FAQs – Theory, Ensembles, Performance

All B.Mus students must eventually take MUSI 1700, 1701, and 1720, 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 music theory, but are not required to take 1700, 1701, and 1720.)

The decision about what theory courses you should take in your first year is based on the online theory placement test that all B.Mus students take. Students who receive a score of about 40–90 are recommended to take 1700, 1701, and 1720. Those who receive more than 90 can request to substitute an upper-level theory course for a greater challenge, and can meet with the Coordinator of Theory Studies (Dr. McGowan in 2024–25) in conjunction with the Undergraduate Supervisor (John Higney) to determine if that is the right path for you.

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, and 1720; please contact the Coordinator of Theory Studies for special consideration.

Also note that all Bachelor of Music students can and should register for MUSI 1711, regardless of their theory placement results.

If you are a B.Mus student, you will get credit on your degree for MUSI 1107, which can serve as an elective. Be mindful, however, that there is a maximum of 7.0 credits at the first-year level that can count towards your degree. If you do take the course, you still need to take MUSI 1700, 1701, and 1710 to complete degree requirements. MUSI 1107 is designed as extra catch-up work, which you should only take if you need it to prepare for the regular theory stream.

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 1711 and 1720 are both 0.5-credit courses. MUSI 1711 is usually offered in the Fall term. MUSI 1720 is usually offered in the Winter term.

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 by being in any ensemble.  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).

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. In your first term, you typically register for only one ensemble.

If you achieve and maintain strong academic success, you may register in two simultaneous ensembles, with permission of the Undergraduate Supervisor.

Unfortunately, no. Many of the ensembles have auditions in the early fall—usually the first week of classes—and it might be that you do not pass 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 do not end up being in the ensemble, you will drop that section in the registration system and register for a different ensemble.

If you are successful and join an ensemble, you need to sure that you are registered for that ensemble. The West African Rhythm Ensemble, and a few others 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 posted by the time of your registration. Note, however, that there is a small possibility that the schedule will change until August. Please see the Ensembles page.

You will need to register in your desired ensemble in the early summer, but note that occasionally the rehearsal schedule might change slightly. 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, the Music Performance Studies Coordinator (eric.hitsman), or the Supervisor of Performance Studies. Please contact the directors of the ensembles themselves with specific questions relating to the ensemble itself.

Bachelor of Music, Performance-Studies Syllabus:

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

If you are a new B.Mus student, you should meet with the Supervisor of Performance Studies (SPS) during the early summer about getting an instructor for MUSI 1900/1901, usually late June through July. Please contact the Music Performance Studies Coordinator (eric.hitsman) to book a meeting time with the SPS, either virtually or in person.

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.

Music Performance Studies Coordinator : Eric Hitsman (eric.hitsman)

• Questions about Friday performance classes
• Ensemble course overrides
• Jury scheduling and logistics
• General performance-related questions
• Booking of practice rooms

Supervisor of Performance Studies: James McGowan (james.mcgowan@carleton.ca)

• Permission to take 4th-year Performance courses or Specialized Studies in Performance
• Setting up private performance instructor
• Changing performance instructor/discussing lessons
• Permission to take off-campus verified Ensembles (Section G)

Undergraduate Supervisor: John Higney (john.higney@carleton.ca)

• Course planning, going over your audit
• Getting ready to graduate planning
• Permission to take Practicum (upper-year students only)

Coordinator of Theory Studies: James McGowan (james.mcgowan@carleton.ca)

• Permission to take MUSI 1700, 1701, and 1720 if you didn’t pass the theory placement test.
• Option to substitute upper-level theory courses instead of first-year courses for advanced students.

Music Program Coordinator: Jazz Ujjainwala (tasneem.ujjainwala@carleton.ca)

• All Course overrides (except for ensembles).
• Direction on who to contact if you have questions or are having any issues.
• General guidance on courses/program.

Head of Music: Jesse Stewart (jesse.stewart@carleton.ca)

• Significant program-related concerns that arise.