Performance (M.Mus.): Orchestral Instruments, Guitar (Thesis) (45 credits)
Offered by: Music (Schulich School of Music)
Degree: Master of Music
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.Mus. Performance; Orchestral Instruments, Guitar program provides instrumentalists and guitarists with the opportunity to hone their artistry and expressive, interpretive skills. The program combines performance with seminars in performance practice in the broader humanistic and scientific contexts of music and artistic research-creation.
Students admitted to the M.Mus. Performance; Orchestral Instruments, Guitar program who have undergraduate degrees other than the B.Mus.; Major Performance (Orchestral Instruments) or B.Mus. Major in Performance (Organ, Harpsichord, Guitar) from McGill University, may be required to successfully complete one or more undergraduate courses before completion of the Master's degree. Students with a B.Mus.; Major in Performance (Orchestral Instruments) or a B.Mus.; Major in Performance; (Organ, Harpsichord, Guitar) degree from McGill University may be required to successfully complete MUPD 560 Music Information and Research Skills. before completion of the Master's program.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Required Courses (18 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGS 605 | Graduate Performance Colloquium. | 0 |
Graduate Performance Colloquium. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Participation in three professional development workshops or research colloquium approved by the department on topics such as performance pedagogy, academic teaching, music production, copyright, business, grantsmanship, etc. Students participate in each semester of residency until requirements have been met. | ||
Thesis Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUIN 620 | Performance Tutorial 1. | 3 |
Performance Tutorial 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual instrumental, vocal, conducting, collaborative piano or operatic tutorial. Technical and interpretive development, preparation of thesis performance projects. | ||
| MUIN 621 | Performance Tutorial 2. | 3 |
Performance Tutorial 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Additional individual instrumental, vocal, conducting, collaborative piano or operatic tutorial according to area of performing specialization. | ||
| MUIN 622 | Performance Tutorial 3. 1 | 3 |
Performance Tutorial 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual tutorial according to area of performing specialization. Interpretative preparation of thesis performance projects and development of individual artistic vision. | ||
| MUIN 622D1 | Performance Tutorial 3. 1 | 1.5 |
Performance Tutorial 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual tutorial according to area of performing specialization. Interpretative preparation of thesis performance projects and development of individual artistic vision. | ||
| MUIN 622D2 | Performance Tutorial 3. 1 | 1.5 |
Performance Tutorial 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Individual tutorial according to area of performing specialization. Interpretative preparation of thesis performance projects and development of individual artistic vision. | ||
| MUPG 600 | Recital Project 1. | 9 |
Recital Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Solo recital, collaborative piano recital, conducting recital or principal Opera Role (by audition) with program notes. | ||
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Students may take MUIN 622 Performance Tutorial 3. or MUIN 622D1 Performance Tutorial 3. and MUIN 622D2 Performance Tutorial 3..
Complementary Courses (27 credits)
9 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUPG 601 | Recital Project 2. 1 | 9 |
Recital Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Solo recital, collaborative piano recital, conducting recital or principal opera role (by audition) with program notes. May include chamber music providing none of the repertoire was prepared in a chamber ensemble taken for credit. | ||
| MUPG 602 | Recital Project 3. | 6 |
Recital Project 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Recital, conducting recital or featured opera role (by audition) with program notes. | ||
| MUPG 603 | Recital Project 4. | 3 |
Recital Project 4. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Concerto performance with accompaniment or supporting opera role (by audition) with program notes. | ||
| MUPG 604 | Chamber Music Recital. | 6 |
Chamber Music Recital. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber Music Recital with program notes. Repertoire may not include works performed in MUEN courses. Various instrumentations permitted as long as student performs in all works. | ||
| MUPG 606 | Interdisciplinary Project 1. 1 | 3 |
Interdisciplinary Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Research-creation involving collaboration between different disciplines resulting in a new work, interpretation or contribution to knowledge presented in public or through recorded media (e.g., performer and composer; performer and actor/dancer; performer and CIRMMT researcher; performer and sound recording student) with program notes as relevant. | ||
| MUPG 607 | Interdisciplinary Project 2. 1 | 6 |
Interdisciplinary Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Research-creation involving collaboration between different disciplines resulting in a new work, interpretation or contribution to knowledge presented in public (i.e., performer-composer commission); performance and actor/dancer collaboration, participant as co-researcher in CIRMMT study including participation in analysis of data, etc.) with program notes as relevant. | ||
| MUPG 608 | Orchestral Repertoire Examination 1. | 3 |
Orchestral Repertoire Examination 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance of selected excerpts from standard orchestral repertoire. | ||
| MUPG 609 | Orchestral Repertoire Examination 2. | 6 |
Orchestral Repertoire Examination 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance of selected excerpts from standard orchestral repertoire. | ||
| MUPG 610 | Orchestral Repertoire Examination 3. | 9 |
Orchestral Repertoire Examination 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance of wide range of excerpts from orchestral repertoire in all styles and genres. | ||
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If chosen, students may take MUPG 606 Interdisciplinary Project 1. or MUPG 607 Interdisciplinary Project 2.
9 credits at the 500 level or higher, to be chosen from the Schulich School of Music’s seminar offerings; 3 of the 9 credits must have a MUCO, MUGS, MUGT, MUHL, MUMT, MUPP or MUTH subject code.
