Graduate Diploma Piano Pedagogy Research

A large percentage of music majors become piano teachers either in private studios or in specialised music schools and a significant number of those teachers are interested in continuing their training, either immediately after their undergraduate program or a few years after becoming integrated into the work force. This Graduate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy Research has been created to meet the needs of those students.

Interest in research into the theory and practice of piano pedagogy is in a growth period. This program will provide an in-depth study of the research done in piano pedagogy or related disciplines as it contributes to our understanding of the processes involved in learning to play the piano. This graduate diploma will enable piano teachers to incorporate scientific knowledge into their own practice of piano teaching and will contribute to developing highly qualified professionals with a strong interest in research in the field.

The Graduate Diploma in Piano Pedagogy Research is offered both on a part-time basis and a full-time basis. Full-time students will normally complete the Diploma within two terms (September to April). All students will be required to complete it within three years.

On completion of the diploma, qualified students meeting admission requirements may apply to the MMus or the MA in Music and, on admission, complete the requirements for those programs with units granted for relevant courses already completed in the diploma. The number of units remaining would be assessed individually with relation to the student's chosen master's program.

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the specific requirements webpage.

Candidates are required to have one of the following: a BMus; a four-year honours BA in music; an equivalent degree, or diploma. They must have achieved a 75 per cent (B+) average in their undergraduate degree or equivalent diploma. Students must understand, speak and write either English or French fluently. In addition, they must have a passive knowledge of Canada's other official language, French or English. According to university regulations, students can write their parpers and exam in the official language of their choice (either English or French).

A maximum of three units in equivalencies or advanced standing may be granted. To be eligible, the units in question must not have counted towards the requirements of a previous diploma or degree. Candidates who have already successfully completed some of the compulsory units may be allowed to replace those units with elective units. For details, consult section B.2.7. of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

Transfer from Graduate Diploma to Master’s

Students enrolled in the graduate diploma program can request to transfer to the Master of Music (MMus) or the Master of Arts in Music (MA (Mus)) in accordance with section A.7.1 of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.