Acadia University

The School of Music offers a comprehensive music curriculum where students develop expertise in a chosen area of specialization while being encouraged to broaden their horizons within our many diverse course offerings.

At Acadia University we believe an undergraduate school of music in a liberal arts university should be more of a laboratory than a conservatory. We strive to create versatile, confident, and well-rounded musicians who are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Moreover we believe our program provides an essential foundation for success in any career or life path by focusing on these five key pillars of any classical contemporary music education.

AWARENESS – Students will become more self-aware by learning to hear themselves, find their own voice and develop their own inner critic. They will also discover their own place in the larger historical, theoretical, and socio-cultural world of music.

PERFORMANCE – Students develop the confidence to become effective in front of audiences of all sorts: as musical performers, teachers, therapists, presenters, writers, composers, and as dynamic leaders.

COLLABORATION – Whether in one on one settings such as a lesson or therapy practicum, in small chamber ensembles or seminars, or in large ensembles, students develop the interpersonal skills to be able to contribute to a team environment and recognize and value the contributions of others.

CREATIVITY – At Acadia, students are not only grounded in the rich tradition of music, but are active in shaping the future. Through composition, improvisation and performance of classical contemporary music, students learn to channel that creative impulse towards solving problems. We believe that creativity should be a cornerstone of a liberal arts education in recognition that all of the problems of the future will require creative solutions that have not yet been considered.

DISCIPLINE – Sustained disciplinary practice is at the heart of the university music degree. Students learn to identify goals and create the pathways to achieving them through regimented and productive practice routines that is the key to success in any profession or pursuit.

The Acadia School of Music welcomes the opportunity to nurture young musicians and we look forward to getting to know you!