The MA in Music and Culture at Carleton University provides inquiring students with a unique opportunity to explore various theories of culture, music, and music as culture. 

The program is grounded in various kinds of music (classical, popular, non-Western) but conducted from a wide range of interdisciplinary theoretical approaches, including sociology, critical theory, feminism, post-colonialism, and cultural studies ethnomusicology.

Collaborative specializations in African Studies and Digital Humanities are also available.

Capital Advantage

Carleton students can access an unparalleled number of music collections and year-round cultural activities and festivals in the nation’s capital that are relevant to the programs, such as the National Arts Centre and the Canadian Museum of History. 

To date, music students have been placed in numerous practicum settings around Ottawa, including Library and Archives Canada, the Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, the CBC, ChamberFest and Hummingbird Music/Pebble Studios.

Faculty Research Highlights

• Canadian and First Nations music
• Popular music
• Historical musicology
• Ethnomusicology
• Music and media
• Jazz and improvisation studies
• Music and social justice
• Music and globalization
• Music and post-colonialism

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency (If Applicable)
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Letters of Reference (2 required)
• Statement of Intent (1 required)
• Writing Sample (1 required)

• The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's program in Music and Culture is either a B.Mus. degree or a B.A. Honours degree in Music with a minimum B+ average.
• Applicants with a B.A. Honours in a related discipline (e.g., Mass Communication, Women's Studies, Philosophy, or Cultural Studies), with a minimum average of B+, will also be considered provided the applicant can demonstrate a strong background in some form of music.
• Applicants without the requisite background in either cultural/theory or music may be required to take a maximum of two full credits from designated courses at the undergraduate level in addition to their normal M.A. program requirements.
• There are no performance requirements for admission to this degree program.
• Applicants without a B.Mus. or B.A. Honours degree in Music, or a related discipline, but who have a three-year degree with a minimum average of B+, may be admitted to a qualifying year program. Students who complete the qualifying year requirements with a minimum average of B+ will be considered for admission to the Master's program.