Music Courses in Canada for International Students
Updated: Jun 20, 2021
Music is a study that consists of a wide range of courses with many theoretical and practical features. The complexity of this study concerning various genres manifests from the fact that you can specialize in more than one area.
Picking the best institution and instructors is crucial in the field of music. Luckily, if you choose to pursue your studies in Canada, you're in for a full immersion that will not only hone your skills as a musician, but will also prepare you for the industry itself.
Being the sixth-largest contributor of internationally renowned artists in the music business, Canada earns the badge as the primary go-to place for creative youngsters and mature students.
Looking to earn your mark in the field of music? A certificate or diploma could be a wise move. Read along as we give you a glimpse of some of the best music programs and schools in Canada.
1. Music Industry Arts and Performance – Centennial College
Centennial College's School of Communication, Media, Arts, and Design offers an advanced music diploma program in Music Industry Arts and Performance. This program will help you turn your passion into an exhilarating career in the field of music.
This three-year program will help you:
Enhance musicality and creativity.
Earn familiarity with a variety of music cultures.
Gain knowledge of music-related technologies.
Develop business and entrepreneurial skills.
Private lessons and collaborative rehearsals will be mentored by professional musicians. In the final semester, there will be a six-week placement to provide a practical experience in the real world.
In the final year of this program, you'll get to choose a stream of study for your specialization. You may choose from the music creation and business stream or the music creation and technology stream.
As a graduate of this program, you'll learn basic skills and music entrepreneurship.
Education Pathways
Qualified graduates from this program are eligible to join pathway programs with Centennial College's partnering institution. This pathway program will give you degree credits for the learnings you got from Centennial College and continue your studies in different fields such as music production, music engineering, and the likes.
2. Music and Fine Arts Program – Humber College
A) Bachelor of Music Degree
Humber has produced many successful musicians over the years. Its Bachelor of Music Degree houses more than 350 students and faculty. This program is one of the most diverse programs in Canada.
Known for the strength of its professors, Humber provides an opportunity to study in private, in a classroom set-up, and more than 50 bands directed by Canada's known musicians.
Humber College’s Bachelor of Music is a four-year music degree that offers the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies in the music world. Here, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills you need in your future career.
This is a two-year music course with lessons on major instruments as well as classes in music production and the music business. Here, you will develop your musical talent and artistry by presenting your recital, arranging and composing your original material, and the opportunity to release your music.
In the fourth year of the program, students complete a major recording project that serves as their portfolio as they make their way to the music industry upon graduation.
Work Placement
As part of gaining experience in the real world, you will participate in a work placement which is characterized by contract, freelance, and part-time employment. You need to accumulate 420 hours of experience which will allow you to expand your contacts and network with the companies and industry professionals.
B) Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music Certificate

Humber College’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music is a two-semester performance-based program that is intended to support, evaluate and strengthen your skills. It broadens your fundamentals in western music and develops your skills through jazz-specific areas and ensemble performance.
Upon graduation, you will develop a clearer understanding of your field. You will also be a candidate for entry to post-secondary music degree and diploma programs. All with a focus on the commercial jazz field.
Your Career
As a student in this program, you will study with Canada’s finest jazz musicians. The program will help you assess your ability and skills that will help you with your future opportunities and career directions.