Professional Music - BFA (Hons)
Full-time format:
4 Year
Part-time format:
N/A
Requirements:
Grades-Plus
Grade range:
Mid 80s
Faculty:
The Creative School
Experiential learning:
Internship mandatory
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Is this degree for you?
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)’s Professional Music degree program launches your career in the music industry through the first program of its kind in Canada, tailored to both artists and non-artists. Based in the heart of Toronto’s vibrant music scene, you'll explore music fundamentals, business strategy, production and more.
Experiential learning opportunities: Internship mandatory
Gain immersive experiences through an internship and collaborations with Canada’s leading music and media organizations, including Universal Music, Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, Audible, SOCAN and more. With access to top industry professionals, cutting-edge technologies, labs and creative spaces, you’ll join a dynamic ecosystem of interdisciplinary talent — contributing to the next wave of music innovation.
The following is a preview of first-year courses based on the available current academic undergraduate calendar for this program.
1st Semester
CORE ELECTIVE: One course from Creative Industries Table I, Media Table II, Performance Table III, or Music Table IV.
LIBERAL STUDIES:
One course from Table A - Lower Level Liberal Studies.
Career possibilities:
- Booking agent
- Musician
- Producer
- Sound engineer
- Venue manager
Employer possibilities:
- Awesome Music
- Canada’s Music Incubator
- The Feldman Agency
- Royal Conservatory of Music
- SOCAN
Further education:
- Business (MBA)
- Cultural studies
- Education
- Law
Professional Music students immerse themselves in Nashville’s music industry
A group of 23 students in RTA 950: BPM in Nashville recently spent 5 days immersed in the city’s legendary music scene. Led by Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, the course offered interactive learning in songwriting, industry insights and Nashville’s global musical influence. Students explored the city through panels, workshops, writing sessions and more.
Read more: RTA course puts students in the heart of Music City for real-world learning
This is a Grades-Plus program. Admission decisions for Grades-Plus programs are based on academic performance plus non-academic criteria such as interviews, auditions, essays and portfolios. Your ability to follow and adhere to the requirements is part of the assessment of your application.
Academic requirements for full-time, 4-year program
To be considered for admission, Ontario high school students must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Completion of 6 Grade 12 U or M courses with a minimum overall average of 70%
- Completion of the following required Grade 12 U course with a minimum grade of 70%:
- English/anglais (ENG4U/EAE4U preferred)
An overall average of 70% is required for consideration. Due to competition, the average needed for admission can fluctuate each year (it depends on the number of applications received and the number of spaces available). The grade range at the top of this page represents the average required in previous years.
Academic admission requirements for all other applicants are available on the admission requirements page. If you haven’t been educated in Ontario, you may be considered with the equivalent of the Ontario requirements. TMU reserves the right to determine equivalency at its sole discretion.
Fall 2026 non-academic requirement due date:
February 1, 2026 or 10 business days from your application submission date, whichever comes later.
Prepare a current resumé/curriculum vitae highlighting education, musical experience, work experience, volunteer experience and extracurricular activities.
Please save your resumé as a .pdf file and upload this file with these submission instructions.
Your portfolio consists of 2 parts, explained in the instructions below.
Please save your portfolio as one .pdf file to be submitted (refer to these submission instructions).
Part 1 - Statement of intent
Why are you interested in a career in music and what draws you to this industry? Explain why you're pursuing a university education and why you believe you're a good fit for this program (250 words).
Part 2 - Artistic or music business option
Please select one of the 2 following options. At the top of your portfolio indicate if you chose option A or option B.
Option A - Artist option (this option requires uploading your demo).
This is a music DIY project created by you. It can be a single piece or a compilation containing a solo performance, a group/band performance, electronic music, a beat, a production, or an arrangement. You may have collaborators. This demo is your opportunity to present your musical identity. We encourage you to submit material created within the past 2 years. It is a chance for you to show us your passion and experience in music.
- Your demo shouldn't exceed 4 minutes in length and must be your original work.
