General Office

Dean: Dr. Stephen Runge
Associate Dean(s): Dr. Laura Loewen (Undergraduate Programs); Dr. Colette Simonot-Maiello (Graduate Programs and Research)
Campus Address/General Office: T319 Tache Hall, 150 Dafoe Road
Telephone: (204) 474-9310
Fax: (204) 474-7546
Email Address: music@umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/music
Academic Staff: Please refer to the Faculty of Music website at umanitoba.ca/music/

Voluntary Minors

Effective Fall 2015:

All undergraduate Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music students may declare and complete a minor from faculties, schools, departments and interdisciplinary programs in which a minor is offered, provided the minor constitutes a minimum of 18 credit hours. Please contact a Faculty Advisor for more information and program planning.

Offerings for Non-Music Students

Some courses are offered outside the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Jazz Studies programs for students in other faculties.  For information, contact the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music Student Advisor.

Four courses are available without pre-requisites or special permission from Music, for non-music students:

• MUSC 1010
• MUSC 1020
• MUSC 1030
• MUSC 1930 - is not applicable to a Music Minor

For information on completing a Music Minor in another faculty, please refer to Music Minor for Students in Faculties other than the in the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music calendar.

Programs

* Minimum time to graduation: Four years if admission is directly from high school and five years if admission is via University 1

Minors (optional or required) are part of degree programs - for program length, refer to the Years to Completion.

Micro-Certificates 

Micro-Certificate in Songmaking

Faculty Academic Regulations

Admission to Music

Course Requirements for Admission from High School

Admission to the Faculty is directly from high school, although admission from University 1 is an option.

Other Requirements

High school prerequisites: Music 40S is strongly recommended, while a second 40S language is recommended. Private lessons in your instrument and formal instruction in music theory and keyboard study are strongly recommended. Good academic performance in subject areas other than music is also strongly recommended. Refer to Desautels Faculty of Music for audition information or music@umanitoba.ca.

Academic Regulations

Limited Access will not affect registration for the current Academic Year, which includes Fall, Winter, and Summer terms. See University Policy and Procedures – Repeat Course Policy – Section 2.5 (a) Limited Access.

The provisions of the General Academic Regulations , and the University Policies and Procedures, apply to all students. In addition, the Faculty has regulations and requirements, published below, which apply specifically to its students. Detailed information regarding regulations is available in the general office of the Faculty. The aim of the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Jazz Studies programs is to provide a basic framework of knowledge and ability; both theoretical and practical, from which either professional activities or graduate specialization can start. The Bachelor of Music four-year program contains concentrations in specified areas in the third and fourth years. After their first two years, students select the area in which their interests and abilities are strongest. The Faculty offers four-year programs leading to the degree of either Bachelor of Music, with the following concentrations: Performance, Composition, History, Education and General Music. The four-year Bachelor of Jazz Studies is a direct entry program from high school. Practical study is offered in standard classical and jazz instruments and voice. Ensemble work is included in all years of the program. Music courses are available to students in other faculties and schools. Please see the specific regulations for each faculty for more information.

Written English Requirement and Mathematics Requirement

The University's written requirement is met through any three credit hour course that fulfills the "W" requirement. The University’s mathematics requirement is met through MUSC 3230 or a three credit hour MATH 1XXX or STAT 1XXX course. These courses are listed as requirements to complete the first year of all Bachelor of Music programs and Bachelor of Jazz Studies.

Electives (Non-Music)

Students are required to take course(s) in a subject other than music for each year of the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Jazz Studies program to a total of 18 credit hours. With the exception of the university’s written English and Mathematics Requirements in the first year, the student is free to choose any subject but is advised to seek the advice of faculty.

Ensembles

The Faculty offers a wide variety of opportunities for participation in ensembles such as the University Upper Voices, Concert Choir, University Concert Band, University Singers, University Symphony Orchestra, University Wind Ensemble, University Jazz Orchestra, Small Jazz Ensembles, University Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Opera Theatre, Chamber Ensembles, Percussion Ensemble, Musical Theatre, XIE (eXperimental Improv Ensemble), and other wind, string and keyboard combinations. Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Jazz Studies students are required to participate in two ensembles each year for four years. The Ensemble Committee determines placement in credit ensembles; such participation will normally be in ensembles directly relevant to the student’s major practical study area. Students from other faculties and non-university musicians are welcome to participate as space and instrumental balance allow, but all participation is at the discretion of the conductor or coach of the ensemble. Some ensembles are offered for credit in other faculties.

Scholarships

Entrance and continuing scholarships are available for Faculty students. Details may be obtained from Financial Aid and Awards or the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music.

