Music — Advanced Performance — Orchestral Instrument

The University of British Columbia offers an advanced performance program in Music, specializing in Orchestral Instruments, designed for highly talented and motivated musicians seeking to refine their skills and prepare for professional careers in orchestral and ensemble settings. This comprehensive program provides students with rigorous training in performance, technical mastery, and musical interpretation, rooted in a rich tradition of excellence. Students engage in intensive individual lessons with distinguished faculty members who are active performers and educators at national and international levels, ensuring personalized mentorship and guidance tailored to each instrument and musical style.

Throughout the program, students participate in regular master classes, workshops, and chamber music ensembles, fostering collaborative skills and exposing them to diverse repertoires across different periods and genres. The curriculum emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also musicality, expressive playing, and a deep understanding of the historical and contextual significance of the repertoire. Performance opportunities include university concerts, collaborations with visiting artists, and potential placement in regional and national orchestral auditions, providing real-world experience and professional development.

Facilities at UBC include state-of-the-art practice rooms, performance halls, and recording studios, enabling students to hone their craft in a supportive environment. The program also emphasizes career planning, offering access to audition preparation, audition workshops, and networking opportunities within the professional orchestral community. Graduates of the Advanced Performance – Orchestral Instrument program are well-equipped to pursue careers as orchestral musicians, soloists, chamber performers, or educators, with many alumnae and alumni performing in major orchestras across Canada and internationally. Our commitment is to cultivate musicians who excel technically and interpretatively, inspired to make meaningful contributions to the musical world.

The Bachelor of Music with a specialization in Advanced Performance in Orchestral Instruments at the University of British Columbia is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a professional career as a classical orchestral musician. This degree offers an intensive training environment that combines rigorous academic coursework with high-level practical instruction to hone students' technical skills, interpretative abilities, and ensemble performance techniques. Throughout the program, students engage in regular individual lessons with esteemed faculty members who are active performers and pedagogues, providing personalized mentorship to advance their instrumental mastery.

The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive performance training, including solo repertoire development, chamber music collaboration, and orchestral excerpts preparation. Students participate in numerous performances and masterclasses, gaining valuable stage experience and exposure to a variety of musical styles and historical periods. The program also encourages interdisciplinary learning, integrating music theory, history, and analysis to deepen students’ understanding of musical context and enhance their interpretative insight.

In addition to individual and ensemble training, students have access to state-of-the-art practice facilities, including advanced practice rooms and recording studios, to support their development. The program fosters a vibrant musical community through participation in university ensembles, outreach performances, and competitions, promoting professional growth and networking opportunities within the classical music industry.

The degree culminates in a series of performances, recitals, and a final assessment that showcase students’ technical excellence and artistic maturity. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers in orchestras, chamber groups, recording studios, or further graduate studies. The University of British Columbia’s distinguished faculty and its supportive academic environment provide students with the resources, mentorship, and experience necessary to succeed at the highest levels of musical performance.

The Bachelor of Music in Advanced Performance with a specialization in Orchestral Instruments at The University of British Columbia requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop advanced technical skills, interpretative abilities, and a professional outlook necessary for a career as a professional orchestral musician. Students must engage in a combination of individual lessons, ensemble performances, and academic coursework to meet the program standards. The program typically includes a rigorous sequence of performance courses focused on solo repertoire, chamber music, and orchestral excerpts, enabling students to refine their tone production, technical agility, and expressive capabilities.

In addition to performance requirements, students undertake music theory, music history, and musicology courses to deepen their understanding of musical contexts and stylistic nuances relevant to orchestral works. They are expected to participate actively in university ensembles such as symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, or specialized instrumental groups, providing vital practical experience and collaborative skills. The program emphasizes professional development through workshops, masterclasses, and seminars conducted by prominent artists and faculty members, preparing students for auditions, recording sessions, and other professional opportunities within the classical music industry.

Students are generally required to pass auditions to demonstrate proficiency in their major instrument, showcasing technical mastery and artistry. Depending on the specific instrument, there may be additional specialized coursework or projects. The faculty monitors student progress through regular evaluations, culminating in a final recital that showcases the student's comprehensive performance ability. The program emphasizes both solo performance excellence and the ability to collaborate effectively within orchestral and chamber settings.

