Music Performance: Early Music (Instruments)

In the Early Music program, you will learn the elements of early music performance practice and to play an early music instrument (Baroque violin, Baroque guitar, Viola, Cello, Viola da Gamba, Flute, Recorder, Oboe, Early Brass Instruments, Lutes, Theorbo, Plucked Strings and Historical Keyboards). The program combines individual lessons and ensemble training with the study of historical approaches to performance in its various activities - workshops, master classes, guest lecturers and research projects.

McGill owns an important collection of early instruments and historical copies from the 15th to the early 19th century, including five organs, sackbuts, cornetti, baroque and classical flutes, oboes, clarinets, horns, bassoons, viols, and more than a dozen baroque string instruments.

• Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
• 23 years of age or older by the start of classes (21 years of age for the Faculties of Management and Music)
• No high school, college or university level studies within the last five years that would constitute a basis for admission
• Two letters of reference
• Mature Student Statements:
  • Letter of Intent, including description of all educational experiences
  • Complete resume of employment and other activities, highlighting points relevant to the application
• In some cases, an interview may be required
• Demonstrate academic potential by successfully completing a minimum number of specific courses (see 'Minimum grades & prerequisites' below) within the three-year period prior to admission and no later than May 15th of the year of application for the intended program (May 1 for some programs). These courses, which may be completed at CEGEP or university, will also fulfill prerequisites for the intended program. 

The Early Music program is aimed to help you to pursue a career in performance. However, your courses in music theory, history, professional skills and diction will allow you to pursue many different career paths after graduation. You can even choose to pursue performance while holding other jobs related to music.

You could become a professional:

• Performer
• Songwriter
• Music theorist
• Music journalist
• Producer

1. Know your deadlines.

   Mark your calendar with these important dates regarding your application. 

2. Decide what to study.

   Use the program finder tool to explore over 300 undergraduate programs and find your best match. 

3. Make sure you're eligible.

   Admission to most programs is based on grades only. In this step, you'll find:
   • How your academic record is reviewed
   • The grades that gained entrance to your program in previous years
   • The prerequisites for your program

4. Get ready to apply.

   As of October 1, you can apply. Complete each step of the pre-application to-do list, including:

   • Understand the deadlines that apply to you
   • Prepare your academic documents
   • Identify supporting documents you'll need to provide

5. Submit your application.

   Review our tips on how to apply and see what the application fees will be. Remember that you can apply to two programs.

6. Apply for an entrance scholarship.

   Look into entrance scholarships early! The deadline is usually a week after your application deadline. This page provides information about entrance scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities.

7. Submit documents and keep in touch.

   We'll connect with you by email to let you know when to upload supporting documents, if required. In this step, you'll see:
   • How to follow your applications status
   • Supporting documents you may need to prepare
   • How to submit supporting documents, including self-reporting your grades