Popular Music & Culture

The Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music & Culture at Western University offers students a comprehensive and dynamic exploration of contemporary music and its socio-cultural contexts. This interdisciplinary program combines courses in music performance, musicology, ethnomusicology, history, and cultural studies to provide a well-rounded understanding of popular music genres, trends, and their influence on society. Students will have opportunities to develop practical skills in music performance, composition, and production through hands-on experience, while also engaging critically with theories related to media, identity, globalization, and technological change in the music industry. The curriculum encourages students to analyze the evolution of popular music across diverse cultures and eras, investigating topics such as musical innovation, commercialism, activism, and community building within musical communities. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and critical thinking, enabling graduates to pursue careers in music journalism, production, curation, arts administration, or further academic research. Students can participate in various performance ensembles, internships, and interdisciplinary projects that enhance their academic experience and professional preparation. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and a vibrant campus community, the Popular Music & Culture program aims to cultivate creative, informed, and culturally engaged graduates who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of music and society. By blending theory and practice, this program prepares students for a diverse range of careers in the music industry, academia, media, and beyond, fostering a deep appreciation and critical understanding of the role of popular music in shaping contemporary culture.

• Interdisciplinary Foundations of Media Theory
• Introduction to Popular Music Studies
• Listening to Popular Music
• Electives

Requirements

• Four year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of popular music and have the ability to manage the curriculum's diverse requirements. We suggest competence in one of the following areas: music history (including artists, genres, and repertoires); music technology; discography; music business; theory; performance; criticism.
• Students born outside Canada whose first language is not English must provide proof of achieving a score of at least 107 (Internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a score of 8.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), taken within the last 2 years.
• Transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. 
• Past or current students of Western University are required to upload an electronic copy of their academic record to the online application. An unofficial academic record, available from your Western Student Center, can be used.
• If you have attended or are currently enrolled at any university or college other than Western, you MUST upload and attach an electronic copy or scanned PDF copy of your transcripts from each institution attended to the online application. Applicants who are offered a space in the program will be required to provide one official* copy of their transcript to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies prior to the start of the program.
• Applicants are required to enter the names and contact information (including e-mail address) of two academic referees (academic referees are people who have taught the applicant in a university degree credit course) into the online application. Once the application is submitted, each referee will receive a request via e-mail within 24 - 48 hours to complete an electronic recommendation form on the applicant’s behalf. A link to the form will be included in the e-mail. The applicant will receive an e-mail when Western receives the referee's letter of recommendation.
• Non-refundable application fee of CAD $100.00
• A sample of academic writing (5 - 10 pages)
• A statement of objectives as a student in the program, together with an indication of the area in which the student would like to do a thesis or creative project (one - two pages)
• Questionnaire about background knowledge and experience (pdf)
• For permanent residents of Canada only, please include a photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card or a photocopy of your Record of Landing. If you are applying to be a permanent resident, but have not been granted landed-immigrant status, you must apply as an international applicant.
• Proof of name change, if applicable (photocopy of change of name documentation, such as marriage certificate or other legal change of name and a photocopy of photo ID showing your current name)

Scholarships

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

The Western University’s Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music & Culture offers students an in-depth exploration of the dynamic world of contemporary music and its cultural contexts. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of popular music's evolution, its influence on society, and its role within various cultural, social, and historical frameworks. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that combines music theory, history, ethnomusicology, sociology, and media studies, equipping them with the analytical skills needed to critically assess the social significance of music in contemporary life.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to develop practical skills in music performance, production, and technology, often through hands-on learning experiences such as workshops, studio recordings, and live performances. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to examine popular music not only as an art form but also as a commercial enterprise and a social phenomenon. Courses may cover genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and world music, providing a broad understanding of diverse musical styles and their cultural implications.

Western University’s location and resources allow students to access a vibrant music scene, including concerts, festivals, and collaborations with local artists, fostering practical engagement with the industry. The program also aims to prepare students for careers in music journalism, production, arts administration, education, and media, offering pathways for professional development within the music and entertainment sectors.

Faculty members in the program are experienced scholars and practitioners, bringing expertise in various areas of music and culture. Students benefit from mentorship opportunities, internships, and networking events that connect them with industry professionals. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning and critical analysis ensures graduates are well-equipped to contribute thoughtfully and innovatively to the contemporary music landscape. Overall, the Popular Music & Culture program at Western University aims to cultivate informed, creative, and socially aware professionals ready to shape the future of the music industry and cultural discourse.