Graduates from the program are typically expected to pursue careers as orchestral musicians, solo performers, chamber musicians, or teachers. The program aims to cultivate a high level of musicianship, adaptability, and professionalism, equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in competitive musical environments. Overall, the program combines intensive performance training, academic rigour, and professional preparation to develop well-rounded artists capable of excelling in the demanding world of orchestral music.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Financing studies for the Music — Advanced Performance — Orchestral Instrument program at The University of British Columbia typically involve a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options. As an internationally recognized institution, UBC offers various ways to support students financially throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees vary depending on the student’s residency status, with domestic students generally paying lower fees compared to international students. For the academic year, domestic students can expect tuition costs to be approximately CAD 6,000 to CAD 8,000 per year, while international students may pay between CAD 35,000 and CAD 45,000 annually. It is important to note that these figures are estimates and may fluctuate annually; prospective students should consult the official UBC website or contact the admissions office for the most current information.

In addition to tuition fees, students often incur costs related to instruments, supplies, and living expenses. To assist students financially, UBC offers a variety of scholarships targeted at outstanding applicants with demonstrated talent in music. These include entrance scholarships, merit-based awards, and performance-based bursaries specific to music students. For example, the UBC Audition Scholarships and the Hugh Newell Award are available to exceptionally talented musicians entering the program. Many of these awards are renewable annually based on academic and performance achievement.

Students are also encouraged to explore external funding opportunities such as government grants, private foundations, and music organizations that provide scholarships for musicians. The Canadian Arts & Music Grants program and provincial bursaries are among the options available to eligible students. Additionally, work-study programs may be accessible, allowing students to work on campus to offset educational costs.

Financial planning is an essential part of enrolling in the program, and prospective students are advised to apply early for scholarships and bursaries. The university also provides financial advising services to help students develop comprehensive funding strategies. For international students, UBC recommends looking into different visa requirements, work permitted during studies, and possible scholarship opportunities designated specifically for international applicants.

While financing your studies in the Advanced Performance — Orchestral Instrument program, it is crucial to consider additional costs such as accommodation, health insurance, books, and personal expenses. International students should budget for health insurance plans provided through UBC or externally, which are often mandatory for their stay in Canada.

In summary, financing studies at UBC for the Music — Advanced Performance — Orchestral Instrument program involves understanding tuition rates, actively seeking scholarships and bursaries, exploring external funding options, and planning for living expenses. The university’s commitment to fostering talented musicians is complemented by a range of financial support systems aimed at reducing barriers and enabling students to focus on their artistic and academic development.

The University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive Advanced Performance program specializing in Orchestral Instruments within its Faculty of Fine Arts. This program is designed for highly skilled musicians seeking to develop their professional careers through intensive training, advanced performance opportunities, and scholarly engagement in their chosen instrument. Students in this program typically engage in rigorous individual lessons, ensemble participation, and masterclasses with renowned faculty members, honing their technical abilities and artistic expression to a professional standard.

The curriculum emphasizes solo performance, chamber music, and orchestral practice, providing students with versatile experiences necessary for orchestral, chamber, or solo careers. Advanced students often have opportunities to perform with university ensembles, participate in national and international competitions, and collaborate with guest artists and conductors. The program supports specialization in various orchestral instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, ensuring a tailored educational experience based on each student’s instrument and career aspirations.

Facilities include state-of-the-art rehearsal and practice spaces, a well-equipped library, and concert venues that host student recitals and faculty concerts throughout the year. The university’s location in Vancouver affords students access to a vibrant performing arts scene, numerous professional orchestras, and cultural events to enhance their educational experience. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers as orchestral musicians, solo performers, chamber artists, educators, and recording artists, with many going on to join professional orchestras or pursue graduate studies.

Admission to this advanced program requires an audition, demonstrating a high level of technical proficiency, musicality, and maturity. Prospective students are advised to prepare a diverse repertoire and demonstrate a strong sense of musical interpretation. The program is typically structured over several years, culminating in a performance degree that signifies high achievement and readiness for professional engagement in the field of classical music performance.

Overall, The University of British Columbia’s Advanced Performance — Orchestral Instrument program combines rigorous performance training with academic excellence, fostering an environment where talented musicians can thrive and develop their artistic voice to the highest levels.