Students take 9 credits from either Guitar or Orchestral Instruments courses from the following:
Guitar
3 credits (three terms) of:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 562 | Guitar Ensemble. | 1 |
Guitar Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance of guitar ensemble repertoire and transcriptions throughout music history and in various genres. | ||
3-6 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 540 | Chamber Music Project 1. 1 | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 541 | Chamber Music Project 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 560 | Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for chamber music - various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 561 | 2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. | ||
| MUEN 568 | Multiple Ensemble 1. | 1 |
Multiple Ensemble 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Special arrangement ensemble. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUEN 569 | Tabla Ensemble. | 1 |
Tabla Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance and practice of the tabla of North India. | ||
| MUPG 571 | Free Improvisation 1. 1 | 1 |
Free Improvisation 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the creative practice of improvisation for performers. The course focuses on the development of listening as applied to the practice of collective and solo improvisation. | ||
| MUPG 572D1 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
| MUPG 572D2 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
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May be taken only once.
0-3 credits at the 500 level or higher, to be chosen from the Schulich School of Music’s seminar offerings.
OR
Orchestral Instruments
6 credits (three terms) from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 573 | Baroque Orchestra. | 2 |
Baroque Orchestra. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Open to singers and instrumentalists, this ensemble specializes in chamber music primarily of the Baroque era. | ||
| MUEN 590 | McGill Wind Orchestra. | 2 |
McGill Wind Orchestra. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Large ensemble for wind instruments. | ||
| MUEN 594 | Contemporary Music Ensemble. | 2 |
Contemporary Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for contemporary music - instruments and voice. | ||
| MUEN 597 | McGill Symphony Orchestra. | 2 |
McGill Symphony Orchestra. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for orchestral instruments. | ||
And 3 credits from either Strings, Winds and Brass, or Percussion, or Harp:
Strings, Winds and Brass
2 credits (two terms) from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 560 | Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for chamber music - various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 591 | Brass Consort. | 1 |
Brass Consort. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for brass instruments. | ||
1 credit from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 540 | Chamber Music Project 1. | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 541 | Chamber Music Project 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 560 | Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for chamber music - various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 561 | 2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. | ||
| MUEN 568 | Multiple Ensemble 1. | 1 |
Multiple Ensemble 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Special arrangement ensemble. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUEN 569 | Tabla Ensemble. | 1 |
Tabla Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance and practice of the tabla of North India. | ||
| MUEN 585 | Sonata Masterclass. | 1 |
Sonata Masterclass. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploration of the vast literature for sonatas with piano and instrument, including multiple issues of ensemble preparation and performing. | ||
| MUEN 591 | Brass Consort. | 1 |
Brass Consort. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for brass instruments. | ||
| MUEN 599 | Jazz Studio Orchestra. | 1 |
Jazz Studio Orchestra. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Augmented big band orchestra to include strings, clarinets, and other winds and brass as appropriate to the repertoire. | ||
| MUPG 571 | Free Improvisation 1. 1 | 1 |
Free Improvisation 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the creative practice of improvisation for performers. The course focuses on the development of listening as applied to the practice of collective and solo improvisation. | ||
| MUPG 572D1 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
| MUPG 572D2 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
Percussion
1 credit of:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 598 | Percussion Ensembles. | 1 |
Percussion Ensembles. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for percussion instruments. | ||
2 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 540 | Chamber Music Project 1. 1 | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 541 | Chamber Music Project 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 560 | Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for chamber music - various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 561 | 2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. | ||
| MUEN 568 | Multiple Ensemble 1. | 1 |
Multiple Ensemble 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Special arrangement ensemble. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUEN 569 | Tabla Ensemble. | 1 |
Tabla Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance and practice of the tabla of North India. | ||
| MUEN 598 | Percussion Ensembles. | 1 |
Percussion Ensembles. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for percussion instruments. | ||
| MUPG 571 | Free Improvisation 1. 1 | 1 |
Free Improvisation 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the creative practice of improvisation for performers. The course focuses on the development of listening as applied to the practice of collective and solo improvisation. | ||
| MUPG 572D1 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
| MUPG 572D2 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
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May be taken only once.
Harp
3 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUEN 540 | Chamber Music Project 1. 1 | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 541 | Chamber Music Project 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Chamber Music Project 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music ensemble for various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 560 | Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Ensemble for chamber music - various instruments. | ||
| MUEN 561 | 2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. | 1 |
2nd Chamber Music Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Chamber music of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods. | ||
| MUEN 568 | Multiple Ensemble 1. | 1 |
Multiple Ensemble 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Special arrangement ensemble. Topic varies by year. | ||
| MUEN 569 | Tabla Ensemble. | 1 |
Tabla Ensemble. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Performance and practice of the tabla of North India. | ||
| MUPG 571 | Free Improvisation 1. 1 | 1 |
Free Improvisation 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the creative practice of improvisation for performers. The course focuses on the development of listening as applied to the practice of collective and solo improvisation. | ||
| MUPG 572D1 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
| MUPG 572D2 | Free Improvisation 2. 1 | 0.5 |
Free Improvisation 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course is designed for performers who want to develop their skills as advanced improvisers. Both collective and solo contexts are addressed as performance practices, touching upon the history of improvisation as well as current trends. | ||
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May be taken only once.