Cape Breton holds music close to its heart, from the soothing sounds of its singing shores to the everlasting beat of its vibrant culture. Here, you can build a solid foundation in music and carve your own path, wherever the tempo takes you. The music major at CBU is the only undergraduate program in Canada to focus on traditional and tradition based popular music, with particular emphasis on Cape Breton’s rich traditions. Students explore career options, develop networks, and gain valuable experience through courses such as Understanding the Music Industry and Arts Entrepreneurship, as well as archival internships and work placements. Music studies at CBU highlight three broad areas: Atlantic Canadian cultures and traditions, popular music, and global traditions (such as West African and Eastern European) examined through ethnomusicology and folklore. Course offerings include performance, theory and composition, genre surveys, histories, cultural issues like protest music and cultural tourism, research methods, and business. By uniquely combining liberal arts courses, performance classes, work placements, and community learning, the program provides a well rounded experience
Career Path
Graduate careers include Professional Musician / Performer, Composer/Songwriter, Music Producer / Arranger, Recording Artist, Conductor / Ensemble Leader, Music Teacher (schools, private instruction, or higher education with further study), Ethnomusicologist/Folklorist, Music Historian/Archivist, Curriculum Developer (arts and culture), Researcher in global music tradition, Cultural Program Coordinator, Community Arts Facilitator, Festival Organizer / Event Manager, Heritage Interpreter (living history sites, museums), Arts Outreach Specialist, Music Industry Professional (management, publishing, distribution), Arts Entrepreneurship / Creative Startups, Marketing and Promotion Specialist (music and cultural industries).
Post Study Work Visa availability – YES
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to Cape Breton University below;
1. WASSCE/A level Certificate (80% Pass in Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
2. School Transcript
3. Passport
4. Recommendation Letter
5. Statement of Purpose
6. CV
Cape Breton University will accept, for the purposes of meeting the English proficiency requirement, evidence of English study within a 12‑year education system where English is designated as the primary and official language and the principal language of instruction. For applicants who do not yet meet the English language requirement, there are two pathways to achieve the necessary level:
Pre‑sessional English Programme; Students may successfully complete a preparatory English programme offered by the university before beginning their academic course. Recognized English Proficiency Tests; Students may submit one of the following minimum scores prior to the start of their program: IELTS: 6.5 overall band score (or equivalent), TOEFL or PTE: Score of 60, Duolingo English Test: Score of 120.
