. Please note that you must have at least a 70% average to request a credit unit increase. First year students cannot request a credit unit increase.

The Request a Class Override form can also be used to request a late registration after the course registration deadline. There are variable fees for late registrations.

The following is a list of USask Music Ensembles that are currently offered, including the links to their individual webpages:

B.Mus. students are required to register for at least 1 CU ‘A’ ensemble each year. All ensembles run Sept-April (over both terms).

‘A’ ensembles include: Greystone Singers, Wind Orchestra, University Chorus, Concert Band, and Symphony Orchestra.

'B' ensembles include: Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, and Music Theatre Ensemble

Violin, viola, cello, and double-bass students who are successfully auditioned into the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO) may request permission to enroll in MUAP 205: Orchestra with Strings. This course may also be used as an ‘A’ ensemble credit.

Any of our 'B' ensembles may be taken in addition to ‘A’ ensembles. As long as you are registered in at least one ‘A’ ensemble for 1 CU credit each year, you may take other ‘A’ or ‘B’ ensembles for either 1 CU or for zero CU, as they interest you and/or as they fit with your schedule. To meet your for-credit ensemble requirements, you are able to register in each ‘A’ ensemble up to four times (once for each year of your program). You are also able to enroll in additional ‘A’ ensembles each and every year of your program for credit. This additional ensemble credit can be applied to your degree within the Open Music Elective space in Degree Works. There are additional specific ensemble requirements depending on your specific program of study.

All ensembles are open to music majors and non-music majors alike. Some ‘A’ ensembles require auditions, while others do not. Auditioned ensembles include Greystone Singers, Wind Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble. Non auditioned ensembles include Music Theatre, Concert Band, University Chorus, Chamber Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. If you are interested in an auditioned ensemble, but are stressed about your ability to audition, please try not to worry. Music is a community, and our ensemble directors are here to support you throughout your auditions and your program.

Ensemble auditions will take place during the first week of classes. All B.Mus. students are required to audition for the ‘A’ Ensemble area that best matches their primary instrument (i.e. woodwind players will audition for the band area comprised of Wind Orchestra and Concert Band, voice majors will audition for the choral area comprised of Greystone Singers and University Chorus). Piano and guitar majors may select whichever ensemble area best matches their abilities and/or interests. Students may then choose to audition for any of the other auditioned ensembles that are of interest and fit in their schedule as well.

The music program owns a large selection of instruments that can be borrowed by music students. Music students or students actively playing in a university ensemble may borrow these instruments at no cost. However, any damages to the instrument may result in a fine to cover the cost of repairs. Please speak to your studio or ensemble instructor to select the appropriate model. Once the selection is made, please see the Office Coordinator to sign out the instrument. You will need to fill out a rental form and sign off on an inspection of the instrument’s condition. All instruments are to be returned to the music office by April 15 each year, unless special permission has been obtained to keep the instrument over the summer.

Lockers can be found in the basement next to the staircase that descends from beside the music office. Every music student is entitled to request a locker for each academic year (September-April). Locker assignments may be extended into the spring and summer terms upon request. These lockers are a privilege so please treat them with respect. Do not leave rotting food, half finished drinks, or anything that could smell or leak in your locker.

Locker requests are currently collected by the Office Coordinator through a QR code based registration form posted in the basement. Please fill out this form to secure your locker for the year.

Students are required to provide their own lock. Please ensure that your lock meets basic quality standards to avoid potential theft. While the building is very secure and monitored by protective services at night, this does not absolutely guarantee that lockers will not be the target of theft. A good lock is your best security. The university is not responsible for items stolen from student lockers.

There are a number of larger wooden lockers (the SR series) that are key operated, specifically for students with larger instruments (i.e. tuba and double bass). Please see the Office Coordinator to request a key if you need one of these lockers. There is a $20 deposit required for an SR locker key. Lockers that are occupied without the music office’s knowledge will have their locks cut off.

Practice Rooms are utilized on a first come, first served basis. There are two main practice room areas: 1101 and 1104 in the Education Building. Both spaces house multiple individual practice rooms. The practice room areas can be found at the entrance to the Northern wing of the Education Building on the ground floor. Both spaces are keypad protected. Please reach out to the Office Coordinator to find out the key code for the current academic year and do not share this practice room key code with any non USask students. Also, report any practice room misuse issues to the Office Coordinator. This may include things like damage to a room or musical equipment that you notice whilst in a practice room.

There are two practice rooms that house grand pianos, these are reserved for piano majors. These rooms are EDUC 1101.4 and 1101.7. Both require a physical key to open. Piano majors can request a personal key for these rooms for the year from the Office Coordinator.

