FAQs – Theory, Ensembles, Performance

All B.Mus students must eventually take MUSI 1700, 1701, 1710, and 1711, but some students are not prepared for these when first admitted. So MUSI 1107 is a preparatory course, taken only by those who aren’t quite ready for the regular theory stream. (It can also be taken by BA students who want an introduction to basic theory, but are not required to take 1700, 1701, 1710, and 1711.) The decision about which you should take is based on the online theory placement test you took in connection with the audition process. The Music administrator will inform you if you are permitted to take 1700, 1701, 1710, and 1711, or if you must take 1107. If in doubt, contact the Music office. Remember, if you are ill-prepared to take the normal theory stream, you will likely find the courses much too hard, and even with hard work you may be jeopardizing getting credit in the courses. In exceptional circumstances, incoming students who fail the theory placement test may be able to take one or a few of MUSI 1700, 1701, 1710, and 1711; please contact the Coordinator of Theory Studies for special consideration.

If you are a B.Mus student, you will not get credit on your degree for MUSI 1107 (not even as an elective). And if you do take the course, you will still need to take MUSI 1700, 1701, 1710, and 1711. So in effect, MUSI 1107 is extra catch-up work which you should only take if you need it to prepare for the regular theory stream. It is normally offered in the Winter term.

The schedule of these courses can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know:

1. MUSI 1700 (0.5 credits) is offered in the Fall term and is a pre-requisite for MUSI 1701 (0.5 credits), which is offered in the Winter term.
2. MUSI 1710 and 1711 are 0.5-credit courses, but they run for the full year (0.25 credits per term). This is different from most other half-courses at Carleton.

Any non-B.Mus student who wishes to take one of the B.Mus-stream theory courses must first take the online theory placement test. Contact the Music office for more information.

You can fulfill your ensemble requirement either by being in the choir or by being in another ensemble. In either case, you normally register for both terms of that ensemble in any given academic year. If you are planning to be in the choir you should register in 1912 (Fall) and 1913 (Winter), which is the usual ensemble that first-year students participate in. If you are planning to be in another ensemble you should register in 1914 (Fall) and 1915 (Winter). For the other ensembles, you also need to pay close attention to the section you register in. The different section letters represent the different ensembles, so be sure to pick the section that corresponds to the ensemble you would like to be in. You can find a list of these letters on the Ensembles page. Note that all students will sing in the choir (an inclusive group for all levels of ability, styles and genres) for one year at some point during their degree. Students may register in two simultaneous ensembles with permission of the Supervisor of Ensembles, Masterclasses, and Practica.

Unfortunately, no. Ensembles have auditions in the early fall, and it might be that you fail the audition for your desired ensemble. Since you need to register in early summer and auditions are not until the fall, you should register in the ensemble you want, then if you fail the audition in the fall, you will drop that section in the registration system and register for a different ensemble. Most ensembles require a successful audition (held in the first week of classes) in order to stay registered in that ensemble. The Carleton Choir, West African Rhythm Ensemble, and the Contemporary Guitar Ensembles have auditions for placement only, but are open to all B.Mus. students. Please note that you are responsible for correctly registering in the appropriate ensemble by the registrar’s deadline, which is two weeks after the start of classes. Failure to properly register will result in the loss of credit for participation in that ensemble for that term.

Rehearsal schedules for ensembles are generally not confirmed until late August, but a tentative schedule is available on the Ensembles page. The exception is the choir, which has firm rehearsal times decided in advance (Wednesdays, 11:30–2:30). You will need to register in your desired ensemble in the early summer and hope for the best regarding the rehearsal schedule. If it turns out that the rehearsal schedule doesn’t work for you, it’s possible in the early fall to drop that ensemble and add a different one (read the note about auditions in the question directly above). General questions regarding ensembles should be directed to the Music office or Supervisor of Ensembles, Masterclasses, and Practica. Please contact the directors of the ensembles themselves with specific questions.

Bachelor of Music, Performance-Studies Syllabus:

• CU Performance Syllabus 2018 (PDF)
• CU Performance Syllabus 2018 (MS Word doc)
• CU Perf 4901 and 4907 Syllabus 2018 (PDF)
• CU Perf 4901 and 4907 Syllabus 2018 (MS Word doc)

If you are a new B.Mus student, you should meet with the Supervisor of Performance Studies during the summer about getting an instructor for MUSI 1900/1901. Please contact Dr. James McGowan (james.mcgowan@carleton.ca) to book a meeting time, either in person, or via technology. Note that you need to register in these courses during your registration window before the meetings can occur.

For questions about registration, you are likely to need one of these people. If possible, try to send your question to the correct person, because that will get you a quicker answer.

• Supervisor of Performance Studies: James McGowan (james.mcgowan@carleton.ca)
  • Permission to take 4th year performance courses
  • Setting up private instructor
  • Changing private instructor/discussing lessons
• Supervisor of Ensembles and Practicum: Jesse Stewart (kathy.armstrong@carleton.ca)
  • Permission to take more than one ensemble per term
  • Permission to take Practicum (4th year students only)
  • Permission to take off campus verified Ensembles
• Undergraduate Supervisor: John Higney (john.higney@carleton.ca)
  • Course planning, going over your audit
  • Getting ready to graduate planning
• Music Program Coordinator: Jazz (tasneem.ujjainwala@carleton.ca)
  • Course overrides
  • Direction on who to contact if you are having an issue
  • General guidance on courses/program