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The Music Diploma (Classical) Program provides a rich introduction to music in an environment that nurtures the artistic and creative potential of our music students.

The program integrates theoretical, historical and performance studies, offering concentrations in piano, voice, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion and composition.

This two-year Diploma is transferable to a Bachelor of Music Degree and provides the foundation for further studies in other artist diplomas, including Music Education, Music Therapy and the Liberal Arts.

Guitarist playing as part of a Music Diploma concert.

Master theory, thrive in performance

Learning popular music studies from the accomplished musicians in our faculty, you'll gain a rich understanding for tonal harmony, sequence of music, chord-to-chord connections and valuable techniques for learning and memorizing repertoire.

Career paths

  • Arranger
  • Composer
  • Musician
  • Music teacher
  • Private instructor
  • Music therapist

Create perfect harmony

In this music program, you'll spend time in vocal and instrumental ensembles, helping you sharpen your abilities in tuning, tone, phrasing, balance and have opportunities to perform with other musicians. 

A well-rounded music diploma

Through intensive study, this diploma also puts a strong focus on developing your ear training and sight singing, the concepts of organization, including rhythm, pitch, structure, form and style, with special attention paid to growing your knowledge of music history.

Portrait of Annie Huang
“As a Music Diploma student, the professors really pushed me to become the best version of myself both musically and academically. I was able to refine my skills and explore the potential I never knew I had.”
Annie Huang, 2019 Music Diploma graduate

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Intakes

Important dates

Applications open

Oct 1, 2024 – Feb 4, 2025

Course Registration & Waitlisting start

Jun 23, 2025

Fee payment deadline

4:00 PM - Aug 25, 2025

NOTE: Important dates may change.

How to Apply

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay an application fee of $50, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs. 
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If you are currently in Grade 12, you must request that the Ministry of Education submit your transcript directly to Capilano University.
  • Documents must be in the original language of issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Audition

All students planning to enter the Music Diploma program must audition.  This process includes a performance of repertoire, an ear test, an interview and a theory exam.  Applicants must demonstrate a thorough and fluent knowledge of the fundamentals of music (Rudiments). 

Approximately three weeks after their audition, students will receive notification of their acceptance or nonacceptance to the Music Diploma program.

Audition Requirements

All prospective students wishing to enter the Music Diploma Program are required to audition on their primary instrument. Those students unable to attend a live audition may submit a tape/CD or video recording for assessment. Due to enrolment demands and to be eligible for entrance scholarships, applicants are strongly advised to audition as early as possible.

When filling out the application form please include which instrument(s) you will be auditioning on in the comments section of the form.

Students will be notified of their audition date in early spring.

The audition process consists of the following four parts:

1. Repertoire  

Applicants must perform two contrasting selections, preferably by memory and not to exceed 15 minutes. One copy of each selection must be provided for the audition committee. A list of repertoire studied within the last two years and a letter of reference from the applicant's current teacher should be presented at the audition, if possible. Where an accompanist is needed, it is suggested the applicant provide his or her own pianist or perform without accompaniment (an accompanist provided by the university may be available on certain audition dates). 

Sight-Reading may be required at the discretion of the audition committee.

Performance Level Required:

  • Piano: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Ten or equivalent.
  • Voice: There is no specific grade level required. An ability to perform in a language other than English is an advantage, but not required.
  • Wind/Brass/Strings/Guitar/Percussion: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Six or equivalent.

The above grade levels are approximate guidelines and those applicants who are below the indicated level and demonstrate good potential for future growth and development will be given consideration.

2. Musicianship Skills Assessment  

  • Tap or clap a short rhythmic excerpt
  • Identify intervals within an octave (ascending and descending)
  • Identify chords (major, minor, dominant and diminished sevenths in root position)
  • Pitch Matching (match one to three pitches with the voice after being heard on the piano)

3. Interview

Applicants will be asked about their musical background and future music, career and personal goals.

4. Theory Exam

Applicants must demonstrate a thorough and fluent knowledge of the fundamentals of music (pitch, key signatures, scales, rhythm, intervals, chords, transposition and musical terms).