Scholastic Progress

Within the first week of the term, students will be informed of the organization of materials, the nature and timing of testing, and the proportionate weighting of marks that contribute to the final grade in all academic courses at the Marcel A. Desautels Faculty of Music. Regulations regarding the grading of all practical courses at the Faculty are contained in the Student Handbook; special attention is called to the Concert Credit and Masterclass Attendance Policy which is an integral part of the grading system for Major Practical Study in each year of the program. A grade of “C” or better is required in each Music course throughout the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Jazz Studies programs, except where the Faculty Student Handbook states otherwise. Students who take Music elective courses and fail to achieve a minimum grade of “C” in them should repeat these courses. Due to the system of rotating electives, this may not be possible and in such a case another approved Music elective may be substituted. Supplemental examinations are not normally given in the Faculty, with the following exception: where a jury mark of “D” has been assigned in Major Practical Study, the juried examination may be reheard prior to the next registration. A sessional (September to April) Grade Point Average of less than 2.0 (C), or failure to achieve a grade of “C” or better in two Music courses will result in a student being placed on probation. While on probation, the student remains in the program but is subject to a set of conditions that are established by the Faculty.  A student failing to meet these conditions may be placed on suspension. Each student is permitted a maximum 21 credit hours of failed Music courses in the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Jazz Studies programs. Students will not be permitted to register for a required music course more than twice without the permission of the Dean.

Dean’s Honour List

Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Jazz Studies students who achieve a sessional (September to April) Grade Point Average of 3.5 and are registered in a minimum of 80% of a full-time program in both fall and winter terms will be eligible for the Dean’s Honour List. Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Jazz Studies students who graduate with a Degree Grade Point Average of 3.80 will graduate “with Distinction." Students who are granted incomplete or deferred status will not be eligible.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected of all students in all courses. Any unexcused absences from Ensemble or Major Practical Study courses or three unexcused absences from any other music course may result in the student being required to withdraw from the course or Ensemble, or may result in a failing grade being assigned. Students absent from a class for three or more consecutive meetings due to illness may be required to present a certificate from a physician. Prior approval for extended absences from class for reasons other than illness must be obtained from the instructor and the Dean. Unexcused absence from a class test may result in a grade of zero for the test. Make-up tests may be allowed in special circumstances.

Academic Schedule Fall/Winter Term 2026-2027

Dates Applicable to all UM Students 

University Closure

When the University is closed no classes/examinations will be held, and course assignment deadlines will not be set on dates where the University is closed.

Dates Applicable to most UM Students

Some additional or differing date information is included in separate sections for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Architecture, Art (School of), Dental Hygiene, Dentistry (includes IDDP), Education (B.Ed. only), Management, Medicine (excludes Family Social Sciences), Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant Studies, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule. 

Orientation

Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Education (B.Ed. only), Management, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Start and End Dates

Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Education, Management, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant Studies, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Registration and Withdrawal Dates

Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma and other faculties, colleges and/or schools offering irregularly scheduled courses. Agriculture Diploma students should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule; all others should also refer to the Class Schedule.

Regular Registration Period

Registration Revision Period

Students may use this period of time to make changes to their selected courses or class schedule. Last day to drop is 1 business day prior to the end of the Registration Revision Period.

Last Date to Drop without Penalty

Last date to drop and have course excluded from transcripts; VWs will be recorded on transcripts for courses dropped after this date. There will be no refunds for courses dropped after this date. Additional or differing dates exist for Agriculture Diploma; students in this program should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Last Date to Register/Registration Revision Deadline

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) Deadline

Last date to withdraw and not receive a final grade; students cannot withdraw from courses after this date

Fee Payment Deadlines

A financial penalty will be assessed on accounts with an outstanding balance after this date.*

*

Please see the Last Day to Drop without Penalty

Term Breaks

Academic and administrative offices will be open during this period; no classes, tests or assignment due dates occur during this time. Additional or differing dates exist for: Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Education (B.Ed. only), Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Respiratory Therapy. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule.

Examination and Test Dates

Students are reminded that they must remain available until all examination and test obligations have been fulfilled. Additional or differing dates exist for: Agriculture Diploma, Applied Human Nutrition, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Pharmacy. Students in these programs should also see their respective section of the Academic Schedule. Students in faculties, colleges, schools or programs offering irregularly scheduled courses should also see the exam timetable available through their program office.

Challenge for Credit Application Deadline

Final Grade Appeal Deadlines

Graduation and University Convocation

Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates will be awarded at Convocation. Graduation date may differ from Convocation Ceremony date.

