Applied Performance Sciences Minor (B.Mus.) (18 credits)
Offered by: Music Research (Schulich School of Music)
Degree: Bachelor of Music
Program credit weight: 18
Program Description
The B.Mus. Minor in Applied Performance Sciences is an introduction to key topics in performance science and how they are applied to music practice, performance, creation, and education. The program offers opportunities to explore new intersections between music and applied sciences by examining topics related to optimal performance, healthy playing and singing, as well as physical, psychological, and social determinants in music development, learning, and performance, and applied research approaches. This program focuses on developing scientific awareness and applying scientific knowledge to music learning, performing, and teaching practices.
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 (12 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGT 205 | Psychology of Music. | 3 |
Psychology of Music. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the discipline of psychology ofmusic. Topics include: musical development across the life course; the development of musical expertise; emotional responses to music; musical identity; music perception and cognition; and the link between music, healthand wellbeing. | ||
| MUGT 350 | Introduction to Applied Research in Music. | 3 |
Introduction to Applied Research in Music. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to applied research in music performance sciences. Topics include: approaches to research in music performance sciences (participatory, communityfocused, pragmatic, quantitative and qualitative), types of research and the research design process in relation to relevant topics in music performance sciences (e.g., optimal performance, performer wellness, careers in music). Foundational research skills will be covered, including identifying problems and formulating relevant questions, decoding scientific language, engaging with ethics, examining research applications to performing practice. | ||
| MUGT 405 | The Musician's Performing Body. | 3 |
The Musician's Performing Body. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The role of the main anatomical bodily systems (e.g., nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, endocrine, nutrition, stress, energy expenditure, and hearing) and associated physiological concepts, including scholarly understanding and application of scientific evidence in music learning, performing, and teaching. | ||
| MUPG 300 | Music Performance Strategies. | 3 |
Music Performance Strategies. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploration of topics and strategies to optimizepractice and performance. Topics include:individual characteristics and habits inperformance and practice, stress and anxietymodels theories, physiological response,coping strategies and skills (e.g., mental imagery,time management, goal setting,attention/concentration, relaxation andmeditation). | ||
Complementary Courses (6 credits)
Special Projects
3 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUGT 475 | Special Project. | 3 |
Special Project. Terms offered: Summer 2025 A student may engage in an individual research project with the approval of the Departmental Chair and under appropriate supervision. | ||
| MUPD 475 | Special Project: Professional Development 3. | 3 |
Special Project: Professional Development 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Special project in professional development. | ||
| MUPG 475 | Special Project in Performance. | 3 |
Special Project in Performance. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. For details, contact the Department of Performance. | ||
Interdisciplinary courses
3 credits from:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDKP 250 | Introductory Principles in Applied Kinesiology. | 3 |
Introductory Principles in Applied Kinesiology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A combination of lectures and practical demonstrations in applied kinesiology. | ||
| EDKP 292 | Nutrition and Wellness. | 3 |
Nutrition and Wellness. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course will examine the role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water in a balanced diet. Students will be introduced to the affects of nutrition on exercise, sport performance and wellness. The validity of claims concerning nutrient supplements will be studied. | ||
| EDKP 293 | Anatomy and Physiology. | 3 |
Anatomy and Physiology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Basic foundations of structural, neuromuscular and visceral anatomy extending to the basic elements of the neuromuscular, circulatory and respiratory systems with emphasis on applications in instructional and coaching settings. | ||
| MUPG 296 | Acting for Voice. | 1 |
Acting for Voice. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Acting methods focused on improvisation, open scenes, and script analysis, including Laban theory and character development based on environments, relationships, objectives, obstacles, tactics and stakes. | ||
| MUPG 297 | Movement for Voice. | 1 |
Movement for Voice. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Critical awareness of the body in space, interpersonal and intrapersonal knowledge of one's own spine, torso, and extremities and their function in movement as well as stillness. Methods may include Feldenkreis, period dance, Tai Chi and/or Alexander Technique. | ||
| MUPG 563 | Topics in Performance 1. 1 | 1 |
Topics in Performance 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in performance. | ||
| MUPG 564 | Topics in Performance 2. 1 | 2 |
Topics in Performance 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in performance. | ||
| MUPG 565 | Topics in Performance 3. 1 | 3 |
Topics in Performance 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in performance. | ||
| PSYC 100 | Introduction to Psychology. | 3 |
Introduction to Psychology. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the scientific study of mind and behavior, including basic concepts and methods in psychology while also highlighting the relevance of psychology to everyday life; attachment, aggression, depression, parenting and personality change. | ||
| PSYC 204 | Introduction to Psychological Statistics. | 3 |
Introduction to Psychological Statistics. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The statistical analysis of research data; frequency distributions; graphic representation; measures of central tendency and variability; elementary sampling theory and tests of significance. | ||
| PSYC 311 | Human Cognition and the Brain. | 3 |
Human Cognition and the Brain. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The course is an introduction to the field studying how human cognitive processes, such as perception, attention, language, learning and memory, planning and organization, are related to brain processes. The material covered is primarily based on studies of the effects of different brain lesions on cognition and studies of brain activity in relation to cognitive processes with modern functional neuroimaging methods. | ||
- 1
When topic is relevant to applied performance sciences.