Applicants who have successfully completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Level Eight Theory (Advanced Rudiments/Grade Two Rudiments) Exam will be granted exemption, however, are required to bring a copy of their RCM certificate to the audition.

A sample theory exam is available from the music office or by downloading the following PDF files:

Sample Theory Placement Exam (pdf)

Recommended Texts for Preparation:

  • Berlin, Boris, Molly Sclater and Kathryn Sinclair. Keys to Music Rudiments. Toronto: Gordon V. Thompson (Warner Bros. Publications), 1968-1969.
  • Lawless, James. The New Theory Workbook. 3 vols. Waterloo, Ontario: Waterloo Music, 1991.
  • Sarnecki, Mark. The Complete Elementary Music Rudiments. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2001.
  • Vandendool, Grace. Keyboard Theory. 3 vols. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2001.
  • Wharram, Barbara. Elementary Rudiments of Music. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 1969.

Go to www.musictheory.net or Music Fundamentals worksheets and answer sheets for additional music theory and ear training resources.

5. Distance Audition Information

  1. What format should I use to record my audition?

    You can use any format that will allow us to clearly hear and see your performance. Typically applicants either send a DVD or use a website such as YouTube to post their performance online. If you send a DVD, please ensure that the file name is a standard one i.e. Mp4, which is usable by most computers or DVD players. Recordings should be in one uninterrupted take for each piece performed. Generally, two pieces in contrasting styles are sufficient.

    Submit DVDs to (please note DVDs will not be returned):
    Music Office
    Capilano University
    2055 Purcell Way,
    North Vancouver, BC V7J 3H5

    Submit YouTube auditions to music@capilanou.ca quoting the exact URL link for your audition.

  2. How will I write the theory placement test?

    Please provide the name and contact information of the music educator who will oversee your writing of the theory placement test. We will email or fax them the test and they will be required to return the test to us for marking. You must write the test with the following guidelines: one-hour time limit, no help from the overseeing teacher, and no outside resources in the room.

  3. How will my interview and musicianship testing be done?

    This part of the audition is typically done by telephone or Skype. If you are able to assure us of your proficiency in musicianship skills, the test can be postponed until after you have received a letter of admittance - the musicianship test is really just a placement test. It does not normally prevent an applicant from being admitted to the program unless they have some kind of hearing disability. The telephone or Skype sessions will be arranged.

For students who have previously attended post-secondary, even though you submitted a digital copy of your transcripts on EducationPlannerBC, you must submit official university or college transcripts for transfer credit.

Please send all official documents to:

Registrar's Office
Library Building, Room LB152
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, BC
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and the signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing university or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Once you've been accepted into a program, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
  • If you wish to receive transfer credits, please submit official university/college/International Baccalaureate (IB)/Advanced Placements (AP) transcripts either electronically or by mail:

     

    Registrar's Office
    Library Building, Room LB152
    2055 Purcell Way
    North Vancouver, BC
    V7J 3H5

New Students

Most CapU programs need proof that you:

Every student must apply to CapU through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC), a website for applying to universities and colleges across British Columbia.

Visit Apply Now to make sure you're ready to fill in your application.

  • When you submit your application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of C$135, which gives you the opportunity to apply for 2 programs.
  • You will need to upload a digital (PDF) copy of your transcripts and supporting documents at this time.
  • If your original transcripts and supporting documents are not written in English, please submit a translated copy.
Apply on EPBC

After submitting your application on EducationPlannerBC you will receive an acknowledgement message from us to your personal email.

  • This email will include your Student ID number and your myCapU account and email address.
  • Instructions on how to track your application will also be included.
  • All future messages from us will be sent to your myCapU email.
  • If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.
Funding for International Students

Audition

All students planning to enter the Music Diploma program must audition.  This process includes a performance of repertoire, an ear test, an interview and a theory exam.  Applicants must demonstrate a thorough and fluent knowledge of the fundamentals of music (Rudiments). 

Approximately three weeks after their audition, students will receive notification of their acceptance or nonacceptance to the Music Diploma program.