- Include a link to your demo. It can be an audio or video format/file. The link must be public. Please don't provide a private Google Drive link.
- To support your demo, please explain (500 words maximum) your role in the submitted music (e.g. producer, songwriter, singer, etc.). You may include information about the genre you chose for your demo, its historical antecedents, musical structure, and what about this genre attracts you and others to it. Include a brief explanation of the creative process behind your music project.
Option B - Music business professional option (demo is not required).
Please write an essay (500 words maximum) in length, plus citations, based on the following prompt:
The music industry is rapidly changing. Consider the many ways music consumers discover new music. Discuss 2 of the best methods of music discovery, and from a business perspective, explore the pros and cons of each method.
Your 2 reference forms are a requirement for admission consideration. The 2 forms must be completed and submitted (refer to these submission instructions):
- One must be from a current or past academic reference (e.g. guidance counsellor, teacher, professor). This form is titled "Academic Reference 1" in the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal.
- Your second reference form may be from an additional academic reference or a collaborator, supervisor, or employer — this can be any individual who works with you in a musical or professional capacity. This form is titled "Reference 2" in the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal.
The non-academic requirements assessment fee is $50 CAD and must be paid in order for your submission to be reviewed. Here’s how to pay:
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Access your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal account (instructions to access the portal can be found below under Submission Instructions).
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Click on the button to link to the eForms Centre.
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Next, click on the eForms Center tile.
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Then click on the Non-Academic Fee Form link.
You're required to submit all components of their non-academic requirements via the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. Due to the volume of applications received and our system performance, we strongly encourage you to submit your documents well in advance of the noted deadlines.
Here’s how to access your ChooseTMU Applicant Portal account:
- Get your TMU Student Number in the email acknowledgement of your application
- Activate your TMU Online Identity. Fill in the Activation Form on the Accounts website. When asked for your Student/Applicant ID, enter your 9-digit TMU Student Number. Keep a record of your user name and password
- 24 hours after activating your TMU Online Identity, visit the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal
Complete the following steps to submit your Reference Forms:
- Input your references’ contact information via the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal. Please ensure that all reference information is inputted accurately. If you wish to amend your reference information (e.g. change reference, change email address) please complete and submit the (google form) Upload Help Form (external link) .
- Have your references complete the Reference Form. Your references will receive an email giving access to the Reference Form and instructions. If a reference has not received the email, please ask your reference to review their “trash” or “junk mail.” To request that the email be sent again, please complete and submit the (google form) Upload Help Form (external link) .
- Confirm that your references have completed the Reference Form. A Reference Form is complete once its status on the ChooseTMU Applicant Portal indicates “Received.” It is your responsibility to ensure each reference completes their Reference Form by the noted deadline.
Tuition and fees range 2025-2026
For detailed fees info, visit tuition and fees by program and costs to expect.
Full-time format:
Ontario: $7,353 - $7,846
Out-of-province: $8,892 - $9,414
International: $36,845 - $37,265
Over $20M across all levels of study
We award more than $20M in awards, scholarships and bursaries throughout all years of study.
Find scholarships for you.
Explore financial assistance
Learn more about government financial aid programs like OSAP, out-of-province student loans and U.S. student loans.
Apply for financial assistance.
"The Professional Music program at TMU prepared me for multiple career paths within the modern music industry. I learned about performance production, digital audio workstations, recording contracts and copyright. With that said, one of my biggest takeaways was the networking and connections."
- Carina Bianchini, Professional Music, Class of 2025
240
Internship hours where you'll learn from industry experts
Creativity is the catalyst for building the future — driving insights, inspiring learning and expanding what’s possible. At The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), creativity is at the heart of every experience. With unique programs, global partnerships and practical experience in the heart of Toronto, you’ll evolve your craft. You’ll graduate ready for an impactful, fulfilling career.
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Disclaimer:
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this site, in the event of a discrepancy, TMU's current Undergraduate Calendar is the official reference.