A rich and varied offering of courses designed to prepare thoughtful, musically sensitive, passionate, and technically skilled music educators who engage in music teaching and learning at all levels and in many contexts. The goal of the program is to educate students to be critically aware, community oriented and reflective persons who are professionally prepared to be transformative leaders in the education of a musical society. The program is designed to provide students with both breadth and depth in their musical studies.
Why it stands out
Exceptional teaching has made the Faculty of Music a national leader in music education for over 75 years. Students receive expert guidance from instructors with deep professional experience as educators, performers, entrepreneurs, and researchers. They also benefit from opportunities to connect with the vibrant music education scene within the university and the City of Toronto at large.
This program addresses the fundamentals of music education from a jazz perspective. It approaches jazz pedagogy with a focus on the uniqueness of the art form and its history. Students gain insights into challenges and opportunities specific to teaching jazz.
Who it's for
This program is intended for students passionately committed to teaching jazz. Curious, motivated, collaborative, and versatile students who are are passionate about music, demonstrate potential for musical growth, and are willing to take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to them.
Outcomes
Opportunities for study
The program provides both breadth and depth. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of music pedagogy fundamentals. Small classes, courses balancing theoretical and practical instruction, and ongoing mentorship are highlights of the program. Students may identify an area (or areas) of specialty within Music Education (for example: Elementary, Choral, Instrumental, Music from other Traditions), but they are also encouraged to explore the richness of musical experiences offered. Core program requirements are complemented with an incredible breadth of fields across music, which speaks not only to music as an interdisciplinary practice, but to its relevance in society today.
Opportunities after graduation
This program will train students to respond to the changing landscape in musical fields by preparing for a diverse set of career paths. Many graduates teach in community organizations or (after obtaining an additional Bachelor of Education degree) in educational institutions, from preschools to high schools. Some build careers as artist-teachers or as leaders in arts organizations in which a broad musical background is an asset.
Postgraduate opportunities
The Bachelor of Music qualifies graduates for further study. Students who want to teach in a school system will apply to a teacher certification degree such as the Bachelor of Education (at another university) or the Master of Teaching at OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at UofT). The Faculty of Music, in collaboration with OISE offers a Combined Master of Teaching degree, that students in year 3 of the Music Education program can apply to. Students accepted into the program begin working on the requirements of the Master of Teaching in year 4 of their undergraduate degree. Students also pursue a wide range of other programs after graduation, depending on their interests. Graduates could apply to pursue further study within Music, or professional programs such as business, medicine and law.
During my time at U of T, I’ve developed as a performer under the instruction of U of T’s exceptional jazz faculty, along with exploring the vibrant Toronto music scene. I’ve also been able to expand my skillset to include composing, arranging, and interpretation of diverse musical styles by taking part in courses like the Brazilian music ensemble. Being in the education stream of the jazz program, I’ve also had the pleasure of studying with the music education department, where a broad offering of courses in instrument techniques, rehearsal methods, pedagogy, and conducting has helped me develop as an aspiring music educator. I’m very pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to combine my interests for jazz performance and music education, making the jazz education program a great fit for me.
– Isaac Kashino
Bachelor of Music 2025 - Music Education (Jazz Trombone)
Core courses include music history courses from global as well as Western art music perspectives, in addition to jazz history courses. Students complete a comprehensive study of melody and harmony as it applies to jazz theory and ear training. Performance requires participation in vocal or instrumental ensembles (both large and/or small) and individual vocal or instrumental instruction
In Year 1, students complete the Introduction to Music Education, to understand the concepts and contexts to music education with an emphasis on a critical examination of current practice. The course also introduces the basics of various approaches to music teaching and learning. This is complemented with introductory instrumental courses, in strings, brass and woodwinds. In Year 2, Theoretical Inquiry in Music Education introduces students to theoretical concepts related to students, teachers, music, and music educational settings while the Psychological Foundations course lets students critically reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of prevailing psychological theories in the context of music teaching and learning. These courses lay the foundation for education electives that provide opportunities for further in-depth study.
Music Electives
All programs require the completion of a specific number of Music Electives and Breadth Electives. A Music Elective is any Faculty of Music course (excluding Basic Music Courses) that is not required for a specific program. Students have the opportunity to benefit from the diverse course offerings, that span different areas and traditions of music.
Breadth Electives
A Breadth Elective is a course offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science; however, up to one full credit of designated Music courses can be counted towards this requirement. For those intending to teach at the intermediate or senior levels in the school system in Ontario, proficiency in a second teachable is required (this must be a subject taught in schools). A great resource is http://www.ouac.on.ca/teas/, which outlines the second teachable requirements of all institutions in Ontario that offer a Bachelor of Education. By planning ahead, students are able to complete the second teachable requirements as part of the breadth electives.