Audition Requirements

All prospective students wishing to enter the Music Diploma Program are required to audition on their primary instrument. Those students unable to attend a live audition may submit a tape/CD or video recording for assessment. Due to enrolment demands and to be eligible for entrance scholarships, applicants are strongly advised to audition as early as possible.

When filling out the application form please include which instrument(s) you will be auditioning on in the comments section of the form.

Students will be notified of their audition date in early spring.

The audition process consists of the following four parts:

1. Repertoire  

Applicants must perform two contrasting selections, preferably by memory and not to exceed 15 minutes. One copy of each selection must be provided for the audition committee. A list of repertoire studied within the last two years and a letter of reference from the applicant's current teacher should be presented at the audition, if possible. Where an accompanist is needed, it is suggested the applicant provide his or her own pianist or perform without accompaniment (an accompanist provided by the university may be available on certain audition dates). 

Sight-Reading may be required at the discretion of the audition committee.

Performance Level Required:

  • Piano: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Ten or equivalent.
  • Voice: There is no specific grade level required. An ability to perform in a language other than English is an advantage, but not required.
  • Wind/Brass/Strings/Guitar/Percussion: Royal Conservatory of Music Grade Six or equivalent.

The above grade levels are approximate guidelines and those applicants who are below the indicated level and demonstrate good potential for future growth and development will be given consideration.

2. Musicianship Skills Assessment  

  • Tap or clap a short rhythmic excerpt
  • Identify intervals within an octave (ascending and descending)
  • Identify chords (major, minor, dominant and diminished sevenths in root position)
  • Pitch Matching (match one to three pitches with the voice after being heard on the piano)

3. Interview

Applicants will be asked about their musical background and future music, career and personal goals.

4. Theory Exam

Applicants must demonstrate a thorough and fluent knowledge of the fundamentals of music (pitch, key signatures, scales, rhythm, intervals, chords, transposition and musical terms).

Applicants who have successfully completed the Royal Conservatory of Music Level Eight Theory (Advanced Rudiments/Grade Two Rudiments) Exam will be granted exemption, however, are required to bring a copy of their RCM certificate to the audition.

A sample theory exam is available from the music office or by downloading the following PDF files:

Sample Theory Placement Exam (pdf)

Recommended Texts for Preparation:

  • Berlin, Boris, Molly Sclater and Kathryn Sinclair. Keys to Music Rudiments. Toronto: Gordon V. Thompson (Warner Bros. Publications), 1968-1969.
  • Lawless, James. The New Theory Workbook. 3 vols. Waterloo, Ontario: Waterloo Music, 1991.
  • Sarnecki, Mark. The Complete Elementary Music Rudiments. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2001.
  • Vandendool, Grace. Keyboard Theory. 3 vols. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 2001.
  • Wharram, Barbara. Elementary Rudiments of Music. Mississauga, Ontario: Frederick Harris Music, 1969.

Go to www.musictheory.net or Music Fundamentals worksheets and answer sheets for additional music theory and ear training resources.

5. Distance Audition Information

  1. What format should I use to record my audition?

    You can use any format that will allow us to clearly hear and see your performance. Typically applicants either send a DVD or use a website such as YouTube to post their performance online. If you send a DVD, please ensure that the file name is a standard one i.e. Mp4, which is usable by most computers or DVD players. Recordings should be in one uninterrupted take for each piece performed. Generally, two pieces in contrasting styles are sufficient.

    Submit DVDs to (please note DVDs will not be returned):
    Music Office
    Capilano University
    2055 Purcell Way,
    North Vancouver, BC V7J 3H5

    Submit YouTube auditions to music@capilanou.ca quoting the exact URL link for your audition.

  2. How will I write the theory placement test?

    Please provide the name and contact information of the music educator who will oversee your writing of the theory placement test. We will email or fax them the test and they will be required to return the test to us for marking. You must write the test with the following guidelines: one-hour time limit, no help from the overseeing teacher, and no outside resources in the room.

  3. How will my interview and musicianship testing be done?

    This part of the audition is typically done by telephone or Skype. If you are able to assure us of your proficiency in musicianship skills, the test can be postponed until after you have received a letter of admittance - the musicianship test is really just a placement test. It does not normally prevent an applicant from being admitted to the program unless they have some kind of hearing disability. The telephone or Skype sessions will be arranged.

