Why study music at Acadia

Acadia University's School of Music (AUSOM) provides a flexible opportunity for advanced music study across three main themes that are:

  1. Mental health and personal development through the healing power of musician and musical form that can lead to Certificates or Degrees in Music Therapy and career opportunities in mental and social well-being and growth.
  2. Music teacher training and development including theories of musicianship and practice, brain science and practical training plans for effective skills development, and experiential learning with an emphasis on composition and improvisation that can lead to a Degree in Music Education and career opportunities in public and private music instruction.
  3. Music performance and proficiency training for the development of expert techniques and robust repertoire for a wide set of instruments (or voice) with support for authenticity and cross-pollination of diverse musical styles and traditions.

Students have the opportunity to participate in the design of their personal program of study to best prepare them for their unique personal and career aspirations. From the admission process to graduation, AUSOM faculty make a commitment to learn and develop your answers, priorities, and achievements related to the following questions: What are your musical interests? What are your goals and passions? What sparks your creativity? What can AUSOM offer for your musical future? Whereas AUSOM programs can prepare you for careers in music therapy, music instruction, and music performance or a combination thereof; we welcome your interest and engagement with our faculty and programming.

Acadia University is located in the small town of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, in the heart of the agricultural region of the Annapolis Valley. In this pastoral setting, Acadia University's School of Music  provides the opportunity to study in a smaller, principally-undergraduate community. Unique venues, such as the Electroacoustic Music Studio, provide the opportunity to explore and experiment with past, present, and future musical technologies and traditions.