Amplify your opportunities.
Music can be a powerful force – it can boost motivation, ease anxiety, inspire a mood and empower a generation.
In recent years we have witnessed a remarkable transformation in the music industry; new digital platforms are reshaping the ways artists are connecting with their audiences on a global stage. Accessible technologies such as audio production software, video recording and editing platforms, and digital distribution methods are providing access for everyone to share their talents with the world. As the music industry grows more exciting and complex, there is intense competition for listener and fan attention.
How do you plan to be heard above the rest? We suggest turning up the AMP.
The Applied Music Program (AMP) at CNA provides guided training to give you a competitive edge in fine-tuning your skills and building your brand. Your talent is the foundation, and with our training you’ll be able to raise the roof on your career.
Key research shows that the three barriers to artists’ success are lack of business training, lack of entrepreneurial skills and gaps in technical understanding of music sector. AMP has what you need to succeed. This thorough exposure to the many exciting aspects of the music business will enable you to realistically assess your prospects for success in this highly competitive industry.
Gain a powerful skill-set, build a professional portfolio and be fully prepared to enter the music industry at a professional level.
Program Highlights:
- Mentorship with faculty who are multi-award-winning musicians, artist managers and audio engineers
- Extensive training in live performance, studio performance, songwriting, music theory and history, music software applications, music and media, and much more
- Essential training in live sound production and stage lighting
- Studies in music business, e-marketing, tourism, public relations and event management
- Cultural career strategies and business planning and entrepreneurialism
- Exposure to associated career options such as booking agents, artist managers, publicists and other integral roles of the industry
- Collaborative projects with other arts programs such as Sound Recording & Production, Journalism and Graphic Design
Did You Know?
- AMP graduates have had their original music featured in major animated films and such international events as the Olympics.
- AMP instructor and graduates are part of the band for the first Canadian Country artist to be showcased on Grammy.com
- AMP graduates have toured Europe, US and across Canada.
- AMP instructors are multi-award-winning experts and remain active and tapped into the music industry.
- Students and graduates have been recognized with a multitude of provincial and regional music awards.
- Students have provided music for large-scale events, conferences and awards shows with various local, regional and national partners across several industries.
- International students enroll in the program and provide exceptional cultural and musical exchange for all students.
- Canada’s music marketplace has reached a new major milestone – for the first time, Canadians are streaming more than two billion songs a week.[1]
- The global revenue of the recorded music industry reached over US$23 billion in 2020.[2]
If you have an aptitude for amplitude, you’re in the right place.
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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.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.
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