In Conversation with the Music Studies Area Coordinator Andrea Creech
(Re)Introducing the Music Studies program at the Schulich School of Music
The Music Studies (BMus) program provides a unique, flexible curriculum designed to train students for a wide range of evolving, interdisciplinary career paths in music. Previously administered as a Faculty Program, the revised program helps guide students on individualized pathways to support their goals. While all students participate in ensembles, 鈥榩ractical studies鈥� (one-on-one teaching) becomes one of many possible specializations, with course offerings ranging from music history, theory, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and beyond! Still, across all possible pathways, the BMus program is built around four central components:
-
Core music studies: Including music history, music theory, and ensembles听
-
Specializations: Courses selected from any combination of music specializations
-
Electives: Including free electives and non-music electives
-
Capstone project: Bringing together the program鈥檚 interdisciplinary training
For a unique insight into the motivations behind the changes to the program, its benefits and how the program remains relevant in today鈥檚 dynamic world, we spoke with Professor Andrea Creech, Music Studies Area Coordinator at the Schulich School of Music, who helped shape the current Music Studies program.
What inspired the revision and renaming of this program?
The revision was inspired by longstanding issues with the Faculty Program, which could probably be summarized as lack of identity and lack of 鈥榮tatus鈥� within the School. We needed to retain the scope for a personalized, curated program (offered by the Faculty Program) and yet ensure that we provide students with clear pathways and milestones. We also wanted to respond to 黑料网爆吃瓜鈥檚 call for equity, diversity, and inclusion in our programs, and to think more broadly about who may succeed in a music degree, and what a music degree can look like.
Are there changes in the music industry, education, or student interests that make this timely?
The music 鈥渋ndustry鈥�, broadly, is very dynamic and changing rapidly. Technology, globalization, democratization of music production tools, changes in career expectations (e.g., entrepreneurialism, collaboration, portfolio careers), changing audiences, and social and ethical movements that encompass issues of equity, representation, sustainability 鈥� these are all drivers of change in the music industry. Higher Music Education has a responsibility to be responsive to those changes, so that we can best support our students to succeed in the professional music landscape. We also have a responsibility, I believe, to create accessible and inclusive pathways into a music degree.
What kinds of opportunities do you see emerging for graduates?
Music Studies students may go on to a host of different kind of careers: Music Therapy; Arts Administration: Music Journalism: Music Librarianship; Music Entrepreneurship; Community Music; Media content creator; Music supervisor in media industries; [and more]. They may proceed to teacher qualification and work as music educators, or proceed to graduate school, and specialize in disciplines such as entertainment law, musicology, ethnomusicology, music theory, and so on. They will, in this program, develop transferable skills that could equip them to work in multiple roles in creative industries.
What makes this program exciting for students and for the future of music education?
The revised program is certainly part of a wider change occurring in Higher Music Education departing from the traditional conservatoire model of training in Western Art Music. The program is flexible, allows for interdisciplinary pathways that can include Minors (in music and/or beyond) or even a second Major from outside of Music, and yet the specializations will give each student a strong sense of identity in the program, culminating in their capstone project.
What students do you envision thriving in this program?
This program is for students who love and excel in music, and who are interested in how music can play a role in forging interdisciplinary futures. We also welcome students with diverse musical backgrounds, for whom a traditional conservatoire style performance program would not align well with their background.
What is your advice for interested applicants?
My advice is to apply! We welcome diversity and curious minds. If you are a student who is curious, creative and would like to curate a personalized, interdisciplinary program, then we welcome your application!!
Music Studies is a program designed for the realities of today鈥檚 music world: flexible, interdisciplinary, and grounded in clear milestones that support a wide range of futures in and beyond performance. As the Music Studies program is introduced at Schulich, the goal is simple鈥� give students the tools and space to shape an individual pathway while staying connected to a vibrant musical community. Applications for the Fall 2027 intake will open this September.
