The Applied Music program is a two-year diploma program that provides an opportunity for students whose interests lie in contemporary popular music to refine their skills in the company of others who share their passion while gaining exposure to all aspects of the music industry. The annual MusicNL Awards and East Coast Music Awards (ECMA’s) highlight success in all areas of the industry and demonstrate that quality music is being generated and has garnered worldwide popularity. Program graduates are nominated for and win awards at such events year after year.
Highlights of what students can expect to experience when enrolled in the Applied Music program:
- Extensive training in musical areas such as live performance, studio performance, songwriting, music theory and history, traditional and popular music, music software applications, music and media, and more.
- Essential recording studio training as well as a thorough exposure to live sound production and stage lighting.
- Studies in music business, entrepreneurialism, traditional and e-marketing, tourism, human and public relations, and event management.
- Engagement in mentorship with faculty who are professional musicians, artist managers and audio engineers.
- Cultural career strategies and business planning.
- Exposure to alternate career options such as booking agents, artist management, publicity or other vital areas of the industry.
- Collaborative projects with other arts disciplines such as Sound Recording & Production, Video Game Art & Design, and Graphic Design programs.
This thorough exposure to the many facets of the music industry will enable students to realistically assess their prospects for success in this highly competitive industry. The Applied Music program provides the graduate with a powerful skill-set as they enter the music industry at a professional level.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the Applied Music program will have opportunities for employment as music professionals within a range of areas such as the following: Independent Solo Performers, Independent Group Performers, Independent Recording Artists, Independent Music Studio Educators, Commercial Music School Educators, Arts and Culture Centre Employees, Musical Directors, Pit Orchestra Musicians, Music Industry Association Employees, Artist Managers, Artist Promoters, Film Score Composers, Songwriters, Music Retail Company Employees, Distribution Company Employees, Music Manufacturing Company Employees, Musical Theatre Company Employees, Instrument Design and Manufacturing Company Employees, Tourism Festival/Events Employees and Music Video Producers.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in the musical, technical and business aspects of the music industry.
- Demonstrate refined musical skills by showcasing their artistic works through recordings, media projects and live public performances.
- Communicate effectively, creatively and with confidence when writing, presenting, performing and speaking.
- Use the latest music industry technology to create new artistic works, self-promote and engage with industry at a professional level.
- Collaborate as effective team members in projects with other artistic disciplines.
- Demonstrate the social and intellectual development required to meet the challenges of the exciting and demanding music industry.
- Create a career plan for employment in the cultural industries which will include a self-developed professional portfolio.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
1. High School
Provincial High School Graduation Diploma with a 60% average in nine level 3000 credits or equivalent
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition Certificate
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with General College Profile (or Business-Related College Profile or Degree and Technical Profile) with an average pass mark of 60%
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
PORTFOLIO
Applicants to the Applied Music program are required to submit a portfolio that outlines their musical experiences and training, if applicable. It should include several contrasting pieces that best demonstrate the applicant’s musical talent and ability. The objective of this portfolio is for the applicant to clearly demonstrate a reasonable chance for success in the program. It will be evaluated in the following areas:
- Musical talent and ability
- Organizational skills
- Overall quality of the portfolio submission
The portfolio and musical examples may be submitted in any of the following formats or a combination of these formats:
- Hard copy printed version;
- Electronic Press Kit (EPK) with link(s) to URLs;
- CD/DVD/Digital Video Files;
- Media Storage Devices
Applied Music
Applicant Portfolio
Total
Points
________ |
Musical talent, ability, and creativity |
Organizational skills |
Overall quality of the portfolio |
5 |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses an exceptional level of musical talent, ability, and creativity. |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses an exceptional level of organizational skills. |
Items are clearly introduced, well organized, creatively displayed, are of high quality and show connections between items. |
4 |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses an above average level of musical talent, ability, and creativity. |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses an above average level of organizational skills. |
Items are clearly introduced, well organized, creatively displayed, are of above average quality and show connections between items. |
3 |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses an average level of musical talent, ability, and creativity. |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses an average level of organizational skills. |
Items are introduced and somewhat organized, are of average quality, showing some connection between items. |
2 |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses a below average level of musical talent, ability, and creativity. |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant possesses a below average level of organizational skills. |
Items are not introduced, lack organization and are of low quality. |
1 |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant does not possess a level of musical talent, ability, and creativity that would be required for a reasonable chance for success in the program. |
Items clearly demonstrate that the applicant does not possess an acceptable level of organizational skills. |
Items are not introduced and lack organization and are of extremely poor quality. |