You've already sent digital copies of your transcripts to EducationPlannerBC as part of your CapU application, but we also need physical copies of your official high school, college or university transcripts.

If you're applying to CapU as a new student, you can use your myCapU account to apply for entrance awards.

Please send your official documents to:

Capilano University
Centre for International Experience, Room LB127
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver, B.C.
V7J 3H5

Official documents may include:

Students must submit official high school and university or college transcripts for admission.

These documents must be sent directly from that institution to Capilano University. They must include the seal of the institution and signature of the authorizing school representative.

We will accept photocopies of transcripts if certified by the authorizing high school, university, or college officer. Notarized copies are not acceptable.

Students may also submit photocopies of academic documents verified by the issuing authority. These authorities include the Ministry of Education, the high school, university, or college, the apostille* or by the appropriate examination board.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

*Apostille countries refers to an international form of a notary seal as certified by the Hague convention. These would be official notary documents from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, etc. and can be accepted in place of original or school-certified documents. The Apostille is prepared by either the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Justice in these countries.

Please note: Documents issued in a language other than English must also include certified English translations. Documents must be in the original language of the issue and translated into English by a recognized translator, if required.

An academic document is original if issued to the student by the institution following that institution’s policies.

Notarized copies are not acceptable.

If you are accepted into a program, you will receive a letter of offer in your myCapU email inbox.

  • You will need to confirm your acceptance into the program by paying a tuition deposit outlined in your letter of offer.
  • This deposit will go towards your first-semester tuition once you are registered for courses at CapU.

After paying your tuition deposit, you will receive a letter of acceptance in your myCapU inbox. This may be used to apply for, or renew, a study permit.

  • Depending on your citizenship, you may also need to apply for an entry visa.
Permits & Visas

Once you've been accepted into a program and have applied for your study permit, you'll need to start planning your courses.

  • You will be notified of your acceptance through your CapU email and your myCapU account.
  • View our page for admitted international students to learn how to prepare for your first day.
Info for Admitted International Students

Admission notes

First year students can fulfill the theory requirement by successfully completing the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 8 Theory (Advanced Rudiments/Grade Two Rudiments), by achieving a minimum grade of 70% on the CapU Music Theory Placement Exam, or by achieving a minimum grade of C+ in MUS 109. Please note that MUS 109 credits cannot be counted towards completion of the Music Diploma and must be taken in addition to the required courses.

Students interested in applying to the Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree can contact the Music Department for a list of recommended courses that should be taken in addition to the Music Diploma. 

Apply Now

Are you ready to rise to the challenge?

Apply now to CapU

Transfer Students

Find out how you can transfer your credits from another post-secondary institution to CapU.

Applying as a Transfer Student

Returning Students

If you're returning to CapU to complete your program or to apply into a new program, please contact the Registrar's Office.

Contact Registrar's Office

Switching Programs

If you want to change your program of study, you need to submit a new application to CapU.

Re-apply to CapU

Tuition and Fees

Are you applying as a domestic or as an international student?

Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $6,620 $1,792 $8,412
Year 2 $6,620 $1,792 $8,412
Total $13,240 $3,584 $16,824
Tuition Fees Total
Year 1 $22,436 $1,792 $24,228
Year 2 $22,436 $1,792 $24,228
Total $44,872 $3,584 $48,456

Tuition & Fees Estimator

Get a detailed breakdown of the tuition and fees for your program.

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Entrance Awards

All new CapU students can fund their education with entrance awards.

See if I qualify

Term Awards

Continuing your studies at CapU? You may be eligible for awards, too.

