Music Department

We are proud to boast a relaxed, non-threatening and non-competitive environment that offers an atmosphere ripe for learning. Students pride themselves on being supportive, not competitive. Everyone is on a first name basis with an open door policy the norm for faculty. Our students come from across the country and around the world not to mention the native Quebec culture infused throughout the University. This diversity makes the department a vibrant and exciting place to work and study. Enjoy browsing all that we have to offer.

Why study Music at Bishop’s?

One word - flexibility. From the most concentrated program of study, the B.A. with a Music Honours, to the most general, the B.A. with a Music Minor, students are afforded the opportunity and are encouraged to pursue other areas of interest. All of our music programs offer the same courses as B.Mus. programs Canada-wide but at Bishop’s, students have the flexibility within their degree to choose between such options as a double major, a major with one or more minors or even a double degree.

New Program Launched in 2008

In the fall of 2008, the Music Department expanded its course offerings outside the realm of classical music to offer courses that lead to a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a minor, major or even honours in the area of Music in Popular Culture. Students may study a wide variety of subjects including, song writing and arranging, improvisation, the "business" of music, world and film music courses all in addition to receiving instruction on their instrument of choice. Since its inception, two courses from this new program have gained campus-wide attention – "Music for the Movies" and "Rock 101" both open to students studying in any discipline and both boasting some of the largest classes on campus. Check out complete degree requirements under our course listings.

Program strengths

• Our Department prides itself on the amount of individual attention it offers its student body. You will rarely be in a class that exceeds twenty-five students and will quickly be on a first-name basis with your professors who regularly offer extended office hours. You are never just a student number.
• As early as the first semester of study, students have the opportunity to gain valuable public performing experience. These include our weekly noon-hour recitals, student showcases, cabaret nights and end-of-semester concerts in the jazz, orchestral, choral and chamber music courses as well as the annual musical produced jointly with the Drama Department. Orchestral musicians may also earn the opportunity to perform with the Sherbrooke Youth Orchestra.
• Students are granted access to, among other fine instruments, two world-class Hamburg Steinway pianos as well as the opportunity to make professional-level recordings in our acoustically superb concert hall. In addition the Department houses a Wilhelm continuo organ, a 2-manual French Baroque harpsichord made by Montreal craftsman Yves Beaupré (both ideal for Baroque chamber ensembles), a seven-foot American Steinway, and access to a nine-foot American Steinway piano housed in Centennial Theatre. Spacious practice rooms on the lower level are all equipped with Yamaha upright pianos.
• Students can choose from either traditional classical studies or a new popular music programme that investigates the literature, theory and creative aspects of jazz, pop, and theatre music.
• With the gracious support of the University, the department is fortunate to host each year, visiting Artists in Residence whose week-long stay offer students the opportunity to partake in lessons, master classes as well as the chance to share the stage with renowned artists in public concerts

Popular courses

• MUS 101 "Rock 101"
• MUS 102 "Music for the Movies"
• MUS 180 "Choral Ensemble" - over 100 strong!

• The Music Department proudly offers the BIshop's community a full and varied concert series. Musique Chez Nous hosts an average of thirty concerts per year featuring local, national and international musicians. Our series is unique because it is run entirely by the students. Paid positions are available for concert administrators, publicity personnel, box office and concert staff as well as recording and lighting technicians. You can enjoy world-class music as well as work behind the scenes.
• For those of you who speak French, an exchange agreement with the Université de Sherbrooke School of Music exists that allows you to take courses not offered at Bishop's with our colleagues across town and transfer those credits towards your degree at Bishop's.