Percussion practice rooms are found in the Education Building basement, in the same hallway as the music lockers. They also require a physical key to open. Percussion majors can request a personal key for these rooms for the year from the Office Coordinator. Please speak to the percussion instructor for specific information regarding the different percussion instruments in each practice room.

For larger classrooms and rehearsal spaces, students will need to request permission to book the space. This can be done via the University's 25Live portal. For spaces outside the Education Building (like Convocation Hall) please see the Office Coordinator to sign out keys as needed. There is a $20 cash deposit required for all major key sign-outs.

Music rooms that are available to be booked:

Recitals are an integral component of a music student’s university experience. All students registered in MUAP 245, 335, 345, 435, and 445 are required to present a recital. Recitals are optional for students registered in MUAP 145. However, they must obtain permission from their applied lesson instructor if they wish to perform this optional recital. You can find information about recital durations on the Recitals and Juries webpage. Recital date selection will happen in mid-October (please see the department At A Glance for the precise dates). To request your recital date, please submit a Recital Request Form. Most recitals occur in the Winter term. Students will also need to submit a Recital Setup Form as well as their program and other required documents to the office coordinator no less than 1 month prior to your recital. Please visit the Recital Resources webpage for the Recital Program Template and information about the other required documents. Students wanting to change their recital date after it is confirmed will need to submit a date change request to the performance committee chair faculty member (varies by year) and Office Coordinator.

Juries occur at the end of each term. All students registered in MUAP 143, 145, 243, 245, 333, 343, 433, and 443 present a jury. Students registered in MUAP 335, 345, 435, 445 present a recital in lieu of a jury. Students registered in MUAP 245 present both a jury and a recital. However, they may perform the same music for both. Jury times and spaces will be assigned and announced by the music office a minimum of three weeks prior to the jury date. If a student is unable to attend their assigned jury timeslot due to an unavoidable conflict, they may request to switch timeslots with another student within the same instrument family (piano, woodwinds, brass…). This switch MUST be reported to the Office Coordinator no less than one week prior to the jury date and both students involved MUST express their consent to the switch. Students will need to complete a Repertoire Form to bring to the jury. These can be found in the manila envelope on the bulletin board across from 1047.

USMES

The University of Saskatchewan Music Educators Society is a student lead group that promotes and provides professional development to enhance the learning opportunities of students involved in music education. USMES acts as the collective voice of the USASK music education students in communication with the faculty. This upcoming school year’s executive is currently made up of:

President: Jon Tait
Vice-President: Hanna Hashi
Secretary: Hayden Webb
Treasurer: Sam Boyd
Director of Public Relations: Marie Levesque
Lower-Year Representative: Aleks Geldart & Ronan Inkster
Upper-Year Representative: Tommy Vaquer

All Music Education students are automatically members of USMES. We hold elections for positions on our executive in late March, and again for the 1st year representative in September.  All music students (Music Education, Individualized, Performance) are welcome to vote in the elections. Descriptions of the positions on the USMES executive can be found in our constitution.  

Every year, USMES encourages all Music and Music Education students to attend SMC (Saskatchewan Music Conference), a 3-day long conference put on by the 5 music organizations in the province. The conference offers educational and interactive sessions on such topics as conducting, instrumental and choral directing, elementary music, jazz band, orchestra, student leadership, and much more. USMES works to obtain grants to subsidize or sometimes cover in entirety the cost of travel and accommodations for students attending the conference.

USMES is also an advocate group for students in the Music discipline. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have or to help you with any issues pertaining to Music and Music Education classes! 

• Email Contact

ASM

The Association of Student Musicians is a ratified student group that represents the interests and concerns of all Music students to the faculty, staff, and the University at large, and acts on these students' behalf. ASM works in concert with faculty and staff to maintain and continue to improve the quality of Music instruction offered. ASM brings together students with a love of Music through social, educational, and/or musical experiences, manages merchandise orders, and more!

The ASM is here to listen to the concerns of students, big or small, and are here to help in any way possible. Please feel free to contact the ASM with any concerns you may have.

• Email Contact

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to the highest ethical standards in all academic endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, and any other unethical academic practices will not be tolerated Please review The Regulations on Student Academic Misconduct before the commencement of classes. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the methodologies you are utilizing, please confer with your instructor.

Main Office
Office: Education 1045.2
Email: music@usask.ca
Phone: (306) 966-4568

Undergraduate Chair (2024-25)
Dr Amanda Lalonde
Office: Education 1058
Email: amanda.lalonde@usask.ca
Phone: (306) 966-2443

Faculty
See our Faculty page for more information.