Take me to the awards

Required Courses

First Term

Total credits: 15.50

Required:
ENGL 100University Writing Strategies3.00 credits
MUS 100Theory I3.00 credits
MUS 112Ear Training and Sight Singing I1.50 credits
MUS 120Music History I3.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
WMPI 100World Music Private Instruction2.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Concentration Instrument 100-Level2.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
ENSM 100Choir Ensemble I2.00 credits
ENSM 110Instrumental Ensemble I2.00 credits
Choose 1.00 credits from the following list:
MUS 114Class Piano I1.00 credits
WMPI 150World Music Private Instruction Secondary1.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Secondary Instrument 100-Level1.00 credits

 

Second Term

Total credits: 15.50

Required:
MUS 101Theory II3.00 credits
MUS 113Ear Training and Sight Singing II1.50 credits
MUS 121Music History II3.00 credits
ENGLEnglish 100-level or higher3.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
WMPI 200World Music Private Instruction2.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Concentration Instrument 200-Level2.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
ENSM 150Choir Ensemble II2.00 credits
ENSM 160Instrumental Ensemble II2.00 credits
Choose 1.00 credits from the following list:
MUS 115Class Piano II1.00 credits
WMPI 250World Music Private Instruction Secondary1.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Secondary Instrument 200-Level1.00 credits

 

Third Term

Total credits: 15.50

Required:
MUS 200Theory III3.00 credits
MUS 212Ear Training and Sight Singing III1.50 credits
MUS 220Music History III3.00 credits
Elective 100-level or higher - excluding COND, ENSJ, ENSM, JAZZ, MUS, PMI and WMPI3.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
WMPI 300World Music Private Instruction2.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Concentration Instrument 300-Level2.00 credits
Choose 1.00 credits from the following list:
MUS 214Class Piano III1.00 credits
WMPI 350World Music Private Instruction Secondary1.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Secondary Instrument 300-Level1.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
ENSM 200Choir Ensemble III2.00 credits
ENSM 210Instrumental Ensemble III2.00 credits

 

Fourth Term

Total credits: 15.50

Required:
MUS 201Theory IV3.00 credits
MUS 213Ear Training and Sight Singing IV1.50 credits
MUS 221Music History IV3.00 credits
Elective 100-level or higher - excluding COND, ENSJ, ENSM, JAZZ, MUS, PMI and WMPI3.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
WMPI 400World Music Private Instruction2.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Concentration Instrument 400-Level2.00 credits
Choose 1.00 credits from the following list:
MUS 215Class Piano IV1.00 credits
WMPI 450World Music Private Instruction Secondary1.00 credits
PMIPrivate Music Instruction - Secondary Instrument 400-Level1.00 credits
Choose 2.00 credits from the following list:
ENSM 250Choir Ensemble IV2.00 credits
ENSM 260Instrumental Ensemble IV2.00 credits

 

Voice concentrators are required to take MUS 122 & 123 in the year it is offered. These courses are 2 credits in total. Voice concentrators will graduate with 64.00 credits in total.

Choose from the following list:
MUS 122Lyric Diction I1.00 credits
MUS 123Lyric Diction II1.00 credits

Total program credits: 62.00

Additional information

For students who take MUS 109 to fulfill the theory requirement, please note that credits from MUS 109 cannot be counted towards completion of the Music Diploma and must be taken in addition to the required courses.

Students interested in applying to the Bachelor of Music Therapy Degree can contact the Music Department for a list of recommended courses that should be taken in addition to the Music Diploma.

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate the ability to hear, identify and work conceptually with the melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements of tonal music, including sight-reading, keyboard proficiency and analysis, and to use these skills to solve musical problems and evaluate the way music is shaped by artistic movements and cultural forces.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of music history and literature and the development of musical forms and genres from the Western art tradition up to the present time including the aural recognition of styles, forms and genres.
  • Demonstrate research skills and an ability in written communication and critical inquiry appropriate to third-year university level of study.
  • Competently perform repertory appropriate to third-year university entry level as individuals and as members of ensembles, utilizing skills and knowledge gained from the learning outcomes in theory, musicianship skills, keyboard skills and music history.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with music technology in its various forms for composition and scholarly pursuits.

How to Declare

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar.

Have a question?

Get in touch with us!

About this program

School of Performing Arts
604 984 4911
music@capilanou.ca

General inquiries

Student Information Services
Library Building, room LB152

604-984-4900
604-984-1798 (fax)
registration@capilanou.ca