Bachelor of Applied Music
Overview
Get comprehensive, top-tier training from working professionals in music theory, performance, and collaboration.
| Tuition | $7,118 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Bachelor's Degree |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Tuition | $37,262 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Bachelor's Degree |
| Length | 2 years |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| PGWP | International graduates may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. |
What to expect
- Monday to Friday daytime classes
- Occasional evening or weekend rehearsals or performances
- Classroom instruction
- Individual instruction
- Lab activities
- Rehearsals
- Regular jury performances
- Recitals
- Outreach activities
- Public performances
- Assignments
- Quizzes and exams
- Work experience practicum
The Bachelor of Applied Music is a full-time program. Most classes are scheduled Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:30, but evenings and weekends will sometimes be required for rehearsals, performances and other activities.
A combination of classroom instruction, lab activities, rehearsals, performances, work experience and practicum will be included in the program.
What you will learn
- Practise as professional performing artists in their specialty of musician, singer, composer, arranger, or producer.
- Work as private teachers in their area of specialization
- Work in music and arts production organizations, such as:\n• Film and Video Production\n• Video Game Production\n• Broadcast Media\n• Web Media\n• Performing Organizations
- Promote themselves as self-employed music professionals.
- Communicate and work effectively with producers, directors, other musicians and performance artists in other media such as dance, theatre, and electronic media.
- Utilize current computer technologies.
- Promote the arts, in general and music, specifically, as indispensable components of society and culture.
- Develop approaches to lifelong learning.
- Perform all activities in a professional, responsible and accountable manner.
Program duration and maximum time for completion
The Bachelor of Applied Music is a two year, four term program.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Successful completion of the VCC Music Diploma or equivalent with a minimum B average and minimum A- in specialized performance or academic area.
- Written proposal to the School of Music outlining applicant’s goals and proposed program of work. The letter must clearly state how the program will fit the career aspirations of the applicant. This may be written under the supervision of or with the assistance of VCC Bachelor of Applied Music advisors. The intention of the written proposal is to assist the student in identifying their career plans and establishing the extent of research the applicant has undertaken in preparation for the degree program.
- Two letters of recommendation written by persons other than family or close acquaintances who may be able to assess the applicant’s potential success in the degree program and who can speak to the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed plan of work. The letters of recommendation must be dated no more that three months prior to the application deadline and must be submitted in a sealed envelope, with the recommender’s signature over the back flap of the envelope.
- Successful audition in specialized performance area (i.e. voice, instrument). For students in composition, the audition will consist of a demonstration (live or recorded) of 3 *recently composed short compositions (between 5 and 8 min. in length) or a *larger single work (minimum 20 min in length).
- Students wishing to pursue an academic stream must submit two **recent 3500 word papers or studies in lieu of an audition.
Applicants whose first language is not English and who are presenting foreign documents are required to do the VCC English Language Assessment. The following minimum scores are required:
Minimum total score of 145 with:
Speaking minimum of 27/30
Listening minimum of 27/30
Essay score minimum of 16/30
Reading minimum of 50/70
*The submitted work(s) must have been composed in the 12 month period preceding the application to the Bachelor of Applied Music.
**The submitted papers or studies must have been written in the 12 month period preceding the application to the Bachelor of Applied Music.
Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended considerations
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Outstanding potential in area of specialization
- Strongly motivated and proven ability to work to deadlines
- Good organizational skills
- Basic computer, word processing, and music notation software skills
Program availability
Fall 2027 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Jun 1, 2027 |
Fall 2026 |
|
|---|---|
| Program start date | Sep |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Oct 1, 2025 |
Winter 2027 |
|
| Program start date | Jan |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
Courses
| Term Five | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MUSC 3109 or MUSC 3130 |
Performance Concentration 5 or Classical Voice 5 |
3 |
| MUSC 3104 | Performance Techniques 5 | 2 |
| MUSC 3113 or MUSC 3117 |
Conducting 1 or Creative Music Improvisation 1 |
2-3 |
| MUSC 3103 | 3 | |
| MUSC 3106 | 3 | |
| MUSC 3107 | Career Opportunities 2 | 3 |
| MUSC 3190 | Directed Ensemble 5 ** | 1 |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Term Six | ||
| MUSC 3209 or MUSC 3230 |
Performance Concentration 6 or Classical Voice 6 |
3 |
| MUSC 3204 | Performance Techniques 6 | 2 |
| MUSC 3213 or MUSC 3217 |
Conducting 2 or Creative Music Improvisation 2 |
2-3 |
| MUSC 3206 | 3 | |
| MUSC 3208 | 3 | |
| MUSC 3290 | Directed Ensemble 6 ** | 1 |
| Electives in Humanities/Technology/Business/Sciences * | 3 | |
| Credits | 17-18 | |
| Term Seven | ||
| MUSC 4209 or MUSC 4230 |
Performance Concentration 7 or Classical Voice 7 |
3 |
| MUSC 4204 | Performance Techniques 7 | 2 |
| MUSC 4107 | 5 | |
| MUSC 4106 | 2 | |
| Electives in Humanities/Technology/Business/Sciences * | 6 | |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term Eight | ||
| MUSC 4309 or MUSC 4330 |
Performance Concentration 8 or Classical Voice 8 |
3 |
| MUSC 4304 | Performance Techniques 8 | 2 |
| MUSC 4206 | 2 | |
| Music Electives | 3 | |
| Electives in Humanities/Technology/Business/Sciences * | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 68-70 | |
- *
First and Second Year College and University lower level courses are acceptable non-music electives.
- **
In special circumstances, subject to approval of School of Music faculty, a student may enroll in a directed ensemble outside her/his/their applied music concentration.
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and costs
| Application fee | $36 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,118 | |
| Student union | $290 | |
| College initiative | $205 | |
| Campus resource | $285 | |
| Medical and dental | $570 | Explore medical insurance options |
| U-Pass | $704 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $9,254 |
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
Tuition deposits are usually payable within three weeks after an offer is issued. The amount listed on this page is based on the first-term estimate. Refer to your offer for the exact amount required to accept an offer – either First-Term Estimate or First-Year Estimate.
| Tuition deposit | $11,900 | $10,000 non-refundable |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $145 | |
| Tuition | $37,262 | |
| Student union | $290 | |
| College initiative | $215 | |
| Campus resource | $373 | |
| Medical and dental | $570 | Explore medical insurance options |
| Temporary medical insurance | $148 | |
| U-Pass | $704 | Get your student transit pass |
| Graduation | $45 | |
| Total | $39,754 |
Books and Supplies
https://bookstore.vcc.ca/
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Refund policies vary for domestic and international students. Review the applicable policy for eligibility, deadlines, and refund amounts.
Need help with tuition?
Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.
Technical requirement
How to apply
Audition Information:
See the Application and Audition Requirements – Bachelor of Applied Music for audition instructions and submit the Music Supplemental Application form. If you complete all steps by one of the deadlines below, you will be invited to the next scheduled audition interview date. Auditions take place by video submission and online interview.
Contact [email protected] for questions about the application process and audition dates.
Deadlines to apply, submit audition video, and complete theory assessment for audition interviews for Fall 2026:
- January 26 audition – deadline is January 12
- February 23 audition – deadline is February 9
- March 30 audition – deadline is March 16
- April 27 audition – deadline is April 13
- May 12 audition – deadline is April 28
- May 26 audition – deadline is May 12
- June 23 audition – deadline is June 12
- July 7 audition – deadline is June 23
Deadlines to apply, submit audition video, and complete theory assessment for audition interviews for Winter 2027:
- August 31, 2026
International students
- January 29 audition – deadline is January 22
- February 26 audition – deadline is February 5
- March 26 audition – deadline is March 5
- April 23 audition – deadline is April 2
- May 5 audition – deadline is April 14
- May 28 audition – deadline is May 7
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Program information
<p>For questions about Music programs email us at [email protected].</p>
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?