For students graduating Fall 2026

For students graduating February 2027

For students graduating Spring 2027

*

Last date for receipt by Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies of Theses/Practica and reports on Theses/Practica, comprehensive examinations, and project reports from students, and lists of potential graduands from departments.

Summer Dates applicable to Music

Dates for Summer Term

Start and End Dates (Generally Monday to Thursday classes)

Classes on Monday, May 24^th will be made up on Friday, May 28^th

Classes on Monday, August 2^nd will be made up on Friday, August 6^th

May - August courses will have no classes scheduled Monday, June 21^st to Friday, July 2^nd

Registration and Withdrawal Dates

Regular Registration Period

Registration start dates are to be determined by the Registrar’s Office.

Late Registration/Registration Revision Period

Students may use this period of time to make changes to their selected courses or class schedule.

Last Date to Drop without Penalty

Last date to drop and have course excluded from transcripts; VWs will be recorded on transcripts for courses dropped after this date. There will be no refunds for courses dropped after this date. 

Voluntary Withdrawal (VW) Deadline

Last date to withdraw and not receive a final grade; students cannot withdraw from courses after this date.

Fee Payment Deadlines

*

A financial penalty will be assessed on accounts with an outstanding balance after this date. (determined by Financial Services)

Examination and Test Dates

Students are reminded that they must remain available until all examination and test obligations have been fulfilled.

Challenge for Credit

Introduction

This chapter contains the regulations and requirements that apply to all students, regardless of faculty or school.

Each faculty and school has its own supplementary regulations and requirements. These are published in the faculty or school chapters of the Academic Calendar. Some faculties and schools also have additional regulations and requirements governing their programs; these are available from the faculty or school.

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the academic regulations and requirements of the University of Manitoba in general and of the specific academic regulations and requirements of their faculty or school of registration. Accordingly, students are asked to seek the advice of advisors in faculty and school general offices whenever there is any question concerning how specific regulations apply to their situations.

Residence and Written English and Mathematics Requirements

Residence Requirements For Graduation

The grade of “D” is regarded as marginal in most courses by all faculties and schools. It contributes to decreasing a term, degree or cumulative Grade Point Average to less than 2.0. Courses graded “D” may be repeated for the purpose of improving a GPA. Note that some faculties and schools consider a grade of “D” as unacceptable and will not apply the course toward the program as credit. In most cases the course will need to be repeated to attain the acceptable grade. Refer to faculty and school regulations.

Calculation of Grade Point Average

The University of Manitoba will report cumulative and term grade point averages for all students through Aurora Student.
Please also refer to the Grade Point Averages Policy found in the University Policies and Procedures..

Quality Points

The quality points for a course are the product of the credit hours for the course and the grade point obtained by the student; e.g., 3 credit hours with a grade of “B” (3.0 points) = 3 credit hours x 3.0 = 9.0 quality points.

Quality Point Total

The quality point total is the sum of quality points accumulated as students proceed through their program of studies.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The grade point average (GPA) is the quality point total divided by the total number of credit hours.

Example:

Grade point average: 240 Quality Points / 15 Credit Hours = 3.20

Poor Grades and Program Progression

A course in which a “D” standing is obtained may need to be repeated by probationary students in certain faculties or where a minimum grade of “C” is required in a prerequisite subject or to meet degree requirements.

Students in doubt as to the status of their record should consult an advisor in their faculty or school.

For minimum grade levels, especially as they affect progression requirements, see the faculty or school regulations in the Academic Calendar or consult an advisor.

Academic Honours

Students qualify for the Honour List (Dean’s, Director’s, University 1) when they achieve qualifying grade point averages, as specified by the faculty/school or program regulations.

In addition, outstanding academic achievement will qualify students for other honours and awards.  These include:

• the University Gold Medal, which is awarded at graduation in each faculty or school to the student with the most outstanding academic record;
• program medals, which are awarded by faculties and schools to the best student graduating from a specific program;
• graduation “with distinction”, which is recorded on the transcripts of all students who attain a qualifying grade point average;
• and other medals and prizes that are specific to programs or disciplines.

Academic Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation

Students shall be informed of the method of evaluation to be used in each course, as specified in the Responsibilities of Academic Staff with Regard to Students Policy, found in the University Policies and Procedures.

In departments where a course is offered in more than one section, the department offering the course endeavours to provide instruction so that all sections cover similar topics and that all students achieve a similar level of competency in the topic. However, there will be differences in evaluation as well as in teaching style, readings and assignments from one section to another. Students may contact the department for additional information before registration.

Credit for Term Work